Hi everyone . . .
Our patients will soon notice we have a new computerized message system. We will be sending out reminders of upcoming appointments and a notice to confirm your next appointment by using texting and/or e-mail. This will be especially helpful for 6 month cleaning appointments set up at the last check-up. You can confirm your appointment by clicking the confirm button on the e-mail message. We will still confirm appointments by phone to those patients who haven't responded. This has been getting great feedback from patients as a nice convenience. We will also send short newsletters by e-mail monthly, as well as our regular mailed quarterly newsletter. You may also get a message if you are overdue for a check-up and haven't scheduled. I think you will find this system to be a super reminder tool.
In other news, Bonnie's son Tyler was accepted to the University of Cincinnati in the Architectural Engineering program starting this fall!... Gina made a cookbook featuring each staff member's favorite recipes along with photos of the dish. They call it the "Mac-Chick's" cookbook. We have a few extra's available for sale if you are interested and samples in our reception room . . . We are looking for a grateful patient to help us make a patient video testimony to share their dental visit or treatment experience in our office, which we will feature on our new website. Your chance for fame!! Let us know if you are interested. We would be eternally grateful for your participation. |
Arthitis linked to poor dental health
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness and redness. The cause is unknown, but it affects roughly 1.3 million Americans, most of whom are women. Recent research has shown that when dental problems are treated, specifically gum disease, the result can be reduction in pain, swelling of joints, improved mobility and less morning stiffness. This is likely because gum disease and dental infections release inflammatory proteins which enter the blood steam and affect the joints, as well as other organs and structures in the body. There have been many recently established links between gum disease and poor oral hygiene being a major risk factor in heart disease, hardening of the arteries, kidney and lung disease, low weight pre-term babies, oral cancer and diabetes. This list keeps growing, implying that an unhealthy mouth can raise your risk of developing many preventable diseases, just like the risk of smoking can lead to the development or worsening of many diseases. Having regular check-ups and cleanings, as well as daily flossing and brushing can not only improve your entire health, it may lengthen your life!
Why do we need to take care of baby teeth?
Children typically get their first baby tooth around 6 months of age and their last molars about 24 months, although tooth eruption dates can vary from 6 months to one year or more The full set of 20 baby teeth are necessary for chewing, speaking and of course flashing that cute baby smile! Baby teeth also are important in keeping the space open for the permanent teeth lying below the surface. Early loss of certain baby teeth can result in drifting of the teeth, partially closing spaces and blocking the permanent teeth from coming in straight. Neglected home care of the child's first teeth can result in high decay rates, causing infections and pain. Space maintainers and orthodontics may be required should teeth be lost prematurely. Tips on preventing problems include:
- After feeding an infant, brush their gum pads or teeth with a clean gauze or wash cloth. Ages 6 months to 3 years, use a very light smeared layer of toothpaste on the child's brush by wiping the excess paste off the bristle edges with your finger. Ages 3 to 6, use a "pea" size amount of toothpaste on the brush. We find Crest for Kids has the best flavor according to our" little patients" we survey. Don't forget to floss between the teeth for your child.
- Never let you child fall asleep with a bottle of milk or juice in their mouth.
- Never dip a pacifier in a sweet liquid before placing it in their mouth.
- Avoid giving children soft drinks or more than 4 to 6 ounces of fruit juice per day. Apple juice is a potent cavity producer. (acid and sugar content)
- If you don't have fluoride in your water supply or use a full house reverse osmosis water purifying system, call our office for a fluoride supplement.
We recommend a child's first dental visit to be at age three, unless you notice something you would like us to check early. You are also welcome to bring them in at age 2 1/2 at your check-up appointment so they can get used to a fun visit to our office.
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Dr. MacKnight and Staff:
Bonnie, Karen, Tina, Marilyn, Diane, Tammy, Amy, Gina, Jody, and Angela.
KEEP HEALTHY, HAPPY, AND SMILING!
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