Smile wider, live longer, from Dr. Michael Long

Folks with big smiles may live than those who don’t, according to a new study at Michigan’s Wayne State University.

We’ve known for a long time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers there used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball before 1950. The players' photos were enlarged, and a rating of their smile intensity was made (big smile, no smile or partial smile).

The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then corrected their analysis to account for other factors associated with longevity, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and college attendance. The researchers 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!

-- Dr. Long

Ask Dr. Long: Why cosmetic dentistry?

At Michael G. Long DDS, we know your smile is one of the most important aspects of your appearance. With the advent of new aesthetic dental treatments, a stunning, memorable smile is now easily within your reach. Offering cosmetic dentistry in Fresno and Central Valley, Dr. Michael Long would love to see you for a smile makeover if you are experiencing the following "symptoms":

* Do you hesitate when you smile?
* Would you like to increase your self-confidence?
* Do you want to look your best in social or professional situations?
* Are you ready to reverse dental imperfections caused by Mother Nature or an accident?

Dr. Long and our dedicated team can help you achieve your smile goals. Cosmetic dentistry is art and science working seamlessly together to offer smile enhancement, restoration, and maintenance for your optimal dental health. Using cutting-edge techniques and advanced materials, Dr. Long proudly offers you a beautiful, natural smile and all the benefits that come with it. You will look and feel better because a beautiful smile is a healthy smile.

If you have been wanting that perfect smile, please give us a call at 559-432-4850! We'd love to help!

March is National Nutrition Month! From Dr. Michael Long

You may remember our post from a few weeks ago about February being National Children's Dental Health Month. Well, we're now well into March, and March happens to be National Nutrition Month. Every March, Dr. Michael Long, as well as thousands of dentists take time to celebrate this occasion. This March, Dr. Long and our team want you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.

Dr. Long 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 beginning this March:

• Focus on 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.

• Look locally: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods here in Fresno.

• Make 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.

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

• Trick yourself with treats: If you have a sweet tooth, enjoy some fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you care for a snack in the afternoon, have some trail mix or nuts.

We hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions and have a great week!

Five helpful tips to avoid plaque, from Dr. Michael Long

Dr. Long and our staff know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth, much less hearing the word 'plaque.' Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Let’s start with not brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is not flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, avoiding a trip to visit Dr. Long's office is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your dentist at least twice a year, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables.

Finally, before you pick that candy up, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be. If you have any questions, please give us a call or schedule an appointment!

Sleep Disorders and Treatment Options in Fresno - Dr. Michael Long

Dr. Michael Long knows sleep disorders are fairly common, with around 50 to 70 million Americans being affected by some type chronic sleep disorder, with some of these progressing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), which can cause loss of sleep among many other health problems. Snoring is one of the most easily identified symptoms, and as it worsens it can lead to full airway blockage while you sleep, which can severely disrupt your sleep patterns.

Sleep apnea is considered a serious medical problem that if left untreated can lead to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of heart failure and stroke. It can also take a toll on your overall energy level, as sleep apnea causes an ongoing state of fatigue.

There are several different approaches to sleep apnea treatment, including:

• Surgery to the jaws or airway tissue to open the airway. This is typically only used in the most severe cases.
• Continuous airway pressure therapy which involves a mask and machine (CPAP machine) to keep your throat muscles and tissue open while sleeping
• Oral appliance therapy, a less intrusive method involving a customized oral device that positions your jaw in a favorable position to keep your airway open while you sleep.

If you suspect that you may suffer from a sleep disorder or sleep apnea, give us a call at 559-432-4850. Depending on your situation, treatment may involve an oral device that we can custom-create for you.

Happy Monday!