You may not realize it, but dentists are your allies in preventing and detecting harmful oral cancer. Oral cancer does not get the publicity other types of cancers do, but it is no less insidious, as it affects the lives of thousands of people in the US every year. Your dentist is specially trained to look for signs of oral cancer and can be essential in detecting it early, while it is most treatable.
As we get older, our oral health needs evolve. Our bodies become less effective at fighting off infection, it may take longer to recover from illness, and the risk of chronic disease begins to increase. Those are just a few of the reasons why we urge our patients to pay close attention to their teeth and gums as they age. Keep reading for our guide to caring for your oral health as an older adult.
When you look in the mirror, do you focus on the fine lines and wrinkles that frame your eyes and mouth and then complain about how they make you look older? Sure, smoother skin will give you a more youthful look, but do you realize how much your smile contributes to the appearance of your face? An unhealthy-looking smile can age you just as much as wrinkles and sagging skin.
Menopause is a time when hormones fluctuate wildly and cause a variety of physical symptoms. As women enter menopause, they may experience sudden changes that affect not only their bodies but their oral health as well, including one symptom that they may not immediately connect to menopause: dry mouth. Continue reading to learn more about the connection between menopause and dry mouth.
Do you find yourself experiencing tooth sensitivity regularly? It is not uncommon to feel slight discomfort from time to time if you bite into a cold ice cream. However, if you notice that you feel discomfort each time you eat something hot or cold or when you brush your teeth, you may be experiencing a problem with your oral health. Tooth sensitivity is one of the warnings your teeth give off to alert you that something isn’t right with your oral health. We want to share what can cause tooth sensitivity:
Do you dream of being able to visit the dentist and get through an appointment without anxiety or fear? If so, you are not alone. There are many people who experience some form of anxiety or fear about visiting the dentist. The problem arises when it keeps them from getting the dental care they need.
At Smiles By Holsinger & Higgins, we are always looking for ways to improve the treatment and care we provide to our patients. One way we do this is by attending continuing education courses to learn about new technology and treatments that can reduce discomfort and shorten treatment time. We recently had the opportunity to attend a course to learn more about the Fotona Lightwalker Laser. This course was taught by Dr. Pohlhaus, a Baltimore dentist who specializes in using laser treatments in dentistry.
As another year is upon us, many people choose this time to reflect on different aspects of their lives. For people who are self-conscious or unhappy with their appearance, luckily, we live in a time where there are a multitude of treatment options that can change any aspect of the face. Whether you want to improve wrinkles, smooth out sunken lines, or reverse sun damage, the treatment options are plentiful.
We know that this time of year is hectic. Holiday celebrations, festivities, time with family, and more can make this time of year overwhelming. The added stress can lead to complications if you suffer from TMD. If you are unfamiliar, TMD refers to temporomandibular joint disorder. The temporomandibular joint, also known as the TMJ, is responsible for opening and closing the jaw. We would hate for discomfort in your jaw and facial muscles to put a damper on your holiday celebrations
Do you look in the mirror and become frustrated with what you see? If you are looking to improve your appearance, now is the perfect time, with the holidays and new year around the corner. Aside from cosmetic dentistry treatments that can improve any aesthetic imperfections in your teeth, we are happy to offer our patients Botox. These treatments are used to reduce fine lines and wrinkles on the face. Read on to learn more about this popular treatment.
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.
