2 Min 2 Times a Day

Two minutes, twice a day - that is all our teeth need to stay in tip top shape. Are you giving your teeth what they deserve?

Grace Gold, in an article entitled, The Gross Truth About How Often We Actually Brush Our Teeth shared some great information:

In a poll of 562 people around the world (including 332 Americans), 49% of men and 57% of women said they brush their teeth only once a day on average, while 44% of men and 37% of women said they were twice-daily brushers.

Experts say that brushing your teeth twice a day isn’t a novelty, but a necessity.

“It’s very important to brush in the morning to get rid of bacteria, as well as at night after a full day of eating, drinking, and accumulating plaque,” New York cosmetic dentist, Lana Rozenberg, DDS tells Yahoo Health. “Bacteria that adheres to plaque causes tooth decay and gum disease over time.” 

Add to this the fact that “most people brush their teeth on the average for just 30 seconds, and that’s not nearly enough,” says Rozenberg.

To prevent plaque, tartar, and teeth issues like cavities, brush twice a day for a complete two minutes using a stopwatch or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer. Be gentle yet thorough; tooth enamel can be worn down and weakened with over-aggressive pressure and abrasive formula ingredients particularly common in whitening products. Move in small circles at a 45-degree angle around each tooth for the deepest cleanse.

After brushing around the surface of teeth, be sure to move to the part where bacteria build-up is the worst: right at the gum line. When plaque and tartar compound here, gums can become swollen and infected, leading to conditions like gingivitis — or chronically inflamed gums — that can evolve into more serious periodontal diseases. “It’s also a good idea to brush your tongue, since a lot of bacteria hide in tongue crevices and can cause bad breath,” adds Rozenberg.

New Years Resolutions are right around the corner. If you are not brushing regularly, this would be a perfect habit to work on, but you don't need to wait until January - start today! Your teeth do an important job every single day. Giving them just two minutes, twice a day, can make a world of difference!

If you are concerned about bleeding gums or loose teeth, please do not delay in calling us. Early intervention can save you money, time and even your teeth!

Have Concerns? Please Call:

 (541) 451-1440 

Bad Breath Be Gone!

It's the time of year when we are in close quarters with others, especially during holiday parties and celebrations. 

Give yourself the confidence of knowing that your breath is fresh and not offensive to those around you.

Here are some quick tips to keep your breath smelling fresh:

1. Brush and floss daily, especially after meals. Make sure you brush your tongue thoroughly.

2. Use SmartMouth mouthwash daily. This alone will combat the awful odors that come from bad breath or halitosis.

3. Stay hydrated. We forget that drinking plenty of water is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer.

4. Use sugar free gum or mints if you need a quick refresher. Gum or mints including xylitol are suggested.


Don't just mask the foul odors of bad breath. Using the proper techniques while brushing and flossing, as well as using the best products will make a huge difference. You will be more confident in approaching others because you know your mouth is healthy, happy, and clean.



 

Call or stop by to pick up some of

 these great products!

We only have a few of these great gift ideas left. Get yours today!

(541) 451-1440

www.laserdennist.com

Ready, Set, Quiz Time!

Ready, Set, Quiz Time!

How many of these dental facts did you know? 

How many of the oral hygiene tips do you follow? 

Now that is the real question!

Courtesy of Beacon Cove Dental

Not everyone applies what they know, but we want that to be different for you. Staying up on oral health care is not hard, and the benefits are huge! 

Tell your teeth you are grateful for all they do for you by simply taking care of them. Less than five minutes a day can be the difference between and healthy, happy mouth, or a sad, weak mouth.

Call to schedule your cleaning 

exam before your benefits 

run out!

(541) 451-1440

www.laserdennist.com

We're Talking Floss!

November 27th is National Flossing Day, did you know that? Flossing is an oft ignored step in an oral health care. Thankfully technology has provided several alternatives to flossing. We are positive one of the options out there will fit your schedule and preferences perfectly. 

Our challenge to you this month is to find a flossing method that works and stick to it. You've heard it takes 21 days to create a habit. We promise after you start flossing regularly, you will notice the difference. You won't like how your teeth feel when you skip flossing, even one time.

Will you accept our challenge?

If you missed the video our hygienist Catherine did last month, take a moment to listen to her four tips for a healthy mouth.

If you have any questions or concerns about flossing, especially if you have bleeding gums, please call us immediately.

(541) 451-4011

www.LaserDennisT.com

Will It Be a Trick or a Treat This Year?

That SPOOKY time of year is here again! In a matter of days your neighborhood will be crawling with all sorts of ghouls and goblins.

We want to remind you a few safety tips to make sure Halloween night is fun for all.

Tip 1
Eat dinner before you take the kids trick-or-treating. Starting off with a full belly will limit the amount of candy your kids will eat late at night.

Tip 2
Take a light source. Whether you use a flashlight, reflective clothing or lighted ropes, make sure others can see you and your goblin clearly.

Tip 3
Stick to a familiar route. It's always a good idea to go trick-or-treating with your children. Choose a route that is well lit and familiar. This is a great time to say hello to your neighbors and introduce your children to other adults that are "safe" in your surrounding area.

Tip 4
Watch this video from our hygienist Dessa for some good tips to keep your teeth healthy and happy through the infestation of all things sweet!

Happy Haunting!

Call us with any questions or concerns about your oral health care needs

(541) 451-1440

Follow us on Facebook to receive some great tips and fun facts that will boost your oral health IQ!

Don't Do It - Don't Use Your Teeth to Open That Package!

When we talk about dental tools, we are not referring to your teeth!

Think about it, the last time you needed to tear some tape off the roll, did you use your teeth? Are you a nail biter? And CRINGE - have you ever used your teeth to open a bottle cap?

The tales of "what happened" when people come in for a tooth repair never cease to amaze us. Sure, your teeth are convenient, you bring them everywhere you go, but please stop to think the next time you want to use your teeth for something other than eating.

We humans love the convenience of using our teeth to open a bag of chips, ripping off tags from clothes, even for chomping on really hard ice. Another habit that most people don't even recognize themselves doing is putting pens or pencils into their mouths. Not only can you spread germs by doing this, but the simple truth is, it is not good for your oral health! These habits can not only break your teeth, but they can undo expensive dental work at the same time.

Our suggestion is to make a concerted effort to recognize which of these "no-nos" you fall prey to regularly. The second step would then be to do something about it. The next time you go to use your teeth as a tool, stop, and tell yourself that your smile is too valuable. Take that extra 5 seconds to find the tool you should have grabbed in the first place. That five seconds can make a world of difference in your mouth, and in your wallet!

If you have a broken tooth, please contact us now. Waiting can make the problem even worse. We can help you decide which option is best so that you can protect your mouth from further damage. 

We are always here to help! 

Don't hesitate to call.

(541)-451-1440

Check out our website for great oral healthcare information:

www.LaserdennisT.com

October is Eat Better, Eat Together Month!

Graphic Courtesy of prweb.com

Did you know October is National Eat Better, Eat Together month? Yep, it sure is! So what does that mean for you? Believe or not, family mealtime is making a comeback. Even though schedules seem to be heavily loaded, families across our nation are making time to eat dinner together whenever possible.

Why would we eat better if we are together? Of course, this statement is under the presumption that mealtime is taking place at home. While there are healthy take out or restaurant choices available, it is easier to make nutritious meals in the comfort of your own home.

Studies have shown that families that eat at home decrease their caloric intake substantially, and their food choices are much healthier than if they eat out. This special sit down time is also a great way to connect and check in with your family members. Ask them about their day, find out what they are concerned about, and talk about the family schedule so everyone is on the same page.

How can you make mealtime happen in your home? 
An old adage says, "if it is worth doing, it is worth doing right". This can be applied to family mealtimes. Taking the time to plan ahead is critical, and can be taxing at times. but so worth it! However, if you involve your family members in the meal planning process, the complaints come mealtime will decrease because they had a say in the choices made. You may be surprised to find that you have at least 30 meals in your family cookbook - this means you can promise your children no meal will be repeated during the month. That is easier than it sounds, and gets great results.

Is it my turn again?
We also encourage giving each member of your family one night of the week where they are in charge of preparing the meal either alone, or with adult supervision as needed. Not only are you teaching great skills to prepare your children to live on their own, the valuable interaction time between parent and child can become a special tradition. It is amazing how complaining seems to subside when your child figures out how much effort goes into meal preparation. You might even get an increased amount of thank yous for your own efforts!

Step out of your comfort zone.
Choose one meal a week where you try a new recipe. It is easy to get stuck in the same menu choices, but if as a family you contribute one new recipe a week to your menu plan, your menu selection will multiply. Trying new recipes also gives children the chance to expand their pallet. What they didn't like last year, may become a favorite this year. You never know until you try!

We hope you enjoy "eat better, eat together" this month. Let us know what successes you have and what ideas you come up with as a family to implement. With the holidays around the corner, making healthy choices at mealtimes can help you and your loved ones make better choices throughout the holidays.

Have you scheduled your cleaning? 

Call today and take advantage

 of your 2015 dental benefits before they run out!

(541) 451-1440

www.laserdennist.com

Oral Bacteria Linked to Alzheimer's Disease

Dentistry Today ran a fascinating article on the connection between oral bacteria and Alzheimer's disease.

Research in the Journal of Oral Microbiology has shown that once oral bacteria passes the blood-brain barrier, any of them can be implicated in Alzheimer's Disease. While this study focused primarily on two fungal proteins, there are over 900 different bacteria in the mouth at any given time.

Late-onset Alzheimer's Disease is not related to one single cause, rather a combination of factors including genetics and environmental factors. While a long-term treatment of antibiotics would be impractical, the most successful way to combat this link to Alzheimer's is to have excellent oral health care habits.

This month, as we focus on National Hygiene Month, we can't emphasize enough how important staying up on your semi-annual cleanings and exams can be. Dr. Clark and our hygienists has been able to prevent major health problems, as well as detect the onset of serious medical conditions in some of our patients because they were consistent with their exams.

Your health and life is valuable. Taking that extra few minutes every day to brush and floss, and then schedule your semi-annual cleanings can give you the edge in staying healthy and active for years to come.

If you have gum disease now, or have skipped your last exam, please call to schedule your appointment today. 

Don't Risk Your Health!

541-451-1440

Our website has great information for all of your 

oral health care needs.

www.laserdennist.com

Rock-n-Roll Your Way to a Happy Smile!

Click the picture to see the video

October is National Hygiene Month and we want to help you celebrate creating new and lasting habits of great oral healthcare. One way to instill good habits in your family is by making oral healthcare fun.

The American Dental Association has created some fun tools to get your children excited about brushing and flossing. Let us introduce you to Dudley and Friends. Click here to watch their fun music video with your children. When children associate an activity with something they enjoy, they are more likely to develop a good habit.

We know helping children can be difficult, but the benefits far outweigh the inconveniences. Using fun little songs like this one from Dudley and his friends makes brushing and flossing more enjoyable. Explore the great resources that the ADA has to offer on their website. You'll find tools, tips, and suggestions that will help you make a difference in the oral health care habits of your family.

Take advantage of your dental insurance benefits before they run out!

Call to schedule your 

hygiene cleaning today

(541) 451-1440

I Feel a Song Comin' On!

Photo Courtesy of PatientConnect.com

With school back in session, many children choose to participate in their school music program. This is a wonderful skill to learn, and research proves playing a musical instrument enhances a child's overall ability to learn.

There are, however, a couple of things to consider. First of all musical instruments can be a prolific breeding ground for bacteria. Brass and wind instruments can harbor molds, yeast and bacteria which can result in asthma or a host of other illnesses. Regularly cleaning instruments is your best line of defense against these harmful substances.

The second issue that presents problems for your child is lip and tooth trauma. PatientConnect.com indicates because playing a wind or brass instrument requires the player to forcefully hold their instrument against or within the lips to produce a sound, this pressure can present problems for delicate lip tissue and growing teeth. There are soft acrylic guards that can be purchased to offset some of this pressure, and are especially common for children who wear braces.

The outbreak of cold sores can also be associated to playing musical instruments. By monitoring these outbreaks and noticing where the cold sores appear can help you mitigate the pain associated with cold sores. For woodwind instruments these outbreaks tend to be on the lower lip, whereas for brass instrument musicians the outbreaks tend to happen on the lower lip. And strangely enough, woodwind players can experience outbreaks twice as much as non-musicians.

With a little care and attention to the cleaning of musical instruments, your children can enjoy this wonderful skill and develop it with confidence. The benefits far outweigh the risks, but including a routine scheduled cleaning of your child's instrument will keep your child healthier and happier in their oral health care needs.

If you have any questions about this topic, feel free to contact our office. Dr. Clark can easily tell if your child's music instrument is causing damage to your child's tender teeth, and offer suggestions of how to prevent further damage.

As Dr. Clark likes to say, "I feel a song comin' on!" Keep on learning, keep on singing and keep on playing that wonderful music!

Call us with any questions

(541) 451-1440

Do I Need to Wear a Mouthguard?

My child doesn't play hockey or football, is a mouthguard really necessary? 

We hear this question often, and the answer is a resounding yes. There are many sports activities that place our teeth in danger, and wearing a mouthguard is by far one of the best ways to prevent serious injury.

Although mouth injuries can still occur with a mouthguard, the severity is always lessened. A good rule of thumb is to wear a mouthguard in an activity when you can accidentally fall or run into a wall or another person with force.

No doubt you've seen the ready-made mouthguards in the toothpaste aisle at your grocery store. While this type of mouthguard can offer some support, it is not an exact fit, and so protection is not at its fullest.

Dr. Clark and his team can make you a custom made mouthguard that will give you the best fit and most comfortable protection. Having mouthguards sit firmly in your mouth, surrounding all teeth is the key to protect against sudden impact.

Call today if you have any 

questions about mouthguards.

(541) 451-1440

Our website has great information for all of your 

oral health care needs.

www.laserdennist.com

Sources:

'Mouthguards." Delta Dental, http://oralhealth.deltadental.com/adolescent/Safety/22,21533n

“Mouthguards.” Mouth Healthy, American Dental Association. www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/m/mouthguardsAccessed 2013 - See more at: http://oralhealth.deltadental.com/adolescent/Safety/22,21533n#sthash.sacNCmRN.dpuf

The Cost of Missing School

As our children head back to school, it is important they do not become distracted by common dental aches and pains caused from untreated cavities. Although toothaches are common among school-age children, some toothaches need immediate attention.

Photo Courtesy Children's Dental Health Project

Children's Dental Health Project shares two common problems that missing school can cause:

• Dental pain can lead to school absences. North Carolina children with poor oral health were nearly three times more likely to miss school due to dental pain. Such absences were linked to lower school performance.  
• Students with toothaches may have lower GPAs. A Los Angeles study found that children with toothaches were four times more likely to have a low grade-point average. Children's dental problems also caused parents to lose an average of 2.5 days from work or school. 

If your child seems to be continually complaining of a toothache, please don't ignore her. It only takes a few minutes to swing by our office so we can take a look at what might be causing the pain. Listening to the cues our bodies give us is key to maintaining good oral health.

Call today if you have any questions about toothaches.

(541) 451-1440

Our website has great information for all of your oral health care needs.

www.laserdennist.com

No Cut, No Sew, No Fear!

The simple phrase "gum surgery" can strike fear into anyone's mind, however, with technology today, this is no longer the case.

Dr. Clark has been performing the No Cut, No Sew Gum surgery since 2002 called LANAP or Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure.

We could talk all day long about the amazing benefits this procedure provides, but we thought you might like to hear if from one of our patients, Tim Wilson, share his story with you.

Patients undergoing laser gum disease treatment enjoy a number of benefits, including a fast healing time, bone regeneration, and low or no risk of gum recession. There is far less bleeding (if any) with this procedure and most patients can return to their regular activities the following day. 

If you have been diagnosed with gum disease and need treatment right away, this minimally-invasive procedure may be right for you.

Please do not hesitate to call and schedule a free consult. Relief from loose teeth is possible. No longer are dentures your only alternative to replace loose teeth.

Call Us Today!

(541) 451-1440

Find more patient testimonials at:

http://www.laserdennist.com/new-patients/patient-testimonials

Is Your Child Missing School?

Has your child missed valuable instruction time at school due to dental problems?

Surprisingly 31% of parents answer in the affirmative that they have had to pull their child out of school due to a dental problem.

In a study conducted by Dental Dental, they broke down the school absenteeism in this fashion:

• How much school missed: 18 percent of parents reported their children missed at least a half a day of school, four percent said their children missed one day, four percent reported children missing two days and six percent said their children had to miss three or more days.
• By region: School children in the Northeast reported the most absences because of a dental issue, with 36 percent of parents reporting their six to 12 year olds missed school, followed by the South (33 percent) , the Midwest (28 percent) and the West (28 percent).
• By parents' age: Parents age 35-44 reported the most amount of school missed by their children (35 percent), followed closely by parents 18-34 (34 percent), while parents 45 and older reported the least amount of school missed (19 percent).

So what does this data tell us? Many of the oral health care issues our children, and even ourselves experience, can be thwarted with a few simple tips. You've heard these steps or tips before, but they bear repeating, especially if it can help your children remain in school.

• Brush all surfaces of the teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Brush gently for about two minutes and pay special attention to the gum line.
• Floss at least once a day.
• Limit not only sugary snacks but also high-starch or refined carbohydrate foods. These include foods like chips, pretzels, cookies, breads, and dried fruits, including raisins. The bacteria that cause tooth decay thrive on simple sugars, especially those in sticky foods and treats.
• Limit fruit juice or other sweet/sugary drinks to mealtimes. Between meals and especially at bedtime, give your child water, it keeps them hydrated and helps prevent tooth-decay if your community water is fluoridated.
• And, of course, go to the dentist early enough before school starts to learn about current or looming issues that could pose a problem. 

lt is our hope that by reviewing these simple tips and evaluating your own personal habits of oral health care and hygiene in your home, you will find happier, healthier mouths and brighter children because they are not missing school or suffering needlessly from dental issues that can be avoided.

If you have any questions about your dental needs, please do not hesitate to call. One phone call can save yourself time and money by preventing further problems from developing.

We are here to help!

(541) 451-1440

Cheer Your Child On!

Getting your children to brush their teeth consistently can be a challenge. We recognize this, and have gone through the same things with our children. What you may not realize, however, is that these small efforts can pay big dividends down the road.

The time you have to instill good habits in your children is limited. Before you know it they will be old enough to make those decisions on their own, and we know your efforts will pay off, even if it feels like a struggle now.

World Dental Health.org had a great article on how to encourage your kids to brush and floss. We wanted to highlight two tips they offered.

Have The Right Tools
Companies make kids’ dental hygiene products for a reason. Get your kids a fun toothbrush, perhaps one that lights up or sings, in addition to a tasty and child-friendly tooth paste. Many parents make the mistake of disallowing their kids to use bubble gum or fruit toothpaste because they fear that their children’s teeth aren’t getting as clean as they would if they used a regular mint paste. However, as long as you’re using a dentist-approved brand like Colgate or Crest, you can rest assured that these kids’ toothpastes are just as effective as their adult counterparts.

Make it Musical
Ideally, your child should spend two minutes brushing his or her teeth. Creating some kind of musical timer system that plays for two minutes and ends when they may stop brushing is a great idea to train your kids on how long to brush. If you don’t want to sing or create a playlist, invest in one of the many toothbrushes that come in with a built-in musical timer.

We have a great special on Invisalign right now - receive $700 off for a limited time. Get the smile you've always wanted without the hassle of metal braces!

Call today!
(541) 451-1440

Toothbrush and Toothpaste - What a Pair!

We have several parents who have admitted that they skip the toothpaste sometimes when brushing their child's teeth. They have figured that brushing with water is better than nothing. 

While that sentiment is true to some extent, we wanted to touch on a few facts about the importance of using toothpaste.

Know Your Teeth.com had a great article that focused upon the following points:

"Brushing with toothpaste is important for several reasons. First and foremost, a toothpaste and a correct brushing action work to remove plaque, a sticky, harmful film of bacteria that grows on your teeth that causes cavities, gum disease and eventual tooth loss if not controlled. Second, toothpaste contains fluoride, which makes the entire tooth structure more resistant to decay and promotes remineralization, which aids in repairing early decay before the damage can even be seen. Third, special ingredients in toothpaste help to clean and polish the teeth and remove stains over time. Fourth, toothpastes help freshen breath and leave your mouth with a clean feeling."

Thankfully there are so many products on the market that make keeping your teeth and gums clean and healthy. And just as the picture above mentions - don't forget the floss! Your oral hygiene routine is NOT complete without it!

As a reminder, we do carry a great line of oral health care products in our office. Stop by anytime to pick them up.

We are here to answer your questions - please don't hesitate to all.

(541) 451-1440

A Clean Mouth is as Easy as 1, 2, 3!

World Dental.org had a great article discussing easy ways to teach your kids about oral hygiene. We want to highlight a few of their ideas this week.

They first suggest to make it visual. Teaching a child about the consequences of poor dental health is one thing, but showing them is quite another. This can be done by printing of some pictures at home of individuals who have not taken care of their teeth. This visual brings the consequences of not brushing into reality for a child, and is a motivating factor with very little words.

The second suggestion offered is to create a practice dummy. Provide a puppet with a large mouth, or use cardboard and create giant teeth in order for your child to practice brushing, flossing and cleaning the tongue. If they have can fun cleaning their dummy's teeth, it will make brushing their own more enjoyable and engaging.

The final suggestion we want to highlight is to make a connection. Good dental habits may seem pointless to a child, but by helping them connect the habits to other things it will make more senses. Help them understand that good dental hygiene habits avoid bad breath, prevent cavities, help them keep their teeth, etc. If a child has a purpose of why they clean their teeth, it may help them work that much harder.

We also want your child to feel comfortable at the Dentist office. This is not a place to fear. Bring them into our practice, we would love to give them a tour, discuss what happens in each area of our office, and of course, show of the surprise box! That is always their favorite spot.

Creating positive, lasting relationships now will allow them to create habits for their future that will greatly impact how they care for their own teeth, and for their future children's mouths. 

Call to schedule a cleaning for you and your child today!

(541) 451-1440

Back to School Countdown's Begun

Back to school time is fast approaching. Is your child's mouth ready? Strange question you say...let's visit a moment about this topic.

Parents make long checklists of needed school supplies, new clothes, backpacks, and shoes, but stopping by the dentist rarely makes the list.

Is it important for your children to stay up on regular dental visits? ABSOLUTELY!

You've worked hard to teach your child proper oral health care habits, and entering into the school years is no time to slack off. The small efforts they make now to keep their teeth healthy will pay huge dividends years down the road.

WebMD has a great check list of what your school age child should be doing regularly:

What your child can do

• Your child should be brushing his or her own teeth morning and night with a soft toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Watch to be sure he or she is doing a good job brushing.
• Flossing is an important part of good dental health, but it can be a challenging task for a child to master. Talk with your dentist about the right technique to teach your child how to floss. Plastic flossing tools may help you and your child.
• If your child has cavities, your dentist may recommend the use of a mouthwash that contains fluoride. But teach your child not to swallow it, because fluoride can be toxic in large amounts.
• Use disclosing tablets from time to time to see whether any plaque is left on your child's teeth after brushing. Disclosing tablets are chewable and will color any plaque left on the teeth after the child brushes. You can buy these at most drugstores.

Make stopping by our office for a visit a priority on your back to school checklist. Dr. Clark will praise your child for his or her good efforts, as well as provide helpful hints of things they can do to improve over the coming months. Don't forget they get to choose a free prize as well!

Call to schedule your 

appointment today!

(541) 451-1440

Are You Listening?

You've heard the old adage, "The eyes are the windows to the soul," could the same be true about your mouth and body?

This graphic above shows the correlation of the warning signs our mouths and bodies give us so that we can prevent, or stop the progression of diseases that will rob us of our good health.

However, many times we ignore these warning signs. Why? Is it that we fear what the signs are telling us? Are our insurance benefits lacking? Are we simply too busy to do something about these warning signs?

The interesting fact about the body is that it will get our attention one way or another. If we ignore the signs now, a devastating illness or disease could stop us in our tracks and require that we give up everything we hold dear. That is not the best way to take care of ourselves.

We encourage you to stay consistent with your dental visits. There are many diseases, disorders and health conditions that Dr. Clark has been able to diagnose and help his patients through, some even life saving. 

You are worth it. You deserve to take care of yourself, and your family.

Call today to schedule 

your semi-annual check up, 

it could save your life!

(541-451-1440)

What Do You Think?

We found this great infographic on Foodmatters.tv. Sometimes we don't think twice about what we consume, but seeing the impact soda has on your life, might make you take a 2nd look at that drink on your desk.

Stay up on semi-annual cleaning appointments, especially if you are a regular soda drinker. We want to help you save your teeth!

Call to schedule an 

appointment today!

(541) 451-1440

April is Oral Cancer Awareness month! Have you been screened by Dr. Clark this year? The screening is quick and painless, but can save your life!

The Oral Cancer Foundationshares the following information on their website:

While some think this is a rare cancer, mouth cancers will be newly diagnosed in about 115 new individuals each day in the US alone, and a person dies from oral cancer every hour of every day. If you add the sub category of laryngeal throat cancers, the rates of occurrence (about 12,000 additional new cases per year) and death are significantly higher. When found at early stages of development, oral cancers have an 80 to 90 % survival rate. Unfortunately at this time, the majority are found as late stage cancers, and this accounts for the very high death rate of about 43% at five years from diagnosis (for all stages and etiologies combined at time of diagnosis), and high treatment related morbidity in survivors. Late stage diagnosis is not occurring because most of these cancers are hard to discover, (though some like HPV origin disease have unique discovery issues), it is because of a lack of public awareness coupled with the lack of a national program for opportunistic screenings which would yield early discovery by medical and dental professionals. Worldwide the problem is far greater, with new cases annually exceeding 450,000. 

Please call our office to schedule your yearly exam today. You and your loved ones are worth it!

(541) 451-1440

Come check out our new website! We are excited for you to browse around and see the exciting things that are taking place in our office.

www.laserdennist.com

Call to schedule your appointment today!

(541) 451-1440

Do You Have a Budding Dentist in Your Family?

We thought this picture posted by MySocialPractice was pretty funny. Someone has been teaching that child about dental health care! 

In honor of National Children's Dental Health Month we would like to spotlight a post made by DentalPlans earlier this month, that shares 5 tips to help your children on their way to healthy mouths and happy lives.

Tip 1
Establish a Daily Oral Hygiene Routine: Prevent decay early on by creating and maintaining a daily oral hygiene routine. Your children will learn that before they leave for school, or go to bed, their teeth need to be brushed. Simple steps can make these routines last a lifetime.

Tip 2
Limit Sugar: Oral bacteria feeds on sugar. This allows the bacteria to produce acids that destroy the enamel and cause cavities. Everything, including breast milk and formula has sugar in it. Make sure you are cleaning baby's gums early on with a soft warm cloth after feedings. With older children, watch the hidden contents of sugar in foods. Offering a cheese stick or crunchy veggies will help neutralize some of the sugars until your child can brush his/her teeth.

Tip 3
Set a Good Example: Do your children see you brushing and flossing everyday? Show them how you consistently make time to care for your teeth and they will be twice as likely to follow your example.

Tip 4
Monitor Thumb Sucking: After age three, the constant pressure of a thumb in the mouth can affect the jaw development of your child. If you need suggestions of how to help your child stop sucking her thumb, please don't hesitate to call us.

Tip 5
See Dr. Clark Regularly: We make great efforts to provide pleasant, no fear, appointments for your children. Our team members are fantastic with children. Helping your child establish a good rapport with dental professionals early on will encourage them to maintain regular dental visits throughout their lives. Feel free to contact us prior to bringing your child in for an appointment so that we can discuss your child's personal needs before they arrive.

We want you to be healthy and confident!

Call us today to schedule your appointment:

(541) 451-1440