Saturday, March 3, 2012
Huizenga Plaza
Downtown Fort Lauderdale
8:00 a.m. • 1.25-mile

Mark your calendars for the 22nd Annual Walk for the Animals, the Humane Society of Broward County’s largest annual fundraiser. Over the past 21 years the Walk for the Animals has raised millions of dollars. In 2011, the Walk for the Animals raised nearly $470,000 net! Funds raised from the Walk helped over 8,600 animals find new and loving forever homes.

We know 2012 is going to be another fantastic year and we hope you will be there!.

The Humane Society of Broward County is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization and relies on the generosity of our community and companies to fund their operations and programs budget. They do not get funding from the government, United Way or any other national or local organizations with similar names.

From all of us at PREMIER SMILE CENTER – Charmaine Johnson, DDS, PA

Join us on 3rd March , as we walk for the animals is a post from: Dr. Johnson DDS

Thank you for a great 2011 . Looking forward to a fantastic 2012!

Premier Smile Center Holiday Party 2011 is a post from: Dr. Johnson DDS

– tooth decay is the second most common disease in the US, after the common cold

-          Regular dental cleanings can prevent heart attacks

-          1 in every 2000 babies is born with a tooth

Dental Trivia is a post from: Dr. Johnson DDS

MESSAGE FROM

Message from Dr. Charmaine  Johnson, DDS

Dry Mouth – Xerostomia

Xerostomia or dry mouth, is a common symptom most often caused by a decrease in the amount or quality of saliva. It is more common as we age. There are 3 main causes: 1) Prolonged use of prescription medications including certain antihistamines, antihypertensives, decongestants, diuretics and antidepressants. 2) Chronic diseases, such as sjogren’s syndrome, sarcoidosis, hepatitis C, diabetes or depression. 3) Radiation therapy to the head and neck or bone marrow transplants.

 Saliva plays an extremely important role in lubricating, protecting and cleansing the oral cavity. A decrease in saliva causes an increase in oral infections, especially fungal, and an increase in tooth decay. This is seen as rampant decay which is difficult to control. Detecting the early stages of dry mouth is critical, as many patients are not even aware that they have dry mouth, until rampant decay is present. Early symptoms include difficulty swallowing without a drink, a change in the sense of taste, a burning sensation or pain in the mouth, difficulty talking or eating certain foods. Often patients may complain about these symptoms before the significant effects of dry mouth set in.

 How do you treat a dry mouth? Coping with dry mouth is our first defense. Keep the mouth moist, by sipping waterduring the day to get that flushing action. Avoid acidic, carbonated beverages. Drink while eating to help chewing and swallowing. Increase salivary secretion by chewing on gum containing xylitol. Xylitol is a sweetener that helps to prevent decay. Use over the counter Biotene products to increase salivary production and lubricate the mouth.

 Next we have to treat and prevent tooth decay. The dentist has to be seen regularly to treat any tooth decay present.

We may prescribe fluoride rinses or gels to help reduce decay. Preventatively we teach correct brushing and flossingo be done after each meal.

 We need to treat any fungal infections.

 I hope this helps to explain a condition that often goes unrecognized until very late

Dr Charmaine Johnson

Testimonial

Thank you for your help with my dry mouth condition. Although I was disappointed there was no pill ortreatment to reverse it, at least I’m being proactive in the care of my mouth to lessen the symptoms and

hopefully avoid more cavities. My visits to your office were very comfortable and pleasant. You have an excellent staff and I would recommend anyone to try you if they need a dentist. I will continue my flossing andbrushing (I’d been using my Sonicare incorrectly for many years!), “waterpicking”, rinsing, and gellin’. I will also check in with you from time to time to see if I’m maintaining. Please thank your assistant, Laurie, for her nice note. That was a nice touch!

Thank you.

Wayne B, Wilton manors

Call Today to Schedule your Next Appointment

954-566-7479

Visit us on our new website

drjohnsondds.com or call 954-566-7479

Dry Mouth – Xerostomia is a post from: Dr. Johnson DDS

Meet Nancy

Our new addition to our hygiene department at Premier Smile Center – Charmaine Johnson, DDS, PA

Hi, I am Nancy Wheeler. I am a dental hygienist at

Premier Smile Center. My goal is to ensure that you

receive a thorough, gentle cleaning and to educate you

on ways to obtain healthy gums. I enjoy answering any

hygiene questions or concerns that you may have.

Furthermore, I am very passionate about my career and

constantly read up on current trends and advancements.

The team here at Premier Smile Center is strongly

committed to making sure your visit is extraordinary and that you feel as

though you are part of our dental family.

We would love more patients like you. Please feel free to tell others about

our office, as we are always eager to help new people.

Nancy Wheeler, RDH

Meet Nancy is a post from: Dr. Johnson DDS

Support Walk For the Animals is a post from: Dr. Johnson DDS

Egyptians used a form of toothpaste over 5000 years ago

50′s heartthrob, James Dean, had no front teeth. A Dental bridge was made for him, which he wore, maintaining his good looks

Dental Trivia is a post from: Dr. Johnson DDS

The bleaching gel used in our office is of a much higher concentration and thus more effective. We
also custom make the trays that keeps the gel over your teeth to ensure correct dispersal of the gel.
They are usually used for 7 to 14 days.

The in-office whitening is a one and a half hour procedure and achieves an instantaneous and often superior
result. A high concentration bleaching gel is applied to the teeth and activated by a special LED
light. This speeds up the whitening process. The results are numerous shades lighter. I believe the
maintenance thereafter is equally important. What makes our whitening procedure different to
many out there is that we offer the custom trays and take home gel as part of the package. Many
of us drink tea, coffee or red wine. This will cause teeth to darken in time. The custom trays and
gel will allow you to touch up the whitening and return the teeth to their initial shade. You will not
need to come into the office for additional whitening procedures.

I am sure there will be many more questions on this topic so please feel free to schedule an
appointment for us to discuss any of your questions.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR REFERRALS

We would like to take the time to thank the following patients for referring us to your friends and family:

Robert A, Lee B, Venessa B, Madelaine C, Shawn C,Aurelia C, Jenna L, William C, Daniel F, Douglas
G, Maurene G, Kenyatta H, Jennifer H, Michelle H, Lason H, Robert H, Miguel H, Abigail J,
Rebekah J, Maria K, Kenneth L, Andrew L, Christine M, Frederik M, Susan M, Robin M,
Jacqueline N, Marvin O, Natalie P, Francine P, Gregory P, Coralie R, Elazar R, Lisa S, William S,
Tramaine S, Daniel S, Paul S, Donna T, Selina T, Mario T, Shannon T, Dominga U, Michael

Premier Smile Center Newsletter is a post from: Dr. Johnson DDS

Muscular Dystrophy Association is a post from: Dr. Johnson DDS