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!

J. Derek Tieken DDS, supporting National Children's Dental Health Month

Remember last week, when we blogged about February being American Heart Month? Well, February is also well-known for being National Children's Dental Health Month. Today, Dr. Tieken is here to tell you about the need for preventative oral care in kids.

For 60 Februaries, the American Dental Association, or ADA, has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. National Children's Dental Health Month began as a one-day event in 1941 in a Cleveland clinic. Forty years later, in 1981, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Each February, Dr. Tieken and thousands of dental professionals focus on the preventive oral care of America's kids. Dr. Tieken and our staff want you to remember developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Has your child visited our office the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

February is Heart Month, from Dr. Tieken

Did you know February is Heart Month? It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Dr. Tieken. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, claiming more lives than the rest of major causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office regularly can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to the office of J. Derek Tieken. In observance of Heart Month, Dr. Tieken says it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at our office, please give us a call today.

Access your account—any day, any time—at J. Derek Tieken DDS

At the office of J. Derek Tieken, we embrace new technology, whether it's through the innovative treatments that we offer, our high-tech web site and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in League City.

Did you know that patients of Dr. Tieken have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—on our web site? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

Just see what some of our patients are saying about this service:

"This is awesome! It's nice to have your own personal data to review from time to time. I'm very pleased with the service I get at your office. The staff is excellent!" ~ Linda M.

"This service is incomparable." ~ Glenda K.

"YOU ROCK!!! ...so by far setting the pace in customer service." ~ Marlon R.

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions!

Tackling sports injuries with Dr. Tieken

Dr. Tieken and our team know how important it is to protect your face. The spring and summer months bring an increase in outdoor activities and a greater chance of damaging your precious mouth and pearly whites.

That’s why we are doing our part to spread the word that facial sports injuries can be avoided simply by reminding yourself or your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Tieken may recommend the best mouth guard for you.

In addition, here are a few tips for keeping yourself and your kids safe on the field. Remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can you avoid serious sports injuries. Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at J. Derek Tieken, DDS.