March is National Nutrition Month!

March has arrived, and that can only mean one thing: it’s National Nutrition Month. Every March, Dr. Stinchfield and thousands of dentists and hygienists celebrate this occasion, and this year is no different. This March, Dr. Stinchfield and our team want you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.

Small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet this March:

• Focus on fruits and vegetables: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.

• Think fresh, think local: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in Washougal, WA.

• Make each and every calorie count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.

• It’s tempting, but…: If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you crave a snack in the afternoon, enjoy some trail mix or nuts.

• Expand your horizons: Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.

If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping yourself and your mouth healthy, please give us a call!

The Best of Clark County voting begins!

Discovery Dental, serving Washougal, Camas, and Stevenson, WA, provides our friends and community members with the highest level of care in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you had an exceptional experience with Dr. Stinchfield and our dental team? Did our staff at Discovery Dental go out of their way to make your day? Has Dr. Stinchfield helped you maintain a bright, healthy smile? If so, please take a moment and vote for Discovery Dental as this year's Best Dentist of Clark County!

You can vote for Dr. Sinchfield and our team on The Columbian website. Anyone who votes is also eligible to receive a $50 gift card to Beaches, so don't delay in submitting your entry!

Thank you, from all of us at Discovery Dental!

Dental implants for patients with diabetes

Dr. Stinchfield understands dry mouth, gum disease, delayed healing and other health issues are all special concerns for our patients with diabetes. But what are your options when infection has weakened teeth beyond repair? In many cases, Dr. Stinchfield recommends dental implants as permanent replacements for damaged teeth.

Recent studies of dental implants with diabetic patients show success rates of higher than 90 percent. In the rare case that the implant does not blend properly to the bone, Dr. Stinchfield will remove and the procedure at Dr. Stinchfield can be repeated. While the process of implantation takes longer than conventional treatments like bridges, the strength and durability of implants make them an excellent long-term solution for your tooth replacement. If you have diabetes and have lost one or more teeth (and your diabetes is under control), you may consider implants. However, if your blood sugar is not controlled, Dr. Stinchfield recommends putting off any non-emergency dental care, including implants, bridgework and dentures – until you’ve worked with your primary care physician to control it.

Otherwise, feel free to give us a call and our staff will try to answer any diabetes-related questions we can.

A new smile in just 6 months at Discovery Dental

Dr. Stinchfield is pleased to offer our adult patients Six Month Smiles®, a new cosmetic braces system that can transform your smile in less time. This treatment is quick, comfortable, and nearly invisible. On average, our office is able to give patients the healthy and beautiful they've always dreamed of in just six months.

Is Six Month Smiles right for you? The Six Month Smiles online smile assessment questionnaire can help determine if this treatment option will fit your lifestyle. When you're ready for a new smile, please give Dr. Stinchfield a call to schedule a Six Month Smiles consultation!