Dental Tips To Make You Look Younger!

Our teeth keep the structure of our entire face.  If our teeth become shorter, lean in or stop supporting the lower face nasolabial lines form, lip corners droop and soon our cheekbones start to sag leaving a tired aged appearance. Esthetic dentistry is a practical way to improve a patient’s smile, which in turn will enhance the appearance of the entire face; it is like a non-surgical face-lift.  

With multiple procedures such as applying bonds, crowns or veneers the dentist can shape each tooth and restore the face to its ideal proportions.  When the teeth are lengthened it immediately makes the patient look younger, and building out the back teeth produces the cheekbone effect, which restores the facial contours.  Blood flow to this area is activated which tightens the surrounding muscles creating a younger firmer look.  Proportion and symmetry are key! 

Rounded teeth can create a more feminine look, while straight edges create a masculine look. Esthetic dentistry can be a quick painless and affordable alternative to surgery to improve your face and smile.  These days everyone is looking for a great smile and a younger look to improve their confidence.  

Contact your dentist to talk about your options! 

West Nile Outbreak Continues

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health Communicable Disease Division, there is already double the amount of confirmed cases of West Nile this year than all of last year.  Out of the nearly 1000 reported cases this year nationwide as of August 22, 60 came from Michigan including two deaths.  

Wayne County being one of the most affected areas reported 21 confirmed cases, 8 of which were from Detroit including one death.  An unusually hot summer has contributed to the peak of mosquito population, which usually occurs in late August.  The 2012 outbreak of the West Nile Virus is the largest it has been since 1999 according to the Oakland County Health Division. “With these new cases of West Nile virus in Wayne County, it is especially important to take precautionary measures against becoming infected,” Dr. Mouhanad Hammami, Acting Director/Health Officer of the Wayne County Department of Public Health, said in a statement.   

Facts and Tips about West Nile Virus

Mosquitos that are known to carry the WNV are usually most active from dusk till dawn; however they may still be active during the day in wooded shaded areas.  Long sleeve shirts and pants along with insect repellant provide some protection.  Residents are encouraged to follow a few quick and easy steps to avoid encountering the virus.  Keep screens on all windows and doors to keep them out of buildings.  Empty water from common mosquito breeding sites such as buckets unused kiddie pools and old tires.  Wear light colored long sleeve shirts and pants and avoid going outdoors from dusk till dawn.  Finally apply insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or other EPA-approved repellents to exposed skin or clothing, always following the manufacturer's directions for use.  Most people bitten by a WNV mosquito will show no symptoms of illness; however others will start to show within 3-15 days.  1in 5 will have mild illness with fever, but about 150 people will become severely ill.  Symptoms of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord and brain linings) include stiff neck, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, muscle weakness, convulsions and paralysis.  A person experiencing any of these symptoms should see their health care provider immediately.