More happy patients at Discovery Dental!

Discovery Dental, serving Washougal and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Stinchfield and team!

"Mandy was amazing with Audrey and made it fun and comfortable for her first visit. She told everyone for days how much fun it was to go to the dentist and that she got to play with "Mr. Thirsty" and wear minnie sunglasses. Great job to you all."

"Melissa & Charlene make it such a great experience. They both have a super attitude & our whole family looks forward to seeing them."

"Charlene is consistently friendly and professional."

What oral issues should I be aware of during pregnancy?

Maintaining your oral health is an important part of keeping your entire body well, and never more so than when you’re expecting. If you’re pregnant or considering pregnancy, schedule an appointment with us, and remember to raise the issue of your oral health at prenatal appointments with Dr. Stinchfield.

If pregnant, Dr. Stinchfield wants you to be aware of the following issues:

• Tooth Decay
Excessive morning sickness can also contribute to tooth decay, as the acids in your stomach introduced to the mouth during vomiting wear away the protective enamel coating on your teeth.

• Gingivitis & Gum Disease
This is a major issue. The precursor to gum disease is gingivitis, a condition in which plaque buildup on teeth irritates the gums, making them red, swollen and sensitive. The high levels of hormones in the bloodstream brought on by pregnancy exaggerate your gums’ reaction to irritation from plaque.

• Loose Teeth
Another risk faced during pregnancy is loosening teeth. The large amounts of hormones in your bloodstream can have an unfavorable affect on the bones and ligaments that create the foundation of your teeth, weakening them to the point that teeth may loosen.

The ideal time to schedule an appointment at Discovery Dental is before becoming pregnant. Dr. Stinchfield will perform a check-up to determine the state of your oral health and how pregnancy might affect you. We will discuss completing any necessary treatments prior to your pregnancy. Give us a call today!

Discovery Dental share pool safety tips

Summer is here, and with summer comes lots of swimming! Our team at Discovery Dental found some helpful pool safety tips that we’d like to share with you, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Pediatricians.

* Install a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through.

* Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.

* Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.

* Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook - a long pole with a hook on the end - and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool. Choose a shepherd's hook and other rescue equipment made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity.

* Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties." They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.

* Children may not be developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday. Swim programs for children under 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.

* Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm's length, providing "touch supervision."

Have more questions about your children and their safety this summer? Give us a call!

Understanding cavities

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• 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

Check out this 4th of July treat that the kids will love!

Looking for a fun treat that will impress the kids this 4th of July? Here’s a fun and simple recipe that our team at Discovery Dental found from Disney's FamilyFun that’s sure to WOW the kids.

You will need:

• Red and/or blue fruit flavored beverage (Powerade, Gatorade, Kool-Aid…)
• Seltzer (flavored or plain) or clear soda
• Ice cube trays

Directions:

Fill the ice cube trays with the red and blue beverages and let them freeze solid. After they are frozen, place three or four cubes into a glass and fill the glass with seltzer or clear soda. As the ice melts, colored bubbles will swirl in the drink.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

-Dr. David Stinchfield and team