This Year, Make a New Year’s Resolution to Smile About!

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Discovery Dental believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Discovery Dental

Season’s Greetings from Discovery Dental

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as the team at Discovery Dental reflects on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays on our Facebook page. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at Discovery Dental

What’s so bad about nail biting?

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at Discovery Dental found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:
• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?
Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Dr. Stinchfield or visit the article for tips on how to break a nail biting habit. Good luck!

More happy patients at Discovery Dental!

Last week, we asked you, our wonderful patients, what you most liked about your experience at Discovery Dental. Well, we received some pretty great reviews, and thought we’d share a few with you today. Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Dr. Stinchfield and team love getting patient testimonials!

"Front office staff - outstanding! I really appreciate them understanding the urgency of my situation AND being flexible during a time of expected inclement weather. Dr. Stinchfield - Outstanding service." ~Michelle

"My cleaning appointment went very well - I love how much you care for my comfort!" ~ Judy

"The staff is always friendly, cheerful and professional." ~Adina

"Every single person there has always given us outstanding service, on every visit." ~Michelle

Write a review for Discovery Dental!

From the moment you walk in the door of Discovery Dental, Dr. Stinchfield and team strive to provide superior treatment in a comfortable atmosphere. Have you had a great experience at our office?

Share your story with the world!



Just select the "Write a Review" button above to write a review on our Google Place Page. We look forward to receiving your feedback!

Thank you,

-Dr. Stinchfield and team

Happy Thanksgiving, from Discovery Dental

Dr. Stinchfield and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great Thanksgiving food!

What are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Cold and Flu Season is Here- Replace Your Toothbrush!

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Stinchfield will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Discovery Dental if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

Dr. Stinchfield, helping tackle sports injuries

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among children, let alone teens with braces. In a recent survey, the American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, discovered that 70 percent of parents said their biggest worry is that their child will get hurt while playing sports. But 67 percent admitted that their child doesn’t wear a mouth guard when participating in organized sports such as football, basketball, baseball and soccer. That’s why Discovery Dental is helping spread the word that many facial sports injuries can be prevented simply by reminding your kids to wear mouth guards. Ask us—Dr. Stinchfield is an authorized provider of Under Armour Performance Mouthpieces, and is pleased to offer his patients the same mouthguards and mouthpieces used by hundreds of professional, Olympic, and collegiate athletes. In addition, the AAO has provided the following tips for keeping your kids safe on the field this spring. Please remind them to:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports
• Wear a helmet
• Stretch before and after a game or practice
• Wear protective eye wear
• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
• Be observant—even as a spectator

All of these can reduce injuries. Only by using a mouth guard and other forms of facial protection can kids with and without braces avoid serious sports injuries. Be sure to avoid mouth guards that custom form to your teeth as these will resist any tooth movements Dr. Stinchfield is trying to achieve.

Give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or your treatment at Discovery Dental.

Improving your oral health with Invisalign®, from Discovery Dental

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Discovery Dental than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Stinchfield the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page!

Smile wider, live longer, from Discovery Dental!

Folks with big smiles may actually live than those who don’t, according to a March 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Dr. Stinchfield has known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass index, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Discovery Dental on a regular basis? If not, give us a call!

Invisalign® and your oral health, from Dr. Stinchfield

When considering treatment options, patients often ask us how Invisalign treatment is so different than traditional braces. Well, there are more reasons to smile about Invisalign with Discovery Dental than you may know. Invisalign is a series of removable aligners that are nearly invisible, and besides straightening your teeth, can improve your oral health. Here’s how:

Healthy gums: Straight teeth allow a close fit for gums. This lessens the gum stress that is caused by crowded or widely spaced teeth, thus also reducing red and swollen gums.

Easy cleaning: Invisalign is removable, therefore brushing and flossing is easier and you are able to maintain a healthy mouth. These habits are vital to avoiding tooth decay, plaque and even gum disease.

Improved speech and chewing: Properly-aligned teeth don’t have the discomfort or compound speech impediments that can be caused by crowded teeth or a deteriorating jawbone.

If you have any questions about Invisalign, just ask Dr. Stinchfield the next time you’re in for an appointment. Or, you may post your question on our Facebook page! You can also read this article for more information on Invisalign and your oral health.

Discovery Dental, protecting you from cavities this Halloween

As Halloween is only two weeks away, Dr. Stinchfield knows that there will soon be many tricks and treats! While this festive holiday is full of costumes and fun community activities, it can also be a harmful time for the teeth of young trick-or-treaters in our Washougal, WA neighborhoods.

With all of the sugary, sticky, and chewy treats that are often shared with trick-or-treaters, it is important to follow these simple tips to prevent cavities this Halloween:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

For more information on cavities and good oral hygiene habits, don’t hesitate to ask our doctors or staff at Discovery Dental during your next appointment.

October is National Dental Hygiene Month

At the practice of Dr. Stinchfield, we just can't believe September is already over. It's fall; the leaves are turning color, the weather is crisp and cool today, and October is National Dental Hygiene Month, a time for Dr. Stinchfield (and our staff) to raise awareness of the benefits of a healthy beautiful smile.

This year's theme is “Healthy Habits are Easier than You Think,” which focuses on prevention. At Discovery Dental, we know everyone is busy; living a life on-the-go is difficult for most people, but our staff is here to tell you keeping a healthy mouth shouldn’t be.

Your teeth are an important part of your body, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet, and visiting our convenient Washougal office on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the ADHA's National Dental Hygiene Month website, which provides pointers on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, is it time that you schedule an appointment with Dr. Stinchfield? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call to set up an appointment.

At Discovery Dental, what puts you at ease?

Dr. Stinchfield and team understand not everyone is thrilled to see the dentist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Discovery Dental that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Stinchfield?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

A great article about changes in dentistry, from Discovery Dental

The world around us is always changing and evolving, whether it’s the latest gadget you ordered online or the high-tech braces on your teeth! Recently, we read an article in the New York Times about dental implants, and how they are becoming increasingly favored over bridges to replace lost teeth. One thing to remember about dental implants is that they need to be cared for just like your regular teeth; daily brushing and flossing are a must!

Call us today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Stinchfield to discuss your implant options.

-Dr. Stinchfield and team

Moooooove over gum disease!

Dr. Stinchfield wants to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (or gum disease). Study results showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.

September is National Gum Care Month

Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be difficult to recognize. Many people do not recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums - as a precursor to gum disease. This month, a national campaign is underway to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we at Discovery Dental wanted to do our part to help spread the word!

Early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as the heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease. These can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with our office as soon as possible. We can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.

Would you like a new smile in just six months? Ask Dr. Stinchfield about Six Month Smiles!

Have you been dreaming about a new smile? Discovery Dental is now offering Six Month Smiles for all of our adult patients that would like a beautiful smile, without the discomfort or metal braces. Six month smiles are nearly invisible clear braces, which can gently straighten and align teeth in an average time of just six months.

Dr. Stinchfield is a certified Six Month Smiles provider, serving patients in Washougal, Camas, and Stevenson WA. Feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about Six Month Smiles, or if you would like to schedule a consultation.

With OraVerse at Discovery Dental, you can reverse the numbness of anesthesia

Discovery Dental is pleased to offer our patients the option to reverse the affects of anesthesia at the end of dental procedures. OraVerse is a local anesthetic reversal agent that reverses the effects of anesthesia so that it wears off in about 30 minutes, instead of 120 minutes or more. This cutting-edge treatment option allows patients to leave our office without the unpleasent side affects that can result from anesthesia. Dr. Stinchfield and our team is now offering OraVerse at a minimal cost to our patients.



Please give us a call if you have any questions about OraVerse, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment.

Dr. Stinchfield, Washougal's CEREC® Provider

CEREC is a technology for restoring damaged teeth, and this restoration can be completed in a single visit to Discovery Dental. The restoration is metal-free and the high-grade ceramic material is compatible with the natural tissue found in your mouth. It makes your teeth stronger and more beautiful — all while keeping your teeth looking natural. Above is an example of the before and after pictures of a porcelain fused to metal crown, which was replaced by a CEREC crown in a little over an hour. What fantastic results! This is the finest restorative material available today, all in one appointment.

The CEREC Process

First, Dr. Stinchfield will meet with you to discuss the details of the procedure. During the procedure, Dr. Stinchfield will apply a thin layer of reflective powder onto your tooth and will use a special camera to take a photo of your tooth. Using Computer Aided Design, the photo serves as an optimal impression. The restoration will then be designed by the computer on this impression. Then CEREC will use a diamond bur and disk to create your restoration piece out of a high tech ceramic. Finally, the ceramic restoration is bonded to your tooth using state-of-the-art adhesive dentistry.

Discovery Dental is your local CEREC dentist for single-visit tooth restorations. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Online Exclusive: $100 off Under Armour Performance Mouthwear at Discovery Dental!

For a limited time, Dr. Stinchfield is offering patients’ HUGE savings on mouth guards. Now, you can protect your smile for many years, and games, to come! Under Armour Mouthpieces are custom fit to the shape of your smile and offer superior protection and comfort. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to protect your teeth, mouth, and jaw from injury.

You may be wondering, “How do I receive this amazing Under Armour discount?” It’s simple-to receive this savings all you have to do is mention seeing this $100 off Under Armour Mouth Guard offer on the blog. What a great deal! As always, feel free to give Dr. Stinchfield a call if you have any questions about Under Armour mouth guards or if you wish to schedule an appointment.

Five summer traveling tips, from Dr. Stinchfield

Most of us take a vacation during the summer, and often forget to pack the most important of things. Recently, our staff at Discovery Dental came across an interesting article from ParentsAsk.com that outlined five important tips for summer travel with children. We strongly encourage you to give this article a read if you’re heading out with the family this summer. Here are even more tips you can use to ensure your vacation packing—and the traveling itself—goes as smooth as possible!

Happy traveling! Be sure to share your summer photos on our Facebook page!

- Dr. Stinchfield and team

Dr. Stinchfield asks: What’s on your summer reading list?

With summer in full swing here in Washougal, WA , some of us at Discovery Dental wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, it's fun!

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? Ask us for suggestions, and Dr. Stinchfield and our staff would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

Why do you love Discovery Dental?

From your very first visit to Discovery Dental, Dr. Stinchfield and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Stinchfield's work? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,
The team at Discovery Dental

Oral cancer screenings at Discovery Dental

In our continuing efforts to provide the most advanced technology and highest quality care available to our patients, Discovery Dental screens our patients for oral cancer. Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved.

Early detection of pre-cancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer and possibly save your life. Ask Dr. David Stinchfield about a screening at your next appointment!

What are patients saying about Discovery Dental?

Dr Stinchfield and his team love getting patient reviews. And lately, Discovery Dental, serving Washougal, WA and surrounding communities, has been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! We thought we'd share some with you today!

"I like the going to an office where I feel like I know the health care providers." ~Alec

"Dr. Stinchfield really cares about what he is doing and it shows! He surrounds himself with extremely capable and professional people and it is a joy to go there!" ~Nancy

"Dr. Stinchfield does an excellent job in keeping up with technology and applying this to his practice. He is very friendly and considerate to his patients. Have recommended him to our friends." ~Sarah

Have you had a great experience at Discovery Dental? Please share it with us! You can write a review here, or give us a call at the office.

-The team at Discovery Dental

Ask Dr. Stinchfield: Is Invisalign® right for me?

Invisalign is a highly customized treatment,which is why that it is so effective, says Dr. Stinchfield. To find out if Invisalign is right for you, our office uses basically a three step process. First, we take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. With special software, we are able to look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next, we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Dr. Stinchfield is a certified Invisalign provider. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call! We look forward to hearing from you!

Getting social with Discovery Dental

Isn’t social media wonderful? Today, Dr. Stinchfield would like to take this opportunity to discuss how our team approaches social media and online patient communications. From our high-tech website and innovative treatments, to our social media presence, our office embraces new technology. For social media to be effective, conversation is essential, and that's why we encourage you to join in and tell us what's on your mind. Although social media is very popular right now, we know that it is ever-changing.

As you might have noticed, we love engaging in conversation with our patients online. It’s great to connect with our patients, sharing news, ideas, and upcoming events at the office. We have found that our Facebook fan page and blog are great tools for making this connection.

Dr. Stinchfield and our team at Discovery Dental are interested in hearing about your thoughts on social media. How would you prefer we use our social networks? What would you like to see us share on our blog? Let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!


- Your Friends at Discovery Dental

Meet Our Dentist

I feel fortunate that I am passionate about my profession and I look forward to going to work each day. I love to help people on their journey to optimal oral health. Ultimately it is each individual’s decision as to what their goals are, but I am here to diagnose and suggest the best options to accomplish those goals. It is my goal to make each of my patients feel comfortable and at home in our practice.

I attended Brigham Young University and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Zoology. I then went on to Case Western Reserve University School of Dentistry where I obtained my Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Continuing education is the fuel that keeps me motivated to provide the best care in the most efficient and painless way possible. It enables me to stay abreast of the new techniques and technology that change at a more rapid pace every year. Continuing education is a passion of mine that will never cease.

I've participated as a Scoutmaster for several years and feel privileged to be able to sponsor multiple sports teams in soccer, softball, and baseball. We also support the Washougal Schools Foundation annual Stride, 5k fun runs. I visit classes at local elementary schools to educate children about oral hygiene.

I reside in Washougal with my wife of 17 years, Adina, and our four wonderful children, Isaac, Taylor, Parker, and Morgan. I am an avid marathon runner and have completed Hood to Coast and other long distance relays. I have just begun biking and hope to be able to compete in triathlons. I enjoy water and snow skiing, as well as camping, but family time is my priority.