What do you LOVE about Washougal?

Dr. Stinchfield, your Washougal dentist, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our amazing patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Stinchfield and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Washougal, Camas, and Stevenson? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite getaway in Washington?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Washougal, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods” in Washington.

If you need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call! Have a great week!

$1.50 for a Cavity

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Dr. Stinchfield wants to remind that vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge, remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth,” but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Raw Vegetables (broccoli, celery, carrots, etc)
• Bread
• Pretzels (low salt)
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc)
• Sliced meat

If you would like more advice about how you can prevent cavities, give Discovery Dental a call or ask Dr. Stinchfield during your next appointment.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Visiting Discovery Dental regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. 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. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Stinchfield would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

As a dentist, Dr. David Stinchfield is specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next appointment. Take care of your teeth!

How important is your smile? From Dr. Stinchfield

For years, Discovery Dental has served Washougal and the surrounding communities, and it is such a joy for us to know that we are able to help our friends and community members maintain good oral health and bright, beautiful smiles.



And speaking of smiling, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?"

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

We invite you contact our Washougal dental practice and schedule a complimentary consultation. Smiles are always at the heart of what we do, and we look forward to the many smiles we have yet to share.

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.

Discovery Dental Begins The First Phase of Our Office Renovation

If you haven't noticed already, Dr. Stinchfield and our team at Discovery Dental are excited to announce that we've begun our office renovation project. We started the first phase of the four phase renovation project at the end of this January, and we are planning for the renovation to span over the next two years.

The Discovery Dental office renovation will mend many of the issues with the older building, and create space for Dr. David Stinchfield's brother, Tom Stinchfield, DDS, to join the practice this July. These new office updates will also increase the efficiency of our office, and provide a more comfortable experience for our patients. Of course, we will still be retaining our office's beautiful scenery.

Pardon the dust for the next two years as we make way for these exciting changes!

American Heart Month

Did you know February is American Heart Month? It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Dr. Stinchfield. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to Discovery Dental. In observance of Heart Month, Dr. Stinchfield says it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at Discovery Dental, please give us a call today.

Prioritize your oral health with 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 Dr. Stinchfield every six months, in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day.


It's important to visit Discovery Dental for regular hygiene visits, so that we can ward off the damaging effects of periodontal disease (the leading cause of tooth loss in adults), and catch problems while they are small and easily restorable. Putting off valuable regular hygiene appointments can end up costing you much more in the end! If we can save a tooth from the traumatic/catastrophic event of a fracture or toothache, you are much better off. In the end, regular checkups save the patient time, money and discomfort.

Small problems in the mouth get larger each day they go untreated. Get 'em while they're small! Visit our website today to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Stinchfield.

Dr. Stinchfield supports National Children’s Dental Health Month

With February being National Children's Dental Health Month, our team at Discovery Dental thought we'd share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush, using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.
• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and place between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.
• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these beverages create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. When drinking one of these beverages, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Rather, have a drink and then brush your teeth.
• Regular dental visits: You should visit us regularly (approximately every six months).

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 61st year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Discovery Dental, please feel free to give us a call!

Toothbrush Trivia with Dr. Stinchfield

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Discovery Dental honors the 25th anniversary of MLK Day

The activism of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was integral to the U.S. civil rights movement of the 1950s and ‘60s. As the social justice leader once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” There are many ways that you may answer this question, whether it is participating in an environmental impact project, volunteering through an education program, or serving veterans and military families. Are you looking for Day of Service project ideas? You can always ask Dr. David Stinchfield, or visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service website.

All of us here at Discovery Dental would love to hear what you’re doing for others in the Washougal, WA area. We encourage you to share any pictures, videos, or information about your Day of Service project on our Facebook page. Happy MLK Day!

Safety first this winter! From Dr. Stinchfield

Winter is officially here, and with it comes not only the holiday season, but also sometimes unpredictable and inclement weather. This week, Dr. Stinchfield and our team would like to share a few winter safety tips that we found on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website. These tips include everything from what to wear outdoors to tips for winter snow sports. Enjoy!

• Older babies and young children should generally be dressed in one more layer of clothing than an adult would wear in the same conditions
• Several thin clothing layers will keep an infant or child dry and warm. Warm boots, gloves, mittens, and a hat are necessities!
• A cold air humidifier, saline nose drops, and petrolatum will help a child that suffers from winter nosebleeds.
• It is important for children to wash their hands frequently, and to use the bend of their elbow if they need to sneeze or cough to prevent the spread of colds and flu.
• Never ski or snowboard alone. Adults should supervise young children participating in winter sports.
• When sledding, it is preferable to separate young children from older children, and to avoid crowded areas.
• The AAP recommends that children under age 16 not operate snowmobiles and that children under age 6 never ride on snowmobiles.

We hope that these tips help keep you and your loved ones stay safe and sound this winter season. Please give us a call if you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule your next appointment at Discovery Dental.

Gummy Tummy, from Dr. Stinchfield

At Discovery Dental we know the rumors going around—mostly among young people—that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing!

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?

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Thank you,

-Dr. Stinchfield and team