Headaches? Can't Sleep? Check Your Bite!

The average person swallows 2,000 times per day, causing the upper and lower teeth to come together and push against the skull. People who have a poorly aligned bite or missing teeth can have related health problems, such as frequent headaches or sleep disorders, because their jaw muscles must work harder to bring the teeth together, straining the surrounding jaw muscles.

This strain, know as orofacial pain, is defined as any pain in or around the face. Some people may experience pain in the ears, eyes, sinuses, cheeks or side of the head, while other experience clicking when moving the jaw.

Orofacial pain can also be caused by temporomandibular disorder (TMD), stress, nerve disorders or muscle spasms. Serious causes of orofacial pain are tumors in the jaw bone area, oral cancer or referred pain from cardiac disease.

"At the first sign of discomfort, see your general dentist," says Academy of General Dentistry spokesperson Peter G. Bastian, DDS, MAGD. "He or she knows your mouth best and how you handle day-to-day stress."

Dr. Staples can check your bite for any of these symptoms and help you alleviate headaches and get more sleep. Call us today at 702-991-0404 to set up an appointment or request one online!

Source: Academy of General Dentistry 

Gum Chewers Can Smile About Xylitol

If you love gum and mints as much as we do, there's a sweetener that is GOOD for your teeth. Spry gum products contain high amounts of Xylitol, a natural sweetener that has been shown to actually prevent cavities. Most sweets cause tooth decay, but Xylitol works to prevent it.

Staples Dental recommends Spry gum and mints as a healthy alternative to other sugar-free products. It contains 100% Xylitol that will prevent tooth decay.

Here are just a few health benefits of Xylitol:

• reduces plaque on teeth
• is safe for all ages
• has a low rating on the glycemic index
• relieves dry mouth
• halts growth of bad bacteria in your mouth

You can find Spry products in health food stores, most grocery stores or you can pick some up in our office.

If you are really good at your next dental visit, Dr. Staples will give you a Xylitol lollipop!

Energy/Sports Drinks Damage Teeth

As summer kicks into high gear, you may want to think twice about reaching for an energy or monster drink - if you like your smile.

A recent study shows an alarming increase in the consumption of sports and energy drinks is causing irreversible damage to teeth. The May/June 2012 issue of General Dentistry found that the high acidity in the drinks glossy outer layer of the tooth.


Energy drinks showed a higher level of damage to teeth than sports drink, but both showed damage.


Without the enamel, teeth become more sensitive, likely to have decay and cavities.


AGD spokesperson Jennifer Bone, DDS, MAGD, also says not to brush your teeth for at least an hour after drinking sports or energy drinks as you can spread the acid around on the tooth surface.


Dr. Staples recommends you reach for water, green tea or refreshing beverages without the high levels of acidity. He also prefers you reach for a product with Xylitol in it if you need a sweetener in your drink. Xylitol has broven health benefits for your teeth.


Also, as summer heats up, now the symptoms of dry mouth.

Dream Big for 2012 - Office Motto for You & Us

How do you recharge for the new year? Staples Dental takes a day away from the office to refocus our philosophy and recommit to our goals. This year, we are working to help you focus on your overall health, encourage you to "dream big" and be the very best you can be - inside and out. We take our inspiration from several books, including "The Four Agreements," Enchantment," "The Fish! Philosphy" and "The Starbucks Experience." Come join us on a discovery of making the most of life, ourselves and, of course - our smiles!

Join us and take a look at our kick-off meeting so you too can be re-energized for 2012.

Supercharging our brains before the meeting begins!

Are we a nice bunch or what? One of us is camera shy so she volunteers to be the photographer for the group photos. Maybe someday we can get "D" front and center - like she is when you walk in the office!

Doc introduces the theme of the meeting and gets us in the right frame of mind to "Dream Big."

Staff members Heidi, Crystal and Deann show us a training DVD featuring the famous Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle. It's a crazy place that teaches important concepts for the work environment with "Be There, Play, Make Their Day & Choose Your Attitude." Who knew selling fish could be so much fun?

We had a little swag for everybody as a reminder of what we learned. It's always fun to take home gift bags!

Have you noticed that our office manager Deann giggles a lot? That's what makes having her at the front desk so pleasant!

Jenna and Billie gave us an overview of the book written by the CEO of Starbucks. They have a great product and brand, but they also try to make a difference in a positive way. We are regulars at the Starbucks in the Smith's next to our office!

Doc and the Mrs. enjoy a cup of tea! Notice the pretty teeth? If you like Ann's smile ask Doc how you can have one just like it!

Think about the people and places that make you feel good and that you automatically gravitate to. It's all about "Enchantment" and how they create it. Ann gives examples from an awesome book on the subject.

Doc and "his girls" are ready to enchant you! Isn't he a good sport to put the sparkle on?

Look at Crystal's expression. She makes us laugh everyday!

Dr. Staples wraps up the day with thoughts on the book "The Four Agreements."

1. Be impeccable with your word.

2. Don't take anything personally.

3. Don't make assumptions.

4. Always do your best.

This meeting was not about the technical part of what we do in the dental office, but about striving to be better people everyday in all areas of our lives. It was a great day for all of us and we hope it will influence how we serve and take care of you!