We have all done it. Told our Dental Hygienist that we promise to floss more. Or that we KNOW we need to do it. Some of your have even had patients tell us they are going to make it their new year’s resolution for 2013! So, is flossing more often your 2013 resolution? Flossing helps to prevent tooth decay between your teeth and helps prevent gum diseases like gingivitis, or the more serious periodontal disease. Here are some tips that might help you make your Dental Hygienists dream come true:
1. Determine your barrier by answering this question: What is stopping you from flossing as much as you should?
*”I don”t have enough time”: Put the floss in your car and floss at stop lights. Put some in your desk at work or next to your favorite recliner. It’s easy to multitask.
*”I am too tired by the time I remember at night”: Do it any time of day, even if not in conjunction with brushing. Any flossing is better than none.
*”I forget”: Technology leaves little room for excuses. There are even floss reminder Apps. You can set an alarm on your cell phone to remind you. Or, tie it to your toothbrush. No getting around that!
*”Ugg, I just hate it!”: There are alternatives you can use to make it easier. A floss holder, Waterpik or other inter-dental device like a Softpik are great options as well. Ask your Dental Hygienist for product options at your next check up. Trust me, she will be glad you asked 😉
2. Set a realistic goal for yourself:
*It is not realistic for you to go from zero flossing, to daily flossing. So, start out slow. If you never floss, start with 2 times weekly for the first 3 months. Then, increase to 3-4 times weekly until you reach your next 6 month visit. If you floss 2 times weekly, increase to 4 times weekly. Take it one step forward at a time.
*Choose your flossing days ahead of time. Example: commit to flossing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you don’t choose days, you will talk yourself into “flossing tomorrow” until tomorrow never comes. Choosing these days and staying committed to them will give you a better chance at being successful.
3. Remember the risks and find motivation in them:
*Periodontal disease causes inflammation, bleeding, bone loss, bad breath and even eventually loss of teeth.
*Periodontal disease has been linked to many health issues like cardiac conditions, diabetes, and even Alzheimer disease.
Remember, preventative care is the easiest and most reasonably priced dental care you can get. Best of luck on all of your new year’s resolutions and we wish you a happy, healthy, cavity free 2013.
December 20, 2012
The kids are home for winter break and the snow is in full swing! Looking for something fun to do? Check out this edible snow globe project from Taste of Home:
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Homemade-Snow-Globes
December 14, 2012
As many of you know, our office collected food for the Hunger Task Force again this year. With the help of patients, staff, and people in our building, we were able to collect over 500 lbs of non-perishable food items. This food will be distributed to families in need throughout the Milwaukee area. As a “Thank You” to all those who helped, each donation was worth an entry for a wonderful gift basket. Our winner was drawn at the end of November. Congratulations to Margarita P. who picked up her basket earlier this month.
The holidays are a great time to reach out to others in need. We encourage you to find a way to help people in your own communities. There are endless opportunities to give. Anything from local food pantries and food kitchens to toys for children in need, or jackets and gifts for the elderly. Thank you to all of you who helped us to reach out to our cause this year and in the years past!
December 7, 2012
Each year, many people die and more are hospitalized as a result of the flu. Preventing the cold and flu viruses is important during this time of year. Follow some simple tips to keep you and your loved ones healthy.
Consider getting vaccinated each flu season. The Center for Disease Control recommends early vaccination each season, especially for people in a high risk category. Those considered high risk are: children under the age of 5, adults over 65 years old, pregnant woman, those with heart, kidney or liver disease, a person with a compromised immune system, or someone who is morbidly obese. Vaccinations are available with your health care provider as well as at many local pharmacies.
Practice good hygiene! Because you can pass a virus to someone before you know you are sick, it is important to keep your hands clean by washing them often with antibacterial soap or by using hand sanitizer. If you need to cough or sneeze, cough into your shoulder to avoid carrying the bacteria on our hands and transferring it to others. You may be contagious for 5-7 days after symptoms occur.
Take your vitamins and get a good nights rest. Vitamin C is found in high concentrations in immune cells. When a patient begins to fall ill, these vitamins are quickly consumed. This important viatmin aids in healing. Did you know that your body needs Vitamin D to absorb Vitamin C effectively? So, before you dose up on C, be sure to have D available too! A good nights rest of 8 hours each night helps keep us healthy and at our best, ready to fight those nasty viruses.
For more information on the flu and prevention, visit cdc.gov/flu 
November 30, 2012
Each of our patients fills out a health history to keep on file in our office. Often times patients do not disclose everything on these forms because they do not understand the significance. So, we want to set the record straight! Here are some things to consider while updating your health history at your next dental visit:
Did you know that sometimes diabetes first presents itself inside the mouth? Often times an expected and quick onset of gingivitis or periodontal disease can indicate to your dentist and hygienist that you may be diabetic. Dental professionals will then advise patients in this situation to see their medical doctor and have blood drawn to find out if they may be diabetic or not.
Artificial joints and certain heart conditions may require a patient to take an antibiotic prior to dental work in order to avoid an infection called ‘bacteremia’. Bacteremia can be caused by a disruption of normal oral bacteria being released into the blood and can cause complications in artificial joints or compromised cardiac health. Taking an antibiotic one hour prior to dental work prevents infection.
Vitamin deficiency can present in many ways inside the oral cavity as well. Angular Cheilitis can indicate a lack of Vitamin B in a patients diet. This presents as painful, dry cracking at the corners of the mouth. Lack of iron can cause a burning sensation on your tongue. Vitamin K aids in clotting and aids in faster healing.
Some herbal supplements can even interfere with dental anesthetics. The calming supplement called ‘Kava’ can strengthen the effects of a dental anesthetic.
So, before you leave any information out, think about what you may be risking. Providing a complete health history to your dental provider plays a critical role in allowing them to provide you with comprehensive, risk free dental care.
November 9, 2012
Did you know that licensed dental professionals must continue their education throughout their entire career? Dentists, Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants attend many courses to stay current on the latest trends in Dentistry. These classes consist of many topics like: pharmacology, oral cancer, gum disease, smoking cessation, the newest dental technologies and radiography. Aside from these elective topics, we are required to be certified in CPR training and infection control (OSHA). Participating in these classes ensures that our patients receive quality care that is up to date with the leading technology!
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