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

Celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month With a Game!

2min2x.org knows just how to make taking care of your child's teeth fun!

Let your kids save the fairy tale kingdom with their toothbrush skills.

You can download the app so they have something to fun to do while they help you run your errands.

Educational apps are great way to teach valuable lessons in a fun and meaningful way.

Let us know how your child likes the game!

Keep on brushing!

Have you scheduled your child's check up?

Call today for great discounts!

(541) 451-1440

Download the app by linking from 2min2x.org website.

If You Delay - You Pay!

World Health Dental Magazine recently posted this infographic that we felt was important enough to share.

We are all guilty of procrastination from time to time, but did you know that putting off that needed dental care can hit your pocketbook - hard?

Sit down with us for just a few minutes to review your dental benefits, or lack thereof, and we will help you design a treatment plan that will save money and stop further dental issues from developing.

Call us today!

(541) 451-1440

Oral Healthcare's #1 Enemy - Your Toothbrush?

Can your toothbrush make you sick? Dental Plans.com recently ran an article that we wanted to share with you.

They indicate according to a recent Gallup poll a record number of Americans reported being sick in December. This was the highest percentage ever recorded since 2008 when they began tracking flu and cold symptoms.

Many of us throw away a toothbrush after we have become ill and while this is a good practice, did you know that there is a difference in the type of illness that should dictate whether or not you discard that toothbrush? If you have had a cold or flu, your body will create anti-bodies that prevent repetition of the same illness so you are fine to keep brushing with the same toothbrush. However, if you have had a bacterial infection like strep throat you may want to discard that toothbrush in case it is harboring any fugitive bacterial colonies.

According to Dental Plans.com they share a best practice rule that we agree with. "As a general rule, don’t store toothbrushes belonging to multiple people in a cup or container where the bristles can come into contact with each other. Avoid enclosing your brush in a cap or container that doesn’t allow air to circulate around the bristles. When you’re ill, you may also want to avoid bringing your toothbrush into direct contact with the contents or rim of a shared tube of toothpaste – you may just want to use separate tubes, and toss the one used by the sick person after he or she is feeling better."

The American Dental Association also advises you can soak your toothbrush in an antibacterial mouth rinse to prevent bacterial buildup as well. They even go as far to suggest that since toothbrushes are not required to be sold in sterile packaging, it is a good idea to soak your toothbrush before you even use it.

We want our patients to be happy and healthy. By following a couple simple guidelines you can increase the chances that your family will stay well through this cold and flu season. Remember to wash your hands several times a day, eat good foods, and drink a lot of water. Give your body all it needs to stay in top condition during this time of year.

Please call if you have any questions or concerns about your toothbrush. We carry a great Oral-B electric toothbrush that really boosts your oral health care efforts.

Call today!

(541) 451-1440