Our Blog

A recent study published in General Dentistry has shown that cheese and dairy products may reduce cavities. A diet including cheese, milk, and sugar-free yogurt raises pH levels above 5.5. This higher pH is associated with lower levels of decay.

I was on my way to work when I saw what I thought was a branch — very common after heavy rains when you live in the woods. When I got closer, U saw that it was actually a large turtle — about 18 inches from head to the tip of his long tail. I know it was a snapper because when I touched his tail, he quickly attempted to snap my finger off!

I called my girls to come see it, and they brought some strawberries, making a trail out of them so the turtle would get out of the driveway by eating the strawberries.

My girls often complain that there aren’t many kids in our neighborhood, and while they are right, I like to point out what nice animals we have in the neighborhood — deer, fox, groundhogs, rabbits, box turtles, and yes, a snapping turtle!

Leah (on the right) and her friend invented a fun new game on Game Day at their school!

There is an interesting article in today’s philly.com about a recent study from Temple University that showed rampant cavities in patients on large amounts of diet soda similar to rampant cavities in patients on methamphetamines or “meth mouth.”

The bottom line: limit diet or regular soda consumption. Whether you drink soda or not, practice excellent oral hygiene and schedule regular check ups to minimize dental problems.There

Congratulations to Dr. Jean Wahl, who was named one of 2013′s Top Dentists in the June 2013 issue of Delaware Today Magazine. Our patients at Wahl Family Dentistry feel lucky to have Dr. Jean as a wonderful combination of caring, competence, and compassion.

From the article:

So part of Wahl’s professional mission is to put patients at ease. As the readers’ choice for gentlest dentist [and] it seems she has succeeded.

Our patient (and Sherry our assistant office manager’s husband) Kyle had his wisdom teeth removed recently by Dr Goodwill. You can see that the lower wisdom teeth (all the way back on each side) were horizontally impacted. Dr Goodwill said it was one of the most difficult cases he’s done — and he’s done a lot of them! But Kyle is doing great. Great job Dr Goodwill and Kyle!

There is an interesting article in today’s New York Times about pregnant women and dental care. Some dentists are reluctant to recommend needed dental care for pregnant patients but there is no evidence that needed dental treatment is harmful to pregnant women or their fetuses.

“Too many pregnant women like Ms. Caseres are not getting timely dental care, experts say. There are plenty of reasons: Some dentists are reluctant to treat pregnant patients, in no small part because of outdated thinking.”

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/06/obstacles-for-pregnant-women-seeking-dental-care/?ref=health

From the American Dental Association: U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, M.D., April 22 officially endorsed community water fluoridation as “one of the most effective choices communities can make to prevent health problems while actually improving the oral health of their citizens.”

The water supply in most parts of New Castle County, Delaware is optimally fluoridated, but some children do not have access to fluoridated water. Dr Mike’s children drink well water and therefore take fluoride supplements, which can be prescribed by a dentist or physician. Also, it’s important for children to drink tap water when possible as some bottled water does not have optimal levels of fluoride.

For the entire story: http://www.ada.org/news/8532.aspx

Zoe Marie Malavolta, aged 8 and daughter of Dr. Peggy, ran on Saturday in her very first 5K cross country race at Westtown School. Zoe was the first kid to cross the finish line finishing 24th out of 70 runners (including her mom). Way to go, Zoe!