This Year, Make a New Year’s Resolution to Smile About!

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Whole Earth Dental believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Whole Earth Dental

At Whole Earth Dental, what puts you at ease?

Dr. Gutkin and team understand not everyone is thrilled to see the dentist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about our office that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Gutkin?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

When is thumb-sucking a cause for worry?

Patients sometimes ask about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs.

Is this anything to worry about? In most cases, probably not. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most kids grow out of between the ages of two and four.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Flossing 101

Here is a very concise video explaining the proper way to floss your teeth. Many people think that flossing is only to get the food out from in between your teeth, when actually flossing should be done every day on every tooth to help protect your teeth and gums.



If you have any additional questions about flossing don't hesitate to ask during your next appointment at Whole Earth Dental or call our office.

Cold and Flu Season is Here - Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Gutkin will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Whole Earth Dental if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Dr. Gutkin and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great thanksgiving food! What are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Staying connected with Whole Earth Dental

At Whole Earth Dental, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative and sustainable treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Gutkin and our staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

What do you enjoy most about fall?

It’s fall here at Whole Earth Dental, a time when here in Seattle, and all across the country, the leaves begin to change colors, the air becomes crisp, and families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving.

Today we wanted to ask you, our wonderful patients, "How are you spending your time this fall?" Our team would love to hear about your favorite places for eating, shopping, and entertainment within the Seattle area. We are interested in learning about what makes your community “yours.”

Feel free to post your responses on our Facebook page, or give us a call!

At Whole Earth Dental, what puts you at ease?

Dr. Gutkin and team understand not everyone is thrilled to see the dentist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about our office that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Gutkin?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

Halloween and Cavity Prevention

For moms and dads worried about kids going overboard on candies, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which can ruin enamel.

So what's a parent to do?

This Halloween season, try to limit the amount of these candies that your child eats, and when your child does eat them, either have him rinse his mouth with water afterward or have him drink some milk or eat a piece of cheese.

Hope this helps!

All of us at Whole Earth Dental wish you and your family a happy, safe Halloween!

Happy National Dental Hygiene Month!

Would you believe it's already October? For our staff, October means one thing: National Dental Hygiene Month. This month, we join the American Dental Hygienists' Association in spreading the word that good dental habits are easy to develop and even easier to maintain.

Here are a few tips to help you build good oral hygiene habits this month:

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two to three minutes. Make sure to get the outer and inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces of each tooth.

* Floss once a day to remove plaque from between teeth. Help children learn healthy flossing habits so when they're capable, they know how to do it properly.

* Visit us on a regular basis. Children should start seeing a dentist within six months of getting their first tooth.

* Ask us what toothpaste family members should use. Remember that not all toothpaste is appropriate for all ages.

* Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruit and veggies. Avoid sugary foods and eat a high fiber diet of fruits and veggies such as apples and carrots to help prevent tooth decay.

Your teeth are an important part of your body, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet, and visiting our convenient Magnolia, Seattle office on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the ADHA's National Dental Hygiene Month website for tips on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to Whole Earth Dental? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call to set up an appointment.

The importance of oral cancer screenings

In our continuing efforts to provide the most advanced technology and highest quality care available to our patients, Whole Earth Dental screens our patients for oral cancer. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved.

Early detection of pre-cancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer and possibly save your life. Ask Dr. Gutkin about a screening at your next appointment!

The Benefits of Dairy

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has 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.

Understanding cavities

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by our team, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit Dr. Gutkin every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

At Whole Earth Dental, easy access to your account information

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at our Magnolia dental office enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, may sign up for this convenient and sustainable service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

What do you love about Whole Earth Dental?

From your very first visit to Whole Earth Dental our doctor and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by anything at our office? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you are a new or an existing patient, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,
Dr. Gutkin & Team

September is National Gum Care Month

Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be difficult to recognize. Many people do not recognize the warning signs- bleeding and swollen gums, as a precursor to gum disease. This month a national campaign is underway to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we at Whole Earth Dental wanted to do our part to help spread the word!

Early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as the heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease. These can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with our office as soon as possible. We can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.

Regular Checkups are Important!

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit us at Whole Earth Dental every six months in addition to brushing and flossing each day. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health.

Dr. Gutkin can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam we will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not come to see us in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

Smile, and you might just live longer!

Folks with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. We have known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Whole Earth Dental on a regular basis? If not, give us a call!

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up On You

It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, schedule an appointment right away by calling Whole Earth Dental in Magnolia. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

Rainfest :-(

So the Magnolia Summerfest ended on a bit of a wet note this year. Friday was cold until about 4pm but then the sun and crowds came out and really turned the day around. Saturday after the parade was a very different story. Steady rain from about Noon onwards whittled down the crowds until by around 5pm even the bouncy house people were ready to call it quits.

I wanted to thank all of the Volunteers who helped with the Composting and Recycling, this event could not have happened without your hard work. Special thanks to Irene S., her husband and daughter, for volunteering at the last minute on both Friday and Saturday and all without being asked. Your commitment to the neighborhood and environment are commendable.

The Whole Earth Dental team made a strong effort on both days to keep the home base booth staffed while myself and Ethan from US Bank worked with the volunteers and dealt with the disposal stations. Keep an eye out for our t-shirts around the village. We gave away about 70 brown and green recycling t-shirts with our logo on the back. Sadly though we still have about 200 Popsicles which went uneaten due to the weather.

With any luck, next year's Summerfest will be a hot and dry event. I'll see everybody there.

Summer Camp Kids Talk

Yesterday I was asked by Paula at the Magnolia Community Center Summer Camp to come and speak with her 50 or so kids about recycling, composting and the general things we've been doing to preparation for Magnolia's Summerfest. The kids really seemed to be engaged and most were fairly familiar with recycling. I'm looking forward to seeing them all this weekend as we try to keep the event both fun and green.

Magnolia Summerfest Is Here!!!

Another NW summer is moving right along and for us in Seattle than means one thing, Seafair. Summerfest, Friday August 6th and Saturday August 7th, is Magnolia's two day contribution to the festivities. As part of Whole Earth Dental's commitment to both the neighborhood and the environment I am personally sponsoring and co-coordinating the recycling and composting efforts at this year's event along with Ethan Boss from US Bank's Magnolia branch.

Recent changes to Seattle's municipal code mean that food vendors are required to offer recyclable and compostable food containers. The result has been that demand for compost and recycling bins at public events like Summerfest as increased dramatically. Ethan and I will have ten Recycle/Compost/Land-fill stations set up around the community center field, near the Village to accommodate the crowds.

Come say hi to us at the Whole Earth Dental booth on the grass just off W. Smith Street and 33rd Ave. We'll be there handing out t-shirts and otter-pops. We're also still looking for volunteers to help with the stations so if you or anyone you know is looking to help the community, the environment, or maybe they just need community service hours, let us know.

Meet Our Dentist

Being a dentist is my dream job. I feel blessed to have such a fulfilling career. Every day I look forward to being at work, and the challenges and rewards of the day ahead. I truly believe in my practice and my team. Together our goal is to become established within the community as a practice that is not only dedicated to improving and maintaining the oral health of our patients, but that is also dedicated to the environment. We are proud to be one of Seattle's first sustainable dental practices, providing complete care for family and the environment.

I was born in Israel, but my family and I moved to California when I was very young. I lived in San Jose until high school, when my family moved once again, this time to Colville, Washington. Living in so many different places has given me a unique perspective on the world, and while I am thankful that I've had such a diverse upbringing, I feel like Seattle is my true "hometown;" it's where I was always meant to settle down, and I am so happy to be home doing what I love.

When I'm not at the practice, I enjoy spending time at home with my wonderful girlfriend, Emily, who is a social worker helping homeless adults in the city. I am very proud of her achievements, and I support her in her career. We just welcomed a new addition to our family - our new puppy! He is an English Mastiff/Great Pyrenees mix, and once he's full-grown we think he'll probably weigh more than 150 pounds. To relax, I enjoy woodworking and carpentry, gardening, learning about space and astronomy, tinkering with tech gadgets, camping, and of course training and playing with our new dog!