For the first time in recent memory, the office will be closed due to severe weather. The Supervisor has requested no unnecessary travel in the Town of Alden. The website has all the different ways you can contact us. We promise to return your messages as soon as possible. Please be safe during this severe weather event. We expect to be open for normal hours on Wednesday from 8:00am until 9:00pm.

After tooth decay and gum disease, con¬cerns about bad breath is the most common reason people go to the dentist. There are many causes for bad breath, also called halitosis. Many of the germs that naturally grow in the mouth are capable of producing "volitile sulphur compounds" which is the odor we associate with bad breath. Evalu¬ating a patient's oral hygiene is the first step in addressing breath care concerns. Many times, daily flossing can eliminate the germs that cause halitosis. Obviously, decayed teeth harbor odor producing bacte¬ria. Repairing cavities is a big help. Recent studies have shown that a large number of odor producing germs grow on the back of the tongue. Tongue scraping is the best way to remove these germs. There are several devices available for tongue scraping. My favorite is a flexible plastic blade that can be bent into a "U"-shape and be placed far¬back on the tongue to remove that offending bacteria. It has been shown that scraping is much more effective than brushing the tongue.

With the start of the new year, many of us reflect on ways that we can improve ourselves. Some people resolve to lose weight, Some promise to stop procrastinating. These are great goals, but I would like to suggest a simple change that can yield tremendous results.

Most people do an adequate job brushing their teeth, but it is surprising how few people floss on a daily basis. Adding this simple step to your normal oral hygiene routine will have a dramatic impact on the health of your teeth and gums. Studies have shown that this type of bacteria grows between our teeth and are particularly harmful. Because these bacteria are not removed by brushing, they are able to form well organized colonies that are capable of destroying the enamel between your teeth. Also, these bacterial colonies are the cause of the inflammation and bone loss we see when patients get gum disease.

Since 1993, April has been declared National Youth Sports Safety Month by the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation. This group has been in existence since 1989, and it promotes techniques and programs aimed at reducing injuries in young people participating in organized sports. Dentists are very supportive of this goal.

Sports injuries of the mouth can have a profound effect on the young athlete. Fractured teeth can be hard to repair because children are still growing. Common procedures like crowns and root canals may not be appropriate or as effective for children. Lost teeth may be difficult to replace in children, again because of the growth factor. Prevention of oral injuries is important for athletes of all ages.