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

Now Available: The Discovery Dental iPhone and Android App!

Dr. Stinchfield is very excited to announce that our new iPhone and Android app is now available for download! This app makes it easy for patients to call us with questions and to schedule appointments, since you can simply select the 'Contact the Office' button. You can email, visit our website, refer friends and call our office for emergencies with just one click. Patients can also take pictures of any problems, such as a broken tooth, swollen face, laceration, and email them to our team at Discovery Dental directly.

We encourage patients to share our new app with friends and family. For new patients, the app will provide gps directions to our office, and allow for you to view photos of the office. To schedule your appointment with Dr. Stinchfield, simply select our app's 'request an appointment' button. We look forward to seeing you, and hearing your feedback about this new technology!

How to freshen bad breath, from Dr. Stinchfield

Dr. Stinchfield, your Washougal, Washington dentist, recognizes that many of our patients are concerned about bad breath, or halitosis. While some cases of bad breath are persistent (chronic bad breath), generally bad breath is transient, and can be prevented.

We recently came across this helpful video about bad breath and thought it was worth sharing with our patients. The video explains what might cause bad breath and some ways that it can be avoided. In most instances, bad breath can be prevented by practicing common oral hygiene techniques that you have probably heard us emphasize during a visit to Discovery Dental, such as brushing and flossing daily. We encourage you to watch this video for additional tips on how to keep bad breath at bay. Enjoy!

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!

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.

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.

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

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