Merry Christmas from Dr. Clark

My Dear Friends,

I am very happy to have served you during 2017. I  am grateful for faithful patients who continue our interactions year after year. Some of you have been with us since 1981. 

Thank you all!

As the year comes to an end, I am thankful to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. May God bless you all with health and happiness during the coming year!

Sincerely,

Dr. Clark

Holiday Gift Idea

We know how hard it can be to find the right gifts for others. This is a fun gift idea that keeps giving all year long! 

We hope you have wonderful holiday season and we will see you in the New Year! 

Personalized Christmas Gifts

Stop by our office to pick up a gift certificate for a personalized whitening kit. Even the hard-to-shop-for person will love this gift, and it will keep on giving all year long!

Grateful for Family

We wish you the very happiest of Thanksgiving wishes today. We hope your time with loved ones and friends is wonderful. Family unity is what makes this life so rich. Remember to reach out and include those who may not have family close by. 

Our best wishes,

Gratitude For Oneself

Stop and consider the message of this picture. Do you agree that gratitude is a form of self-love? This is an interesting concept, but one that is important to consider. This month is commonly the month where we really focus on being grateful, however, it may not have crossed your mind to take a moment to thank yourself.

It is not uncommon to get lost in meeting the many needs of those around us, that we forget to show that same consideration to ourselves. The beginning of each year we start out with new goals and aspirations and let's be honest -  most of us fall short at some point. Perhaps we are impatient with our progress. It is easy to focus on the negative aspects or shortcomings, but that is not a healthy way to look at life.

Our challenge for you this week is to give yourself a break. Focus on the amazing efforts you've made thus far and for the new things you've learned this year. Likely you have faced some difficult challenges. Celebrate the fact that you can "do hard things" and that you are still alive to tell about it.

We honor each of you for the hard work and efforts you've put forth this year. Part of taking care of ourselves includes good hygiene, adequate rest, exercise and paying attention to the messages our bodies are sending. 

The end of the year is a great time to take advantage of dental benefits that have been unused. Give yourself a gift of thanks for taking care of your dental health. Your mouth will thank you!

Photo Source: https://i.pinimg.com/736x/f5/f8/09/f5f809cf44cbb2423d861c4e567e71b8--gratitude-quotes-attitude-of-gratitude.jpg

Thank You Veterans!

This weekend we have the sacred opportunity to thank the brave men and women who have served, or who are currently serving in our military branches. We are grateful for their service and honor them.

As part of this month of Thanksgiving, we encourage you to reach out and thank someone you know who has served their country. While a thank you is nothing in comparison to their service, it is important to express our gratitude as a sign of respect.

Photo Source: http://18674-presscdn.pagely.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/iStock_000050415484_Large.jpg

Gratitude - The Mother of All Virtues

November kicks of the reminder that this is a season of thanksgiving. Ask yourself when was the last time you said thank you? When was the last time you told someone you appreciated what they did for you? 

It is so easy to get caught up in the busyness of life. This month we challenge you to slow things down a little by expressing thanks. How you choose to do this is up to you. It could take the form of performing an act of kindness or service. It could be smiling at the person you meet on the street. The possibilities are endless, but the power of gratitude is like a pebble in a pond. The ripple effect is endless and can literally change someone's life.

Set a goal to sincerely express gratitude every day this month in some form. See how this not only changes the people around you but see how it changes you.

THANK YOU for being our 

wonderful patients and friends!

Halloween Safety Tips

Here are some great safety tips to prepare for Halloween next week. Plan out your routes and schedule now so that there are no surprises next week. And remember, have a simple dinner ready before your little ones go out on the candy haunt. 

October is National Dental Hygiene Month

Dessa, one of our fantastic hygienists sat down and recorded this short video with some great tips to make sure your oral hygiene is top notch.

Tis the season for treats - what better time of year to make an extra concerted effort to keep your pearly whites happy and healthy?

In honor of National Dental Hygiene month, our fabulous hygienist Catherine shares four tips to a healthy mouth. Take a moment to review these tips to make sure you are giving your mouth the attention it needs to stay healthy!

Open Enrollment is in Full Swing

The Albany Democrat-Herald recently ran an article on open enrollment time for dental insurance coverage. This article touched on some important points that we would like to review here. Please refer to the full article by clicking on the link above for more detailed information.

1) Dental policies are designed to encourage people to get regular dental care that prevents tooth decay and more serious problems from occurring.

2) Dental plans have limitations. It is important to review each policy that your company provides to ensure you are choosing the best options available.

3) Benefits vs. Cost: For many families, it is much easier to manage a small monthly policy price instead of facing the full cost of dental procedures that could set the family back financially.

Dr. Clark is very willing to go over treatment plans for you and your family members. Our team can answer any questions you may have in regards to the upcoming year and benefit options.

Use It or Lose It - Dental Benefits Reminder

It is that wonderful time of year - leaves are beginning to fall and the crisp air reminds us that winter is approaching. October is a great time to review your year-end dental benefits.

Every year millions of dollars go unclaimed in dental benefits simply because Americans don't take the time to review their current policies. We can help you make sure that you are taking advantage of your hard earned dollars before the end of the year approaches. 

Call us today!

541-451-1440

Photo Source: https://s3.amazonaws.com/einstein-blog-live/uploads/production/images/50497/money_down_the_drain.jpg

Age Appropriate Dental Habits - Six and Under

Good Dental Habits - Start Them Young!

The American Dental Association or ADA has some recommended milestones or dental hygiene targets for different age groups. This month we will break these groups down in our blog posts.

Ages 6 and Under

At this age, your child might want to do all the brushing himself but doesn’t have the fine motor skills needed to do a thorough job. Let them start and jump in when needed. “During that age, the mouth is changing so much that children who are 5 or 6 are often brushing their teeth in the way they were when they were 2 or 3,” Dr. Hayes says. “They’re not accommodating the new molars, and they’re not accommodating the fact that the mouth is growing.”

Stay up on your semi-annual cleanings!

Photo Source: http://www.salvapiano.com/web/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/offerta_bambini_gratis__1688_gallery_offerta_large.png

Leave Your Dental Anxiety At the Door

Good Dental Habits - Start Them Young!

The American Dental Association or ADA has some recommended milestones or dental hygiene targets for different age groups. This month we will break these groups down in our blog posts

Leave Your Anxiety at the Door

If your heart races at the very thought of the dentist, your child can probably tell. “Kids pick up on parents’ anxiety,” Dr. Hayes says. “It’s important with kids, especially at 4, 5 and 6, because I believe the phobic adults are the ones who had bad experiences when they were that age.”

The younger your kids are, the more you need to be aware of how you’re communicating with them. For example, if your child asks about getting a cavity filled, don’t say, “It will only hurt for a little bit.” Instead, encourage your child to ask the dentist. “With any child, you want them to be able to feel successful at accomplishing a good visit and link that positive feeling with the idea that their teeth are strong and healthy so they have that message going forward for the rest of their lives.”

Keep Cool If Your Child Won’t Cooperate

If your child gets upset during her visit, the worst thing you can do is swoop them out of the chair and leave. “The next visit is going to be harder,” Dr. Hayes says. “You still have to help them get through part of the visit.”

First, assess why your child is acting out. Are they truly afraid, or are they trying to test the situation? “One of the reasons I think a 4, 5 or 6-year-old gets upset is because they think they’re going to be asked to do something they can’t be successful at,” she says. “They’re in an environment they feel they can’t control and that makes them upset, so we try to break it down into small steps.”

Then, work as a team with your dentist to keep the visit going. Let the dentist lead the conversation. Jump in where you think it helps most, while still allowing the dentist and your child to build a good relationship. “Give the dentist every opportunity to turn the visit around,” she says. 

Stay up on your semi-annual cleanings!

Source: http://www.playbrush.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/visiting-the-Dentist.jpg

Poor Dental Health = Missed School Days

The National Institute of Health conducted a study that found poor dental health in children impacted their ability to perform well in school. The children with poor oral health status were nearly three times more likely to miss school than their peers. Absences caused by pain resulted in poor school performance.

Give your child every advantage of being successful in school. Maintain great oral health habits at home, and schedule your regular semi-annual cleanings to keep them healthy and happy!

Back to School Exams Required in OR

Today's blog post is a reminder that the state of OR requires all entering Kindergartners to have a dental exam prior to school starting. 

Please call to schedule your appointment today before spots fill up: 541-451-1440.

Age Appropriate Dental Habits - 12 to 18

Good Dental Habits - Start Them Young!

The American Dental Association or ADA has some recommended milestones or dental hygiene targets for different age groups. This month we will break these groups down in our blog posts.

Ages 12-18
Dr. Hayes says this is a critical time for dental health. “When you look at research for when caries appear in kids, it tends to be in young kids. But another bump-up time is teenage years and early adulthood,” she says. “Part of this has to do with the fact that teenagers may have gone for many years and never had a cavity. They don’t necessarily take care of their teeth because they don’t see the consequence of not.”

Don’t let your teen’s habits become out of sight, out of mind. “The behaviors of the teenager are going to translate into the 20-year-old. We want to be able to support them and be respectful of them because they’re not kids anymore.”

Stay up on your semi-annual cleanings!

Source: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HQwfXLn-N6E/UYi1kYxQQ_I/AAAAAAAAAPs/-SGjKmhRX58/s1600/asdfrt.jpg

Age Appropriate Dental Habits - Seven to Twelve

Good Dental Habits - Start Them Young!

The American Dental Association or ADA has some recommended milestones or dental hygiene targets for different age groups. This month we will break these groups down in our blog posts.

Ages 7-12
By now, your child knows what to do, she just might not want to. Keep encouraging healthy brushing and flossing habits. “Be aware of the fact that sometimes you have to take over a little bit more,” she says. “By the time they’re teenagers, they’re starting to understand self-care, accountability for their actions and such.”

Stay up on your semi-annual cleanings!

GREAT GIFT IDEA!

Oral-B has introduced an unbeatable offer! Just in time for back-to-school, or even to tuck a fun gift away for Christmas, they have a child's Oral-B Pro-Health Jr. toothbrush kit that will put a smile on any child's face.

For only $25 you get the fantastic toothbrush, two brush heads, Glide flossers, mouthwash and two tubes of toothpaste. You CANNOT beat this offer!

Act now while supplies last. 

Unbeatable Dental Crown Special!

Everyone wants to smile with confidence. Unfortunately sometimes we can have issues with our teeth that prevent us from sharing our smile with others. If you find yourself in this situation, we have GREAT NEWS!

We are running a Dental Crown special that is perfect for any budget. Simply put $59 down and pay $59 a month until the balance is paid off. There is a flat in-house finance charge of 8% that will be added to the total. No credit checks, no fuss. 

If this sounds like something you are interested in pursuing, please contact us to schedule your appointment. 

Give yourself the gift of a great smile!

Fluoride Varnish Brings Great Results!

What is Fluoride Varnish?

Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that can help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. Fluoride varnish is made with fluoride, a mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel (outer coating on teeth).  

Keep in mind that fluoride varnish treatments cannot completely prevent cavities. Fluoride varnish treatments can best help prevent decay when a child is also brushing using the right amount of toothpaste with fluoride, flossing regularly, getting regular dental care, and eating a healthy diet. 

Is Fluoride Varnish Safe?

Fluoride varnish is safe and used by dentists and doctors all over the world to help prevent tooth decay in children. Only a small amount is used, and hardly any fluoride is swallowed. It is quickly applied and hardens. Then it is brushed off after 4 to 12 hours.  

Some brands of fluoride varnish make teeth look yellow. Other brands make teeth look dull. However, the color of your child's teeth will return to normal after the fluoride varnish is brushed off. Most children like the taste. 

How is Fluoride Varnish Put on the Teeth?

Fluoride varnish is painted on the top and sides of each tooth with a small brush. It is sticky but hardens once it comes in contact with saliva. Your child may feel the hardened varnish with his tongue but will not be able to lick the varnish off.  

It does not hurt when the varnish is applied. However, young children may still cry before or during the procedure. Fortunately, brushing on the varnish takes only a few minutes. Also, applying the varnish may be easier when a child is crying because his mouth will be slightly open.  

You may be asked to hold your child in your lap while you are placed knee-to-knee with the person applying the varnish. 

Source: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/Fluoride-Varnish-What-Parents-Need-to-Know.aspx, Photo: http://raleighncdentistry.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Fluoride.jpg

Fluoride Toothpaste Advantages

What are the benefits of fluoride toothpaste?

All toothpaste helps remove plaque, a film of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums every day. Plaque can cause gum disease and tooth decay. In addition to helping remove plaque, fluoride toothpaste provides an extra benefit in preventing tooth decay by making tooth enamel stronger.

Should children use fluoride toothpaste?

For children younger than 3 years, parents and caregivers should begin brushing children’s teeth as soon as they begin to come into the mouth by using fluoride toothpaste in an amount no more than a smear or the size of a grain of rice. 

For children 3 to 6 years of age, parents and caregivers should dispense no more than a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

Teeth should be brushed thoroughly twice a day (morning and night) or as directed by a dentist or physician. Children’s brushing should be supervised to ensure that they use the appropriate amount of toothpaste.

Source: http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/advocating-for-the-public/fluoride-and-fluoridation/fluoridation-faq

Is Water Fluoridation Safe?

Fluoridated water can become a hot topic. Every outlet seems to have its own opinion, and research citations to back it up.

According to the ADA - American Dental Association, "Water fluoridation is safe, effective and healthy. Seventy years of research, thousands of studies and the experience of more than 210 million Americans tell us that water fluoridation is effective in preventing cavities and is safe for children and adults."


What are the benefits of fluoridated water?

Fluoridated water helps prevent tooth decay in children and adults. Studies prove water fluoridation continues to be effective in reducing tooth decay by at least 25% in children and adults, even in the of era widespread availability of fluoride from other sources, such as fluoride toothpaste. Simply by drinking water, people can benefit from fluoridation's cavity protection whether they are at home, work or school.

Because of its role in the prevention of tooth decay, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has proclaimed community water fluoridation as one of ten great public health achievements of the 20th century.

Source: http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/advocating-for-the-public/fluoride-and-fluoridation/fluoridation-faq

Pinhole Surgical Technique - Patient Testimonal

Here is another testimonial from one of our great patients. Not only has his anxiety about dental visits disappeared, his gum recession is no longer a problem and he is back to eating on both sides of his mouth without trouble.

The Pinhole Surgical Technique has really changed the way gum recession is treated. Dr. Clark is one of the few dentists that have actually been trained and certified to perform this procedure. You can trust in his expertise and eye for perfection. You will be satisfied with your results!

Call to schedule your consultation today!

Pinhole Surgical Technique - Patient Testimonial

We could spend hours talking about the amazing Pinhole Surgical Technique that Dr. Clark offers, however, we'd rather you hear it from one of our amazing patients.

Please don't think that a gum graft is your only answer. Grafts are time-consuming, painful and results may vary. With the Pinhole Surgical Technique, all of those issues disappear.

Call us to schedule your consultation today!

Gum Grafting vs. Pinhole Surgical Technique

Dr. Clark has had amazing results with the Pinhole Surgical Technique. Watch this short video that explains how this revolutionary procedure is performed. You can also click here to visit our website for more information.

Call to schedule a consultation with Dr. Clark today!

Gum Recession Has Met it's Match!

Dr. Clark is one of very few dentists trained and certified to perform this revolutionary procedure. It is minimally invasive, prevents gum disease, has less discomfort post-op and gives you instant results. You can treat multiple teeth at once, and the results are amazing.

Call to schedule a consultation today!