SOMETHING TO SMILE ABOUT
According to a recent Oral Health Trend Survey conducted by the American Dental Association, nearly two-thirds of dentists identified tooth whitening as the number one procedure requested by patients who were between the ages of forty and sixty. This is quite understandable when one takes into account the fact that tooth whitening affords middle-aged people one of the least expensive and most effective ways to revitalize their appearance. Few things project a youthful appearance more obviously than white teeth. Professional tooth whitening can remove years of accumulated stains caused by wine, tobacco, tea, coffee and other sources, in a single office visit. Remember, your smile is the first thing that people notice about you.

FYI DID YOU KNOW:
Both Dr. Eshraghi and Dr. Hayes are certified to administer sedation dentistry. If you are fearful of dental visits, we can help. Our doctors understand and are compassionate about providing a pleasant experience for you. Just contact our office and schedule a consult to discuss your options. 314-576-3737

NEW GUIDELINES FOR PREMEDICATING BEFORE DENTAL TREATMENT:
According to the Missouri Dental Association's latest edition of its 'FOCUS' magazine, fewer heart patients need antibiotics before dental procedures. The American Heart Association and the American Dental Association have introduced new guidelines concerning ineffective endocarditis, a rare but life threatening heart infection. Based on a review of new and existing scientific evidence, most dental patients with heart disease do not need antibiotics before dental procedures. The new guidelines are based on a growing body of scientific evidence that shows the risk of taking preventive antibiotics outweigh the benefits for most patients. If you have pre-medicated in the past, consult with Dr. Eshraghi or your physician to determine how this may affect you.

TREATING MOM:
If you are pregnant and suffer from periodontal disease, treating you condition might just help you deliver a healthy, full term baby. A study that appeared in the 'Journal of Periodontology's' May issue looked at 328 pregnant woman who have periodontal disease and 122 who don't. During the second trimester, 266 women with the condition received treatment, while 62 dropped out of the study. Postpartum follow up with all 450 mothers showed that 79% of the untreated women delivered premature, low weight babies. That dropped to a mere 7.5% in the mothers who were treated and to 4.1% in the women without periodontal disease.