Halloween Candy Survival Guide

Halloween is right around the corner which means lots of fun outdoor activities and events all leading up to the big night. Whether your child is participating in trick-or-treating, having a classroom celebration or hosting a party of your own, choosing which Halloween candy is best for their health (and their oral health) can be tricky! We all know about some of the obvious choices, but here is a great 'Halloween Candy Survival Guide' from our friends over at Mouth Healthy.

PC: Mouthhealthy.org

"With Halloween comes ghosts, goblins and goodies—and the sugar in those treats can play some unwanted tricks on your teeth if you’re not careful. Here’s why: The bacteria in your mouth are probably more excited to eat Halloween candy than you are. When the bacteria eat the sugar and leftover food in your mouth, a weak acid is produced. That acid is what can contribute to cavities.
'But don’t hang up your costume just yet. “Halloween is about candy, dressing up and having fun,” says ADA dentist Dr. Ana Paula Ferraz-Dougherty. “It’s OK to eat that candy on Halloween as a splurge as long as you’re brushing twice a day and flossing once a day all year long.”

'To help you sort through the trick-or-treat bag loot, we have a rundown of some common candies and their impact on your teeth: Halloween Candy Survival Guide Article! (Mouthhealthy.org)."

To have your child's pre-Halloween or post-Halloween dental checkup, come see Germantown Dental Care today! www.germantowndentalcare.com  

Happy National Dental Hygiene Month!!!

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month??  October is marked as this special month in "an effort to celebrate the work dental hygienists do and to help raise awareness on the importance of good oral health (ADA.org)." We have a wonderful and kind hygienist, Christie, who works each and every day to help our patients be their best! So thank you Christie!

And remember it's important to follow the 'Daily 4' to maintain great oral health! Need a reminder? Here is a fun poster to help everyone stay on track thanks to the ADHA!

If you're looking for a new dentist who cares about your dental hygiene, come see Dr. Mansfield and hygienist Christie today! www.germantowndentalcare.com

Learning More About Dental Sealants

"Brushing and flossing are the best ways to help prevent cavities, but it’s not always easy to clean every nook and cranny of your teeth – especially those back teeth you use to chew (called molars). Molars are rough, uneven and a favorite place for leftover food and cavity-causing bacteria to hide.' 

'Still, there’s another safety net to help keep those teeth clean. It’s called a sealant, and it is a thin, protective coating (made from plastic or other dental materials) that adheres to the chewing surface of your back teeth. They’re no substitute for brushing and flossing, but they can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay from becoming a full-blown cavity (Mouth Healthy.org)."

Take a few minutes to watch this quick video to learn all about dental sealants and see if it might be the right decision in your oral health plan!

If you are interested in learning more about dental sealants or other oral health topics, contact Dr. Mansfield today! At Germantown Dental Care, you will find a warm, caring and non-judgemental group of people willing to help you get your mouth on the right track!

www.germantowndentalcare.com

Getting Wise About Wisdom Teeth!

"With age comes wisdom. Specifically, wisdom teeth.

'Your mouth goes through many changes in your lifetime. One major dental milestone that usually takes place between the ages of 17 and 21 is the appearance of your third molars. Historically, these teeth have been called wisdom teeth because they come through at a more mature age.'

'When they come through correctly, healthy wisdom teeth can help you chew. It’s normal to feel a little discomfort when your wisdom teeth appear, but if you have pain, see your dentist immediately (mouthhealhty.org)."

Take a look at this brief and informative video from the ADA (American Dental Association) and Mouth Healthy to become wise about your wisdom teeth, all in less than 2 minutes!

If you think you are having pain or problems with your wisdom teeth, or aren't sure if yours have come in fully yet, come visit Dr. Mansfield for a quick evaluation! He can help you assess your oral health and come up with a plan of action. Learn more by visiting: www.germantowndentalcare.com! 

What Our Clients Are Saying: Part 2

Today are continuing our mini-series where we share some of the feedback we've gotten from clients over the past year. Maintaining great relationships with our clients and providing top-notch dental care is our #1 priority! Here are a few more things we've been told:

"Dr. Mansfield is not only the best at what he does, the atmosphere he and his staff provide make going to the dentist a lot less stressful. Every time I leave his office, I know I just got the best in the business and my teeth and gums are a reflection of that." - Kirk W.

"I love them so much. Everyone is so nice and holds my hand when I need Novocaine (thanks Jennifer)." - Corey H.

"I just want to thank Dr. Mansfield, Jennifer, and Christie for the continued support, help, and wonderful service over the years! You guys are #1!" - Benjamin V.

Learn more about Dr. Mansfield and staff by visiting, www.germantowndentalcare.com! Give us a call today to stop in and see for yoruself what our clients are talking about. 

What Our Clients Are Saying: Part 1

Good afternoon!

We hope that you were able to enjoy your holiday weekend. Today we wanted to start a new mini-series where we share some of the feedback we've gotten from clients over the past year. Maintaining great relationships with our clients and providing top-notch dental care is our #1 priority! So without further ado, here are the first few reviews!

"I don't think you can find a dentist in the area who cares more than Dr. Mansfield! THE best service you can find in Washington metropolitan area." -Abbas M.

"I have been a patient of Dr. Mansfield's for 30 years. His staff is the best! Dr. Mansfield takes his time and thinks thru my dental issues. I trust his opinions when it comes to what is best for my teeth as well as my families." - Janet M.

"Dr Mansfield is a very caring and qualified dentist.He and his staff are exceptional.
I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for a dentist." Meredith D.

Learn more about Dr. Mansfield and staff by visiting, www.germantowndentalcare.com! Give us a call today to stop in and see for yoruself what our clients are talking about. 

Confirmation: Fluoride is Fantastic!

Fluoride is often called nature’s cavity fighter and for good reason. Fluoride, a naturally-occurring mineral, helps prevent cavities in children and adults by making the outer surface of your teeth (enamel) more resistant to the acid attacks that cause tooth decay.

So how exactly does fluoride help? Our friends from the ADA and Mouth Healthy are here to explain further!

"Before teeth break through the gums, the fluoride taken in from foods, beverages and dietary supplements makes tooth enamel (the hard surface of the tooth) stronger, making it easier to resist tooth decay. This provides what is called a "systemic" benefit.'

'After teeth erupt, fluoride helps rebuild (remineralize) weakened tooth enamel and reverses early signs of tooth decay. When you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, or use other fluoride dental products, the fluoride is applied to the surface of your teeth. This provides what is called a "topical" benefit.'

'In addition, the fluoride you take in from foods and beverages continues to provide a topical benefit because it becomes part of your saliva, constantly bathing the teeth with tiny amounts of fluoride that help rebuild weakened tooth enamel (American Dental Association)."

If you want to have an oral checkup or think you need to change your fluoride routine, come see us today and learn more at: www.germantowndentalcare.com!