Mar 23, 2016
Welcome to our brand new website. We thought we’d take a moment to explain some nifty features to help you find exactly where you need to go.
New Patient Questionnaires
If you’re a new patient and need to fill out your New Patient Questionnaires, you can do so by visiting our homepage, scrolling to the bottom, and clicking on the green tooth. You can’t miss it!
The forms will include:
- New Adult Patient Form
- Media Release Form
- HIPAA Form
- Financial Consent for Services
- Consent for Internet Communications
Feb 16, 2016
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Children have specific dental care needs that differ from adults that are important for parents to know. Even though young infants have no visible teeth, they are there under the surface and it’s important to keep your baby’s gums healthy from the beginning. After meals, gently wipe the gums with a washcloth. Once the first baby teeth come in, brush them twice daily with water and a soft-bristle toothbrush. And remember, your baby’s first trip to the dentist should be before their first birthday!
At age 3, your child should start using toothpaste. Use just a small amount and always have them spit it out. And of course, have them avoid sugary foods and drinks like candy, juice, and soda as much as possible. Appointments should be every 6 months. Around age 6, you might see gaps between the teeth start to diminish—time to floss! And don’t let them be surprised by their first tooth falling out. Let them know this is a natural part of growing up.
How old is your child? If they’re due for a checkup, call to make your appointment today at 207-781-5900.
children’s dental health
Feb 16, 2016
In February, we celebrate Black History Month. Among the great African American historical figures we know so well, we wanted to include Robert Tanner Freeman, the first African American dentist in the U.S. As his name suggests, Freeman was the son of slaves who earned their freedom and took this surname to proclaim it. After meeting local dentist Henry Bliss Noble as a youth, Freeman began apprenticing as a dentist. Numerous college applications later, Freeman became the first black student to attend Harvard Dental School and graduated in 1867, during the Civil War. Unfortunately, Freeman died only four years after his graduation. But during his short dental practice tenure, he encouraged young African Americans in his community to enter the medical field.
Freeman’s tenacity extended to his grandson, Robert C. Weaver, who in 1966 became the first black Presidential cabinet member.
african american dentist
Feb 15, 2016
February is American Heart Month. Sadly, heart disease is the number one killer of women. Did you know that there are some studies that suggest a link between oral health and heart disease? While the studies aren’t conclusive yet, many have shown that gum disease, in particular, can be associated with heart disease. The American Academy of Periodontology, for example, found that those with periodontal disease are almost twice as likely to have coronary artery disease.
Some of our hygienists recently attended a course on this possible link between heart disease and oral health in Boston. One possible reason for this connection is that bacteria from the mouth can enter into the bloodstream through the gums, the same bacteria found clumped in artery plaques. Of course, it’s too early to say that avid tooth brushing and flossing can prevent heart disease. But it certainly can’t hurt.
Check out this video from the American Heart Association, “10 Years of Fighting Heart Disease in Women”
Jan 13, 2016
Are you the type of person who flosses just once a week? Do you sometimes head to bed without brushing your teeth since you’ll be brushing them again in the morning? Do you swish with mouthwash? Having a good dental hygiene routine is the best way to ensure that your trips to the dentist don’t consist of anything more than a casual checkup. Brushing your teeth is, of course, the best way to keep your teeth clean during the day and overnight. However, many people brush too hard, use a brush with bristles too hard for their gums, or don’t change their toothbrush regularly. A good rule of thumb is to change your toothbrush every three months or so, to ensure that the bristles are in good enough shape to do their job. Brushing softly twice a day over each surface of your teeth and tongue will keep your gums healthy and keep plaque buildup down.
Flossing is one of the most skipped activities in a good dental hygiene routine, but it is very important. Flossing gets those hard-to-reach areas between teeth, where a toothbrush may or may not clean. Adding flossing to your daily routine will strengthen your gums and help prevent cavities. Finally, after brushing and flossing, swishing with mouthwash each day for 30-45 seconds is the best way to round out your routine. It may seem silly to reiterate these tips that everyone knows, but you’d be surprised at how quickly these activities fall out of dental hygiene routines after a visit to the dentist! Keeping up with a regular schedule is the best way to avoid cavities, yellowing teeth, or more serious issues. If it’s been a while, give us a call at 207-781-5900 to schedule an appointment today.
Jan 13, 2016
When we think of dental tools, the first things that come to mind are molds, drills, and scrapers. But the often-overlooked dental X-ray is one of the most important tools in the dentist’s arsenal for maintaining oral health. Since dental X-rays are used to diagnose problems, they are often the first line of defense for dentists to assess what ailments a new patient may have. But dental X-rays are not just for new patients.
Adults with healthy teeth should be getting X-rays of their teeth every 2 to 3 years. Children, however, should have X-rays taken every year since their teeth are constantly growing, which causes rapid changes. As with most everything else, the sooner a problem is detected the easier, and cheaper, it will be to correct and dental X-rays play a huge part in fixing oral health problems. When is the last time you had X-rays of your teeth taken? Call our office today at 207-781-5900 to make your appointment.
dental x-rays
