Advance Dental: Blog

We are OPEN and Ready to take care of YOU! COVID-19 is in the news everywhere, and we are closely monitoring the situation here at Advance Dental. We already, as a daily practice, assure universal precautions as outlined by CDC and OSHA standards of infection control, and safety is always our number one focus. Our high standard of care ensures that your trust and safety are never compromised. At this time, we are also taking extended measures to further protect all of our patients and team members, including the following:  Anyone with a cough or fever will not be allowed in the building and should stay home. We will be happy to reschedule your appointment for a later date. Before your appointment, we ask that you stay in your car until we are ready to seat you in your personal operatory. Simply call us when you arrive, and we will let you know when it's time to come in. Please limit the number of individuals coming to your appointment as they may be asked to wa...

Advance Dental's SIXTH Annual Food Drive Monday October 14th through Saturday December 14th     We would like to take this time to give thanks for what we have and consider what we can share with our community. For the past five years, our office has partnered with the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. If you’ve participated in previous years, you know that we've had  FIVE  wonderful years of donations, both through food and monetary gifts, from our patients and staff. We challenge  ALL  our patients to participate this year and help feed our community members who are in need. Here is what we've been able to donate together over the years and our goal for 2019. ·  2014: 146 pounds of food donated ·  2015: 233 pounds of food donated ·  2016: 409 pounds of food donated (including monetary donations) ·  2017: 556 pounds of food donated (in...

Get the CareCredit credit card that helps fit care into your budget, and a special offer that supports a healthy smile. Between now and July 31, 2019, get a free Philips Sonicare Essence+ electric toothbrush when you complete these steps (in any order) .  For new CareCredit cardholders. 1. Open a new CareCredit credit card account.* 2. Use your new card to make a single or multiple purchases totaling $200 or more. 3. Register your purchase by July 31, 2019.   • Online at  carecredit.com/promotions  with code SMILE   • By mail to: Offer # SMILE P.O. Box 540003 El Paso, TX 88554-0003 Call 574-271-9910 and schedule an appointment today! Ask for details or call (866) 893-7364. Valid 5/1 through 7/31/19.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month In the United States alone every hour of every day someone loses their life to oral or oropharyngeal cancer. It is the cancer of the mouth and upper throat. Only forty percent of patients diagnosed will live longer than five years. Patients often end up suffering from facial disfigurement or trouble talking and eating. Its fatality is directly linked to its late-stage diagnosis. Dentists are often the first to identify oral cancer symptoms in patients, which is why offering oral cancer screenings is crucial. Early detection and prevention are key. Symptoms of Oral Cancer Dentists should provide their patients with information on the symptoms and indicators of oral cancer. If a patient has an abnormality in their mouth that does not improve or disappear after two to three weeks, they need to see a dental professional immediately. Urge your patients to perform self-checks and be vigilant of symptoms, such as: Sores or ulcers that d...

National Safe Toys and Gifts Month December is National Safe Toys and Gifts Month. During their first winter, many children will receive teething toys and children with special needs may continue to enjoy them as their second set of teeth come in. There are many safe options available, but parents and other gift-givers may not be aware of how to use them and keep them clean. The Teething Process Babies’ first teeth usually start coming in when they are about six months old. Dentists recommend that biannual checkups begin at this point. For the most part, the front bottom teeth come in first, followed by the front upper teeth, with the last of the twenty baby teeth erupting by the time the child is three. Particularly during the early months, children’s gums will be sore and they will seek relief by biting down on whatever objects are available. Maintenance Besides cleanliness and choking hazards, the other issues with toy selection are chemical composition and intended u...

The Dangers of Plaque and Tartar Accumulation Preventive measures in  dental  treatment are intended to defend against the onset of disease. Patients of all ages benefit from preventive  dental  services that are designed to fend off periodontal disease, tooth sensitivity, cavities, and even oral infections.  Routine exams and professional cleanings before bacteria buildup will ensure a lifetime of excellent  dental  health. Though plaque and tartar are two different things, they have similar properties and tartar forms as a result of plaque buildup. Both are harmful to the teeth and gums and can be prevented through a good oral care routine and regular visit to the  dentist . Risks Associated with Tooth Plaque Plaque is a sticky, colorless, film of bacteria that is constantly forming on the tooth’s surface. Though there are good and bad bacteria in the mouth, plaque produces acids that attack tooth enamel, damage gums, and cr...

Dental Care for Children Dental  Care for Children Even the smallest teeth need attention and care. Infants will start to teethe at about six months old, and many of the baby teeth will erupt above the gum line by the time the child is one year old. This is why the first  dental  appointment for your child should take place between their first and second birthdays. A child’s first dental appointment does not typically involve any treatment. Instead, this visit is a wellness check or "chair-ride" for the infant to discuss oral care during development and introduce oral care habits as a routine to keep up with throughout their life. The First Appointment At the appointment, you can hold your child in your arms while your dentist examines his or her teeth and mouth. You should use this opportunity to discuss your child’s medical history and any issues you’re concerned about. Your  dentist  will review the child’s teething and tooth development to see...

Advance Dental - Dr. Ronald Stangebye Nutrition and Oral Health: You are What You Eat If you’ve ever heard the expression, “you are what you eat,” there may be more truth to that than you think. Our mouth is a tool that keeps the machine, also known as our body, strong. In order to keep the mouth healthy, you need to give it what it needs, not what it craves, no matter how badly you want to reach for that slice of pizza. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods from each of the five food groups, promotes healthy teeth and gums, while strengthening our immune system in the process. A balanced, well-rounded diet will also protect the teeth from decay and keep your dental health as well as your physical health in optimal shape. Diet and Oral-Systemic Connection Foods that contain sugars of any kind contribute to tooth decay. Though almost all foods contain sugar, it’s important to avoid added sugars that are found in sports drinks, candy, and cookies. If foods don’t con...