'Tis the Season For Holiday Parties

The holidays usher in bright lights, kind acts, and lots of social functions. Nothing is worse than visiting with some that has horrible breath in tight quarters. Don't let that person be you!

Photo Courtesy of: http://haynerdental.com/bad-breath-ask-your-iphone/

Staying hydrated during the winter months is just as important as it is in the summer. It is not as easy to realize you are dehydrated when the temperatures are cooler outside, however, your breath can be a great barometer of just how hydrated you are.

Office parties, family gatherings, and school events expose us to a lot of delicious foods during the holidays, but sometimes those odors can penetrate deep into the tissues of the mouth and the results are anything but pleasant. It is important to remember to drink plenty of fluids and to brush and floss regularly; doing so can remove unwanted bacteria from your mouth that contributes to bad breath.

We offer a fantastic product in our office called Smart Mouth Mouthwash that works incredibly well in the fight against bad breath. Used twice daily, this mouthwash will help you avoid any foul odors and embarrassment that can come from bad breath.  We carry flavors of mint and cinnamon. This mouthwash also makes a great gift idea. Once you try this mouthwash, and realize how great this product is, you will want to share it with your family and friends. Give yourself and those you love the 24 hour protection from bad breath.

Call today to pick up this revolutionary mouthwash today!

(541) 451-1440

One Stop Shopping!

It is that time of year again, when the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can get a little crazy. We want to make things easy for you. Stop by our office and order some very useful gifts for your loved ones this year. 

Don't spend your time or money on purchasing something that will only be used once or twice. Give a gift that will have meaning and great value for your friends and family.

Here is a sample of some of our great products available:

We also have some GREAT gift certificates available for dental services.

Give us a call or stop by to place your order. Don't wait because supplies are limited!

(541) 451-1440

Photo Source: http://www.pdconline.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/pic-howmuchsugar1.jpg

Today's blog post is short and "sweet" - the question is how sweet? 

Look around you right now. Do you have one of these seemingly innocent beverages sitting at your desk? What about your child's lunch?  Did you send them with one of these deceptive drinks?

They say seeing is believing, and we thought this photo was a perfect visual for the epidemic levels of sugar consumption through liquid beverages. It is easy to tell yourself that quenching your thirst is important in keeping you hydrated, but please pay attention to what your beverage of choice contains.

As always, nothing can beat the benefits from a nice cold glass of good ole' H20. Making small changes like swapping one of these beverages for water can make a big difference in not only your oral health care, but your over health as well.

Keep making those good choices!  

Speaking of good choices, have you made an appointment for your six-month checkup yet?  If not, please call us before the year end approaches. You want to use all of your HSA/FSA dollars before they run out.

Call today!

(541) 451-1440

Pique Your Child's Interest Level With Fun Tooth Facts!

The big school buses are rolling and school is in full swing again. Your child undoubtedly is learning new things every day. You play a key role in helping to educate them about their oral health care and the importance it plays in their future.

Keeping your child interested in oral hygiene care is critical for their future smile.  Children are naturally inquisitive, and learning fun facts about their teeth can be just what it takes to engage them in good habits.

We've complied a few websites that have some fun information, activities, and ideas to help you in this effort.  

Websites:

1)  http://2min2x.org/
2)  http://starsmilez.com/super-fun-dental-facts/
3)  http://www.knowyourteeth.com/
4)  http://dentistry.about.com/od/fundentalfacts/Fun_Dental_Facts.htm

Fun Tip:

Remember to keep toothbrushing time fun.  Kids love racing a timer, brushing to music, trying a new toothpaste, etc.  Taking them to the store to choose a new toothbrush can be a fun adventure for them. They love to make decisions, and if you help guide them now in making good choices with their oral healthcare, their good habits will last a lifetime.

Don't forget the printable toothbrushing chart at the top right of our blog page.  Your child can track their progress and bring it in for an extra prize out of our prize box to reward their hard work!

Call to schedule your six month check up today!

(541) 451-1440

Leading Cause of Tooth Loss Is....

Did you answer our Tuesday's Tip question correctly? The answer was FALSE - the leading cause of tooth loss is not cavities, it is gum disease.  You've heard the old adage, "Which comes first, the chicken or the egg?"  When it comes to gum disease the answer is clear.  Gum disease begins with plaque build up.  Plaque's best friend is bacteria, and bacteria's best friend is sugary, sticky or acidic substances found anything from drinks to candies.

We have all been told by our moms to brush our teeth for decades.  The main motivator behind such statements is to rid our mouths of bad breath.  After all, having really bad breath turns people off and our mom's want us to have friends, right?  Well, yes, but mom also wants to save money by preventing cavities.

The relationship between plaque and gum disease is intricate.  When teeth are cared for improperly, the breeding ground for bacteria is exponential in nature. Bacteria can reproduce quickly, and causes damage in a short period of time.  Within 20 seconds of eating sugary, sticky items, or drinking acidic juices and sodas the war on your teeth begins.  Plaque bathes your tooth in decay.  This plaque produces acid every second it is left on your precious enamel.

As plaque progresses in strength and acid content, it can embed in tiny holes on your tooth's surface, and even travel into pockets that have formed in your gums. This progression can lead to tooth decay, known as cavities, and even swollen and painful gums. If this happens, all warning lights should be going off in your mind.

If gum disease is caught early, tooth loss can be reduced greatly. There are so many wonderful treatments available today.  One of Dr. Clark's most successful treatments for gum disease is his use of laser light therapy on patients.  Read here for more information about this revolutionary tool.

Dr. Clark has seen such amazing results with Laser Light Therapy that he continues to advocate this treatment above all industry standard practices. Read about some of our success stories by clicking here.

If you have signs of gum disease which include red, swollen gums, bad breath, receding gums, deep pockets, loose or shifting teeth, please do no delay any further.  Although laser treatment can make drastic results possible, the earlier you treat gum disease the better your results will be.

Please call to schedule your consultation appointment today.  Dr. Clark would love to educate you on the the treatments that will be best for you or your loved ones.  

Call Today!

(541) 451-1440

Chewing Ice - A Hard Habit to Break

So, what was your answer to the question we posed yesterday in our Tuesday's Tip?  If you answered False, you were correct!

DentalPlans.com recently ran an article in the "why" behind the fact that chewing ice is down right dangerous for your teeth.  They highlighted a few reasons that we feel are worth repeating.

Chewing ice may harm your teeth
Your teeth are made up of enamel and dentin. According to OralAnswers.com, when you chew on ice, you're putting a great deal of pressure on your teeth and are at risk of wearing down the enamel, which can cause cracks or chips. When the enamel is chipped and dentin is exposed, your teeth will weaken and you may experience sensitivity.

It's a dangerous cycle
When you chew ice, you're creating a repetitive hot and cold cycle in your mouth, which can cause small cracks in the enamel. Not only will this weaken your teeth, but it could also cause serious problems with any fillings you may have. According to OralAnswers.com, a filling may expand faster than the tooth when exposed to hot and cold temperatures, which can shorten the life of the filling.

It could be the sign of something worse
Yahoo! Voices published an article by Kristie Leong, M.D., who said that if you constantly feel the urge to chew ice, it could be the sign of a serious condition called pica. This is a medical problem that causes people to have an urge to chew on things that have no nutritional value, such as ice or small rocks. This urge can sometimes be overwhelming and may lead to people chewing on dangerous items.

Furthermore, the doctor said that studies have shown that people with the iron deficiency anemia may be more likely to chew on ice than people who have enough iron, which is why you should consider seeing your doctor if you always chew on ice.

It can hurt your gums
Finally, bits of ice can be sharp, and you run the risk of puncturing your gums when you chew on them. Consider carrying sugar-free gum around so you'll have something else to chew instead of ice.

The bottom line?  Give chewing ice the cold shoulder! Your teeth work hard all day for you.  Giving them a little TLC by refraining from this chilly habit can make a huge difference in the long run.

Don't forget to call and schedule your consultation for Invisalign ortho treatment.  We are offering $200 off for a limited time.  Now's the time to get the smile you've always wanted!

(541) 451-1440

Aggressive Toothbrushing is Just as Bad as Aggressive Driving!

Photo Courtesy of Hub Pages.com

We know talking about gum disease is not the most exciting topic, but what is exciting is seeing the dramatic results of healing that takes place because of our multi-faceted approach to this common problem.

Gum disease can be hard to diagnose because pain is not always present.  Regular visits to the dentist allows Dr. Clark to establish baselines for your gums, enabling him to detect gum recession before it becomes catastrophic for your teeth.

While the causes of gum disease vary from genetics to tobacco use, a common cause that many don't think about is aggressive brushing of the teeth.

A simple way to control the pressure applied while you brush is to use an electric toothbrush.  These devices allow you to get a clean mouth without causing undue stress on your tooth enamel and gums.

Electric toothbrushes also make great gifts.  We have them available for purchase in our office.  We urge you to consider replacing your old toothbrush will one that will not only be better on your gums and teeth, but one that will consistently leave your mouth cleaner after each use.

Call us today to inquire about purchasing an electric toothbrush!

(541) 451-1440

Soda Not As Bad As Meth? Think Again!

US News and CBS News ran recent articles regarding the effects of soda and Meth on teeth. Would you believe that soda can have as damaging effects as Meth use does on your teeth?  The results of both are alarming.

A common ingredient found in sodas, sports drinks, some candy, and illegal drugs such as Meth or Crack Cocaine is acid.  The exposure to consistent acid breaks tooth enamel down very rapidly.  Not only do we see worn or discolored enamel as a common factor among soda drinkers, or drug users, we also see horrible pitting and eventual rotting of teeth if oral hygiene is neglected.

While illegal drugs will have a greater impact on teeth than soda overtime, the fact that damage is similar is enough of reason to discontinue soda consumption as much as possible.  We aren't saying you can't have a favorite soda on occasion, but we certainly recommend you brush your teeth after drinking soda or exposing your teeth to any acidic substance.  This will not only prevent the acid from sticking to the surface of your teeth, but it will limit the amount of sugar in your mouth which inhibits plaque growth.

Think twice the next time you reach for a soda.  Changing out even one soda a day for water can make a difference in your teeth.

Please call us if you have any concerns about your teeth.  We are here to help you prevent irreversible damage, which costs not only time, but money too!

Call to schedule a free consult today!

(541) 451-1440

Which Comes First, Sugar or the Cavity?

Did you say false?  Sounds confusing right?  

According to an article in The New York Times entitled:  The Claim:  More Sugar Leads to More Cavities, Anahad O'Connor shares that the amount of sugar you eat has less of an impact on cavities than the way you consume the sugar.

The article states, "Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria that line the teeth feed onsimple sugars, creating acid that destroys enamel. When you eat something sweet, it takes the bacteria about 20 seconds to convert it to acid, which then lasts for about 30 minutes.

That means that a can of soda is a lot less harmful to your teeth when consumed in a few minutes instead of over a couple hours with repeated sips, said Carole Palmer, a professor of public health and community service at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.

“Every time you present sugar to the bacteria, you’ll get acid formation,” said Dr. Palmer, who recently published a paper exploring dental myths in the journal Nutrition Today. “The things that are going to increase the risk of decay would not be the total amount of sugar at all, but what your feeding pattern is like. Are you someone that’s constantly sipping? Do you get one soda and keep it on your desk all afternoon? Do you get a cup of coffee with sugar and sip it all morning?”

For the same reason, many dentists advise parents not to use spill-resistant sippy cups too often, which have been linked in some studies to tooth decay in toddlers.

Dr. Palmer points out that it’s not just sugar, but anything with acid, like diet soda. One study even found that sour candy was significantly more destructive to tooth enamel than regular, sweet candy because of its acid levels.

THE BOTTOM LINE Small amounts of sugar eaten frequently increase cavities more than large amounts eaten infrequently."

While we do not advocate increasing the amount of sugar in your diet, we do encourage you to think about your consumption habits.  Exposing your teeth over long periods of time without brushing puts you at an increase for cavity production.  Keep a toothbrush and toothpaste in your drawer at work and brush after lunch.  Have sugar free gum available, preferably with Xylitol, to curb those afternoon cravings.  These small steps make a big difference over time.

Please call us if you have any concerns about cavities. The sooner you treat them, the better it is for your teeth and your pocketbook!

Call us at:

541-451-1440

True or False? Men have better oral health care habits than women

Yesterday, on our Facebook page we posed a question, how did you do?  

True or False - Men are more likely than women to have visited the dentist in the last year?

The answer?  FALSE!  Were you right?

DentalPlans.com posted an article this week citing the main reasons why women are in the lead when it comes to better oral health care habits.

We would like to highlight some of the points shared from new research found in the Journal of Periodontology. The top reason that women exceed men in oral hygiene is because they are proactive.  They stay on top of their oral hygiene at home, and keep regular dental visits; whereas, men typically visit the dentist only when there are obvious problems, or cosmetic issues that need to be addressed.

Statistically speaking, women also brush more often than men.  Because of this, men lose an average of 5 to 12 more teeth than women before the age of 72.  The higher range of tooth loss is directly associated with smoking. Because more men smoke, they are also at a greater risk for throat, tongue, and other mouth cancers.

The fact that more men are on medications that reduce the saliva production in the mouth, such as heart and high-blood pressure pills, the bacteria that causes cavities is more abundant, and with reduced oral health care, the results are rarely positive. 

Although the statistics favor women in this battle of the mouth, they are not all conclusive; they are subject to change with the implementation of simple, daily habits.

Dr. Clark has some very effective cavity prevention treatments that really make the difference in your overall hygiene care.  Please call us today to schedule a free consultation, and find the answers that can change your oral healthcare future.

For a free consultation, call:

(541) 451-1440

Do You Need a Little Help?

Is getting your children ready for bed a continual battle?  Do they try to negotiate their way out of brushing their teeth?  Don't worry, you are not alone!

While this scene plays out in American homes every night, the trade off for giving in to their pleading will actually end up costing you, and them...a lot!

Children know how to "push the right buttons" when you are tired at the end of the day.  You are not the only parent that gives in.  Many parents have relented due the incessant arguing at bedtime over teeth brushing.

We have found that children love incentives when it comes to caring for their teeth.  There is a great website full of fun suggestions, facts, ideas and educational material that may help you win this nighttime battle.  This website also has instructional videos that you can watch with your children.  Here is a link to the website, take a look, it might give you some helpful ideas.

http://2min2x.org/kids-healthy-mouths

In the top right corner of our blog we also have a fun printable chart you can customize for your children or grandchildren.  They love to see the boxes fill in.  They can even bring in their completed charts to their next exam for an extra prize our of our prize box.  Now what child wouldn't love that idea?

Although it may be a struggle to get your children to develop the habit of good oral health care, you will always win in the end.  A healthy mouth means a healthy child.  We believe in you and know that you can set a great example for your children in taking charge of their oral health care.

If you ever have any questions or concerns about your family's dental needs, please don't hesitate to call.  We are here for you!

Call to schedule your exam today!

(541) 451-1440

Is Your Mouth Telling On You?

If your mouth could speak, what would it say? Sounds funny right?  Your mouth speaks everyday. Although that is true, what if your mouth didn't need your brain to deliver you a message?  Well, the good news, or bad, is that it can.

Every time you sit in our dental office chair, your mouth shares a wealth of knowledge with us. For example, your teeth report the type of care they've received from you over the years.  Your gums even get in on the story telling and spill their secrets as we gently clean and floss them.

What kind of story do you want your mouth to share?  The best advice we can give you is to take care of those pearly whites and precious gums by paying attention to them every day.  They hold the future of what your smile and eating habits will be.  They may appear to be giving you the silent treatment most of the time, but trust us when we say they are taking careful notes!

We all love happy endings when we read a story, don't we?  As you take care of your teeth and gums you invest in a healthy future.  Brushing twice a day and flossing once is all that you need to do to help your mouth give you the happy ending you desire.

If it has been awhile since you have been in to see us, wait no longer.  The further you delay treatment, the sadder your tale will become.  Be the hero in your story today, give your mouth the attention and help it needs and deserves.

We look forward to being part of your 

Happily Ever After story!

Call to schedule an appointment today!

(541) 451-1440

Your Gums Are Telling You Something - Don't Ignore Them!

The Academy of General Dentistry published a short article on the correlation between periodontal or gum disease and other health problems throughout your body.  Staying up on your six month appointments can save your life.

The AGD reports, "Researchers are finding possible links between periodontal (gum) infections and other diseases throughout the body. Current studies suggest that there may be a link between gum disease and cardiovascular disease. In fact, some research suggests that gum disease may be a more serious risk factor for heart disease than high blood pressure (hypertension), smoking, high cholesterol, gender and age. Studies suggest that people who have gum disease seem to be at a higher risk for heart attacks, although no one is certain how this relationship works. Your oral health affects your overall health, but studies that will find exactly why these problems are linked are still underway."

So what can you do today?
1)  Consistently brush and floss, every single day.
2)  Schedule your semi-annual exam by calling us today.
3)  Listen to the warning signs in your mouth.

Dr. Clark has been able to diagnosis health issues and oral cancer before they have become untreatable many, many, times.  You owe it to yourself, and to your family to do all you can to stay healthy and happy.

Call us today to schedule your exam!

(541) 451-1440

It's Teacher Appreciation Week

Don't you love when people take the time to express their gratitude for the efforts you have made on their behalf? We seem to live in a world that demands more and more of us, yet takes a lot less time acknowledging the positive contributions that we make.  This is especially true when it comes to our teachers.  These brave men and women selflessly dedicate their time and talents to build a brighter future for all of us.  Teaching can be a thankless job, but let's not allow that to happen.

Have you ever stopped to wonder why apples are associated with teachers? DentalPlans.com has a great article that shares the history behind this tradition and we'd like to spotlight a couple of those ideas.  Since the 16th century apples have been associated with the teaching experience of variety, change and even growth.  Without nurture and care an apple tree would not live up to its full potential.  The same is true with our children.  Our teachers take those little seedlings and through consistent nurturing help them blossom and develop into full grown, fruitful trees.

Did you know that many dentists refer to apples as nature's toothbrush?  The benefits of apple consumption includes stimulating the gums and increasing the saliva in your mouth which reduces and fights plaque.  Including apples, as well as celery and carrots in your child's lunch gives them an added layer of protection against the battle of cavities that rages each day in your child's mouth.  Why not share this same natural wonder with your favorite teacher for teacher appreciate week?  Let your child's teacher know how much you appreciate the hard work he or she performs on behalf of your child.

We all desire a plentiful harvest at the end of each growing season and it is no different with our children.  Teachers and parents alike work in tandem to produce the best results.  Our futures will be bright as we make the effort to thank those who work tirelessly day to day in the trenches with our children.

Each one of us in our office fondly recalls a teacher or two that inspired us to be greater than we imagined we could be.  What would our world be like without teachers?  We hope we all will reach out and say thank you to a teacher who has made a difference in our lives today.

We salute you teachers!  

Dr. Dennis W. Clark & Team

(541) 451- 1440

How, When and What - Oral Health Care in Children

Photo Courtsey of Know
Your Teeth.com

A question we are often asked is "when can I expect my child's baby teeth to come in?"  As a general rule 6 to 7 months is the average time that most children have before any teeth erupt.  However, some children can have teeth appear as early as birth.  You can expect about 20 primary teeth to come in with 32 permanent teeth that will replace them as your child gets older.

By age 3 typically most children have all of their 20 primary teeth. Around the age of 5 or 6 is when some of these primary teeth will begin to loosen and fall out.  The process of replacing the primary teeth with permanent ones is complete, typically around the age of 12-13.  Usually around the age of 14 your child will have 28 permanent teeth in their mouth.  They also will have four additional teeth, or wisdom teeth, that grow behind the permanent teeth in their later teen years.

The reason primary teeth become loose is because the permanent teeth begin to push them out of the way.  The emotions your child can or will exhibit during this process can range from elation to great fear.  Your role, as their parent, is to let them know this is a normal process of life and to explain to them what they can expect.  Encourage them to get those primary teeth out the way to make room for their permanent teeth.  We have seen cases where children were too scared to pull out their primary teeth and the permanent ones fully erupt behind them.  There is nothing to be afraid of.  Whether you encourage visits from the "tooth fairy" as incentive or not, there are other ideas parents have come up with to incentivise their children to overcome their hesitancy or fear and pull their little teeth out.

Please call to schedule your child's semi-annual check up.  We can help you know what to expect through the great technology of our digital x-rays.  We can catch problems before they happen if we can see your children twice a year.  If at anytime your children requires some dental intervention to fix issues that may present themselves, you can be confident in our ability to work with you and your child to achieve the desired outcome of a healthy and happy child.

Call to schedule your appointment today!

(541) 451-1440

Options Abound!

We are continuing to celebrate National Nutrition month and found some more great ideas about healthy snacking from DeltaDental.com.  There is great power behind making smart choices when it comes to snack time.

• Choose nutrient-rich, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products. Treat your snacks like a mini-meal and choose items that you know will give you the nutrients you need.
• Plan snacks ahead of time. Keep a variety of nutritious ready-to-eat supplies on hand, such as whole-grain crackers, low-fat cheese and nuts.
• Instead of a sugary breakfast cereal or a starchy bagel, choose fruit, yogurt or a cup of oatmeal for your portable morning meal.
• Crisp fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots and celery not only help stimulate saliva flow, which helps clean plaque and food particles from teeth, but they are full of vitamins and minerals.
• Cheese and yogurt are easy, portable snacks that supply calcium and other vitamins and minerals for strong teeth.
• If you drink fruit juice, you should use a straw to keep it from having as much contact with your teeth.
• Rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste immediately after finishing your snack.

Take a few minutes today to choose one snack option that will boost your energy and oral health.  Your smile and your body will thank you for years to come!

Call us to receive 10% off of your next dental appointment.

(541) 451-1440

March - National Nutrition Month

How are your New Year's resolutions coming?  Many times we start off a new year with great intentions, but we quickly find that without hard work to back up those intentions, we loose ground quickly.

March is National Nutrition month and we would like to share a few ideas that Well-Being Wire posted in regards to making healthier choices.

Put the healthy foods in your fridge in an easy-to-reach spot. Easy to reach means easy to eat! If there are times when you go to the fridge for a snack, why not plan for them and put the most nutritious items out front while placing some of the others in the bottom drawer?

Add two healthy snacks to your shopping list. Planning really can set you free! So when snack time rolls around, you’ll be prepared. And at the store, it just may be easier to pass by the ice cream when you’ve got fresh berries on your list.

Plan a healthy meal with friends or as a family. Eating has always been a social activity. Suggest putting together a refreshing and healthy meal with some folks you care about, and if it’s a success, consider making it a recurring event.

Pick one whole grain food to eat at a meal or as a snack today. It could be a some whole wheat toast, oatmeal with fresh fruit, or maybe even some popcorn. Hearty whole grains come from a variety of sources and can be prepared in many different, and enjoyable, ways.

Gauge your hunger before biting into your next snack to see if you’re really hungry. Sometimes we eat because we’re bored, angry, or for a number of other reasons besides actually being hungry. If that’s the case, try reaching for a glass of water instead, or find something else to occupy your attention.

Put your fork down between bites at one meal today. When we eat slowly, we give our stomachs more time to realize that they are full, a feeling that can come several minutes after that last bite. So why not savor the meal and slow things down a little bit?

Treat yourself to a small bit of a food that you love today. Last but not least, let’s remember that people don’t eat nutrients, we eat foods, and we should enjoy them. So let’s be honest about the foods we love, choose a reasonable serving size, and enjoy!

These ideas are simple and easy to integrate into your daily routine.  Challenge yourself to do better and make it a family goal.  Small changes bring big dividends in the end.

Call today to schedule your routine cleaning and check up. Staying ahead of problems saves time and money!

(541) 451-1440

From the Mouth of Babes...

Picture Courtesy of MouthHealthy.org

As you know this month is National Children's Dental Health month and together we with the ADA we join the efforts in promoting healthy oral care habits in children.  The ADA says, "Teaching your child good oral hygiene habits early can lead to a lifelong healthy smile, but did you know that just because babies don’t have any visible teeth, doesn’t mean they can’t get cavities? A baby’s 20 primary teeth are already present in the jaws at birth. And those baby teeth that begin coming through the gums around 6 months help set the stage for future smiles by keeping space in the jaw for adult teeth."

How many adults do you know that suffer from the effects of poor oral hygiene in their younger years?  Taking care of your child's teeth now is like putting your money is a savings account.  It's a long term investment, with little risk, that will yield great dividends down the road.  Your children will follow your example when it comes to oral health care.  If toothbrushes, toothpaste and dental floss are readily available and you build them into your children's daily routine they will come to the point in their lives that a clean mouth becomes a desired habit.  Involving your children in purchasing those items can also get them excited about brushing and flossing.

We encourage you to bring your child in for their first dental appointment no later than their first birthday.  Visiting the dentist regularly is another way for them to build confidence in us, their dental care providers, and to create the lifelong habit of getting regular dental checkups and cleaning.  Back to the savings account, if you start early, the savings in the long run can be great.  We want to be part of your team,and help you give your children the best care they deserve.  We are behind you 100% in your efforts to keep your children healthy and happy!

Call to set up your child's 

checkup today!

(541) 451-1440

Join the Super Smile Team!

It's National Children's Dental Health Month in February and we are joining the ADA, American Dental Association in their effort to get the word out about encouraging early dental health habits in the lives of America's children.

The ADA is running a campaign this month inviting all children to join the Super Smile Team.  The idea is that they commit to brush their teeth for 2 minutes, twice daily.  Here is a fun poster showing their campaign.  

There are a lot of fun things you can do with your children to start them on their journey to great oral health care.  We suggest using a fun timer in the bathroom, taking them shopping for their new toothbrush, and also printing out a chart where they can track their efforts and progress.  

Watch this week for some fun printables on our Facebook and Google+ Page. If you haven't liked our Facebook page or looked at our Google+ Page we encourage you to do so.  We are always sharing great information to help you in your quest to stay healthy and happy!


Click here to print your child's Certificate for joining the Super Smile Team.

Call to schedule your annual 

cleaning exam today!

(541) 451-1440

Oral Healthcare Matters More Than You Think

Most of our patients are surprised when we teach them how poor oral hygiene can effect their entire body.

Have you considered that those bleeding gums mean you are 2xs likely to develop heart disease?  Did you know halitosis or bad breath has the same bacterial compounds found in rotten eggs?

Our bodies are amazing creations and if cared for properly, will give us many good years ahead. However these miraculous creations also come with an internal warning system and if the warning signs go unheeded we will be headed into a lot of trouble.

We encourage you to make the goal of staying consistent in your efforts with your oral healthcare. Many would never dream of dropping off a brand new car at the junk yard in hopes to exchange it for broken parts.  Don't treat your healthy mouth like that either. 

Take the time to brush, floss and get regular check ups for you and your loved ones this year.  Your overall health will thank you!

Call to schedule your dental 

cleaning today and receive an 

extra 10% off!

(541) 451-1440

Be You, Be True!

Shakespeare's quote, "To think own self be true..." carries a lot of truth and power. Beginning a new year causes each of us to reflect upon the last year, the choices we've made and the things we'd like to change.

With change comes great insight but we have to be careful to ask if the changes we are making are in tune with our true selves.  So many people today seem to be sucked into the falsehoods of media that seem to teach that you can never be happy with yourself.  The idea that you always need to "change" in order to be happier, richer, more popular etc. is freely promoted.  But if you stop and visit with someone that has been through many years in life they will tell you just the opposite.  True happiness comes from accepting yourself, serving others and loving those around you.  Happiness cannot be purchased. The more you give, the more you receive.

This year we challenge to you be true to who you really are and to not hold back the gifts and talents that are uniquely yours.  It is true that poor dental hygiene increases ones desire to hold back, to not smile and share openly with those around you. We can help you with these issues.  They are easily remedied.  We want you to feel confident in your ability to share with others and bless the lives of those who you come in contact with.

Start your new year out by honoring who you are and blessing your life with the gift of a healthy and happy smile.  The sky is the limit on the things you can do this year.  It is all up to you!  We would love to be part of the process of making this year the best it can be.

Call today to receive 10% off all dental services!  Dr. Clark would be more than happy to review what oral health needs you may have and help you devise a plan that will work with your budget.  Don't hold back any longer, now's the time to share everything that you have to share.

Call to schedule your New Year Exam!

(541) 451-1440