We don’t know about you, but at Smiles by Holsinger & Higgins, we are thrilled that summer is upon us! Although it is still technically a few days away, we are loving the warm weather and longer days. While we hope you have tons of summer fun planned, we want to remind you to continue to care for your oral health. Unfortunately, not caring for your teeth now can lead to unwanted oral health issues in the fall and winter. Here are some helpful tips:
Do you check your teeth regularly between appointments? If not, then you should check for signs of a problem with your oral health, such as swollen gums or cracked teeth. We see our patients so infrequently during the year and the bulk of their oral hygiene falls into their hands. Thankfully, your teeth and mouth do a good job of alerting you to a problem. Do you know the warning signs that your mouth might be giving to alert you to a problem with your oral health? Read on to learn more.
At Smiles by Holsinger & Higgins, we continuously stress the importance of receiving routine dental care in our office; however, today we want to share the importance of caring for your teeth in your own home. We see many of our patients only two times a year for their routine cleanings, which leaves the majority of their dental care in their hands. We know that sometimes your oral hygiene routine can be a little lax, especially after a long day, but we want to stress the importance of caring for your teeth properly each and every day. It will save you a lot of money in the end when you do not need additional dental care. We are going to share some helpful oral health tips:
Do you get nervous before you visit the dentist or need dental treatment? If so, you are not alone! There is a large number of people who experience some form of nervousness or anxiety before visiting our office. We never want your nervous feelings to keep you from getting the dental care you need and deserve. We want you to feel safe and comfortable while in our care. Here are some tips to help you relax before and during your next appointment:
Do you often wake and feel unrested or have difficulty falling asleep each night? Quality sleep is important to help us function properly in our daily lives. During sleep each night, you are resetting your body and your mind. When you are not sleeping through the night, have difficulty falling asleep, or are not sleeping enough, you may start to see negative changes in your mood and your overall health. Some patients who have difficulty sleeping are suffering from a common sleep condition known as sleep apnea.
Unfortunately, dental emergencies can happen at any time, so it is good to be informed about what you should do if you are in this situation. The most important thing to remember when it comes to any form of emergency is to remain calm and think clearly. If you get excited and emotional, you will forget important steps. Following an emergency, you should evaluate and assess the needs of the injured, whether that’s you or someone else.
Dentistry is constantly evolving and changing, and because of that, we are always looking for new and improved procedures and equipment that we can use and that will raise the level of care we can provide our patients. This is one of the reasons we are passionate about attending continuing education events and adding new technology to the practice when it is available. We recently added a new piece of technology known as the Fotona Lightwalker Dental Laser. Continue reading to learn more about how this dental laser will make procedures faster, more precise, and less invasive.
Are you or a loved one planning a pregnancy, currently expecting, or recently had a baby? The arrival of a new life is an exciting time and full of planning and preparation. Between all of the doctor appointments, preparing the nursery, and planning for a baby, it can be easy to forget about your oral health. However, dental care before, during, and after pregnancy is a must.
We know that life can be extremely busy for many of our patients. There always seems to be something going on, whether it’s a work event, a family obligation, time with friends, and the list goes on and on. Now that the craziness of the holiday season has passed and we are into the new year, it is a perfect time to evaluate the state of your oral health. When was the last time you and your loved ones visited our office for a hygiene examination and cleaning? If it has been longer than six months, you are definitely due for a visit! Read on to learn about why regular oral hygiene examinations and cleanings are a must.
December has arrived, which means that we are in the thick of planning for the holiday season. Nothing is more exciting than finding the perfect gift for your loved ones during this special time. It can be a difficult task to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. While it may not be your first thought, there are a few dental gifts that would be perfect for your friends and family, and we know they would feel nothing but joy to receive them. Sometimes the best gifts are the most useful ones. Read on to learn more about these dental gift ideas.
Screening Patients
When our patients update their medical histories, we have been actively screening them to learn about any history of travel or signs of infection like cough, fever or shortness of breath.
Taking Temperatures
Before performing any dental procedures, we have been taking everyone’s temperature. This is our new routine protocol during assessment of all patients.
Washing Hands
All patients and team members are required to perform proper hand hygiene by washing their hands thoroughly.
Wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
At our office, we have a strict policy to only practice dentistry when the right protective equipment is in place. We always wear surgical masks and eye protection. Masks are changed between patients. Rest assured, we are fully stocked in dental supplies.
Cleaning and Disinfecting
Throughout the day, we are rigorously cleaning all public areas in our office, including the reception area, bathroom, and operatories. This intensive cleaning includes everything from door handles to chairs.
Proper Social Distancing
You can rest assured that we are practicing proper social distancing in our office. We are actively working to make sure that patients are 6 feet or more away from others. We are encouraging patients to come in at their exact appointment time so that no one is waiting in our office.
