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Your opinions matter to Dr. Theodotou and our team! Our blog is meant to be an educational channel, but we always want to know what things you’re interested in learning more about. After all, our blog is here for you to enjoy!

We’d like to encourage you to send us any ideas about what you want to see more of. No idea is too small! Whether it involves a specific treatment or advice on what kind of toothpaste you should use, we’d love to hear from you about it.

To share your thoughts with us, simply leave your comments below or on our Facebook page! You can also fill out a comment card the next time you visit our Pooler office!

Your visit your medical doctor and dentist for your regular health care needs, you see your orthodontist to treat problems with your bite and alignment, and your periodontist looks after your gum health. If one of your medical or dental professionals recommends that you receive treatment from an oral surgeon, you probably have some questions. First of all, why recommend an oral surgeon?

Oral and maxillofacial surgeons are specialists. They have a minimum of four years of surgical education and training in a hospital-based residency program. They train with medical residents, and focus on studies in general surgery, anesthesiology, internal medicine, plastic surgery, otolaryngology (the study of the ear, nose, and throat), among other fields of specialty.

Because oral and maxillofacial education is centered on the face, mouth, and jaw, these surgeons are experts in diagnosing complex medical conditions in these structures and treating them. Your doctor or dentist might recommend an oral surgeon if you require medical or dental care in any of the following fields:

• Anesthesia

Oral surgeons are trained in the administration of local anesthesia, sedation, and general anesthesia.

• Craniofacial Surgery

Oral surgeons work, often as part of a team of specialists, to treat congenital conditions such as cleft lips, cleft palates, and cranial anomalies.

• Facial Cosmetic Surgery

Training in the surgical treatment of the muscles, skin, and bones of the face makes oral surgeons especially qualified to perform cosmetic procedures which enhance aesthetic appearance and improve function.  Ask your oral surgeon about procedures such as chin surgery, cheekbone implants, ear surgery, skin treatments, and other cosmetic surgery options.

• Facial Injuries and Traumas

Oral surgeons are skilled in repairing complex fractures of the upper and lower jaws as well as treating other facial injuries.

• Jaw and Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Surgery

If you have difficulty biting or swallowing, TMJ pain, sleep apnea, a protruding or receding jaw, or other jaw complications, corrective surgery can restore better, healthier function to your jaw or temporomandibular joint.

• Oral Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for recovery, so see your oral surgeon immediately if you or your dentist detect any of the warning signs of oral cancer.

• Oral Surgeries

Oral surgeons also perform extractions; dental implant surgery; procedures to save a damaged tooth such as apicoectomies, hemisections, and root resections; procedures to treat soft tissue, including frenectomies, soft tissue grafts, and crown lengthening; and surgeries which treat sleep apnea.

Oral surgeons like Dr. Theodotou are experts in preserving and restoring the health, the function, and the appearance of your face, mouth, and jaw. If your doctor or dentist recommends that you visit our Pooler office, rest assured that you will be treated by a specialist who is exceptionally qualified to diagnose and treat you.

Sometimes food that’s good for your body isn’t necessarily the best for your teeth. Dr. Theodotou and our team want you to know which healthy foods can harm your teeth and gums, and what steps you can take to continue enjoying these foods, even when you’re dieting.

When you begin to substitute empty calories with whole foods, make sure you also remember to focus on your dental health. The majority of people tend to switch out sugary foods in favor of fruits and vegetables when they diet.

It’s worth knowing that most fruits are highly acidic and composed of natural sugars. Some of the highly acidic fruits to watch out for include apples, grapes, strawberries, pineapples, blueberries, oranges, and grapefruit. Moderation is key here, as with all other things. Fruits can be a great source of energy to help you through your day, but try not to overdo them.

Often, people also incorporate more leafy greens into their diets, which mean plenty of salads. Salad dressing is another item you’ll want to watch out for. Many dressings are filled with vinegars and sweeteners that include harmful acids, which change the pH of your mouth. When your mouth shifts from alkaline to acidic, your smile also turns to a higher risk for erosion and decay.

Rather than get rid of these foods altogether, simply change what you do after you eat them. Rinse your mouth out with water, brush your teeth, or eat alkalizing foods after consuming these acidic foods. Healthy alkalizing foods include dairy products such as eggs and yogurt, or any type of vegetable.

If you have questions regarding your current diet and its effect on your oral health, please contact our Pooler office and speak with a member of our staff. If you’ve begun to make changes in your diet toward a healthier lifestyle, we hope these tips can help your make positive changes to your oral health. Our team at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Coastal Georgia wants a healthy lifestyle to be a top priority in your life.

Your feedback is very important to us at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of Coastal Georgia. We always want to make sure that our practice is meeting its full potential, so whether you’ve visited Dr. Theodotou once or been a loyal patient throughout the years, we encourage you to share your thoughts about your experience with us!

You can do this easily by giving us a review on our Facebook page or writing down your comments below. If you feel more comfortable, you’re always welcome to give our Pooler office a call, too! We feel fortunate to have you all as patients and look forward to reading all your feedback!