Never in our lif
etime have we experienced such a worldwide health crisis as we are currently. Protecting the health of ourselves, our families, and our community members has become a major group effort! Wearing masks, frequent hand washing, and sanitizer use is now the norm for everyone. Infection control has always been a top priority for us at Cheek Dental, but COVID-19 has certainly put our procedures to the test! [Read more…]
Why Baby Teeth Matter
As parents, there is nothing more special than seeing our child smile. While the baby teeth that make up those smiles may only be temporary, it is important to remember that they serve a very important role in our child’s health and development and must be meticulously cared for until they fall out. [Read more…]
Give the Gift of Oral Health
The holidays are here, and ‘tis the season for giving. As we shop for gifts for our friends and family, we all have those hard-to-buy-for people on our list. This year, why not give them the gift of oral health? Here are some great gift ideas to keep your friends and family members smiling!
An Electric Toothbrush. While both a manual and an electric toothbrush can effectively and thoroughly clean your teeth, dentists often recommend electric toothbrushes because of their precise brushing capabilities and gentleness on gums. And they are fun to use! Electric toothbrushes are great for anyone but are a particularly great gift for those who have difficulty brushing or who have limited manual dexterity. Dr. 
Chandler’s pick: Oral B Genius.
A Water Flosser. Water flossers are handheld devices that spray streams of water in steady pulses. The water, like traditional floss, can remove food and plaque from between and arou
nd the teeth. Water flossers help reduce gingivitis, the early form of gum disease, and are wonderful gifts for people who have trouble flossing by hand or who have dental work that makes flossing difficult – such as braces or a bridge. Dr. Chandler’s pick: Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser.
Teeth Whitening. Who wouldn’t want a whiter, more confident smile? Whitening is a great gift 
that will surely make your loved ones smile! Products available over-the-counter, such as whitening toothpastes or whitening strips, may make teeth look a little brighter but often contain different or lower concentration bleaching agents than what your dentist offers, and some are actually just surface stain removers. Before purchasing an over-the-counter bleaching kit, ask your dentist if they offer professional strength non-custom bleaching kits. These kits are less expensive than in-office or custom tray bleaching processes. Opalescence Go is one such kit that requires no impressions or custom trays and is ready to use right out of the package. Dr. Chandler’s pick: Opalescence Go.
Additional stocking stuffer ideas that promote oral health: Xylitol gum, sugar free candies, toothpaste, floss, mouthwash, tongue scrapers, and interdental brushes or picks.
While I hope you have enjoyed our favorite oral health gift ideas, it is important to remember that oral health begins with good oral hygiene. We recommend brushing twice a day for 2 minutes with a fluoride toothpaste, flossing or using interdental cleaning tools once a day, and scheduling regular dental hygiene visits and examinations to keep your smile, and yourself, healthy. Happy Holidays!
Preventing Jack O’ Lantern Smiles
When we think of October, many of us think of Halloween. Children dressing up in costumes, trick or treating, and, of course, the Halloween candy! But there is more to celebrate in October than just Halloween. It is also National Dental Hygiene Month! So to help you make it through Halloween with healthy teeth and good oral hygiene, here are our five favorite tips: [Read more…]
Are dental x-rays necessary?
As a mom of three, I feel the weight of responsibility to stay informed and protect my children from toxins and chemicals that may harm their developing bodies. Radiation is one of those toxins that concerns many people. Most dentists agree that limiting exposure to X-rays is important, but X-rays are necessary to find dental problems that can also be dangerous to the body. Your health suffers when people miss dental or other medical issues because they never took a radiograph. X-rays can help your dentist find and treat dental problems at an early stage, saving time, money and unnecessary discomfort. In our practice, each patient is evaluated individually for how often and how many x-rays are needed. [Read more…]
A Woman’s Guide to Hormones and Dental Health
Hormones can affect many aspects of a woman’s health – their weight, their mood, and even their dental health. You may be surprised to learn that women are more susceptible to gum disease during periods of hormone surges such as puberty, menstruation, and pregnancy. While changing hormones are a fact of life, being aware of how hormones affect our oral health can help us manage and prevent their impact. [Read more…]
Finding a GOOD Dentist for Your Family
As a mom of three, I know the pressures we moms feel in making decisions for our kids’ health. We buy organic when possible, we try to make sure our kids get outside and aren’t glued to their electronics all weekend, and we research online and among neighbors w
hen trying to find healthcare providers like pediatricians and dentists. But how do you really know if a dentist is “good?” Do you seek the opinions of neighbors and co-workers? Co-workers and neighbors can be good resources for recommending a dentist based on the dentist’s personality, gentleness, and appearance of the office, but may not always know if the work being done is of high quality. However, word-of-mouth recommendations are a good place to start. Reading online reviews next to be sure that others have the same great experience is important as well. [Read more…]
The Connection Between Oral Health and Your Heart
As we celebrate Valentine’s Day with heart-shaped candies, cards, and decorations, have you thought about the health of your own heart? And did you know that there is a connection between oral health and heart disease?
In April 2012, the American Heart Association published a statement supporting an association between gum disease and heart disease. Gum disease, also referred to as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. Gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing. When gum disease becomes more advanced, it is called periodontitis. Periodontitis can to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and may become more severe over time resulting in tooth loss. It is estimated that 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States have periodontitis. [Read more…]
SATISFYING THAT SWEET TOOTH WITHOUT TOOTH DAMAGE
We have all heard that we should avoid sugary foods if we want to have healthy teeth, but not all sugars and candies are created equal. Some sweets are less harmful to the teeth, and some are actually beneficial!
THE BETTER CHOICES… [Read more…]
BACK TO SCHOOL DENTAL TIPS
As another summer ends and a new school year approaches, many of us parents begin the task of preparing our children for their first day back to school. We shop for the necessary school supplies, we update their wardrobes, and we ensure they have the immunizations and booster shots necessary to continue in school. Children should also have a dental exam before returning to school to ensure they have a healthy mouth and the tools they need to maintain it.
[Read more…]