When heading to college for the first time, teenagers- now officially adults – often need to be reminded about the importance of their oral health. They are fully independent and living on their own for the first time, and many can develop bad habits or simply forget now that their parents are not there to…
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Dental Health Basics for Toddlers
“I can do it myself!” Parents of toddlers are familiar with this announcement as their children progress into the age of self-awareness and growing independence. Even so, children need assistance with oral hygiene. Your child’s dentist is a valuable resource for developing an effective daily oral care routine that also embraces your toddler’s enthusiastic independence….
Continue ReadingDental Health Basics for Babies
Parents often ask when they should start taking their kids to the dentist. We follow the guidelines of the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: the first visit should no later than the child’s first birthday and then at regular intervals as recommended by your child’s dentist. Why so early? The…
Continue ReadingOur Patients Love The Dental Care They Get Here
Welcome back to the Distinctive Dentistry Blog. We are celebrating this Valentine’s month by sharing some wonderful words that our patients have shared in testimonials. What we would like you to notice is a common theme of not just great dental care, but also how often they expressed that they were taken care of by…
Continue ReadingDietary Dental Do’s
Welcome back to the Distinctive Dentistry Blog . As your family dentist, I wanted to focus on some helpful “Dietary Do’s” for you, this time. Here are some dietary dental tips: You Don’t Have To Pray To The Calcium Gods, Just Eat Foods That Contain Calcium – Since calcium is a major component of bones and teeth, you must…
Continue ReadingWhat is CTX4, and why should I use it?
CTX4, formally known as Phlourigel, is a 1% sodium fluoride gel that contains xylitol. Fluoride and xylitol are important in the prevention of dental caries. It has a neutral pH balance and is superior to many over the counter brands of toothpaste. The primary goal of CTX4 is to prevent tooth decay. Your Distinctive Dentistry…
Continue ReadingWhat is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
What is Sodium Lauryl Sulfate? Sodium lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is an active ingredient in many toothpastes and can promote microscopic damage to the oral tissues in some patients. Some patients that have a sulfite allergy or are sensitive to certain sulfa products, such as SLS will find it is beneficial to try SLS-free toothpastes. Here…
Continue ReadingOral Cancer and symptoms
What Is Oral cancer? Oral cancer is a disease that can affect a number of individuals; any age, race or gender. The cells within the oral cavity mutate causing malfunction; this can lead to tissue failure, organ failure or even death. In some cases, cancerous cells that start in one region of the body can…
Continue ReadingOral Health and Cardiovascular Disease
What is Cardiovascular Disease? Cardiovascular disease is any type of problem or disease that affects the heart; this can range from high blood pressure to arrhythmias, to heart failure. Some patients may take medications for their heart condition; this does not mean that the condition is not present- it means that the condition is being…
Continue ReadingWhat is involved in an oral cancer screening? Your Puyallup dentist answers
Cancers are frightening diseases and oral cancer is no different. With over 100 Americans being diagnosed with this form of cancer every day (according to the American Cancer Society) this is definitely a disease we’d like all of our patients to be aware of. Fortunately, when detected early, there are a lot of treatment options-…
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