Valentine's Day is always a great day to pour yourself a nice glass of wine.  When you reach for that bottle this evening, choose red wine! Prior research has linked moderate red wine consumption with improved longevity and diminished risk of cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Researchers now say that red wine also has compounds that benefit oral health, preventing cavities and plaque buildup.

MSNBC reports in a recent article that the compounds found in red wine, called polyphenols, block a molecule made by the bacteria Streptococcus mutans, which is found in all of our mouths, according to researcher Hyun Koo, a microbiologist at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York. Normally, the bacteria break down the sugar we eat and form sticky molecules known scientifically as glucans. These glucans allow the bacteria to cling to our teeth, where acids they produce damage the tooth surfaces by eroding the enamel of our pearly whites, leading to cavities.

Future research hopes to find a way to add these red wine compounds to mouthwashes, toothpastes and chewing gum to help protect our teeth from plaque, cavities and tooth decay. But in the meantime, don’t be hesitant about pouring yourself a glass of red wine. Enjoy the vino and say “cheers” to the benefits!

It’s the holiday season, and, as AdWeek reports, the season for shoplifting. In AdWeek’s recent article, Steal This 'Tis the season, ye merry retailers, for shoplifting, author Robert Klara explains, “One in every 11 people who walk through the door will walk out with at least one item he or she didn't pay for.…retailers are likely to lose $119 billion to shoplifters this year.”

Klara continues to explain that three-quarters of shoplifters aren’t troubled teens; they’re adults – most with jobs – who succumb to temptation and desperation.

What are some hot ticket items people are stealing? Store security pros helped AdWeek identify the top ten stolen goods. This is where our geek interest comes to life: after #1, filet mignon, and #2, Jameson Irish Whiskey, comes the #3 most-stolen item – the electric toothbrush.

Now, in my personal experience, the electric toothbrush leaves an unbelievable clean feeling, unmatched by any manual brush on the market, but is it worth risking high fines and a possible arrest for a toothbrush? It sounds very silly to me.

What do you think, fellow geeks?

-Marisa Tranchina, Lanmark360 Social Media & PR Coordinator

I fondly remember my mom leaning over the bathroom sink with me and giving me my first "grown-up toothbrush." Actually, it is one of my earliest memories. I remember brushing my teeth with my sister's "Pearl Drops Tooth Gel" (am I showing my age?).

I just returned from a week-long trip with all of my nieces and nephews in Disney World. For those of you who know me, my parenting skills are lacking, to say the least. I figure... spoil the child, get less of a hassle. Much to my surprise, morning regimens before departing for the parks was pretty fluid. Six kids, three bathrooms... things went pretty smoothly. I did a little check on the kids' oral health habits and was surprised to find that ONLY one of the kids (a 15-year-old boy with type 1 diabetes and braces) had brought floss with them. 2 of the 6 kids tried to get out of the hotel room without brushing.

I tried my best to give a "cool/hip lecture" on the benefits of good oral health. Unfortunately, my message fell on deaf ears. There was definitely a "not me" attitude among the kids. I talked to them about my dental implant, my veneers and my scaling and root planings... blank stares glared back at me.

Kids are too distracted. Justin Bieber's new haircut is more important than a "fresh, kissable mouth." I remember being 7 years old and wanting that "fresh, kissable mouth." How does an oral health professional get their message through to this generation? There is no “silver bullet” answer, but I am open to any and all suggestions. Oh, and they were ALL oblivious to what a Registered Dental Hygienist was; apparently, their pedodontist doesn't employ one. I still haven't had the conversation with my sister-in-law yet.

I guess I should just be happy that the kids DID brush their teeth... even if the toothpaste had sparkle flakes in it?!?!

-Michael McCarthy, Lanmark360 CSO/Managing Partner

I just decided what to get my friends John and Erin this year for the holidays. They are a great couple who have everything they could ever want, and are truly difficult to buy gifts for. Historically, I would get them a dinner for two at a unique restaurant, or a couple’s massage/spa package. Well, I’m going to go out on a limb and buy each of them a gift certificate for a cleaning with my RDH!

What could be better? Am I the only one who feels like I’m walking on a cloud after a great prophy?!? I have had incredible massages at spas and resorts… but what could be better than an hour to rejuvenate one’s smile?!?

I may be onto something. I think I’m going to call my dentist and see if I can negotiate a 10-pack of cleanings at the practice with my RDH. Heck, he might even get some new patients out of it! I also guarantee that my Hygienist will do a great job educating my gift recipients on proper oral health!

I will be attending a traditional extended family Thanksgiving meal this year, so many of you probably will be as well.

I have come to realize that one of the things I am truly thankful for is good dentition and a great dental team. Sounds silly, but I mean it. No dentures, no cavities, no major restorative work waiting for me down the road.

I think I‘m going to shake things up a bit and bring numerous new toothbrushes, flossing devices and oral rinses to Thanksgiving this year. Rather than finding out what Aunt Doris did this past year, I am going to talk oral health. Remember, I am a dental geek.

Also, I’ll be able to remove any turkey residue that may be stuck in my dentition while I am AT my mother-in-law’s house.

Now I‘m looking forward to a fresh mouth on that three-hour ride home. Why have I never thought of this before?!?!