Category: Healthy Living

Are Cavities Contagious?

Cavities aren’t contagious are they? How can they be? You’ve probably never considered that possibility before. However, you can catch cavities from other people. Okay…well…you can catch the cavity-causing bacteria from other people, and today your Des Moines dentist, Dr. Stephen Burds explains how cavities can be contagious.

Exercise and Oral Health: An Unlikely Combination

There is a direct relationship between your overall and oral health. This means that if you practice healthy habits, you will be more likely to have a healthy mouth, and if you maintain good oral health, you will be more likely to have good overall health. The roads to success with oral and overall health are… Read more »

Dietary Tips for the Healthiest Possible Smile

Many of us love to eat, but we worry about our overall health. Your weight, blood pressure, heart health, etc., are certainly valid concerns. But don’t forget about your teeth and gums. Dental health is highly susceptible to poor diet choices. Furthermore, oral-systemic health dictates that when you have an overall health breakdown, it sometimes… Read more »

Fish Consumption for Oral-Systemic Health

Des Moines dentist, Dr. Stephen Burds wants to know if you are a fish lover? Fish (and fish oil) consumption is not without controversy. In one article, you may hear of a study touting fish as the super food of the century. In another, you may read that the methods of breeding and farming fish… Read more »

Why Your Mouth Deserves a Well-Balanced Diet

Last week, we discussed how maintaining a healthy body can help improve your oral health, as well. An additional benefit to healthy living involves ensuring that you consume an adequate amount of nutrients, which your body needs to operate properly, including your mouth. To help strengthen your knowledge of good dental nutrition, Des Moines dentist… Read more »

Resolutions for Better Dental Health

With the New Year in full swing, many thoughts turn to self-improvement. Healthier dieting and more exercise are among the most common resolutions made. Where your health is concerned, these may also be among the most beneficial resolutions you can adhere to. Unbeknownst to many people, however, is the benefits that diet and exercise can… Read more »

Dementia and Chewing Ability: Des Moines Dentist Explains Link

Aging can cause a plethora of overall health issues. Bone and joint health can become difficult to maintain as we age. Additionally, maintaining cognitive functions can become increasingly difficult. Many older patients find themselves with at risk for developing dementia as they continue to age. The link between oral health and overall health continues to… Read more »

The Negative Effect of Soft Drinks on Teeth

Momentary satisfaction can result in long-lasting repercussions, especially when it comes to oral health. Studies repeatedly indicate that the acid in soft drinks erode tooth enamel from the first moment of consumption. However, the acidic nature of sodas alone isn’t the only thing to be concerned about. Without proper restraint, soda drinkers are leaving themselves susceptible… Read more »

Dental Cleaning in Des Moines Reduces Stroke Risk

Cleaning your teeth will help improve your oral health, as well as protect your heart. In fact, a recent study in Taiwan concluded that people who visit the dentist regularly for a professional cleaning are 24 percent less likely to have a heart attack, and 13 percent less likely to have a stroke. In honor… Read more »

Bulimia’s Damaging Effects on Your Smile

Your peers and parents may not know if you have an eating disorder, but Dr. Stephen Burds can tell. Bulimia is an eating disorder in which a person has frequent episodes of binge eating, followed by self-induced vomiting. A study by the Academy of General Dentistry revealed that purging episodes can occur as often as… Read more »