Our Blog

Dr. Kathleen Tavarez and team want to know: is dairy a big part of your overall diet? If not, it probably should be. A 2008 study revealed that regular consumption of dairy, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

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 in studies to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and, of course, osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. 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 sip, you are preserving your teeth for great oral health and a lifetime of smiles!

For more information about the importance of including dairy foods in your diet or gum disease, we invite you to give us a call at either or San Carlos or Menlo Park office. Have a great weekend!

At Tavarez Orthodontics, we know that braces aren’t just for pre-adolescents and teenagers anymore! In fact, Dr. Kathleen Tavarez will tell you that anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment, whether it’s correcting a problem not treated in your younger years, or catching a problem early.

To ensure the best outcome in your treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, recommends that children receive an orthodontic consultation as early as age seven. If a problem is evident, taking action to address it early can spare a lot of treatment - and expense - down the road.

If you never received orthodontic treatment when you were young, don’t worry! At Tavarez Orthodontics, you’re never too old for a beautiful smile. Set up an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Tavarez and find out how adult orthodontics will transform your smile, as well as your life!

Good news to report this afternoon! People with big, happy smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a new study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Dr. Kathleen Tavarez known for a long time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers there used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball before 1950. The players' photos were enlarged, and a rating of their smile intensity was made (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 corrected their analysis to account for other factors associated with longevity, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and college attendance.

The researchers found that players who weren't smiling 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 Tavarez Orthodontics regularly? If not, give us a call!

Who’s afraid of “metal mouth” and the appearance of braces? Not adults, apparently. Recently, our staff at Tavarez Orthodontics read a fascinating statistic: adults getting braces has jumped 24 percent from just 14 years ago! Yes, braces help make your pearly whites strong, healthy and perfectly-aligned, but perhaps another reason for the spike in adult braces is this: cosmetics. In an age—and society—where looks matter as much as anything, and at a time when evenly-aligned teeth might be the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing to invest in orthodontics. Did you know one of every five patients in orthodontic treatment is over 21? Orthodontic treatment with Dr. Kathleen Tavarez can be successful at any age, and adults especially appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, Dr. Tavarez would love to have you visit for a consultation. Give us a call to set one up!

Happy Thursday!