Dr Ruchi Reviews: The Martian

LOVED it! Great book by Andy Weir: The Martian.

This book was high on my list because my family raved about the movie. Usually I try to get to the book before the movie comes out, but I was super pregnant when this movie came out and didn't have the time to get to the book. (Note: I still haven't watched the movie. yikes!)

I'm so glad I got the book...finally.

I was also curious about this book because the Golden Globes classified the movie as "A Comedy". How could this astronaut story about getting stuck on another planet -- be funny?

Indeed it was. It was everything. It was funny. It was inquisitive. It was emotional, but not sad-crying-like-a-baby emotional. It was interesting. And it was inspiring! All things a good book should be. 

Baby bottles and bedtime

Did you know the most common type of cavity in babies is due to milk bottles during bedtime?

According to The American Dental Association: 

"Baby Bottle Tooth Decay most often occurs in the upper front teeth, but other teeth may also be affected.There are many factors which can cause tooth decay. One common cause is the frequent, prolonged exposure of the baby’s teeth to drinks that contain sugar. Tooth decay can occur when the baby is put to bed with a bottle, or when a bottle is used as a pacifier for a fussy baby. Tooth decay is a disease that can begin with cavity-causing bacteria being passed from the mother (or primary caregiver) to the infant. These bacteria are passed through the saliva. When the mother puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her mouth, or cleans a pacifier in her mouth, the bacteria can be passed to the baby. If your infant or toddler does not receive an adequate amount of fluoride, they may also have an increased risk for tooth decay. The good news is that decay is preventable"

Find more information about taking good care of baby teeth on www.mouthhealthy.org.

DIY Valentine Idea

We saw this on Pinterest and couldn't help but share.

We will all be surrounded by sweets this weekend. Be sure to Brush 2x a day and Floss 1x a day! And try to limit yourself to only chocolates after meals -- the saliva that was built up from the meal will help wash away the harmful sweets and bacteria. And this will hopefully PREVENT cavities! :) 

HAPPY Valentine's Day!

Does Gum Health Affect the Heart?

While there have been many recent studies showing that people with gum (periodontal) disease are at increased risk for heart disease, a 2012 American Heart Association review cast some doubt on this conclusion. 

However, a more recent study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association provides proof of a causal link between gum disease and heart disease. In the most recent study, researchers tracked the gum health of 420 people (average age 68) for three years by conducting clinical exams and analyzing certain bacteria that cause gum disease. This information was correlated with changes in narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis) in the carotid artery observed via ultrasound. They found that, as gum health improved, carotid narrowing slowed significantly. 

In addition, the study controlled for factors such as smoking, diabetes, age, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol, provides the “most direct evidence yet” that treating gum disease can prevent or slow atherosclerosis. 

Brush twice a day, floss once a day, and see Dr Nijjar and Dr Ruchi regularly to help keep your heart healthy!