Notes from the Dentist

Sterilization

Many of you have heard about the recent finding that a dental office in Oklahoma was not sterilizing his instruments properly, so I wanted to take a moment to assure my patients about Smile Station Dental's sterilization protocols.

Few people know that my wife has a master's degree in microbiology and she uses her knowledge to ensure that we take every precaution necessary to eliminate chances of cross-contamination.  All instruments, including handpieces, are washed, wrapped in sterilization paper and then sterilized using steam autoclaves.  The sterile cassette is stored wrapped and is not opened until the patient is in the chair for the procedure, assuring the sterility of the instruments to be used on that particular patient.  Additionally, many surfaces are covered with a barrier that is changed between patients.  Other surfaces are disinfected between patients to prevent cross-contamination. Each of these steps is taken to ensure your safety. 

Smile Station Dental goes one step further than most offices by employing a water filtration system that filters all water going to the waterlines that go to every operatory.  This filtration eliminates the bacteria called biofilm that can be cultivated in unclean waterlines. Although this is not a compulsory requirement by law, Smile Station Dental takes this precaution as another way of protecting patients from any concerns they may have at the dental office.  For more information on waterlines in the dental unit, read the blog post here.


Source: http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/29/health/oklahoma-dental-warning


R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)805-3696
smilestationdental.com
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News You Can Use

Modeling Good Oral Health for Your Child

While many parents may not realize it, the health habits they maintain may heavily influence the health habits of their children.  According to a new study published by the Journal of Dental Research, children pick up some health habits from their parents.  The study found that if mothers that had a cavity, they were twice as likely to have a child with a cavity as well. 

The study supports the idea that a parent cannot just teach a child about good oral health habits but they also must do as they say as far as brushing and flossing. Making sure to schedule regular dental checkups is also important.  Not only can the dentist check for common oral health conditions but by taking your child every six months, the child receives more important oral health modeling.

Parental modeling does not just have an effect on children's social interactions but lifelong health habits as well.  Help your child develop good habits by illustrating good brushing and flossing habits.



Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2013/04/set-a-good-oral-health-example-for-your-child/

Source: http://www.southridingfamilydentistry.com/531384/2012/08/28/four-tips-for-teaching-your-child-how-to-have-good-oral-hygiene.html



R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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Notes from the Dentist

A Little Dental Humor

I thought I'd start of today with a dental inspired joke

Source: http://pinterest.com/pin/490470215638164294/

R. Eric Emery, DDS

Smile Station Dental 

2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400

St. Louis, MO 63122

(314)821-7100

smilestationdental.com

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News You Can Use

National Facial Protection Month

Not only is April National Cancer Prevention month but it is also National Facial Protection month.  While I have blogged about the importance of mouth guards before, a post you can find here, it is always good to elaborate more on the importance of protecting your smile. 

While several sports use mouth guards as part of their equipment, too many overlook this important piece.  Not only is a mouth guard important for those who participate in sports but for anyone who keeps an active lifestyle.  Activities such as rollerblading and biking also may require a mouth guard to fully protect your teeth and mouth. 

The U.S. Center for Disease Control show that half of the seven million sports and activity related injuries occur in children as young as five years old. Athletes that do not wear mouth guards are also 60 times more likely to damage their teeth or mouth than those who wear mouth guards and 67% of parents admitted their children do not wear mouth guards while participating in sports activities. 

Additionally, 84% of children do not wear mouth guards while participating in sports because they are not required to wear them.  While other protective gear is required, such as a helmet, a mouth guard is not but may be the least expensive piece of all. 

You can find more information about the use of mouth guards at the American Dental Association website mouthhealthy. Please call the office today to inquire about making a mouth guard for your children.



Source: http://www.colgate.com/app/CP/US/EN/OC/Information/Articles/ADA/2013/article/ADA-04-April-is-National-Facial-Protection-Month.cvsp



R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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Notes from the Dentist

Summer Dental Appointments for Children

Summer is a busy time in the dental office. College kids are in town and children are on summer break so it may be hard to schedule a convenient dental appointment. One way to avoid this potential headache while making sure you children get the dental checkup they need is to schedule the appointments now.  The earlier an appointment is scheduled, the more open spots in the calendar there are so it can be scheduled at your convenience.  Please call the office today!

R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental

2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400

St. Louis, MO 63122

(314)821-7100

smilestationdental.com

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News You Can Use

Tips for a Stress Free Dental Visit

Dental anxiety is a very real experience for some people.  It can even prevent them from getting the oral health care their smile needs. The positive side to this is that dental anxiety can be lessened or even overcome.  Here are some tips and tricks to help reduce dental anxiety:

• Avoid caffeinated beverages before your visit as they can increase nervousness and anxiety

• Leave early for your appointment in attempt to avoid high traffic situations which elevate stress-related hormone levels

• Do not be afraid to tell your dentist.  The more the dental team knows about your dental anxiety, the more they can help

• Ask your dentist if they can provide nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas. For more on nitrous oxide, go here

• Breathe deeply before, during, and after the procedure.  Breathing can help you feel calm and relax your body

For more information, call or talk to the Smile Station Dental team or follow the link here for alternative methods for reducing dental anxiety.  Dental anxiety is a real phenomenon but it does not have to keep you from getting the services you need.

Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2012/06/

R. Eric Emery, DDS

Smile Station Dental

2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400

St. Louis, MO 63122

(314)821-7100

smilestationdental.com

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Dental Did You Know

Sleep Apnea Facts

Source: http://www.betterrestsolutions.com/Sleep-Apnea-Infographic_ep_49.html


R. Eric Emery, DDS
Smile Station Dental 
2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400
St. Louis, MO 63122
(314)821-7100
smilestationdental.com
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News You Can Use

Oral Cancer Prevention 

April is National Cancer Control Month so I thought I'd blog a little about prevention of oral cancer. Incidences of oral cancer are on the rise and many people do not know that oral cancer claims the lives of more people than brain cancer, cervical cancer, and testicular cancer annually. The more you know about the signs and symptoms, the better equipped you will be to an early diagnosis, a key element in more effective treatment.

Risk factors for oral cancer include smoking and chewing tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, and human papillomavirus (HPV).  While those are the commonly accepted risk factors, it is believed that genetics plays a role as well. Dietary factors have also been cited as a contributing factor. Because so many factors can contribute to the development of oral cancer, it is important to get an oral cancer screening at least once a year during a normal dental checkup. 

Symptoms of oral cancer include:

• A sore that bleeds easily or does not heal
• A lump, thickening, rough spot, crust, or small, eroded area
• A color change of the oral tissue
• A flat, painless, white or red spot or sore
• Numbness, pain, or tenderness
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite down

It may be hard to see all parts of your mouth which is where a trip to the dentist annually becomes necessary.  Waiting for the signs to become obvious may waste valuable treatment time that could save your life.

Source: http://bestdentistnews.com/2012/04/during-april-lets-focus-on-oral-cancer-prevention/#more-793

Source: http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/o/oral-cancer.aspxS

R. Eric Emery, DDS

Smile Station Dental

2901 Dougherty Ferry Rd, Suite 400

St. Louis, MO 63122

(314)821-7100

smilestationdental.com

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