Did you know February is American Heart Month? It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Dr. Alberto Castaneda. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to Discover Dental Care. In observance of Heart Month, it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment, please give us a call today.

Dr. Castaneda and team, serving Shawnee, deliver the highest quality dental care in a personalized environment. We make dental treatment fun and enjoyable. Take a look at our latest review and see what our patient had to say!

Thank you Dr. Castaneda and your wonderful staff! I (we) just finished up a LOT of dental work and I am very happy with the results! I also feel I have a better understanding how to care for my teeth. I have a healthier, prettier smile!
- Pam C.

At Discover Dental Care, we strive to create a warm and welcoming environment for our patients and greatly appreciate your feedback. Thank you Pam! If you have additional feedback for us, please post your thoughts on our Facebook page.

Dr. Alberto Castaneda and our team love getting patient reviews. And lately, Discover Dental Care, serving Shawnee and surrounding communities, has been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! We thought we'd share one with you today!

Dr C and his staff do a great job explaining what procedures are needed, and why. Karen does a great job and has always given me accurate estimates for proposed work. I can say from experience that Dr C does a great job and honors the warranty on his work.

If you are looking for a great dentist in Shawnee (or the western side of KC for that matter) I can't recommend Dr Castaneda and his staff enough!

- Brandon R.

Thank you for such a wonderful review Brandon! If you are a current patient of Discover Dental Care, be sure to share your thoughts with us by posting to our Facebook page.

Dr. Alberto Castaneda wants to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.