The office of Dr. Isbell would like to invite our patients to join us in celebrating the upcoming marriage of Dr. Ross Isbell and Stephanie Williams.

We want to wish everyone a Happy New Year! 2016 was great and 2017 will be even better! Let’s take a look back at some of the good times we had here at Isbell Dental:

Drs. Gordon Isbell, left, and Loren Feldner receive the Jack Wilson Award from the American Dental Political Action Committee May 3 at the Washington Leadership Conference.

More images from the event:

“Keep a stiff upper lip” or “get a grip!” That’s often the advice we get—and give—on how to cope with stress. If you take it literally, the result could be grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws. It’s called bruxism, and often it happens as you sleep.

Teeth grinding can be caused not just by stress and anxiety but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. The symptoms of teeth grinding include:

• dull headaches
• jaw soreness
• teeth that are painful or loose
• fractured teeth

Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep. In some cases, your dentist or physician may recommend taking a muscle relaxant before bedtime. If stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can all help reduce stress and anxiety.

Teeth grinding is also common in children. However, because their teeth and jaws change and grow so quickly it is not usually a damaging habit that requires treatment and most outgrow it by adolescence.

Although in adults teeth grinding is often the result of stress, the same is not always true with children. Other possible causes of teeth grinding in children include:

• irritation in the mouth
• allergies
• misaligned teeth

If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth grinding, ask your dentist about the potential causes and, if necessary, the possible solutions.

The above text is from the ADA @ mouthhealthy.com

Getting a good night’s rest is really important to your busy and productive day. Loss of sleep can lead to so many other issues, but we can help you!  Give us a call today if you would like more info on getting a night guard or a splint to stop teeth grinding at night.

From the ADA site http://mouthhealthy.org

Presi-dental Health: 4 Strange (But True) Tales

Hail to the Chief—and his teeth! You may remember their smiles and expressions from portraits and photographs, but do you know the stories behind them? Read on for some fascinating facts about our commanders in chief.

Photo: Library of Congress

George Washington Never Wore Wooden Dentures

Tooth decay and tooth loss plagued George Washington throughout his adult life. The Journal of the American Revolution states the father of our country had his first tooth pulled at 24 and had only one left at inauguration. Mount Vernon, Washington’s estate, says his troublesome teeth made the president self-conscious and reluctant to speak in public.

While it’s true Washington wore dentures, they were never wooden. He had many pairs made with many different materials, including: hippopotamus ivory, bone, gold wire, copper screws, lead and even human teeth. His wife, Martha, also had a partial denture. “Well aware of her husband’s travails, Martha regularly urged her children and grandchildren to tend to the care of their teeth,”Mount Vernon states.

Photo: Library of Congress

Grover Cleveland Had Top-Secret Oral Cancer Surgery – On a Yacht

Near the beginning of his second term in 1893, Grover Cleveland faced two major issues. Nationally, the country was entering a depression. Personally, a bump in his mouth had formed, grown and was diagnosed as cancer. To prevent nationwide panic, a clandestine plan was hatched.

On June 30, Cleveland boarded a yacht in New York Harbor with six doctors. In a 90-minute surgery the next day, surgeons removed the cancerous tumor, five teeth and part of his upper left jaw. Cleveland sat in a chair attached to the mast of the ship. His only anesthesia was laughing gas and ether. Four days later, Cleveland got off the yacht in Cape Cod and finished recovering at his summer home. He was later fitted with a rubber prosthesis that helped him speak normally again.

Photo: Library of Congress

Dwight D. Eisenhower: Dental Emergency or UFO Coverup?

On February 20, 1954, Dwight D. Eisenhower was eating a chicken wing in Palm Springs, California, when the cap on one of his front teeth popped off. He spent his Saturday night at an emergency dental appointment, and the unexpected trip caused led to many false reports (including an Associated Press report that he had died of a heart attack).

It also birthed a UFO conspiracy theory. Some believe the dental visit was a cover up for a secret meeting with aliens at Edwards Air Force Base. “In the most recent version of this story, alleged in several books dating back to the late 1980s, two aliens offered to share their knowledge with earthlings if Ike would eliminate America’s nuclear weapons,” according to the Bulletin of Dental Education (July 2004).

Thanks to Eisenhower’s long military service and time as president, his dental records are thorough and document many troubles with that particular crown. Still, the theory lives on with believers because the dentist who treated Eisenhower passed away without leaving record of the visit.

Photo: Harry S. Truman Library & Museum

The President Doesn’t Go Far to Visit to the Dentist

In fact, the dentist comes to him. The White House has had a dental office since the Hoover administration. President Barack Obama told Jimmy Kimmelfirst learned about it when he thought he had a loose cap. “Got the whole chair, everything is all there set up in the basement,” he said. (The image above is what the room looked like in 1948, when Harry S. Truman was president.)

Dr. Ross Isbell recently did a Composite Veneer case and this is the before and after shot. This patient won’t have to worry about showing that beautiful smile! If you are hesitant about greeting people with a smile, give us a call (256-547-3589) today and let us help you restore your confidence!

Dr. Isbell is a 35 year member of ADA. He presently serves as VP of the Alabama Dental Association. He has served nationally as chairman of the Council on Dental Practice for ADA and as co chair of ADA’s ADPAC (American Dental Political Action Committee) in Washington D.C.. 

The following is information from the ADA’s mouthhealthy.org site:

Ethics: The 5 Promises ADA Dentists Make to Their Patients

When it comes to choosing a dentist, character counts. In a 2015 survey by the American Dental Association, 69 percent of people polled said they were more likely to choose an ADA member the next time they were looking for a dentist. 

The reasons why are simple. Patients who took the survey said they appreciate the patient-first promise that ADA dentists make as part of the association’s code of ethics. “To me, nothing matters more than doing what I do ethically, honestly and to the best of my ability,” says American Dental Association spokesperson Dr. Matthew Messina. 

Here’s a breakdown of the 5 pledges dentists make in the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct and what you can expect at your next appointment. 

Respect for a Patient’s Wants and Needs

As a patient, you have the right to be involved in decisions about your treatment and to expect privacy and confidentiality. “The code reminds all dentists that they have the duty to put the patient first, to involve the patient in treatment decisions in a meaningful way and to treat the patient taking into account the patient’s desires, as long as those desires are within the bounds of accepted treatment,” says Dr. Linda Himmelberger. 

Do No Harm

Your dentist’s duty is to keep you safe and healthy. Part of this is keeping his or her knowledge and skills current and referring patients to specialists when necessary. “To ‘Do No Harm’ is really the Golden Rule,” says Dr. Jane Gillette. “Dentists practice ‘Do No Harm’ in many ways, but one universal expression is dedication to keeping their knowledge and skills up-to-date. New science and technology can quickly emerge. In response, dentists complete a tremendous number of hours in continuing education annually to provide patients with the highest level of science-based effective and safe care.” 

Do Good

This means your dentist provides high-quality and timely treatment, while considering your needs, desires and values. “To do good for a dentist means to consider each patient as an individual and whatever is in their best interest. We discuss treatment options together so we come to an agreement about what’s best,” says Dr. Cathleen Taylor-Osborne, Director of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment Bureau of Oral Health. “It’s also important to use scientific evidence for the public good, such as fluoridation.” 

Fairness

Your dentist does not discriminate and will provide dental care without prejudice. “Everyone is treated fairly, regardless of race, creed, religion, socioeconomic background, ethnicity and current health conditions,” Dr. Taylor-Osborne says. 

Truthfulness

The best doctor-patient relationships are based on trust and honesty. “Truth in diagnosis and treatment planning is so vital,” Dr. Taylor-Osborne says. “Once you and your dentist have that trust, you can be partners, which will help you both gain so much going forward.” 

We’ve all done it, because no one wants to tell their dentist how often they ‘really’ floss, right? It’s important to always remember that your dentist is on your team and only wants to be a part of providing you the best oral health possible. So be honest and take their advice! How often should you floss? Here is some great information about flossing from the American Dental Association:

Flossing is an essential part of taking care of your teeth and gums. The American Dental Association recommends flossing at least once a day to help remove plaque from the areas between your teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach. This is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Flossing also helps prevent gum disease and cavities.

What Is The Best Time to Floss—Before or After Brushing?

A Spring 2015 MouthHealthy.org poll asked readers if they brush before or after they floss. The results were close: 53% said they brush before, while 47% said after.

So who’s right? Technically, everyone. The most important thing about flossing is to do it. As long as you do a thorough job, it doesn’t matter when. Pick a time of day when you can devote an extra couple of minutes to your dental care. People who are too tired at the end of the day may benefit from flossing first thing in the morning or flossing after lunch. Others might like to go to bed with a clean mouth.

And don’t forget, children need to floss too! You should be flossing your child’s teeth as soon as he or she has two teeth that touch. Because flossing demands more manual dexterity than very young children have, children are not usually able to floss well by themselves until they are age 10 or 11.

Keep in mind that flossing should not be painful. If you floss too hard, you could damage the tissue between your teeth. If you’re too gentle, you might not be getting the food out. It’s normal to feel some discomfort when you first start flossing, but don’t give up. With daily brushing and flossing, that discomfort should ease within a week or two. If your pain persists, talk to your dentist.

What Should I Use to Floss?

There are several options for cleaning between teeth. You might choose to use dental floss or another product specifically made for this purpose like a dental pick, pre-threaded flosser, tiny brushes that reach between the teeth, water flosser or wooden plaque remover. Ask your dentist how to use them properly to avoid injuring your gums. It could be that you simply need to try another type of dental floss—waxed, unwaxed, thick or comfort floss. Stick with it and you’ll have adopted a healthy habit for life.

Talk to your dentist about what types of oral care products will be most effective for you. Look for products that contain the ADA Seal of Acceptance so you know they have been evaluated for safety and effectiveness.

Dr. Isbell was awarded the 2015 AGD Distinguished Service Award. It took place in San Francisco from June 18-21. The award recognizes an AGD council, committee or task force member who has exhibited outstanding leadership capabilities and whose contributions have resulted in significant and fundamental advances toward filling the AGD’s overall mission, according to a news release from the organization. Only 31 of AGD’s 39,000 members have received the award since its inception in 1986. Here is a video of Dr. Isbell’s acceptance of the award.