Drilling Into Our Fear Of The Dentist — And What To Do About It

Any time of year can be the right time to begin taking better care of your smile.

Many see the New Year as the best time to make a resolution to practice better dental hygiene—starting with regular dental visits.

While routine dental visits are something many people dread, practicing good oral hygiene throughout the year may change the way you feel about your smile, improve your overall health and boost your self-confidence. Routine visits to the dentist help ensure your dentist is catching and fixing any small dental issues before they become big issues.

To help, here are a few key tips from Dr. Nathan Laughrey, D.M.D., of Aspen Dental. Dr. Laughrey has been treating patients for more than 15 years and believes that by incorporating his advice into your daily, monthly and yearly oral health routine, you can improve your overall health.

• Brushing your teeth at least twice a day WILL help with dental decay.
Brush your teeth and gums twice a day for at least two to three minutes. Put your timer on and don’t forget to floss twice a day to remove food particles and prevent plaque buildup between your teeth.

• Choosing and using the proper equipment makes a difference. 
Use fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush that fits your mouth comfortably. Consider using an electric or battery-operated toothbrush, which can help reduce plaque and a mild form of gum disease.

• Toss your toothbrush and get a new one regularly.
Buy a new toothbrush, or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush, every three to four months. When your bristles are frayed, they do not clean properly and bacteria can harbor in the bristles.

• Don’t delay going to the dentist, even if you dread it. 
It pays to visit the dentist twice a year for an annual checkup and more often if you have high risk factors for periodontal disease. That’s because you will save money in the long run with routine visits and your visits will likely be less eventful.

• Even if you wear dentures, visiting the dentist is important.
Visiting the dentist is not just for teeth cleaning. Dentists also screen for oral cancer and help with many other issues. Preventive visits are key for everyone.


Source: Idaho State Journal

A hygienist everyone can admire

What? Social networks talk about us? "Dental diva?" Really? How can we promote our positive role when we see photographs and postings referring to us as divas or perhaps more unflattering terms around the World Wide Web?

Helping the office promote a positive vibe with prevention is the first step. 
As hygienists we are dental providers, not only in scaling and polishing but in helping the office strive to keep patients well educated on their oral conditions, from the smallest of cavities to full-mouth reconstructions. We are among the front-runners in keeping the mouth in great shape. We need to remind the practice (in little ways) that our recare appointments matter just as much as the full-mouth case that is entering through the office door. That full-mouth case may never have happened without our help or the help of the whole team together. We promote healthy mouths to help maintain healthy bodies. A few tips for keeping that positive vibe strong in the dental practice:

Look at other options in continuing education: marketing strategies, management, and sales. 
There are many classes that offer marketing strategies for dental practices. Sometimes you need to just do your research and see which class would best suit your practice. Ask your sales representatives; they have great resources to help you find the best classes to attend. Think outside the box and maybe take a college business class; that is a fantastic way to help develop that businessperson inside of you.

Use the intraoral camera, not only to point out the plaque, but also the patient's smile.
Maybe suggest whitening or a smile makeover. Dust off that intraoral camera and start using it on all of your patients. Take pictures of their smiles and leave them on the screen so patients can look at them and critique their own smiles; you will be surprised at what they will ask you. Take a photo of an older restoration, maybe a leaking amalgam, and ask them questions about what they see. Have them do the initial diagnosis. Most of the time, the patient will be curious to know how it can be repaired. That will create happy dentists as well as better relationships with patients. We need to build trust, and having patients own their care, rather than us telling them what they need, will make a huge difference to our practices.

Prediagnose. 
There are many tools to help screen patients for dental health. The DIAGNOdent is a fantastic instrument that can help prediagnose pit and fissure caries of nonrestored occlusal surfaces.
Ask for referrals. Internal referrals are the best referrals. The patients are not only prepped to be there, but there is already a relationship built. It is said that most internal referrals become long-lasting patients as well. Ask the office manager or dentist about adding incentive for existing patients by adding a $50 credit to their account for every referral they bring in.

Online advertisement. 
Ask your patients to write some feedback on various websites about their experience at your office. It can be a simple five-star rating to a full write-up about how they had a great time at your practice. Discuss various websites that your office may want to target. Maybe suggest hiring a company that specializes in social networking.

Help the front desk by scheduling patients' next appointments or collecting the patient portion of fees. 
Don't hide from the front desk; embrace it. The staff will appreciate it and patients will own their appointments that you make for them. Whether it is a simple six-month recare or periodontal therapy, patients will be less likely to cancel since you built relationships with them during their visits. Also, know your fees and understand how insurance works. Ask the front desk person to train you; she/he will be glad to teach you how the insurance process functions. You will gain the ability to answer insurance questions easily and, again, build that relationship with your patients. You can ask the front desk person to tell you ahead of time if a patient's collection is due at the end of the appointment. When necessary, you can collect the patient's cash portion and relieve the front desk of some details. It will also help with accounts receivable. It's a win-win for all.

Find new ways to promote prevention to your patient. 
There are so many new and exciting things that you can do to help promote prevention in the office. A great thing you can add is a dental store. Stock it with exciting products that your patients cannot easily find elsewhere. Patients love to shop, and it gives opportunity for you to affect your patients' choice of products. You can stock it with fluoride rinses, xylitol products, or organic dental products. It will help with production for the dentist and help supply patients with healthy dental products at home.

Make it personal during their visit. 
Talk to your patients and see what they've been up to. Are they getting married, expecting their first child, or going on an exciting trip? Write it down and let the dentist know. This will help build trust and better relationships with your patients. It does not take long, just a few minutes before you lay them down and begin working. I've been in practice for the last 16 years, and I've asked every single patient how they are and what they've been up to in the last few months. That alone built long-lasting relationships with patients. Just having someone they can talk to will bring them joy, especially if you are the only one they can talk to.

Watch the clock. 
I've often been asked how I stay on time with everything I do. All I can say is that I watch the clock and manage what I need to do ahead of time. Many dentists, patients, assistants, and the front desk staff will thank you merely for staying on time.

Simple time management steps can be taken:

• Time how long it takes for bitewings
• Time your periodontal charting
• Time your scaling
• Time your polishing
• Time the dentist exams

These simple steps will help guide you in staying on time.
I have timed myself to a T. From the moment patients sit in the chair and I ask how their day is going, my clock is running.

Look, listen, watch. 
Read about the latest products that are available to the practice. Look at the research that backs the new products. Things to look for might include price or ratings from other offices. You can ask your sales representative about new products and if you can get samples of any to test in the office. You might also ask if there is something new on the market that your practice may be the first to try. Suggest advertising the latest and greatest within the community.



Read more: http://www.rdhmag.com/articles/print/volume-33/issue-12/features/a-hygienist-everyone-can-admire.html

TOP 5 WAYS TO AVOID GRINCH-LIKE SMILES DURING CHRISTMAS

Image Via TheraBreath

All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth. Well, maybe add some oral health to the Christmas list? The festive red-and-green holiday? means an abundance of tasty sweets, sugary drinks and rich food. Fortunately, today we can do more than simply wish to avoid cavities, bad breath and other problems. Here's the best five ways to take care of your smile during the festivities:

1. Avoid an excess of holiday drinks, including apple cider, eggnog and hot chocolate. While these beverages may make you feel warm and fuzzy on the inside, they're leaving your teeth out in the cold. Hot cider packs more than 65 grams of sugar when decorated with caramel and whipped cream, while eggnog has more than 20 grams of sugar per cup. On top of that, the alcohol in the drinks can dry out the mouth, leaving it more prone to odor-producing bacteria and cavities.

2. Limit holiday sweets. Candy canes are a particular doozy, since they're essentially pure sugar. The biggest issue occurs when people suck on candy canes over a stretch of time, as this allows the sugars drench your teeth, wearing down enamel. Caramels are another dental nightmare, as the sticky substance clings to molars long past the moment you chew it. Sugary snacks, especially cinnamon-flavored options, can lead to bothersome canker sores.

"No one wants to be the Grinch about enjoying all the special experiences of the holidays, particularly the tasty treats that are usually around," Dr. Bill Kohn, Delta Dental Plans Association's vice president for dental science and policy, explained. "Try to enjoy in moderation, and if you find yourself overindulging, perhaps spend some extra time flossing and brushing at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste."

3. Schedule a visit to your dentist. During regular check-ups, make sure your kids are getting fluoride treatments until at least age 15. Children in particular consume stockings worth of sugar throughout the year, which breaks down into a byproduct of acid that wears down teeth. Fluoride is an excellent treatment in both neutralizing those acids and rebuilding enamel.

Ever notice that the Grinch never shows his teeth when smiling? That's likely because he hasn't seen a dentist in Whoville in a while. Luckily, we can change that. Your dentist would love to see you during the holiday season.

4. Besides giving your kids an new Xbox under the tree, it's not a bad idea to throw in an electric toothbrush on the side. Most electric brushes have a built-in timer to ensure that the full brushing is done at each session. Improper brushing can result in swollen gums, plaque build-up and overall poor oral health. According to a study conducted at the University of England, electric brushes with rotating bristles reduced plaque by more than 10 percent while lowering signs of gingivitis by 6 percent. Your kids might not be too grateful now, but they'll certainly thank you down the line.

5. Take a deep breath and try not stress yourself out. The holidays are a time for relaxation. When you feel overwhelmed, it actually affects the health of your mouth. Individuals with high anxiety levels often experience dry mouth. This is because saliva, a natural cleansing agent that rinses out the mouth, diminishes up to tenfold. This leaves odorous bacteria around, leaving you more prone to problems such as bad breath and canker sores.

Read more: http://www.therabreath.com/articles/blog/oral-care-tips-and-advice/top-5-ways-to-avoid-grinch-like-smiles-during-christmas-32039.asp

Good looks, fresh breath

Not many people know that they have bad breath. For fresh breath, you need proper hygiene. Here are tips to help you:

Dental care

•Brush your teeth and scrape your tongue every morning or anytime you awake from a nap.

•Rinse your mouth thoroughly and gargle with cool water after brushing and scrapping your tongue.

•Drink a significant amount of water after brushing your teeth. Avoid eating or drinking anything else for at least 30 minutes.

•Visit a dentist, at least twice a year. Bad breath has been known to be caused by dental problems, if you suffer from a chronic bad breath, consult your dentist.

Diet

•Avoid sugary foods, garlic, onions, meat, fish, poultry, and eggs. These foods cause bad breath. Fresh fruits and vegetables help to cleanse your entire system. Leafy green vegetables, in particular, are well known for assisting the body in maintaining fresh breath. Try chewing fresh peppermint, spearmint, parsley, or basil instead of gum.

•Drink plenty of fresh water daily. This way, you keep your body properly hydrated. This helps in the natural cleansing processes, and can help tackle bad breath.

•Chewing gum, candies or using mouthwash are not adequate solutions for curbing bad breath. These substances can complicate hygiene issues if left in the mouth for a significant amount of time. Leafy green vegetables, lemons, and limes are much better in emergencies when your toothbrush is not close by. Always remember to rinse thoroughly with water after each application.

•Eat guava, gooseberry and bread. These help in cleaning the back of the throat. Drink plenty of water after food.

For fresh breath

•Floss after eating.

•If you must eat onions or garlic, a trick is to only eat them in the company of others who are also eating them.

•Brush with baking soda or swish with a solution of baking soda and water after brushing your teeth with toothpaste. It helps to level out the pH balance in your mouth, making it harder for bacteria to fester. Do this before bed, and you can eliminate morning breath. Be sure to rinse your mouth after swishing with or brushing with baking soda.  Be careful not to use overdose of baking soda as this may damage your teeth and gum.

•Avoid breathing in anyone’s face whenever you suspect you may have bad breath. Breathe in while facing others, and breathe out when you are not facing them.

CAUTION!

•Don’t over-brush! It can damage your gums, which may exacerbate any existing hygiene problems. Rely on fresh water more often than your toothbrush, and switch to soft bristles if necessary.

•Don’t overeat.

•Don’t smoke tobacco.

•Avoid alcohol and when you do, brush your teeth after.

•Don’t cough violently as it may cause the release of bad smelling tonsil stones which may stay on the back of your throat for days.

Read more: http://www.punchng.com/spice/for-men/good-looks-fresh-breath/

7 Tips To Help You Pick The Best Medicare Advantage Plan

This is open enrollment season, running from October 15 to December 7, when you have a chance to choose a Medicare Advantage Plan, the type of coverage selected by about 28% of the 50 million people enrolled in Medicare.

During open enrollment, you can transfer from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, or you can swap your membership from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. Medicare Advantage plans have extra benefits such as prescription drugs, eye care and dental care, that are not covered by original Medicare. In return for these extra benefits, people who enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, receive their care though networks of doctors and hospitals chosen by the plan.

Here are 7 vital things you need to know:

1-Follow the doctors. If you have primary care doctors or specialists you have been using, and want to keep using, make sure they will continue to be in the network of the Medicare Advantage plan where you are enrolled. The networks, which are the lists of approved doctors and hospitals by the Medicare Advantage plan, change frequently. Many insurance companies are deciding to narrow their networks for 2014. Ask your doctors now if they have signed up to continue in the plan for 2014. If the doctors have dropped out, you could face a big financial risk. If you go outside the network of your particular plan, you may be required to pay a much larger share of the cost, and in some, cases you may have to pay the full cost without any reimbursement from the insurer.

The Medicare Rights Center says you should ask these questions when you select a plan

"Will I be able to use my doctors? Are they in the plan's network?
Do doctors and providers I want to see in the future take new patients who have this plan?
If providers aren't in the network, will the health plan still cover my visits if I choose to see them?
Do my doctors recommend joining this plan?
Which specialists, hospitals, home health agencies and skilled nursing facilities are in the plan's network?
Who can I choose as my Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
Does my doctor need to get approval from the plan to admit me to a hospital?
Do I need a referral from my PCP to see a specialist?"

2-If you have developed a serious illness or chronic condition, it may be better to quit your Medicare Advantage plan and return to original Medicare. Under original Medicare, you have coverage for any doctor or hospital participating in the Medicare program. This means you can see any primary care doctor, any specialist, and receive treatment at any medical center specializing in your ailment or condition. You will pay more under original Medicare, for Part B doctor coverage, Part D drug coverage, and Medi-gap supplemental coverage for your co-payments and deductible charges, than you have been paying for the Medicare Advantage plan. But you now have access to a bigger array of doctors and hospitals, an important tool in dealing with your new and challenging medical condition.

3-Check your drugs for coverage under the plan. The list of approved drugs by Medicare Advantage plans, called a formulary, is constantly changing. Plans add and remove drugs, and change the co-payments and deductibles for these medications.

Go to the government's official Medicare website.

When you search for a health plan at this site, be sure to enter all your medications. Click on "Find health & drug plans." You can enter up to 25 drugs, and the plan finder will show you all the plans in your zip code including the charges for medications. The system will give you a password you can retain and use later if you need to modify your drug list.

4-Check the preferred pharmacy list to make sure there is a drug store conveniently close to you. The drug prices depend on buying the medications at a pharmacy which has a contract with the health plan. Many plans are now using lists of preferred pharmacies, where the price will be cheapest. It can make a substantial difference, so you want to use a preferred pharmacy whenever possible. Make sure the plan has one located conveniently near you.

5-Check the "snowbird" coverage. Many people on Medicare travel during the year on vacation, or to visit family members. Some are "snow birds," spending months at a time in Florida to avoid the cold weather in the northeast. If you are among them, be sure your plan has coverage in the area where you will be vacationing, or spending long periods of time. If you get sick and need lots of expensive treatment while away from your home base, you don't want to run up huge bills to be paid out of your own pocket.

6-When using the plan finder at Medicare.gov, check the plan's total cost, not just the premium. Some people are dazzled by the idea of a plan that seems to be free because it has a very small or even a zero monthly premium. Don't get fooled by this. Look at the column "Estimated annual health and drug costs," to see what a plan is likely to cost you. And look at the "Health Benefits" column, which shows the out-of-pocket spending limits for the year when you stay within the plan network, and the limits when you go outside the network to get care. Some plans may have no limits for out-of-network spending, which could drive up your spending if you develop a sudden health problem and need to see lots of specialists.

7-Look at the stars. The federal government gives plans ratings between one and five stars. Only a small number of plans get the top 5-star ratings. Although Open Enrollment ends on December 7, you can still change to a five-star plan between December 8 and next November 30.

The 5-star plans are called "excellent" by the federal government, and the four-star plans are designated "above average."

Only 3% of all Medicare Advantage plans get the 5-star rating, while 35% are ranked at 4-stars or 4.5 stars, according to HealthPocket, which offers comparisons and rankings on a wide variety of health insurance plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, and private coverage for individuals and small business.

Source: Huffington Posts