SPECIALTIES

The holidays are here and with them come parties, late nights, foods and sweets that can put your oral hygiene routine on a back burner. Here are some tips on how to keep that from happening. It's easier than you think. Stay consistent with your routine — D on’t forget the basics: brush twice a day and floss. Bring travel-sized toothpaste and a toothbrush with you to events to help you keep your routine on track. Be mindful of sugary treats — Cookies, pies and candy canes are everywhere from office kitchenettes to parties, but they can lead to tooth decay if you’re not careful. Eat them in moderation and pair them with water to rinse away the sugars and acids that build up and cause decay. And sure, those cookies only come around once a year, but also eat other things — fruits, nuts, crunchy vegetables. Drink plenty of water — Holiday beverages like hot cocoa, wine and sweet alcoholic drinks can take a toll on your teeth. Drinking water not only keeps you hydrated but also washes away lingering food particles and reduces acidity in your mouth which can lead to decay. Don’t skip dental appointments — With all the hubbub of the holidays, it’s easy to forget routine dental checkups. Many of our patients who have come to us for years are now away at college and have to fit in a dental visit while home between semesters. Don't skip those appointments! A professional cleaning can help remove any buildup that might have accumulated during your festivities. All of us here at Huszti Dental Care understand that the holidays can be so busy that people tend to slack off on their dental care. But keeping on top of things like exercising, eating well — and taking care of your oral hygiene — will ensure your teeth are in great shape before the New Year.

Healthcare workers are united in one cause: Keeping you healthy. Whether they are general practitioners, specialists, nurses or dentists, they all work together to ensure their patients are healthy and will remain that way. Huszti Dental Care's staff celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October by donning bright pink scrubs. They reminded female patients to get mammograms and urged male patients to nudge their wives and significant others to do the same. Students at University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry — where the Drs. Huszti's daughters are working to follow in their parents' footsteps — also brought attention to the cause with their own pink scrubs. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide and awareness is crucial for early detection, prevention and treatment. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, highlighting the importance of education and outreach efforts. Breast cancer awareness campaigns, such as those held every October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, play a vital role in informing the public about the disease, its risk factors, and ways to detect it early. It's that early detection that is the key to improving survival rates, as treatments for breast cancer have a higher chance of working when started in its earliest stages. Regular screenings, such as mammograms, are vital for women, especially those over 40, as they can identify cancer before symptoms develop. Self-exams can also help women understand the normal look and feel of their breasts, making it easier to spot changes, but they should not be considered a substitute for professional screenings, Awareness campaigns also focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and understanding risk factors, such as family history, genetic mutations and lifestyle choices like diet and exercise. Research into breast cancer is ongoing, with new treatments, therapies and ways to minimize recurrence constantly being developed. Support for breast cancer patients and their families is another key aspect of awareness. Many organizations provide resources, counseling and financial assistance to help those affected by the disease navigate the emotional and financial challenges it can bring. Overall, breast cancer awareness saves lives, and that's why our office participates in this important effort every year. By educating people, encouraging early screenings and demonstrating support, we hope we are able to reduce the impact of breast cancer and continue to make strides toward a cure.