The Link Between Gum Disease, Heart Disease & Stroke

Gum disease is not a topic that people love to discuss. However, it is a topic that could end up saving your life. That is why we regularly share this information with you, our patients.

Please take a moment to review this great infographic found at fightgumdisease.com. If you find that one or several of these items are present in your mouth, please don't hesitate to come in for an exam.

Dr. Clark has spent decades perfecting his ability to care for and even reverse the devastating effects of gum disease. His training in the LANAP laser gum surgery technique has revolutionized the results he has had in treating gum disease.

Call to schedule your appointment today!

Call to schedule your appointment today! 

Smile Like a Child

Accidents happen, and with children, it is a matter of when not if. 

Here are some simple emergency tips: 

1) If a tooth is knocked out, keep it moist at all times. Try to place it back in the socket without touching the root or place it between your cheek and gums, or in milk. Call us immediately for further instructions.

2) For a cracked tooth, rinse the mouth with warm water and put a cold compress on the face to keep swelling down. Call us schedule an appointment as soon as you can.

3) Wearing a mouth guard, avoiding chewing ice, popcorn kernels or hard candy all help to avoid cracking a tooth.

Start Them Young

February is National Children's Dental Health Month. This month we will be focusing on different ways to get your child involved in his or her own dental health care.

The greatest thing you can do to instill good oral hygiene habits is to start them young. Even as an infant you can buy a toothbrush and rub it on his gums. Get him used to having something in his mouth, while at the same time building confidence in your ability to help him with this daily event.

Young children love working for a prize. An incentive is a great motivator. We have found that daily tracking charts serve as great motivators. Some of our patients attach small rewards for completed charts. 

In our office, we have a treasure chest of small toys that your child can choose from. We would love for them to bring in their completed brushing charts so we can celebrate their good work with them.

Take a moment this month to evaluate how your family is doing when it comes to their oral health care. Set some goals together to improve. We'd love to hear your ideas on our Facebook page or our Google+ page.

Source: https://wondermomwannabe.com/how-to-improve-kids-dental-hygiene-free-tooth-brushing-chart/

Can You Brush Your Teeth Incorrectly?

Is it possible to brush your teeth incorrectly? Yes, it is! Did you know that the majority of people who use an electric toothbrush also struggle to use it correctly? 

Please watch this short video to see if you are brushing in the most effective manner.

Proper Brushing Techniques

Let's refresh your tooth brushing techniques. The ADA has a short video showing the proper way to brush, enabling you to get the maximum results.

So how does your brushing compare? Do you need to make any improvements?

Please call if you have any questions or concerns about your teeth. Make sure you have your semi-annual appointments scheduled for 2018.

Back to Basics

Brushing your teeth is an important part of your dental care routine. For a healthy mouth and smile the ADA recommends you:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled brush. The size and shape of your brush should fit your mouth allowing you to reach all areas easily.
• Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. A worn toothbrush won’t do a good job of cleaning your teeth.
• Make sure to use an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.

Of course, brushing your teeth is only a part of a complete dental care routine. You should also make sure to:

• Clean between teeth daily with floss. Tooth decay-causing bacteria still linger between teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. This helps remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and under the gum line.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit between-meal snacks.
• Visit your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams.

Photo Source: http://www.weo1.com/tpn/gen/Brushing-Your-Teeth.jpg
Article Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/brushing-your-teeth

Can Your Child Tie Her Shoes?

We don't hesitate to take the time to teach our child how to tie her shoe, but do we take the same time in teaching her how to brush her teeth? 

A good gauge of dexterity is a child's ability to tie his or her shoe. When he has accomplished this task, this is a good time to trust your child to brush his teeth independently. Up until that time, we suggest supervision, coaching, and patience in teaching good oral hygiene habits.

Make sure you have your semi-annual cleaning appointments scheduled for 2018. 

Call us today to schedule your cleanings.

 541-451-1440.

Photo Source: http://cdn2.momjunction.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/Teach-Your-Child-To-Tie-Shoelaces.jpg