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!