Don't forget about Fluoride

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your dental treatment at Dental Excellence. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth and appliances from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the dentist's office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness.

Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Flossing with Dental Excellence

We hope you are not a part of the 51 percent of Americans who don’t floss every day. And we definitely hope you're not part of the 10 percent who never floss at all. The Dental Excellence team will always tell you that proper flossing is just as important for your dental health as brushing regularly. Flossing, you see, cleans food and plaque that build up between teeth and below the gumline, key areas that brushing simply cannot reach.

Flossing 3-to-5 minutes each day is recommended, but even 60 seconds of flossing has a great benefit over not flossing at all. Also, make sure to always brush your teeth after you floss, and to rinse with water or mouthwash. When you begin flossing you may experience gum pain or bleeding, but with daily flossing and brushing this should stop within a week or so.

Lastly, has it been at least six months since your child's last checkup at Dental Excellence? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to schedule an appointment!

Patients explain their Dental Excellence experience

The Dental Excellence team loves getting patient reviews. And lately, we have been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! We thought we'd share some with you today!

"Dental work is excellent. Doctors and professional staff are caring and gentle. Great location convienient to get to from any direction. Clean offices and state of the art equipment is most impressive."
-Kevin G.

"Dr. Smith is the master of the molar, the artisan of the incisor, the brain surgeon of the bicuspid. The whole procedure (dental bonding) took less than a half hour, and now my formerly chipped snaggletooth is a sparkling white monolith, flawless in shape and sheen. I am no longer self-conscious about my smile, and my gleaming grill is now on full display for everyone, especially the ladies."
-John

"The people who work at Dental Excellence all truly care about their patients - not just their dental hygiene. Everyone there is very understanding careful to erase any "dentist fears" I may have had."
-Angela W.

"I would highly recommend anyone looking for a professional and knowledgeable Dentist to use the services of Dr John LaBarca. He stands by his work and guarantees 100% satisfaction. My family and I have been patients of Dr La Barca's now for over 10 years and we are extremely happy!"
-Troy

"I can't say enough about the people at Dental Excellence. I highly recommend Dental Excellence, they go above and beyond to help you out in way that they can."
-Kathleen

"I have been very pleased with the services that I have received at Dental Excellence. They really know the meaning of customer service! Everyone that I have come in contact with has been very professional and caring."
-Sheryl K.

If you would like to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions for us, please give our office a call. We'd love to help!

What puts you at ease at Dental Excellence?

The Dental Excellence team understands 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 Dental Excellence that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or our doctors?

Let us know by posting here, on our Facebook page, or by giving us a call!

Dr. Carr celebrates 20 years with Dental Excellence!

Dr. Lauren Carr has been providing beautiful smiles and enriching the lives of her patients at Dental Excellence since 1991 and today marks her 20th anniversary.

Dr. Carr spent the day celebrating with balloons, cake, and flowers from her staff and she graciously provided lunch for everyone from Original Pizza.

Here's are some pictures from the celebration: