Got some Christmas cash? We have some great oral healthcare supplies. Feel free to swing by our office and see what we have to kick off your New Year right! 

We have several customizable gift certificates we have available for purchase. What better way to bless someone with a gift that will keep giving? Everyone loves a healthy smile! 

Swing by our office and choose the gift certificate that works best for you and your loved ones.

We've Got You Covered!

Here is a fantastic gift basket you can give someone. This gift will keep on giving for years to come. Dr. Clark recommends the Oral B Genius electric toothbrush for all of our patients. 

Right now with the rebate offer, this entire basket is available for $55 after rebate. You cannot beat that!

Have a very Happy Holiday season! 

Stay safe and warm out there!

December Newsletter from Dr. Clark

Did you miss our newsletter for November? Make sure we have your email address when you come in for your next appointment.

Dental Care is Timeless

We had a good laugh at this meme. We live in a day and age where everyone is snapping selfies, and as in times of old, a great smile is worth 1,000 words! We want you to be proud of your smile. 

Whether you are struggling with simple cosmetic problems or more serious issues like gum disease, we have effective ways to help you achieve the smile you've always wanted.

Call us before your dental benefits run out for this year. We want you to keep all of your hard-earned benefits! Give us a call today to schedule your appointment. 

Photo Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/250935010471123446/

We Are Thankful For You!

We would be remiss if we didn't take a moment to thank each of you, our wonderful patients, for the happiness that you have brought into our office for so many years!

Thank you for making our jobs so great! Serving the Willamette Valley community since 1981 has been a true blessing for each one of us. 

From all of us to each of you - 

Happy Thanksgiving

November 2018 Newsletter

Did you miss our newsletter for November? Make sure we have your email address when you come in for your next appointment.

Open Enrollment Time

This time of year is open enrollment for many companies. You may discover that your company has a dental plan that is just right for you. Most dental plans are not that expensive but can save you thousands of dollars each year.

Sit down with your human resources department to discover the plans available to you for the 2019 benefit year. If you have a treatment plan already in place, we can help advise you on what types of coverages will be best for your needs.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns about your dental insurance benefits please call us. A short phone call could make a big difference in your family budget for the upcoming year.

Photo Source: https://www.google.com/search?q=open+enrollment&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS733US733&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi67ajxn77eAhWM7IMKHaNRCSkQ_AUIFCgC&biw=1536&bih=674#imgrc=CyUbR9K46McrHM:

Happy Halloween - Keep Your Teeth Clean!

 Happy Halloween!

Tonight is the night of Halloween Haunts. Little goblins and witches will flock to the streets in search of their sweet treasures. Remember to give your children a flashlight to carry and always accompany them for their safety.

Inspect all candy they bring home before they consume any. However, you decide to divide up their candy consumption remember that hard candies are much worse for their teeth than soft ones. 

Whether you let your ghouls and goblins consume all of their candy in one night (oh the tummy ache) or let them have a specified amount each day, please don't forget to have them brush and floss. As a matter of fact, it is a good rule of thumb to have the brush after every consumption period comes to an end.

Sugar in the mouth is the perfect breeding ground for the plaque to flourish. Do everything you can to minimize the sugar infestation by keeping your mouth and the mouths of your children clean and clear from the sweet stuff. Cavities tend to rise during the final months of the year because our sweet consumption increases beginning with Halloween. You can mitigate this by staying vigilant with your oral health care routines. 

Keep the water consumption up, healthy food consumption regular and along with brushing and flossing you will give your mouth the help it needs to stay healthy and happy. 

As always, should you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to call us!

Happy Haunts tonight!

Tooth Bothering You?

It never ceases to amaze us how long people put up with a tooth that is bothering them. First of all, our teeth should never bother us. If an issue has arisen, and a tooth is exhibiting any type of pain or problem please don't ignore it. These are warning signs that you need to pay strict heed to.

Our bodies are amazing! They run 24/7, healing, nourishing, and keep all systems running so that we can enjoy our lives. However, from time to time our body will let us know that something is wrong.

Problem teeth or sores in the mouth warn us that something is not right. Seek medical attention quickly. We are so disheartened to see some of our patients wait for weeks, and even months, to seek medical treatment. We understand that the fear of pain or financial burden are the two most common reasons people avoid seeing the dentist, but by delaying treatment you actually can make your dental problem much worse. For example, instead of a simple cavity fix, you now face oral surgery because the infection has ensued and progressed to a dangerous level in your gumline.

Don't let fear of the unknown keep you from finding solutions and relief from pain and suffering. Teeth should not bother us. If we take good care of them, they surely will take good care of us.

When was the last time you were in for a checkup? Call us today to schedule an appointment. Keep those pearly whites happy and healthy!

Phote Source: 600320d0b1d0d7e44f09f6743a043fe8

Teeth Are Always in Style

While these memes found at someecards.com can make us chuckle, this one speaks a universal truth. There is not one person with missing teeth that truly feel confident in their smile.

Missing, stained, and crooked teeth are all contributing factors to low self-confidence when approaching other people. This can be especially disquieting in the business world.

With the advanced technology today there are so many options to solve your smile challenges. There is no valid excuse not to get your smile fixed. We have in-house financing options and many financing plans to help you achieve your happy smile goal.

We have seen lives literally transform before our eyes when cosmetic dental work is completed. Tears regularly stream down the faces of our patients who've battled for years with low self-esteem and confidence because their smile was lackluster. They have held back smiles, good ole belly laughs, and simply stopped their face from expressing the joy that they truly felt inside all out of the fear of judgment.

Release yourself from that prison. Let us help you build the smile of your dreams. Start living life and stop living behind a tight-lipped grin. You deserve to be happy and live fully, without inhibition.

Call today to schedule a consult with Dr. Clark and our caring team. We will provide a few viable options to help you make this life-altering decision today. 

Are you prepared for a dental emergency?

Are you prepared for a dental emergency? 

The American Dental Association shares some quick tips about dental emergencies that can make a big difference in your family. Take note of these ideas, and make sure you have this information recorded in a handy place for quick reference.

Thousands of dental emergencies—from injuries to a painful, abscessed tooth—take place every day. Would you know what to do if your child broke a tooth or had a tooth knocked out while playing outdoors? What if you had a bad toothache in the middle of the night and couldn’t get to the dentist until the next day? Knowing what to do can lessen the pain and save a tooth that might otherwise be lost. 

Keep your dental office phone number and an emergency number where the dentist can be reached after hours with other emergency numbers, such as your family doctor, and fire and police departments. Some families post these numbers on the refrigerator or inside a kitchen cabinet door near the phone. Call the dentist immediately for instructions on how to handle a dental emergency. 

Toothache: Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss or an interdental cleaner to remove any food or other debris that may be caught between the teeth. Never put aspirin or any other painkiller against the gums near the aching tooth. This could burn gum tissue. If the toothache persists, try to see the dentist. Don’t rely on painkillers. They may temporarily relieve pain but your dentist should evaluate the condition. 

Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth: Try to find the tooth! This may not be as easy as you think if the injury took place on a playground, basketball court or while skateboarding, so try to stay calm. Hold the tooth by the crown and rinse the root in water if the tooth is dirty. Don’t scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If it’s possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in its socket while you head to the dentist. If that’s not possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and bring it to the dentist. Time is critical for successful reimplantation, so try to get to your dentist immediately. 

Broken tooth: Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Use cold compresses on the outside of the cheek to help reduce the swelling. 

Tongue or lip bites or wounds: Clean the area gently with a clean cloth and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling. If the bleeding can’t be controlled, go to a hospital emergency room or clinic. You may able to reduce bleeding from the tongue by pulling it forward and using gauze to put pressure on the wound. 

Objects caught between teeth: Try to gently remove the object with dental floss. Never use a sharp instrument to remove any object that is stuck between your teeth. If you can’t dislodge the object with floss, contact your dentist. 

Possible broken jaw: Apply cold compresses to control swelling. Get to the hospital emergency room immediately.

Don't ever hesitate to call our office. Believe us, we've seen it all, and we are here to help. Waiting too long can cause permanent damage, so it is better to call and let us help you decide on a treatment plan.

Don't delay, call right away!

541-451-1440

Nail Biting - Your Teeth's Arch Enemy!

Courtesy of Dental Plans.com

When you get a dent in your car's exterior you take it to the repair shop to be fixed. So what do you do when your habit of biting your nails dents, dings, and breaks your teeth? Your repair options may not be so simple.

Dental Plans.com has a great article on the risks you are exposing your health and your teeth to if you persist on biting your nails. The Academy of General Dentistry indicates that people spend thousands of dollars every year to repair damaged teeth from this seemingly innocent nervous habit.

Aside from the damage nail biting causes to your teeth, have you considered the pathogenic microorganisms you introduce into your body every time your finger enters your mouth?  Not a pleasant thought. You can cause gum infections, bad breath and compromised health by chewing on your fingernails because the mouth is the gateway to your body.

Nail biting has also been associated with teeth shifting, TMJ, overbites or gaps between the teeth as well causing surface damage, even breakage. Repairing any one of these conditions is costly.

Dental Plans.com lists some simple steps you or a loved one can apply to break that finger nibbling habit. They include:  

• Keep your nails short and filed. Long or ragged nails trigger the chewing habit for many people.
• Get regular manicures, and consider wearing artificial nails. Many people have no inclination to bite on fake nails.
• Give your hands something to do – squeeze a stress ball, knit, sketch, doodle, fold origami, whatever works for you.
• Bitter-tasting clear nail polishes, available at drug stores and beauty supply shops, are a great way to remind yourself that you really don’t want to bite your nails. 

We encourage you to make a serious commitment to your oral and physical health by putting a stop to nail biting. While it may appear as something small and insignificant, nail biting can turn into large medical bills down the road.

If you have any questions about nail biting, or if you are concerned about your own teeth, please don't hesitate to give us a call. We would be happy to visit with you about this topic further.

Remember to use your HSA and FSA money before the year runs out. You've worked hard for those benefits - make sure they work hard for you!

Call us today!

(541) 451-1440

Back to School Dental Tips

Back to school dental tips are summarized in this fun info graphic:

 Source: http://findingdebra.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Dental-Care-Tips-for-Kids.jpg

It's Back to School Time - Let's Keep Your Child in School

Believe it or not, school is back in session. Did you know one of the most common reasons children miss school is due to dental issues? Parents who do not bring their children in for regular exams find that cavities, abscesses, and other preventable oral health care concerns can interrupt their child's ability to learn and be present at school.

Dr. Clark is great with young children. He has decades of experience in helping them feel calm and safe while he and our team clean their teeth and perform examinations. Tooth decay, tooth loss, and sports injuries to the mouth are all part of the growing up years. However, the pain and time necessary to treat these things are lessened greatly when a child receives regular dental care and has time to develop a rapport with Dr. Clark and our team. 

Call us today to schedule your child's semi-annual exam. Let's team up together to keep them at their healthiest and happiest this school year!

Did I Hear You Correctly?

We promise to explain your dental procedure to you in language that you can understand. If something is not clear, please do not hesitate to ask. We would much rather repeat something and clarify what we are saying rather than let you leave with unanswered questions. No question is a dumb question.

Photo Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/388224430354989584/

The Dentist Office Can Be a Happy Place!

We have heard and seen all of the fear and anxiety that can accompany dental visits. Through several decades of experience, Dr. Clark values open communication above all in our dental office.

We want you to be honest with us about any fear or concerns you are experiencing. We will be able to walk you through each procedure, and before you know it, you will be on your way.

It is especially important to appear calm in front of your children. Your own personal fears can project onto them. Let us know before your dental office appointment about any concerns you have about yourself or your child. We will do everything we can to make your visit a good one!

Photo source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/388224430355486013/

No Fear, Dr. Clark is Here!

Sometimes a little fear can set in when it is time to visit the dentist. However, Dr. Clark is a really punny guy and makes your time in our office a fun place to be. Our team will explain to you every step of the way what to expect. And we promise you will not leave our office without hearing at least one (likely more) funny puns.

July Marks the Half-way Point of the Year

July marks the half-way point of the year. This is a great time to review your dental benefits. Some procedures take time to be completed and often our patients review their benefits too late in the year, delaying treatment that could have been done. Using your full benefits package is always to your advantage. Afterall, you are paying for it!

If you would like us to review your dental insurance coverage with you, please contact us at your convenience. Let's work together to make the most out of your coverages.

38.5 Days Are Spent Brushing Our Teeth in a Lifetime

Market Research shows that on an average Americans spend annually $885 Million on oral antiseptics/rinses, $775 Million on toothbrushes, $1.8 Billion dollars is the total annual consumer spending on toothpaste but at the same time Americans spent $21 billion on candy in 2001. That is more than the gross national products of Lituania, Costa Rica and Mozambique combined.

Do you see a problem with these statistics? We, as Americans, like our sweets. Unfortunately, not everyone maintains strict oral health care habits to counteract our fascination with all of the sweet temptations that surround us.

Healthy eating and avoiding an excess of sweet treats is the best defense against tooth decay. Staying up on your semi-annual cleanings and adopting a daily routine of brushing and flossing will help your teeth stay healthy and strong.

Photo Source: https://www.mcilwaindentistry.com/fun-facts/

Your Smile is Recognized First!

As a society, we try to teach ourselves, and our family members to not judge others. However, we are indelibly susceptible to making impressions of those people we meet. See if you agree or disagree with the people surveyed below.

A new survey is out that says that 37% of people notice your smile first, while 33% notice your eyes, 15% judge your weight, 9% your hair, and 2% judge your nose. If you are surprised that weight or hair ranked so low, consider this: the biggest dating turn-off among men and women is bad teeth. 

According to PR Newswire, 77% of women think crooked teeth are worse than a receding hairline, and 22% of Americans think they would have a better love life if they had better teeth. On a professional level, 78% of Americans perceive adults with crooked teeth to be unsuccessful, while 14% feel they might be missing out on a better job than if they got their teeth fixed.

So don’t spend your money on expensive makeup or hair products, don’t give extreme workouts too much though, and stop wondering if you need to get a nose job! All you really need to do is invest in good dental care.

Source: https://www.mcilwaindentistry.com/fun-facts/

June - National Safety Month Focus: Physical Fitness Injuries

With the increase of physical activities and sports during the warm summer months, it is important to remember to protect your mouth from injury. 

Customized mouthguards are the best way to keep those pearly whites safe!

Call to schedule an appointment for your 

mouthguard today!

Photo Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/40/1f/78/401f7848478fe4588ed23997fdd26dba.jpg

June - National Safety Month Focus: Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Nutrition does affect your ability to stay safe, especially during the summer months! Healthy foods and plenty of water reduce the production of plaque, which in turn reduces the formation of cavities and dehydration.

June - National Safety Month Focus: Emergency Preparedness

Do you know what to do in a dental emergency?

Put our contact information in your phone today!