We talk a lot about why taking care of your teeth is important for your overall health. Well, the quality of your smile also affects your overall state of mind!

You’re less likely to smile when trying to hiding discolorations, cracks or chips that cause insecurities. If you have blemishes preventing you from smiling, it takes a huge negative psychological toll.

Smiling, laughing, and a healthy smile that you can’t hide positively affect your mindset in even more ways! Learn about them below:

Better Mood, Increased Relaxation

When you’re in a bad mood, the last thing you feel like doing is smiling or laughing. But did you know that faking canl improve your mood? Studies show that the act of curling your lips into a smile or letting out a small giggle is enough to trigger your brain into feeling happier!

Try it the next time you are feeling angry or sad and see what happens. The effects are amplified when you turn that smile into a full-blown laugh. Laughing stimulates circulation and helps your muscles relax. Those effects are felt for up to 45 minutes after the laugh ends!

You Become More Approachable

You probably don’t want to be around other people when they are in a bad mood, so why would you expect anyone to want to be around you when you are? Not only will you feel better when you smile and laugh, but you’ll also give the signal to others that you’re an enjoyable person to be around. 

The more you can engage and interact with others, the happier you’ll be. It’s a cycle that’s worth getting into. Smiles and laughter are contagious — whenever you see someone else doing it, you can’t help but do the same. You can thank your mirror neurons for that. Whenever we see someone doing certain behaviors, we feel inclined to do the same.

Sharing a laugh with others also helps you deepen your bond with them and makes you more likely to share information and have a healthy long-term relationship.

Physical Health Benefits

Beyond mental health, smiling and laughing can also help your physical state of being. Laughing works your abdominal muscles and releases endorphins that alleviate pain and boost your immune system.

Studies have even found that smiling and laughing can help decrease your risk for heart disease because they protect the heart and prevent the buildup of fat and cholesterol. These actions can also lower your blood pressure and keep it that way for up to 24 hours.

The Best Perk of All…

Putting all of the scientific research aside, the best reason to do more smiling and laughing is that it makes you feel good. Don’t let the state of your teeth get in the way of that.

Vacendak Dentistry offers an array of services to help you smile look and feel it’s best. Contact us today to get started!

Have your teeth been cleaned by a dentist or hygienist this year? We know it’s difficult to find the perfect time during the pandemic, but it’s still important (if not more so) to maintain regular check-ups for you and your family. 

That’s because professional dental cleanings aren’t just for keeping your smile bright; they have a significant impact on your long-term oral health. Tooth decay, gum disease and several chronic oral issues all take root with insufficient regular habits. Brushing and flossing at home are essential but regular check-ups with your dentist ensures your teeth are thoroughly cleaned and any needed preventative measures are taken. That way, no one in your family ends up with a bigger or riskier issue during this time.

So, here are five reasons professional cleanings are so important

1. Your dental hygienist removes surface blemishes that you can’t remove with at-home brushing. You’ll be left with a brighter smile while preventing long-term stains. 
2. Regular teeth cleaning prevents one of the biggest contributors to early tooth loss – gum disease.
3. In America alone, one person dies from oral cancer every hour. Many of these cancers are curable if detected at an early stage during routine cleanings and exams.
4. During a dental cleaning, your dentist will detect early signs of problems such as cavities, broken fillings and fractures!
5. Many dental plans cover cleanings but not more invasive surgeries. You’ll save money on dental expenses in the long run by taking advantage of your policy and scheduling a cleaning today!
6. Regular check-ups and dental cleanings help prevent and resolve persistent bad breath.

Professional dental cleanings give your dentist or hygienist an opportunity to compare the state of your oral health to that of previous visits. If you’re moving in the wrong direction, immediate intervention prevents bigger problems from occurring. Call the team at Vacendak Dentistry to schedule your dental cleaning and get back on track, today! Please note, even if you don’t need an appointment for several months, it’s a good idea to get on the calendar now, as our COVID restrictions may limit short-term appointment availability.

Designated as Men’s Health Month (and with Father’s Day), we dedicate June to the fathers and father figures in our lives. That means it’s a great time to encourage the men closest to us to refocus on their health, including their oral health! 

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, men are less likely than women to see their dentist regularly. In addition: 

•  The average man is less likely to brush his teeth after every meal (20.5% compared with 28.7% for women).
• The average man is less likely to brush his teeth twice a day (49% compared with 56.8% for women).
• Men are more likely to have untreated dental decay than women (29% compared with 25% for women, age 35-44)

In fact, research shows that many don’t go to the dentist unless they have a dental emergency. That might be why they’re more likely to suffer from the following chronic dental problems:

Top Dental Concerns for Men:

• Gum Disease. Men are much more likely than women to develop gum disease, a condition that causes tooth loss and other general health issues such as heart disease, respiratory problems, certain cancers, and poor prostate health. 

• Oral Cancer. More than 53,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer every year, with men being twice as likely to have the diagnosis than women and four times more likely to develop oropharyngeal cancer. Fortunately, oral cancer can be treated (and cured) if it’s caught early. One more reason everyone should see their dentist regularly! 
• Necessary Advanced Dental Treatments. Skipping dental appointments causes major problems to your teeth and over time, eventually requiring advanced dental treatment like root canals, crowns and tooth extraction.  When plaque builds up on teeth over time, it greatly increases the risk of tooth decay. If the decay is not treated, it only goes deeper into the tooth, causing the need for a root canal. If the decay is left untreated for even longer, it may become too damaged to repair, needing removal. 

Practicing good oral hygiene is all about prevention. That’s because professional cleanings remove plaque buildup that regular brushing and flossing at home doesn’t, preventing problems from occurring in the first place. 

So this month,  let him know you care and encourage the man in your life to make an appointment with Vacendak Dentistry! We’re open for appointments, practicing federal and ADA compliance and treating our patients’ health with utmost priority. Don’t forget to wear your mask! 

If you’re looking for the perfect stocking stuffer this year, we have some great ideas. That’s right — Gifts for teeth!

You might not think dental products make good gifts, but they’re actually very helpful! Many of us don’t want to spend the money or don’t have time to replace these items as often as needed. By giving tooth-related gifts, you can take something off the plate of a loved one and help them stay healthy at the same time.

If you have family members who never seem to spend money on themselves, or you’re finally ready to give yourself a gift for your health, here are a few exciting items to try:

1. An electric toothbrush subscription. Some of the best electric toothbrushes can be awfully pricey, and the replacement heads drive up the cost. However, there are many subscription services that are inexpensive. Take a look at Quip! It’s an affordable plan that ships toothpaste and new brush heads every three months.
2. A water pick. Water picks aren’t just for braces! A water pick is often the most recommended dental product by professionals outside of the normal dental gear. This makes flossing fun by using a stream of water to dislodge food debris and easily removing the plaque that builds up around gums.
3. A travel kit. Do you have a family member or friend who is always traveling? We do too! Build or buy them a travel kit with all of the essentials they will need to keep their teeth clean and their breath fresh after a long flight or drive. Include quick fixes like sugar-fee whitening gum and a small bottle of mouthwash! That way, they will never forget to pack their toothbrush when visiting for the holidays! They will always thank you.

Remember, 2020 is almost here. While you may be gifting your friends and family with useful items, it’s also time to start thinking about your own resolutions. If you’re reading to take control of your oral health, Vacendak is here to help! Contact our Chesapeake office today or call us at (757) 609-3510 to schedule a dental visit or to learn more about our practice.

Reasons to be Thankful for Your Teeth 

November is the month of giving thanks! This year we want to give a special thanks to something we use every day but may never truly appreciate: our teeth! 

We know it may sound silly to give thanks for your pearly whites, but trust us, after we list our  top reasons, you’ll be praising them in no time.

1. Teeth are one of your most defining features. According to a study conducted by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD), your smile is one of the first things someone notices about you. The same AACD study concluded that 74 percent of those who took the survey believe an unattractive smile can negatively affect someone’s career. But don’t worry, if you’re not proud of your grin, cosmetic dentistry from Vacendak Dentistry will transform your smile.
2. They help you communicate. Teeth are an essential part of speaking. Without them, we’d have difficulty pronouncing certain letters and sounds such as ‘f,’ ‘v,’ ‘s,’ ‘th,’ and so many more. Go ahead and give it a try! Can you say a full sentence without touching your teeth with your tongue? It’s pretty challenging. In a previous post, we explore the numerous ways your teeth affect your speech, but you don’t need to know them all to be thankful for these great communicators. 
3. They give you hints about your health. Your teeth can be indicators of your overall health. For example, very pale gums could be a sign of anemia, and losing teeth could be a symptom of osteoporosis. However, you won’t be able to self-diagnose by looking at your teeth. If you notice anything different, contact your dentist!

The doctors at Vacendak also want to remind our patients just how thankful we are for them! If you haven’t seen us in a while, give us a call at (757) 609-3510 to schedule your checkup before the busy holiday season begins.