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From a student handing out sweets for her classmates to an older married couple exchanging boxes of candy, Valentine’s Day is the time of year when people like to show affection by gifting sugary treats to their loved ones. Whether you’re on the giving or receiving end of Valentine’s Day candy, you can celebrate the holiday in a healthier way by making dark chocolate your confection of choice.

Contribute to Your Health

According to the Cleveland Clinic, studies have shown that the cocoa beans used to make chocolate contain flavonoids, which can help protect the body against damage from various toxins. Flavonoids may also help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart and the brain. Dark chocolates typically contain a higher amount of flavonoids than other types, making them a great choice for chocolate lovers. However, you should keep in mind that many companies produce chocolate that is so heavily processed that the flavonoids are largely eliminated. Your best bet is to look for high-quality dark chocolates and cocoa powders that have undergone minimal processing.

Protect Against Cavities

If you think there’s no way candy could ever be beneficial for your teeth, think again. The Texas A&M Health Science Center has reported that the tannins present in cocoa beans may actually help prevent cavities by interfering with bacteria’s harmful interaction with teeth. Just like with flavonoids, tannins have been found to be present more often in dark chocolates, rather than milk chocolates, giving you another great reason to choose the richer, sweet varieties.

Avoid a Sticky Situation

One more benefit of choosing chocolate over other candies is that it is less likely to get stuck in the crevices and spaces between teeth. Gooey sweets like taffy can stay lodged in the mouth for longer periods of time, putting you at a greater risk for developing cavities. When you choose your chocolate, be sure to avoid types that also contain sticky ingredients like caramel or marshmallow, and instead opt for the plain varieties.

Remember that the health benefits you can receive from dark chocolate are largely based on eating the candy in moderation. With that being said, it’s easy to make this delicious and health conscious switch when you’re out shopping for your sweetheart, friends, loved ones, and yourself. Have fun satisfying your sweet tooth this year and Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Whitley Family Dental!

January has come and gone and we can’t wait for all that February has in store! Candy hearts and red roses are fine and dandy, but we think February is the perfect chance to spread love and kindness to everyone! Whether you’re single or in a relationship, we’re sharing a few ways we all can share the love.

When patients come to Whitley Family Dental, we truly think of them as family. We’re looking forward to seeing our wonderful patients come into our office this Valentine’s Day. Even though we won’t be indulging too much in Valentine’s Day treats, we can’t say no to a little chocolate here and there!

Candy aside, we think it’s so important to remember that life is short. Last year, Dr. Bill’s father passed away from Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. We are so thankful for the many wonderful years we shared with him and the loving memories we will always hold dear. So whatever your Valentine’s Day plans, be sure to let those around you know that they are loved.

Did you know February 17th is National Acts of Kindness Day? We encourage everyone to participate in any way that they can but also remember to spread kindness all year long. Even something small like a smile could turn someone’s day around!

In honor of American Heart Month, we want to remind everyone to take care of themselves and be aware of the warning signs for heart disease. So many people are affected by heart disease each year but one way to set yourself up for a healthy heart is with a healthy diet. We had the pleasure of attending an event where Princess Diana’s former chef, Darren McGrady, shared one of the princess’ favorite heart-healthy recipes. It’s not only good for you but it proves that healthy food can still be delicious! We’ve included the recipe below so be sure to let us know what you think!

We hope this month brings you and your family lots of love. Have a wonderful February and we hope to see you in the office soon!

Honey, Lime and Cilantro Chicken

• 1 quart fat free chicken broth
• 4 four oz. chicken breasts
• ½ c garlic, crushed
• 1 tbsp. light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. green onion, finely chopped - light green part
• ¼ c honey
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1 tbsp. lime juice
• 1 tbsp. cilantro

Place the chicken breasts side by side in a large pan and pour over the broth. Place on a high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, place a lid on the pan and cook until the chicken is tender, about 8 minutes. Remove the chicken breasts to a plate and keep warm. The broth can be poured into a plastic container and frozen for another use.

In a small pan, add the olive oil and saute the onion and garlic over a low heat until it starts to soften. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, green onion and lime juice. Add the juices from the plate the chicken is on. Slice chicken onto a serving plate and pour the dressing over the top. Sprinkle with cilantro just before serving. Serves 4.

The American Academy of Periodontology stresses the importance of good oral health since gum disease may be linked to heart disease and stroke. Thus far, no cause-and-effect relationship has been established, but there are multiple theories to explain the link between heart disease and periodontal disease. One theory suggests that oral bacteria may affect heart health when it enters the blood and attaches to the fatty plaque in the heart's blood vessels. This can cause the formation of blood clots. Another theory suggests the possibility that inflammation could be a contributing link between periodontal disease and heart disease. Gum disease increases plaque buildup, and inflamed gums may also contribute to the development of swollen or inflamed coronary arteries.

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is caused in part by the buildup of fatty proteins on the walls of the coronary arteries. Blood clots cut off blood flow, preventing oxygen and nutrients from getting to the heart. Both blood clots and the buildup of fatty proteins (also called plaque) on the walls of the coronary arteries may lead to a heart attack. Moreover, periodontal disease nearly doubles the likelihood that someone will suffer from coronary artery disease. Periodontal disease can also worsen existing heart conditions, so many patients who suffer from heart disease need to take antibiotics before any dental procedures. This is especially true of patients who are at greatest risk for contracting infective endocarditis (inflammation of the inner layer of the heart). The fact that more than 2,400 people die from heart disease each day makes it a major public health issue. It is also the leading killer of both men and women in the United States today.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the bone and gum tissues around the teeth, reducing or potentially eradicating the system that supports your teeth. It affects roughly 75 percent of Americans, and is the leading cause of adult tooth loss. People who suffer from periodontal disease may notice that their gums swell and/or bleed when they brush their teeth.

Although there is no definitive proof to support the theory that oral bacteria affects the heart, it is widely acknowledged better oral health contributes to overall better health. When people take good care of their teeth, get thorough exams, and a professional cleaning twice a year, the buildup of plaque on the teeth is lessened. A healthy, well-balanced diet will also contribute to better oral and heart health. There is a lot of truth to the saying "you are what you eat." If you have any questions about you periodontal disease and your overall health, give our Dallas office a call!

Emergency rooms are for emergencies, so before you head to the hospital because of a dental problem, you need to ask yourself this question: Is what you're experiencing really a medical emergency? While emergency room visits for dental related issues are on the rise across the United States , they’re not necessarily the best solution for every problem. Many people don't know about emergency dental care services, many of which are available 24/7, and so they go to the ER.

These types of statistics are common across the country. However, despite the numbers, not all dental problems are created equal. If you've experienced some type of injury to your mouth, jaw, or face, then an ER visit is a good idea, but if you're suffering from a toothache, cavity, or broken crown or veneer, then the ER is not the best place to handle the situation. If you're having a dental emergency, then seeking emergency dental care should be your course of action.

Seeking Long-Term Solutions

The ER doesn't provide a long-term solution to your dental issue; it only gives you temporary relief. There’s a chance they will simply hand you a prescription for pain medication and tell you to call your dentist in the morning. In the end, you’re going to be saddled with two medical bills, and nobody wants that. Even if the ER outfits you with a temporary crown or filling, you're still going to have to make a follow-up appointment our office.

There are numerous homemade remedies that can sooth tooth and gum pain. However, if you're experiencing a dental emergency, the ER is not the place to go. The specialized emergency team at Whitley Family Dental is available to take care of every dental problem you may have. In the case of a dental emergency, don't wait any longer than necessary. Feel free to contact our Dallas office at any time, day or night.