What Do Women (and Men!) Want?

What Do Women (and Men!) Want?

It may be a first date or it may be a long-term relationship, but whatever the goal, young women and men have clearly stated what the “must-haves” are – at least when it comes to initial attractiveness.

Recently a survey was done of over 5,000 single adults, and the results were surprising!

Fortunately, trust and respect both ranked as essential elements in a potential partner.  But before you can even get that far, close to half of the people surveyed claim they research someone online before meeting them, with 38% saying they would cancel the date if they didn’t like what they found!

Perhaps the most interesting part of the survey involved what others are judged on. The results differed for men and women, with women ranking their date’s clothing (58%) over hair (53%), and vice versa for men (51% for hair vs. 45% for clothes).

Fortunately, at the bottom of the list, only 9% judge others on the electronic device they carry. And towards the top for both sexes came grammar – so watch what you say!!

But least surprising (to us anyway) was the fact that the number one thing both sexes look at when sizing up their dates are…..teeth!

According to one very wise survey participant, “Taking care of your teeth is a good indicator of hygiene.” How true!

Anthropologist Helen Fisher, a professor at Rutgers University, agrees. She says “From a Darwinian perspective, good teeth are a real indication of your health – how much you drink, smoke, and what you’re eating.” Even more so, yellow, stained, uneven and otherwise unsightly teeth can leave a first impression that is hard to overturn.

Whether you are single, married, dating, or not interested – a healthy attractive smile says so much about you. That’s why regular preventive dental care is one of the most important things you can do for your appearance and physical well-being.

At Cosgrove Dental Care, we care about you and your smile! If you have any concerns about the appearance of your teeth or your dental health in general, we are here for you!! Whether it’s a confidential smile evaluation, problems with bad breath, or a routine dental cleaning – we will be glad to see you and answer any questions you may have. Please call us today at 205-967-4080. We can help!

Thomas P Cosgrove DMD, PC Earns Esteemed 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Thomas P Cosgrove DMD, PC Earns Esteemed 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Thomas P Cosgrove DMD, PC has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review service in 2013.

  

“Only about 5 percent of the companies Thomas P Cosgrove DMD, PC competes with in Birmingham AL are able to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a mark of consistently great customer service.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2013 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, have a fully complete profile, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2013 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

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Angie's List helps consumers have happy transactions with local service professionals in more than 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to healthcare. More than 2 million paid households use Angie's List to gain access to local ratings, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List Magazine and the Angie's List complaint resolution service.

Earth Day 2013

The global theme for Earth Day 2013: The Face of Climate Change.

For many, climate change seems like a remote problem, but the reality is that it’s already affecting people,
animals and places around the world. As these Faces of Climate Change begin to multiply, others are multiplying too: the faces of those stepping up to do something about it.

From now until Earth Day, Earth Day Network is collecting images to depict The Face of Climate Change. We've partnered with Earth Day Network to support the cause, and we need your help!

Upload your photos and share your stories at www.earthday.org/2013, or post your photos to Twitter or
Instagram using the hash-tag: #FaceOfClimate. And check out the Face of Climate Change photo display at
www.earthday.org/faces!

On and around Earth Day – April 22 – a massive digital display of these images will be shown at thousands of events around the world.

Together, we’ll personalize the challenge that climate change presents, while uniting people around the globe
into a powerful call to action. Go to www.earthday.org/2013 to learn more.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

April 2013 marks the 14th Annual Oral Cancer Awareness Month. 

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation approximately 42,000 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year, 8000 resulting in death. Dr Cosgrove wants to remind everyone that regular oral cancer screenings are the best method to detecting oral cancer early. Early detection is crucial, because the cancer can be treated  more easily. At Cosgrove Dental Care we utilize a device called VELscope to facilitate early detection. Call (205)967-4080 to schedule your oral cancer screening today!

To find out more about risk factors, signs, symptoms and treatment options visit the Oral Cancer Foundation, ADA and VELscope websites.

National Children's Dental Health Month

February is National Children's Dental Health Month (NCDHM)

The American Dental Association (ADA) encourages children to practice good oral health habits.
The ADA offers free downloadable oral health information to provide fun tools to promote the benefits of good oral health. The NCDHM program guide includes easy-to-do classroom activities and program planning timetable tips.

During NCDHM, it is particularly important to raise awareness of the plight of children from low income families, many of whom have difficulty eating, sleeping, paying attention in school and smiling due to rampant dental disease.

Call our office (205)967-4080 today to schedule an appointment for yourself or your children. Here at Thomas P. Cosgrove DMD, PC we welcome new patients!

Valentine’s Day – Are You And Your Mouth Ready?

You probably know that Valentine’s Day is February 14^th – but here are some interesting Valentine’s Day trivia facts you may not be aware of!!

·         Every year over 1 billion Valentine’s cards are sent – second only to Christmas.

·         The people who receive the most Valentine’s cards are teachers. They deserve it!

·        Most flowers sold in the U.S. on Valentine’s Day are imported from South America.

·         Richard Cadbury sold the first Valentine’s Day box of chocolates in 1868.

·         This year over $1 billion will be spent on Valentine’s chocolates.

·         It is believed that St. Valentine was put to death on February 14^th. His last letter to his love (the jailer’s daughter) was    signed, “From Your Valentine.”

·        NECCO has been making heart-shaped candies with sweet sayings since 1902!

·         Alexander Graham Bell applied for his telephone patent on Valentine’s Day in 1876. Many years later on February 14^th penicillin was introduced!

·        Men spend approximately twice as much as women for Valentine’s Day!

Okay – now that you are an expert on Valentine’s Day – is your mouth ready? Here are some things you can do to make sure!!

·         Avoid foods that can cause bad breath such as garlic, onions and curry. While these foods are believed to be healthy, they can cause a kissing disaster unless your mate participates too!

·         Use lip balm frequently. The cold winter months can make your lips feel like alligator skin!

·         Drink water often throughout the day. This washes food particles out of your mouth and prevents dehydration, a leading cause of foul breath.

·         If you are a fan of gum or mints, try those which contain Xylitol. Unlike sugar, it’s not harmful to your teeth, and actually fights off bad bacteria.

·         Mouthwash can be good, but if your mouthwash contains alcohol (as many do) be careful! It can dry out the tissues of your mouth causing damage and a characteristic bad smell.

If you are due for a dental cleaning, want to find out about tooth whitening, or have any dental questions, give us a call at (205)967-4080! After all, you want your Cupid kisses to be as pleasant as possible, and at Thomas P. Cosgrove DMD, PC, we do too!!!

Don’t Pass This On!!

Don’t Pass This On!! 

“She has her father’s gorgeous eyes!”

“He sings beautifully, just like his mother.”

“He’s so smart – must have gotten that from his Dad!”

“Just like her Mom – a natural athlete!”

We love to brag about our children, and it gives us extra pleasure when we think they inherited their positive traits from us! But how about when they get something from us that might not be so good?

According to a recent study performed at Rey Juan Carolos University of Madrid, fear of the dentist may be associated with a similar fear in their parents – especially the father!

“Children seem to mainly pay attention to the emotional reactions of the fathers when deciding if situations at the dentist are potentially stressful,” said study co-author Professor America Lara-Sacido. They went on to discuss that dental fear by either parent can set up their children for a lifetime of difficulty at the dentist.

At Cosgrove Dental Care, it is our goal to take dental fear out of the equation and make your dental visit as easy as possible. Our modern techniques and caring approach will provide you with the most pleasant dental experience imaginable. And if you have any worries at all, please feel free to discuss them with us.

Here are some tips from The American Dental Association on making your young child’s dental visit as easy as possible: 

• Consider making a morning appointment when children tend to be rested and cooperative.
• Keep any anxiety or concerns you have to yourself. Children can pick up on your emotions, so emphasize the positive.
• Never use a dental visit as a punishment or threat.
• Never bribe your child.
• Talk with your child about visiting the dentist.

And remember – if your child is anxious about a dental visit, it may be because of you!! Please come in and discuss any dental issues you may be having, and we will show you how modern dentistry is more comfortable than ever – and maybe even fun!

To make an appointment for any member of the family or to discuss your dental needs, please call us today at (205)967-4080. At Cosgrove Dental Care, your comfort is our primary concern!

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

We remember and honor all those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941

Happy Halloween!

Your Birmingham dentist, Dr Thomas Cosgrove would like to wish everyone a Happy Halloween!

Here are some Halloween Fun Facts brought to you by the ADA www.stopzombiemouth.com

Remember, after you indulge in all that candy, Brush Your Teeth!

October is National Dental Hygiene Month | Birmingham Dentist | Dr Thomas Cosgrove

Every October the American Dental Hygienist' Association attempts to raise awareness and promote good oral health. We want to remind you that your teeth and gums are an integral part of total body health!

Your Birmingham dentist, Dr. Thomas Cosgrove, would like to share the American Dental Associations simple tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

Brush twice a day for two minutes at a time
Most patients brush their teeth twice daily but research shows that a large number of patients are brushing for less than one minute at a time. Brushing for the full two minutes can reduce plaque buildup which helps prevent gum disease and cavities.

Floss daily
While brushing is important, it can only do so much for your overall oral health. Your toothbrush can not reach in between your teeth or underneath the gum line  Flossing is equally important because it removes food particles and plaque from between the teeth and below the gum line  Flossing also helps prevent gum disease and cavities.

Rinse with an ADA accepted mouthwash
Many people are unaware that the ADA now recommends rinsing with an anti-microbial mouthwash. Both plaque and gingivitis are reduced by supplementing your daily routine with a mouthwash. There are many brands available, choose a brand that carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance. If you have questions about which mouthwash is right for you, call our office at (205)967-4080 today!

Chew Sugar Free Gum
Clinical studies have shown that chewing a sugar free gum 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent cavities. Look for chewing gum that carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Remember that this is not a substitute for brushing and flossing!

Lastly, has it been 6 months since your last visit? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to schedule a checkup by calling our Birmingham dentist office at (205)967-4080. We proudly serve patients from Birmingham, Vestavia Hills, Cahaba Heights, Inverness, Mountain Brook, Homewood and all neighboring communities.