Aliso Viejo Dentist in His Community

San Juan Capistrano Man Has Dedicated His Life to Scouting   

    Richard Wheatfill started Scouting in Long Beach as a Cub Scout many years ago. After advancing in Boy Scouts, camping all over Southern California, he was immersed in school curriculum for many years on his way to becoming a dentist.
    While attending school in Chicago in 1972, Wheatfill began 35 years of adult scouting service a an Assistant Scoutmaster and Young Men’s President in his ward. He graduated from Northwestern University Dental School in 1976 as valedictorian and given the Alpha Omega Scholastic Award for highest GPA. He returned with his family to start a practice in Southern California and continued his involvement in scouting. Wheatfill has served as a Troop Committee member, as well as twice chairing the committee.
    On February 20, the Orange County Council of Boy Scouts of America honored Wheatfill and 19 other of its top volunteers at the annual Silver Beaver Awards dinner.
    This annual ceremony acknowledges outstanding volunteer achievement. The Silver Beaver Award, established in 1931, is granted by the National Council of Boy Scouts of America, upon recommendation of the local council, to those exhibiting exceptional service to youth. The local council is allotted a limited number of nominations yearly, making the Silver Beaver Award prestigious; for those who have given continuous, effective and self-less youth service through the programs of the Boy Scouts of America.
    San Juan Capistrano’s Wheatfill epitomizes the award. And he and his wife, Robin – whom he calls the love of his life – have passed the passion and service to their children, Shawn, Kevin, Kelly, Scott, and Cole. Shawn, Scott and Cole are also Eagle Scouts.
    Over the course of his Scouting career, Wheatfill has had Safety Afloat, Safe Swim Defense, Backpack Awareness course, WoodBadge at Camp Pendleton, Varsity Leader Fundamentals, New Leader Essentials, Outdoor Leadership Skills, one week Philmont Adult leader training, all the while keeping his Youth Protection Training current. He has served as institution representative, unit commissioner and as El Camino Real District Eagle Board chairman; since 2003 he has done more than 250 Eagle boards for those in his district.
    Wheatfill has been a merit badge counselor for home repairs, dentistry, snow sports, water skiing, fishing, first aid and family life.

To learn more about Dr. Richard Wheatfill, a Premier Dentist in Aliso Viejo, you can view his booth at www.DrWheatfill.com  or www.TheDentistExpo.com

Richard E. Wheatfill, D.D.S—
How Can Gum Disease Affect My Baby?
Important News For Moms-to-Be and their loved ones

    Pregnancy is an exciting time for the entire family! While it is important to eat healthy and exercise properly, you also need to take care of your teeth and gums.
   
    Scientists have recently learned that your oral health may affect your baby’s birth weight. Connections have been found by researchers at the University of North Carolina between gum disease (periodontitis) and pregnant women, whose babies were born too early or at a low birth-weight.

What is Periodontitis?
   
    Periodontitis is a bacterial gum infection that can lead to the destruction of the bone and the fibers that support the teeth. Signs of periodontitis may include tenderness, bleeding, and swelling of the gums or loose teeth. You may, however, have no signs at all and that is why it is important to see a dentist regularly during this critical time.

How Can Periodontitis Affect My Baby?
   
    As in other infections, when you have periodontitis, your body tries to fight the infection to stay healthy. Scientists believe that this fight produces byproducts and chemicals that can travel through your blood stream into other parts of your body. If these chemicals reach your uterus (womb), that may cause you to go into labor before your baby has fully developed. According to some estimates, periodontitis may contribute to as many as 45,500 preterm, low birth-weight babies every year in the United States alone. That is more than those attributed to smoking and alcohol use.

Facts about Preterm, Low Birth-Weight Babies
   
    Babies who are born before the 36th week of pregnancy (a normal pregnancy lasts 40 weeks) and weighing less that 5lbs 8oz are called preterm, low birth-weight babies. Some of these babies may develop slowly and experience serious health problems including cerebral palsy, epilepsy, chronic lung disease, learning disabilities and attention deficit disorder.
 
What You Can Do?
   
    Visit your dental professional several times while you are pregnant to have a dental examination and your teeth cleaned. Also, make certain to brush your teeth twice a day and floss at least once a day.

What Your Dental Professional Needs to Know

*Is your pregnancy high risk?
*Which month of pregnancy are you in? Are you taking any medications?
*Have you noticed gum swelling, redness, or bleeding?
*Have you noticed any changes in your teeth or gums?

A Final Word
    Taking care of your health, including caring for your teeth and gums, is a good way to help your unborn baby. By seeing your healthcare provider and maintaining good health, you may even give your baby a better chance to be born on time and at a healthy weight.
    As a father of 5 children and practicing family dentistry in excess of 25 years, I have found this information to be critical in the development of healthy babies.
    Dr. Wheatfill has been practicing dentistry in Aliso Viejo for 15 years. His office is located at 24502 Pacific Park Drive, Suite 106, in the Kaiser Permanente Medical building. He may be reached at (949) 643-1111.