Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Benson and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat with those braces! If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to send them along or call our office and ask how.

Gobble Gobble!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Moooooove over gum disease!

Dr. Benson wants to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Dr. Benson selected as a case finalist at the Invisalign Summit

Dr. Benson recently attended the Invisalign Summit in Las Vegas. He was recognized at the conference as a case finalist for his use of Invisalign to correct a patient's crooked teeth along with the anterior crossbite that was wearing down the facial surfaces of the maxillary anterior.

This year, Dr. Benson was one of only 11 Invisalign cases that were presented at the conference. He was very honored to have his case showcased among those of the most skilled and experienced Invisalign doctors. There were approximately 3,000 event attendees, including both orthodontists and their staff.

Dr. Benson is a certified Invisalign® Premier Provider in Mt. Juliet and Lebanon. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Benson Orthodontics invites you to participate in our Food Drive

Dr. Benson and our team invite all of our patients to participate in our Food Drive. We we are asking our patients to bring any non perishable food items to the Lebanon Office or the Mt. Juliet office beginning Monday, Nov. 8. Every patient that donates non perishable food items will receive a Benson Buck.

The Benson Orthodontics Food Drive ends Dec. 16, so don't wait to show your support. Anything helps!

Thank you,

-The team at Benson Orthodontics