The importance of regular checkups!

If you’re brushing and flossing on a regular basis, we think that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit us every six months, in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day. Because your dental health is important to us, we'd like to remind you that it's time for your examination.

Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Drs. Morrow, Lai, and Edwards can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt

• Detect cavities and early signs of decay

• Treat oral health problems early

During an oral exam we will usually check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to our office in the last six months (or as recommended), call us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

When Should Your Child Start Using Mouthwash?

Mouthwash can play a vital role in helping keep the mouth fresh, healthy, and bacteria-free – but is it safe for your child?

If your little one is under the age of 6, the American Dental Association recommends that you should hold off on giving him or her mouthwash. At that age, children can have a hard time not accidentally swallowing mouthwash, which is harmful to swallow at any age!

For this reason, it’s a good idea to wait until your child is a little bit older before you introduce him or her to mouthwash.

When your child is ready to take on mouthwash, be sure to purchase a product that is specifically designed for children. Normal adult-level mouthwash contains alcohol and is much more harmful to your child if she or he swallows it. Also, children’s mouthwash will often include a fluoride solution that helps build strong teeth. You can even pick out fun flavors of mouthwash that your child will enjoy!

As with introducing any new healthy habit to your little one, your supervision, guidance, and encouragement are super important to the success and safety of your child’s actions! If you have any questions about how to instill great oral health habits in your child, or if you have questions about your child’s oral health in general, don’t hesitate to give us a call! We’re here to help!

Independence Day Facts, Tips, and Party Invitations!

It’s hard to believe, but July is already here and half of 2012 has already passed! As July 4th approaches, our team thought it would be fun to share some facts and safety tips for celebrating our country’s independence day.

Fun Facts:

• Betsy Ross, according to legend, sewed the first American flag in May or June 1776, as commissioned by the Congressional Committee.

• The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation. The colonists had no say in the decisions of English Parliament.

• The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

• The first public Fourth of July event at the White House occurred in 1804.

• And what could be more fitting than spending the day in a place called “America”? There are five such places in the country, with the most populous being American Fork, Utah, with 21,941 residents. Check out American Fact Finder.

Safety Tips:

• Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.

• To prevent a trash fire, be sure to douse the spent fireworks with plenty of water from a bucket or hose after fireworks complete their burning and before discarding them.

• Make sure fireworks are legal before buying or using them.

What are your plans this 4th of July? Share them with us! We’d love to hear what you and the rest of the community will be doing to celebrate! (Don’t forget to make sure there are no restrictions on fireworks! Check out this link to see if fireworks might be an issue for you this year.)

Also, check out these 4th of July party invitations, eGreeting cards, and delicious recipes!

July 4th eCard invitations!

Happy Independence Day eCards

Independence Day Recipes

Photo by shawnajean