The Clock is Ticking!

Believe it or not, November is almost over.  This year seems to have flown by!  It seems like the end of the year is always accompanied with a to do list that is longer than there is time left.  We hope this blog post will help you consider a few things that you might have forgotten.

For many companies this is open enrollment time for health benefits.  As a matter of fact many of you may be involved in that process right now with your current employer.  There seem to be many choices available to us but seldom do we fully comprehend how these benefits work in our favor.  We'd like to discuss a few items today to help you make your year end decisions.

Yearly Maximum

Insurance companies will pay a portion of your medical expenditures each year according to your policy limits.  Are you aware that these benefits will not roll to next year?  We never want our patients to be in a position that they lose benefits because they thought they could "put it off until next year."  Dental insurance is largely a use it or lose it policy.

Deductible

"Out with the old, in with the new" seems to be an appropriate motto for a new year right?  Pertaining to some things that motto works well, but starting over with a new deductible can be a painful experience for many families.  Make sure you understand what your deductible is so that you will not be surprised when your insurance company doesn't pay as much as you thought they would come bill time.

Insurance Fees

We spoke of Open Enrollment earlier; a new year can bring a new policy with different co pays or fees attached. While insurance policies aren't the most exciting reading material, taking the time to know what is being covered can save a lot of frustration down the road.  Each spouse should read and understand all policies you subscribe to.  Because you may not know what fees could be coming with a new policy it might be a good idea to come see us as soon as possible this year and take care of pending dental issues now.

Emergencies

You might be surprised how many end of the year parties and festivities are missed because of a dental emergency.  Most dental emergencies can be prevented if you stay up on your regular exams and dental cleanings.  Avoid a dental emergency this holiday season by using your benefits now.

DON'T WASTE YOUR HARD EARNED BENEFITS!  Every year thousands of dollars of unused benefits to go waste because people simply don't take the time to use them.  We would hate to see your benefits be wasted, please give us a call today and let us help you find out how to get the most out of your dental insurance.

We look forward to hearing from you very soon!

(541) 451-1440 or TEXT us at 541.6DC.DDS2

You Have a Cold, Why Do Your Teeth Hurt?

It's not uncommon during cold and flu season for us to receive a call from a patient who is experiencing painful symptoms in their teeth while at the same time they are suffering from a head cold.  There was a great article from massdental.org explaining the correlation between these two symptoms.

"You’re sniffling, coughing, and sneezing, and your sinuses feel as if they've gone on strike. You have a cold, or worse, the flu. As if that’s not bad enough, now your teeth are starting to ache. How can that be? Is there a connection between what’s going on with your drippy nose and your teeth? And is there anything you can do to ease the pain when your teeth have a “cold”?

The common cold is an acute infection of the upper respiratory tract caused by one or more of several viruses. Symptoms of the common cold may vary depending on the part of the respiratory tract involved, but almost all patients have nasal discharge, nasal congestion, and a sore throat.  Some patients may complain of fatigue and cough; other less-common symptoms include fever, headache, earache, and sensitive teeth.
In some cases, the common cold is brought on by a virus that causes a sinus infection. Symptoms of a
sinus infection are headache and severe pain localized in the region of the involved sinus. However, the roots
of the upper premolars and molars, along with the nerves supplying these structures, are in proximity to
the upper sinus. This relationship explains why dental symptoms are frequently associated with upper jaw sinus disease. The upper teeth close to the infected sinus also often ache, feel elongated, and are sensitive to pressure."

Alleviating toothache pain associated with the common cold or a sinus infection is possible.  We've discussed at length the importance of good oral hygiene habits; these include brushing at least twice a day, flossing every day and using a mouth rinse like Smart mouth will all improve your ability to fight off toothache pain.  

As you choose to eat healthy foods you strengthen your body's ability to fight off viruses faster.  If your teeth hurt during your sinus infection you can eat soft foods and avoid extreme temperatures in your food choices.  Often antibiotics are prescribed with sinus infections along with antihistamine usage.  May we suggest that you increase your water intake simultaneously.  Your body will be able to rid itself of the virus or infection easier and the water will keep your body's fluids loose and flowing.  This can cut down on the toothache pain as well.

Please feel free to call us if you are 

experiencing intense toothache pain due 

to a sinus infection or cold.

(541) 451-1440 or 

TEXT us at 541.6DC.DDS2

Working Together for Life-long Dental Health

“Be true to your teeth or they will be 

false to you!”

(one of Dr Clark’s many  “wise old sayings”)

NO!  We don’t have to lose teeth as we advance in maturity!  During the coming weeks I will provide a series of postings to help us keep our teeth and gums healthy, attractive, functional and comfortable. A healthy mouth can help us have a long and healthy life.

High Risk Problem: Dry mouth. 

Many more mature people have this challenge. But anyone with dry mouth can benefit from this discussion.

Dry mouth can cause a dramatic increase in both tooth decay and gum disease. This is because the acid produced by plaque does not get diluted or neutralized by saliva flowing over your teeth and gums.  

Causes: Dry mouth can be caused by a number of different factors. Medications, mouth breathing/snoring, CPAP devices, alcohol containing mouth washes, alcohol consumption, smoking, and high speed travel with your mouth open (ha,ha).  

What YOU can do:

1. Dry mouth products: I personally use over-the-counter Biotene products. I recommend their PBF Tooth paste and mouth wash, moisturizing spray, and moisturizing gel to apply to teeth and gums as needed and before sleeping. We sometimes have samples of these products.

2. Be sure to keep your teeth extra clean, especially along the gums and between the teeth. The most important time to clean your teeth is just before bed.  Most people have less saliva while sleeping so remaining bacteria and food debris do more damage at night.  

3. Choose xylitol containing: fluoride toothpaste, candy, and sugar replacements.

4. Use only alcohol free mouth washes. Smart mouth 12 hour breath rinse fights tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath.

How WE can help:

1. NEW!  We are now offering a series of low cost chemical treatments to arrest cavities that have started and kill off the bacteria which cause cavities.  This can decrease sensitivity and buy you some time to complete your needed dental treatments.

2. Smart mouth 12 hour mouth rinse – we offer larger bottles than are available in retail stores at a lower cost per ounce.

3. In office and at home fluoride varnish treatments.  We now use a fluoride varnish which lasts longer by sticking to your teeth in the areas where you most need it.

4. Regular professional cleanings and checkups to detect problems early.

We look forward to helping you overcome some simple

 challenges now, so that your future is bright and your teeth

 are strong!

Call us today to schedule a free consultation!

(541) 451-1440 or 

TEXT us at 541.6DC.DDS2