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