Make 2011 the Year to Improve your Oral Health

Many folks in Missouri consider the beginning of a new year a time to not only reflect on the year that was, but also to set personal goals for the upcoming year. How are you planning to improve your health and happiness in 2011? The Dental Excellence team recommends that you make a New Year’s resolution to benefit your oral health!

It is important that New Year’s resolutions are reasonable and attainable, and that they improve your overall quality of life—for example, did you know that flossing every day is the very best way to prevent periodontal, or gum, disease? Using a straw when drinking sugary beverages can also help prevent cavities. There are many small steps that you can take to prevent cavities, oral infections and bad breath.

Be sure to give us a call if you need a few suggestions on ways to improve your oral health, or visit this helpful article from our friends at the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). After all, we know your oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile.

Happy New Year!

-Your friends at Dental Excellence

We need your help! Help us Vote for The UGLIEST Christmas Sweater/Sweatshirt.

Merry Christmas to all of our wonderful patients!

Last night we had our office Christmas party and it was filled with food and fun! We asked our employees to participate in a contest by wearing the ugliest sweater or sweatshirt they could find to the party. But, we need your HELP!

We are asking our patients to help us decide the winner by voting on the top 3 ugliest sweaters or sweatshirts from the party. We just couldn’t decide!! You can vote by choosing either A, B or C as the ugliest Christmas sweater or sweatshirt. You can vote by letting us know on our blog, our Facebook Page or during your next visit to Dental Excellence. We need your vote by December 21st so we can announce the winner on December 23rd.

We look forward to seeing what you guys think!
--Dental Excellence

Stay healthy this Holiday Season--Replace your Toothbrush!

After recovering from a cold or flu, Drs. Carr, Hawkins, LaBarca, Smith, and Wiley will all tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

We hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Dental Excellence if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

The importance of regular checkups, from Dental Excellence

Are you remembering to brush your teeth twice a day, especially after meals? If yes, that’s wonderful. But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit Dental Excellence every six months in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day and flossing. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Our doctors can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth

During an oral exam we will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not visited Dental Excellence in the last six months, it’s time to schedule an appointment at 816-795-9500! Summer is a great time for a visit!

What do you love about Dental Excellence?

From your very first visit to Dental Excellence, our staff strives to provide superior dental treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere.

Today, we thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by the work of Drs. Carr, Hawkins, LaBarca, Smith or Wiley? Did our professional and dedicated team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your smile?

For 42 years, the Dental Excellence team has been providing the Independence, Missouri community with the excellent care and service that you desire and deserve. We pride ourselves in providing you the best that technology and skill can offer.

Whether you’ve just come in for a single cleaning or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback! Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call at 816-795-9500!