Zammitti Orthodontics want to know: What's on YOUR mind?

Week after week, our creative team at Zammitti Orthodontics blog about important topics pertinent to orthodontic care and your well-being, including innovative orthodontic techniques Dr. Zammitti offers.

This week, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the always-changing field of orthodontics? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask us for a while now? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

Dr. Zammitti, reminding you April is National Facial Protection Month

With spring here, many children, teens and adults will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April, however, is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time Dr. Zammitti and our dedicated team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field.

According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year. And that's just not acceptable.

Above is a helpful video from our friends at the AAO about staying safe on the ball field this spring. If you have any further questions about any of the tips offered in the video, please give our team a call at 704.947.9991.

Ask Dr. Zammitti: How do my gums affect my heart?

Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that result in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In gingivitis, the milder form of gum disease, infection leads to chronic inflammation—gums are swollen, red, and sometimes bleeding. In the worst of cases, teeth are lost.

We know that gum disease is a threat to your oral health. But new research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. Recently, our staff at Zammitti Orthodontics read an article that reported a study that indicated an association between gum disease and heart disease.

In a recent report published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, researchers found that the more severe the gum disease, the thicker and harder the walls of your arteries. We encourage you to check out the article for tips on how to improve your overall oral health. If you have any questions, please give us a call and we'll answer any concerns you may have!

Omega-3s and dental health, from Dr. Sal Zammitti

Recently, our staff at Zammitti Orthodontics came across an article about the dental health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids of marine and plant origin. A recent study from the University of Kentucky reveals that all types of food-borne omega-3 fats (like tuna, walnuts and spinach) cut the numbers of oral disease bacteria by half or more.

The study found that "the dental health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids of marine and plant origin have been found to have strong anti-bacterial activity against a range of oral pathogens and "may include anti-bacterial effects, extending the benefits beyond inflammation." Drs. Ebersole and Huang said that they planned to conduct further studies needed to prove that omega-3s acids work in people’s mouths. While this is encouraging news, Dr. Zammitti wants to remind you that self–examination is another simple way of looking after yourself. If you are unsure about self-examining your mouth, please give us a call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Zammitti!

Zammitti Orthodontics, distinguishing the myths and facts about orthodontics

Dr. Zammitti is well-aware that there are quite a few myths about orthodontists circulating around these days. But before you buy into those myths, he thinks you should get the facts! Our team at Zammitti Orthodontics came across a great site that helps set the record straight. Our friends at the American Association of Orthodontists have some excellent information on the myths and facts of orthodontics. We encourage you to check them out today!

If you have any questions about orthodontics or your treatment here at Zammitti Orthodontics, please feel free to give us a call.

A few tips to stay healthy this cold season, from Dr. Sal Zammitti

Just when you think spring has almost arrived, you remember it's still cold and flu season. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, has provided a few tips on how to know if you've caught the common cold:

* Sneezing
* Stuffy or runny nose
* Sore throat
* Coughing
* Watery eyes
* Mild headache
* Mild body aches

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Zammitti and our professional team give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Have a great weekend!

Zammitti Orthodontics, supporting National Nutrition Month

March has arrived, and that can only mean one thing: it’s National Nutrition Month. Every March, Dr. Sal Zammitti and thousands of dentists and orthodontists celebrate National Nutrition Month. This March, Dr. Zammitti and our team at Zammitti Orthodontics want you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.

Dr. Zammitti and team know small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet this March:

• Focus on fruits and vegetables: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.

• Think local: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods here in Charlotte.

• Make your calories count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.

• Expand your horizons: Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new health favorites to add to your regular grocery list.

• It’s tempting, but...: If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you crave a snack in the afternoon, enjoy some trail mix or nuts.

If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping yourself and your mouth healthy, please give us a call!