Dr. Michael J. Young DDS - Family and Cosmetic Dentistry

January 26, 2012
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Teenage Changes Affect Dental Health

Is your teenager moody and difficult? The cause could be typical teen hormones, but it could also be that your teenager is struggling with dental pain. Researchers say that many children act up because they’re in pain, not because they have behavioral issues. Behaviors and changes during the teenage years can affect a person’s oral health, but even so, Dr. Young can take care of any problem.

Social Acceptance

Teenagers commonly deal with peer pressure and experiment with different habits in the hopes of “fitting in.” The following social situations can alter dental health.

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January 16, 2012
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Start Your Day Off Right With a Healthy Breakfast

Did you wake up late this morning and rush out the door on an empty stomach because you didn’t have time to eat breakfast? You’ve always heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and it’s true! Dr. Young can offer healthy tips to keep your body and smile healthy in the morning and throughout the day.

Breakfast Prevents Snacking

If you’re dieting, you may think that skipping breakfast will help you lose weight. However, it actually has the opposite effect. Skipping breakfast will mean that you’ll be hungry in the mid-morning hours, and more likely to snack on unhealthy foods. Snacking throughout the day gives oral bacteria more time to feed and attack your teeth. Breakfast, however, boosts your metabolism and will keep you full enough so you can make healthier food choices at lunchtime. You won’t be so hungry that you’ll just reach for the first thing that’s available. Instead, you’ll take time to plan your meal and consider what you’re eating. Healthier foods will help you lose weight and protect your smile from all the sugars and carbohydrates that bacteria thrive off of.

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January 9, 2012
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Fighting the Fire in Your Mouth

Hot chili peppers can add a little extra flavor and kick to your meals. Fiery spices have some benefits to your body, but also some dangers to your smile. Before you celebrate Hot and Spicy Food Day on January 16, visit Dr. Young to make sure your oral health is not burning away.

Alertness

Spicy foods act like a stimulant and wake up your body. Capsaicin is the ingredient responsible for the burning feeling that stimulates your nerve endings. When you bite into a chili pepper, your eyes begin to water, your mouth burns, and your body becomes more alert. The painful burning is actually waking up your senses and triggering your appetite.