Dear Valued Patients,
We are excited to announce that our office is joining practices with the office of Dr. Mark S Dill.  The joining of offices will provide more flexibility and availability for our patients as well as continued state of the art dentistry.
Although Mark S Dill DDS PC will appear on office documents, Dr. Garey will continue to treat her patients. Our location will remain the same and the status of patient’s dental insurance will not change.  Our first day of the expansion will be July 12, 2017.
As always we will be here to take care of your needs and answer any of your questions. Please feel free to contact us at (423) 296-1053.
I look forward to continuing to serve you and your family’s dental needs.

You could save hundreds of dollars by using your dental benefits before the end of the year. Now, some dental insurance plans do run on a fiscal year; most run on a calendar year.  Check your dental benefits plan to be sure.  However, if your dental insurance plan runs on a calendar year, you need to read the three reasons why you should make a dental appointment today.

1. Use up your yearly maximum.
Do you know what your insurance company will pay for dental work this year? Answer is up to $1,500 depending on your plan. If you are suffering and have not met your yearly maximum find out what you insurance company will pay and schedule that appointment.  They will not rollover on January 1, so use those benefits.

2. Deductibles will expire.
If you are going to pay for dental care make sure you know what your deductible is and if you have met it. Don’t wait to see your dentist if you have already met your deductible. We know dental work isn’t always pleasant but at least it will be more cost effective.  Deductibles can average about $50 per year, per person. Also, keep in mind your deductible will start again when your plan rolls over.

3. Use up your Premiums.
Take advantage of your dental benefits. You pay the premium…right? So even if you don’t have a big dental emergency, take advantage of what you pay for and schedule your routine cleanings and check-ups to prevent potential problems like gum disease, oral cancer and cavities.

Swap out your toothbrush
A whiter smile could be as easy as throwing out your old toothbrush. According Dr. Glosman, “Replace a toothbrush every three months, or as soon as you see the majority of the bristles begin to bend and look worn down.” After the bristles are worn down, your toothbrush isn’t cleaning your teeth properly.

Brush your tongue
Brushing your tongue isn’t only about having fresh breath. Dr. Glassman says it can also help prevent staining. Your tongue accumulates bacteria, which can eventually lead to discoloration. Use a soft toothbrush and long strokes starting at the very back of the tongue, rinsing your brush after each stroke. This will help remove the bacteria on the brush without re-depositing it on your tongue.

Rinse with apple cider vinegar
While it isn’t as effective as other, more mainstream whitening treatments, it is a natural and organic way to maintain a healthy smile. Dr. Glassman recommends rinsing with two parts water to one part apple cider vinegar, and swishing the solution around for one minute.

Eat raw fruits and veggies
Eating fruits, vegetables, and other crunchy foods is good for your body and your teeth. Dr. Glosman says that eating nuts, raw carrots, apples, and cauliflower can help keep your teeth clean by removing surface stains and plaque that leads to cavities.

Use gel trays instead of strips
Experts are divided on the effectiveness of whitening strips. Dr. Glassman says she’s not a fan of strips because they don’t distribute the whitening paste evenly. Teeth are usually darkest near the gum line, where the strips can’t reach. Instead, she recommends using whitening gel trays.

Rinse with water after eating oranges
Although they’re a good go-to for vitamin C, citrus fruits, such as lemons and limes, contain acid that erodes tooth enamel. This can make teeth stain more easily. The fix? Make sure to rinse your mouth out with water immediately after eating these fruits to wash the destructive acid off your teeth.

From:
Men's Health Magazine
9 Surprising Ways to Whiter Teeth Easy tips to improve your smile by Gigi Engle, March 12, 2014

Each February, the American Dental Association (ADA) sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health.

Developing good habits at an early age, and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

1. Brush two minutes, two times a day.
2. Clean between your teeth daily.
3. Limit snacks, eat healthy meals.
4. Visit your dentist regularly.

It’s a whole new year, and since many people are making resolutions where they vow to improve certain aspects of their lives, why not their oral health.

For individuals who strive for better oral health in 2014, we offer the following suggestions to help:

Brush/Floss Regularly:
Just start today and build a routine of brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once. This is the foundation for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. The sooner you can brush following a meal, the better. The longer food stays stuck to your teeth, the more acid is produced that erodes tooth enamel.

Avoid Tobacco Products:
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of all the cases of severe gum disease in U.S. adults can be attributed to cigarette smoking, and the prevalence of gum disease is three times higher among smokers than non-smokers. Using products like cigarettes, cigars and smokeless tobacco is arguably the single most destructive oral health habit.

Sweets In Moderation:
Whenever possible, stick to having sweets with dinner and brush afterward if possible. Limit sugary snacks because the more times during in the day that your teeth are exposed, the longer the acids attack.

Visit A Dentist In 2014:
Don’t delay making an appointment for a check-up. Dentists do more than just check and clean teeth. They can also check for signs of serious oral health problems like oral cancer and gum disease.

Do you need to see a dentist before the end of the year to take advantage of your insurance?

You are not alone. Call today to make an appointment, as times fill up quickly this time of year.

Why Have Regular Dental Check-Ups? Regular dental check-ups are an indispensable part of your complete health. Dental ailments can be the  basis of everything from bad breath and tooth loss to more serious health problems such as infections and cancer. The following problems can be prevented and/or treated by visiting your dentist on a regular basis:

Gingivitis – mild inflammation of the gums indicated by bleeding during brushing and flossing.
Gum Disease – inflammation and/or infection of the gums and bone that support the teeth. This is the major reason for teeth to shift, loosen, or fall out.

Periodontitis – the most serious state of gum disease where plaque has spread to roots causing infection and destroying the bone and gums that hold teeth in place.

Plaque – a sticky, colorless film of bacteria which covers the teeth. The bacteria transforms sugars and starches into harmful acids that attack tooth enamel, breaking it down and causing cavities.

Abscess – a very serious dental condition consisting of a pocket of pus which has formed at the tip of teeth roots and can lead to more serious infections if not addressed with immediate treatment. Pus is a mixture of living and dead white blood cells, germs, and dead tissue.

Bad Breath – an unpleasant odor caused by leftover particles of food collecting bacteria between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums. Brushing, flossing and proper cleaning of dentures can help prevent this condition.