Russell and Bode Family Dentistry
R&B Tip of the Week: Home Care with Dentures
Care of partials and dentures:
Removable partials and dentures require care the same as natural teeth. Although the approach is different they are equally importance tasks.
Partial dentures attach to remaining teeth which can allow for plaque and tarter to collect on the supporting teeth and can make them more vulnerable to cavities and periodontal disease. It is important to be diligent in your oral homecare and professional cleanings protecting your remaining teeth.
Use a soft toothbrush or a special denture brush to remove plaque and food deposits from your appliance daily. Use of liquid dish soap and hand soap as well as over the counter denture cleaners are all acceptable but avoid using toothpaste as it can be too abrasive for daily use. Make sure you rinse thoroughly after cleaning, using warm water. Lining the sink with a towel while cleaning can help protect appliance in case it is accidently dropped.
Remember to remove your appliance every night, as they are not meant for around the clock wear. Prolonged denture wear can lead to increased loss of bone supporting your denture and oral infections. While your appliance is out, nightly brush your tongue and gently brush or wipe gum ridges to remove any visible plaque and freshen breath.
Be careful to not leave your appliance accessible to young children to get a hold of or especially pets who are notorious for using them as a chew toy!
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Oct 20th, 2016
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R&B Tip of the Week: Invisalign
Did you know there is now a way you can straighten your misaligned teeth without having to use traditional wire braces? We now offer Invisalign at Russell and Bode Family Dentistry, giving you the option of clear and removable braces to align your teeth!
Invisalign uses a sequence of clear and removable braces to align your teeth. The aligners can be easily removed, so you can eat and brush your teeth as you normally would, unlike traditional orthodontics. Dr. Bode is a certified provider of Invisalign.
Katie and Kami are both currently using Invisalign. Katie had traditional braces in the past, but needed something to maintain her beautiful smile. Invisalign offers retainers that can be worn at night, protecting the investment of time and money you have already made. Katie loves the comfort of the Invisalign retainer. Kami also had braces as a teen, but made the unfortunate decision to not wear her retainers! This resulted in some crowding of her lower teeth and changes in her bite. She is in her 3rd month of Invisalign. Her full treatment time is estimated to be 10-15 months. She can already see the positive changes in her teeth, and is excited to see the end result.
Feel free to ask Katie or Kami if you have any questions about Invisalign. Call the office at 360-742-3912, to schedule your consultation to discuss Invisalign and see if it is the best option for you!
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Oct 13th, 2016
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R&B Tip of the Week: MI Paste
What can MI Paste/MI Paste plus do for you?
- Relieves tooth sensitivity
- Does not irritate dry mouths caused by certain medications
- Helps minimize tooth sensitivity before and after professional cleaning
- Helps minimize tooth sensitivity after whitening
- Releases minerals such as calcium, phosphate and fluoride in the oral cavity
What is MI Paste/MI Paste Plus?
Is a special milk-derived protein that release calcium and phosphate to the surface of the teeth. It is also a water-based, sugar-free topical tooth crèmes.
How do I use MI Paste/MI Paste Plus?
To apply:
- Brush with fluoride toothpaste in the morning and at night
- Apply a pea-sized amount of MI Paste to your teeth’s surface using a cotton swab or finger
- Leave undisturbed for 3 minutes
- Expectorate (spit) but do not rinse; leave the excess to slowly dissolve
At your next appointment ask any of us about MI Paste/MI Paste Plus.
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Oct 6th, 2016
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R&B Tip of the Week: Carbohydrates and teeth
Have you ever wondered why you have cavities when you don’t eat sugar often and you brush your teeth twice a day? Many people don’t realize that fermentable carbohydrates and starches can also lead to tooth decay.
What is a fermentable carbohydrate? The two main forms of carbohydrates are sugars (such as fructose, glucose, and lactose) and starches, which are found in foods such as starchy vegetables, grains, rice, breads, and cereals. The body breaks down (or converts) most carbohydrates into the sugars glucose or maltose. This process starts in the mouth.
Only a small amount of glucose or maltose is required by plaque in the mouth to produce acid. The bacteria in the plaque produces an acid that lasts for approximately 20 minutes after each exposure to sugary or starchy foods and beverages. This acid attack leads to tooth decay (cavities).
Tooth decay destroys the tooth structure and can affect both the outer layer of the tooth, the enamel, and the inner (dentin) layer of the tooth.
With both carbs and sugar, it’s important to remember to minimize the amount of time your teeth are exposed to them. Continuous exposure throughout the day is much more damaging to your teeth than short term exposure. Your goal should be to lessen the amount of time that bacteria have to feast on your teeth, thereby cutting down on the acids they will be able to produce.
Of course, proper dental care is a big part of the equation. Rinse your teeth with water right after eating whenever possible, and be sure to clean them thoroughly by brushing and flossing.
Foods to enjoy on special occasions:
- Chips, bread, pasta, crackers, pretzels, cereal, cookies, cakes, bananas, raisins, soda, diet soda, orange juice, apple juice.
Foods to enjoy daily:
- Cheese, milk, plain yogurt, nuts, green tea, apples, carrots, celery, water.
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Sep 29th, 2016
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R&B Tip of the Week: Your Oral Health During Pregnancy
Your Oral Health during Pregnancy
Always inform your dentist and hygienist if you are or may be pregnant and don’t postpone or put off seeing your dentist during your pregnancy. Keeping your mouth healthy helps keep you and your baby healthy.
Pregnant woman are more at risk for oral health conditions such as “Pregnancy Gingivitis”.
Pregnancy gingivitis can cause complications not only in your mouth but also with your pregnancy. It can lead to periodontitis (a more advanced stage of gum disease) which increases your risk for preterm birth and low birth weight.
Signs of pregnancy gingivitis/periodontitis:
1. Red/swollen gums
2. Gums that bleed easily (when brushing or flossing)
3.Tooth or gum pain
Ways to prevent pregnancy gingivitis/periodontitis:
1. Practice good oral hygiene
2. Eat a healthy diet
3. Visit your dentist
Some dental benefit plans cover an extra cleaning for pregnant women (three cleanings per year). Check and see if your insurance plan has this feature.
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Sep 22nd, 2016
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R&B Dental Tip of the Week: Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from the fibrous parts of plants and birch trees. It does not break down like sugar and can help keep a neutral pH level in the mouth. Research has shown that the daily use of Xylitol containing products such as foods, chewing gum, candies, and toothpaste can significantly reduce the rate of cavity formation and help repair damage to enamel in both adults and children.
Here are a few reasons to use Xylitol:
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Xylitol is a tasty, perfect sugar substitute
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Boosts oral health by inhibiting the growth of cavity-causing bacteria
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All natural
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Can be used for baking a wide range of tasty treats
Ask Tina or Sonya at your next dental visit for more information!
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Sep 15th, 2016
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Featured Team Member: Judy
“Judy has been a great mentor to me and the rest of our dental assistants. I greatly appreciate all the help she has given me here. Judy is my go to person for questions, advice, and happy hour. Judy recently became a grandmother for the 4th time! She enjoys spending time with her family, going to Husky games, and traveling – she’d love to go back to Italy!” – Kelsey
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Sep 7th, 2016
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Featured Team Member: Sarah
“Sarah is an outstanding hygienist. She always has an upbeat personalitity. Sarah always offers a helping hand where ever it is needed. Outside of work she stays busy with PTA meetings, School Board meetings, watching her sons play sports, and many camping trips – especially to the beach. We are all lucky to have such an awesome coworker and and I am lucky to have her as a neighbor!” – Katie
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Aug 24th, 2016
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Featured Team Member: Alyssa
“Alyssa is an intelligent, confident, and kind person. Her vivacious personality is uplifting and contagious. I often go to Alyssa for advice – both personal and professional. I can always count on her understanding and her honest, logical feedback. Alyssa is an amazing wife, mother to four children, three dogs, and a cat. She enjoys camping trips with her girlfriends, watching the Seahawks, and going to happy hour with me! Alyssa is a very good friend and an awesome co-worker. Thanks for being amazing Alyssa!” -Amanda
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Aug 18th, 2016
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Welcome Joey to our Practice!
As a registered dental hygienist, Joey loves providing holistic care to her patients. She also encourages overall health to promote the well-being of the whole body. Joey strives to provide the best dental care possible for her patients. Comfort, patient satisfaction, and patient education are her primary concerns. She is relationship-oriented and values creating connections with her patients on a personal level. She has a passion for caring for the less-privileged. She has served at the Seattle-King County free clinic as well as Pierce County’s Homeless Connect. Joey will begin serving the local community here in Olympia through the Olympia Union Gospel Mission.
In her free-time Joey enjoys spending time with her husband. They have ten nieces and nephews and are closely involved in each of their lives. She loves to travel, see new places, meet new people, and spend her time active in the outdoors. She enjoys hiking, with Mt. Rainier being her favorite hiking destination. Joey also enjoys kayaking, golfing, fishing, and reading. She looks forward to a long career in dental hygiene, getting to know her patients and creating lasting relationships.
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Aug 15th, 2016
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