IT MAY BE TEMPTING TO SKIP A DENTAL checkup now and then. But remember that regular checkups and professional cleanings can actually save you time and money. Even more importantly, they can save your teeth and your health.

Here are four really good reasons to keep up with your regular dental checkups:

#1: Save Your Smile

Catching tooth decay early can save your teeth. And speaking of saving teeth, did you know the greatest cause of tooth loss in adults is gum disease? About half of adults over age 30 have some degree of gum disease. Regular dental appointments help prevent gum disease, and assist you in managing any oral health issues you may be having.

#2: Look And Feel Better

During professional cleanings, built-up tartar and calculus is removed that simply can’t be reached or removed by brushing alone. When you’re finished your smile feels truly fresh and clean. And by the way, regular cleanings can also help prevent embarrassing bad breath!

#3: Protect Your Overall Health

As many as 120 systemic diseases can be visible in your mouth. Regular checkups can reveal the signs of diseases before even you know about them.

Great dental care can also contribute to great overall health. In a study conducted at the University of California, Berkley, it was found that women who get regular dental care cut their risk of heart disease by a third. And in another study by Aetna, researchers learned that people who had regular dental care had lower healthcare cost burdens—thanks to prevention and early detection.

#4: Perhaps, Even Save Your Life

One of the most important parts of each dental visit is your oral cancer check, where your mouth is surveyed for early signs of one of the very deadliest cancers.

Questions? Always Feel Free To Ask!

If you ever have any questions about recommendations for your regular dental appointments, please ask!

Thanks for being a valued part of our practice!

BRUSHING: IT’S THE FOUNDATION for keeping your mouth clean and healthy. In fact, it’s so basic that most people don’t think about it very much… They just do it.

If you’re brushing twice a day that’s wonderful! It makes our job (helping keep your smile beautiful and healthy) a lot easier! But all of us can be more effective with our brushing. Ask yourself these three questions:

1. Are you using the proper brush?

Your toothbrush should be small enough to reach every small corner inside your mouth, and it should have soft bristles.

2. Are you using the right techniques?

Brush with the bristles against your teeth and gum line at a 45 degree angle. Brush in small, circular strokes, imagining plaque being swept away from the gum line.

NEVER brush too hard. Think about holding your toothbrush like a paintbrush! When it comes to brushing, elbow grease won’t get you anywhere—it just flattens the bristles against your teeth where they can’t do any good. And, it can wear down your enamel more quickly.

3. Are you thorough?

It takes two full minutes to do a thorough brushing job… 30 seconds per quadrant. And, don’t forget these frequently ignored spots:

• inner side of your front teeth
• your tongue
• inner side of back molars, next to your tongue

Watch This Helpful Video & View These Guidelines

The American Dental Hygienists’ Association has produced a quick-reference guide.

Ready To Take It To The Next Level?

If you feel like you have the basics covered, try these tips:

• Brush without toothpaste. It makes you more aware of where you do and do not brush.
• Try a plaque-disclosing tablet or rinse. Usually made for kids, these products color the plaque on your teeth so you can really see your progress.
• Most people follow the exact same pattern each time they brush. Try starting in a new place every day.
• Don’t forget to floss!

Thanks for reading, and happy brushing!

IMAGINE YOU’RE AT AN IMPORTANT BUSINESS DINNER, or perhaps on a first date. We can’t help you with the small talk, or deciding what to wear. However, we can help you avoid some dental faux pas.

Awkward Dental Moment #1: Something Stuck In Teeth

How do you know if something is stuck in your teeth? The back of a spoon or your cell phone camera make good emergency mirrors.

Plan A: Swish some water around in your mouth or chew a piece of sugarless gum to loosen it.
Plan B: If it’s really stuck, you may want to excuse yourself to go to the restroom. Floss works best—but if you don’t have floss with you, use your fingers. You can also try folding up a paper towel and using the corner.

DON’T EVER use potentially dangerous tools in your mouth like wires, pens, tweezers, keys, etc. that can damage teeth and gums!

But what if someone else has something in their teeth?

Here’s a tip:

Awkward Dental Moment #2: Bad Breath

Plan A: Drink some water or chew some sugarless gum. Keep sugarless breath mints in your pocket or purse.
Plan B: Most bad-breath bacteria hangs out on your tongue. In a pinch, you can use a spoon as a tongue-scraper. (Discreetly, of course.)
Plan C: If you’re at a restaurant, you may be able to chew on your garnish (like parsley). Other good foods are celery, apples, or yogurt.

Awkward Dental Moment #3: Tooth Pain Or Sensitivity

Sudden stabs of pain from your teeth can be distracting. What’s more, it may be a sign of something more serious.

Plan A: Avoid hot and cold foods. If your jaw hurts, hold a cold drink against it.
Plan B: If the problem persists, please give us a call.

Remember, you can avoid many of the worst dental dilemmas by keeping your regular cleaning and checkup appointments. Catch problems before they become emergencies.

Thanks for your trust in our practice!

THERE’S A BIG DIFFERENCE between a real smile and a fake smile. And while a polite smile can help smooth over some social situations, a sincere, honest, from-the-heart smile can completely turn the day around.

What Is “The Duchenne Smile?”

The Duchenne Smile was named after 17th century French researcher Duchenne de Bologne. He believed that the key to a real smile (a genuine expression of happiness) was found in the eyes, and although the muscles around your mouth are easy to shape into a smile, the muscles around your eyes (the Orbicularis Orbiti) are only triggered by true happiness.

Can You Spot Fake Smiles? Take This Quiz!

This is really a lot of fun! Take the quiz yourself!

Do You Know How To Smize?

Smize means “smile with your eyes”. Despite Duchenne’s long-standing theory, recent research (and Tyra Banks) suggests that anyone can fake a “genuine” smile. What do you think?

One Key To Spotting A Genuine Smile Is Imitation

Smiles are literally contagious. When we see a smile we have a subconscious urge to reflect it back. And when we imitate a smile, we can FEEL whether or not it’s real.In a 2013 study subjects held a pencil in their mouth while scrolling through photos of people smiling. The pencil kept participants from reflecting the expressions they saw, handicapping their ability to read the emotions behind those smiles. Interesting!

Let Us Help Keep YOUR Smile Healthy And Confident

Smiles are powerful. Genuine smiles are even more powerful. When you’re confident about your smile, it can truly change your life. Visit with us if you’re hiding your smile! Keep your smile beautiful and healthy!

Thanks for the trust you place in our practice and for being our valued patient!