Aspen Dental Dentist in Fairfield, CT Shares Nutrition Tips for a Healthy Summer Smile

Inspired by the arrival of warm weather, an Aspen Dental dentist in Fairfield, CT is recommending a summer twist on foods that not only promote healthy teeth and gums, but a healthy heart, too.

An estimated 75% of Americans have some form of gum disease and researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from a heart condition as those without. (www.perio.org)

“Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of the connection between your gums and your heart,” said Dr. Irshad Mohammed, lead dentist in Aspen Dental’s Fairfield office in the Black Rock Shopping Center. “In addition to brushing and flossing every day, and visiting your dentist every six months, it’s important to eat foods that promote good oral health.”

Dr. Mohammed’s Tips:
• Try tea. Drinking green tea is an easy way to ward off the bacteria that causes gum disease. It contains antioxidants called catechins that reduce inflammation and inhibit bacteria. Brew some green tea and then chill it for a cool and healthy summer drink.

• Choose fruits high in vitamin C. Depending on its size, a kiwi can give you 100 percent of your daily vitamin C intake. The vitamin C prevents the collagen in your gums from breaking down which can lead to tender gums more susceptible to disease. Blend kiwis and cantaloupe in a food processor to make a chilled summer soup or use as a topping on your favorite yogurt.

• Go with the grain. Eating whole grains is another simple way to keep your gums and heart healthy. Whole grains are digested more slowly than other grains, which means blood glucose levels rise at a steadier rate and mitigate the body’s production of bacteria that can cause gum and heart disease. Try replacing unrefined white pasta with whole wheat noodles in your pasta salad this summer.

For more advice on foods that can keep your mouth and heart in good health, ask your dentist during your next exam.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network currently has more than 245 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

Get The Gift Of Smile At The Holidays

A healthy smile can help you look and feel your best this holiday season. Now is the perfect time to schedule a dental appointment if you’re looking to get that new smile in time for get-togethers with friends and family.

Aspen Dental reminds patients to check their remaining dental insurance benefits before the benefits expire at the end of the year. Most insurance companies offer a certain amount of annual coverage that expires at the end of each year. To receive benefits for 2009 treatment, dental services must be performed before December 31. Ask your dental care provider how to get the most out of your 2009 and 2010 benefits as the New Year begins.

“This is a great time of year to schedule a dental visit,” said Dr. Arwinder Judge, Vice President, Clinical Support for Aspen Dental Management, Inc. “People can visit their dentists before the holiday rush and begin the New Year on the path to excellent oral health. The importance of oral health is often overlooked, but it is a key to our overall health.”

According to Oral Health America, sponsor of The Oral Healthcare Can’t Wait™ campaign, it is imperative that patients realize the importance of a regular oral healthcare routine. Postponing regular dental checkups and recommended treatment will only result in more severe and more costly problems down the road. Although many patients are postponing dental treatment due to economic factors, the fact is that many Americans have dental benefits that they are not taking full advantage of. Aspen Dental can help ensure that patients are taking full advantage of their allotted coverage.

More than 215 Aspen Dental offices from Maine to Oregon and Washington work with all insurance plans to provide patients with a full range of denture and dental services, including hygiene, oral surgery, fillings, whitening and crown and bridge work. Aspen Dental offers free, no obligation denture consultations and is the only authorized provider of eight styles of full and partial hand-crafted ComfiDents® brand dentures.

Aspen Dental offers several programs to assist patients in getting the care they need including pre-payment plan discounts, extended payment plans, up to 24 months interest-free payment options, free new-patient exams and x-rays for new patients without insurance, and 10 percent senior discounts for patients over 65. Aspen Dental accepts cash, personal checks and all major credit cards.

For more information visit Aspen Dental’s redesigned website at www.aspendent.com

ABOUT ASPEN DENTAL:
Aspen Dental is a leading provider of denture and dental care services committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care. Aspen Dental is the only company authorized to provide eight styles of its hand-crafted, full and partial ComfiDents® brand dentures.

Aspen Dental has grown from 13 offices and three states in 1998 to more than 215 locations in 18 states. More than 300 licensed dentists and 200 dental hygienists work with Aspen Dental throughout Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin.

In 2008, Aspen Dental recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 260,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental meets the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The company works with all insurance plans.