Think about the trash can in a kitchen. When the garbage is left too long, it begins to stink. This odor is coming from its rotting contents, which are being saturated with bacteria. So, when the styrofoam and plastic package that chicken came in is tossed in the trash and… Read More…

“I have always been afraid of the dentist because of childhood experiences. Almost 10 years ago I found Dr. Ban Barbat’s office and all those bad experiences are gone. Everyone is so friendly and cares. The office has worked with me all the time over the past 10 years, without… Read More…

Any injury that requires an “emergency” visit is traumatic. When it comes to having a tooth “knocked out,” it can be an emotionally complex experience. Dental “avulsion” is when a tooth has been knocked completely out, even if it is hanging by tooth root tissues. Typically, these injuries cause excessive… Read More…

Like most adults these days, I keep a full schedule. Things like spending time to have my car’s tires rotated or getting the oil changed takes a chunk out of my day and always takes longer than I’d hoped. However, I know that not having these tasks done can come… Read More…

Thank heavens! With the nation finally able to resume gatherings and (best of all) hugs, social events are returning, and just in time for summer’s warm outdoor weather. Socializing is good for us, physically and emotionally. In addition to moving us into more active roles when gathered together, staying involved… Read More…

We are all familiar with the smell of rotting garbage. If you’ve ever been stuck in traffic on a hot day behind a fully-loaded sanitation truck, you know how the scent tends to stick. Although odor coming from a truck that’s hauling garbage makes sense, a rotting odor coming from… Read More…

Long before the pandemic began, it was known that oral wellness is an advantage to overall health. By having a healthy mouth, the body’s ability to keep its immune system in check is supported. When a mouth is overwhelmed with bacteria, it increases the burden of inflammation to the body’s… Read More…

April is National Oral Cancer Awareness month. For adults who have regular dental check-ups, a visual and ‘touch’ exam is conducted on an annual basis for early detection of areas that may require a closer look. (see below for signs and symptoms) According to the Centers for Disease Control &… Read More…

Stroke is the 5th leading cause of death and disability in the United States. On average, someone in the U.S. has a stroke every 40 seconds. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or ruptures. When… Read More…

Over 10 percent of the U.S. population have diabetes. It is listed 7th as the leading cause of death due to the vascular complications attributed to the disease. Diabetes is a metabolic disease characterized by the body’s inability to properly secrete or manage insulin. This results in abnormal metabolism of… Read More…