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.

Fun Facts about Flossing

Fun Facts about Flossing:

1.Less than half of Americans floss daily; with men flossing less than women.

2.Brushing your teeth without flossing is like only washing 70% of your body.

3.Dental floss was first manufactured in 1882 and was made of silk.

4.In 1994 a prison inmate in West Virginia braided floss into a rope, scaled a wall and escaped.

5.If flossing properly, the average person should use 122 yards of floss per year. Sales data shows that only an average of 18 yards is sold per person each year.

6.If you don't floss, you miss cleaning 35% of you tooth surfaces.

7.Over 3 million miles of dental floss is purchased in North America each year.

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.

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.

Mmmm! National Apple Month

Did you know that October is National Apple Month? Well, it is and we just LOVE apples this time of the year!

Remember that old saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"? Well, research proves it is TRUE!

Your caring Birmingham dentist,  Dr Cosgrove is dedicated to helping you  maintain a healthy mouth and a healthy lifestyle, so, check out U.S. Apple Association for great apple resources like health facts, apple news and great recipes!

Just remember, after eating an apple it is still important to brush your teeth!

Going Viral!

Dr Cosgrove is going viral! Check out our Virtual Business Card via Vistaprint.

You will find all our business information including handy links to our social media pages and a map to our office!

Think Pink!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, the fight against breast cancer doesn't begin or end in October! Raising awareness is a year-round job.

Here are some of the facts:
*1 in 8 will be struck by the disease at some point in their life.
*More than 70% will have no identifiable risk factors.
*Getting fewer than 6 hours of sleep can lead to low grade inflammation which may be linked to cancer.
*Early detection saves lives!
*Being active at least 10 hours/week improves your odds by 30 %

What can you do? Learn your family history and protect yourself by living healthy.

Learn 3 more ways to reduce your risk:

http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/2012/10/3-smart-tips-to-reduce-your-br.html

Birmingham dentist, Dr Cosgrove and his team are proud to support breastcancer.org and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Five Signs That You Have The WRONG Dental Insurance!

If you have dental insurance-congratulations! Dental insurance is a fantastic way for you to get assistance in paying for your dental health care.

Your dental insurance was chosen for you by your employer based on many factors. While all dental insurance plans differ, one thing that most have in common is that they stress prevention-keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible through regular dental examinations, necessary x-rays and dental cleanings.

When it comes to covering other services such as dental fillings, crowns, gum disease treatment, the replacement of missing teeth and more-insurance programs vary widely. The good thing is that even a little bit of help in paying for your dental care is better than nothing at all.

However, as a service to our patients and our community, we would like to point out five sure signs that you may have the wrong dental insurance.

1) The "fine print" on your plan requires a medical grade microscope to read and is in Swahili.
2) The insurance company's "on hold music" is The Complete Works of Beethoven-and you've heard it three     times.
3) A non-covered pre-existing condition is the presence of teeth.
4) You are restricted to seeing just dentist on a list and the only dentist in your area is Steve Martin from Little Shop of Horrors.
5) In order to save money, the insurance company requires that you visit a foot doctor at the same time as your dental appointment. Since they are working on different ends of your body it should not interfere.

Hopefully, you got a chuckle out of these warning signs. But even if you didn't recognize any, we realize that dental insurance can be very confusing.

At Thomas P Cosgrove DMD, PC, we know that you may have questions about your dental insurance and we are here to help. We take pleasure in working with you to maximize you benefits so that you get the best coverage possible. Please give us a call at (205) 967-4080 to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Most importantly, whether you have dental insurance or not, we will team up with you to get your teeth and gums in the healthiest condition possible and give you the smile of your dreams!!! Please do not hesitate to call or stop by.

Happy Fourth of July!

As we gear up for all of the fun holiday festivities; Parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues, we remember to give thanks for the freedoms we have as Americans.

Dr Thomas P Cosgrove and his team would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Our office will be closed on July 4th and will resume normal business hours on Thursday July 5th.

Dr Cosgrove offers Care Credit!

Ready to start your dental treatment? Dr Cosgrove will pay the interest for you! We offer interest free financing through Care Credit. Call (205)967-4080 today for details!

Dr Thomas P. Cosgrove awarded 2011 Super Service Award by Angie's List

  www.angieslist.com

Thomas P. Cosgrove DMD, PC Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects businesses’ consistently high level of customer service

Thomas P.Cosgrove DMD, PC has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.

“I have been a patient of Dr. Cosgrove’s since I moved to Birmingham in 2004. I thought I would never say this but it is a delight to go to the dentist! He plays great music, he is funny, and his work is not that bad ;-) He has done some cosmetic work and I get compliments on my smile all the time. I highly recommend Dr. Cosgrove for all dental needs.” – Jana W.

“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling customer service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “The fact that Thomas P. Cosgrove DMD, PC can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about his dedication to consumers.

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service business ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2011 Super Service Award logo next to business names in search results on AngiesList.com.

Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 1 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news.

June is National Dairy Month

Did you know that adding low fat dairy to your diet can help promote good oral health and combined with brushing and flossing can even help minimize the risk of tooth decay? To find out more about the research read the articles below.

http://www.gotmilk.com/#/health-benefits/page/teeth

http://www.cda.org/library/cda_member/pubs/journal/jour0506/merritt.pdf

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21335990

Share your summer plans with us!

Dr Cosgrove and our team at Cosgrove Dental Care want to know: What are your summer plans? Planning an exciting summer vacation? Hanging out around town with friends and family? Let us know!

Please share your exciting summer plans and experiences with us here or on our Facebook page! We would like to wish all of our patients and their families a safe and fun summer!

Welcome to our dental blog!

Dr. Thomas P. Cosgrove DMD of Cosgrove Dental Care has been helping people keep their smiles healthy and beautiful in Birmingham, AL since 1995.

We love what we do and appreciate all of our trusting patients.We take a comprehensive approach to your dental needs combining preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry to help you achieve the smile you want and deserve.

Dr Cosgrove invites you to learn more about our practice by calling our office at (205)967-4080 or visiting our website at www.cosgrovedentalcare.com