Smile, smile and smile some more!

Good news to report this Wednesday afternoon! People with big, happy smiles may actually out-live those who don’t, according to a new study at Wayne State University in Michigan. Dr. Derek Tieken has known for a long time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 players who began their baseball careers prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (wide smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were then compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through last year.

The researchers then took into account other factors associated with longevity, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and college attendance. They found that players who weren't smiling died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old!

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you tried perfecting your smile by visiting Dr. Tieken lately? If not, give our team a call today at (832) 769-4824.

March is National Nutrition Month! From J. Derek Tieken DDS

Before we forget about March and jump into April, our team, as well as Dr. Tieken, would like to remind that we celebrated March for one reason: National Nutrition Month. Every March, Dr. Tieken and thousands of dentists and hygienists around the nation celebrate this occasion, and this year was no different. This spring, we want you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.

Dr. Tieken 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 spring:

• Focus on fresh fruits and veggies: 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 fresh, think local: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in League City and Houston.

• Make each of 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.

• Don't give in: 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.

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

If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping yourself and your mouth healthy, please give us a call at (832) 769-4824!

Dairy, your diet and periodontal disease, from Dr. Tieken

Dr. Derek Tieken wants to know: is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be. A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw, resulting in a loss of teeth and bone. Gum disease has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, please give Dr. Tieken and team a call at (832) 769-4824.

Getting married this spring? Stop by our office!

It’s almost spring. Tulips are blooming, the smell of freshly-cut grass is wafting from the nearest baseball field and world is awakening from its winter sleep. What a great time for a wedding! If you are gearing up for a wedding this spring, consider matching that white dress to a perfectly white smile!

At J. Derek Tieken DDS, we offer in-office tooth whitening for the bride, the groom, or the entire wedding party! You get the girls together to get their nails done, and now you can get them together to get their teeth done!

In-office whitening is the quickest, most effective way to achieve whiter teeth. Because we are dental professionals, we have the expertise to use higher percentages of whitening agents than the at-home systems allow. So you can get a brighter white, usually in just one visit!

Give us a ring and let Dr. Tieken add some extra sparkle to your “I do” this spring!