Check out our October newsletter!
SEPT/OCT/NOV 2021
1115 Mt. Aetna Rd., Hagerstown, MD 21740 • www.hagerstownsmiles.com • 240-329-4725
Our Dental Hygiene Team
WE BRING THE SPARKLE
gum treatment, which is specific to each individual client. Many times, dental offices will just do a general gum treatment, but we treat based on the specific type of bacteria each patient has within their mouths. Our gums are very sensitive to bacteria that can cause gingivitis, a gum disease, or periodontitis, a disease that can destroy the bone that supports our teeth. We conduct a bacterial DNA test on each of our client’s mouths, then consult about the results. We use a microscope to show the patient the live bacteria, and we pinpoint the type. This way, a treatment plan is devised to address the specific needs of that patient. If the bacteria is in high concentration, we know our treatment needs to be more rigorous than others with lower bacterial concentrations. Our goal is to treat the bacteria before any gum or bone damage occurs.
A great team is invaluable! Some call hygienists the “boss of the floss,” and that we are! Our Hagerstown Smiles Dental hygiene team works hard to assess oral health conditions and to keep our clients’ teeth healthy and clean. We are a team of eight hygienists, and we just had a new one come on board! Roughly half of our hygienists were trained in dental assisting and moved over to hygiene, so having that background is truly beneficial. I’m not sure how we’ve managed it, but we have 25 women in the office, and we all get along extremely well not only in the office, but outside of it as well. Once you start working with us, we are one big family! We pride ourselves in always collaborating to do what's best for the patient to keep them comfortable, and this includes doing our best to ensure nobody waits too long to be seen! We also have a comfort menu , which is posted in every room and has blankets, lip balm, stress balls, bottled water, noise canceling headphones, and heated neck wraps for patients to help to ease their nerves. Here, we care just as much about total body health as we do about oral health. When patients come into the office, we conduct a detailed health history, take blood pressure, and inquire about diet and lifestyle. We don’t only worry about cavities!
The biggest tip I have for clients is to drink more water and to stay hydrated. Oftentimes, people are neglectful of their water intake. Dehydration affects your teeth in many ways you do not realize. With Halloween approaching, make sure you drink water after sugary treats and candy — even an apple contains a lot of sugar! Also, be sure to floss and brush regularly! If you ever feel like something is wrong or painful in your mouth, or you see something in your mouth that doesn’t look right, don't wait. Call us right away — it could prevent or stop a serious problem! – Ashley, Hygiene Team Leader
I am proud to say that one thing that sets us apart from other hygiene teams is that we perform a focused
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THE TYPE YOU’RE PROBABLY NOT FAMILIARWITH ORAL DNA TESTING
At Hagerstown Smiles Dental, your teeth aren’t the only thing on our radar. Your total body health is a priority. By offering oral DNA testing, we are looking out for your gums and teeth as well as working to prevent cardiovascular issues, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and the risk of pregnancy complications.
plan. This is especially important because different types of bacteria will require different types of treatment. For example, gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease and can be easily treated (in most cases) by focusing more on proper brushing, flossing, and cleaning. Periodontal disease, however, requires a more rigorous and intricate approach. This diagnostic tool affords us the opportunity to better serve our clients. To ensure you are taking the best possible care of your mouth, gums, and teeth, schedule an appointment for oral DNA testing with us today!
Our mouths are filled with many types of bacteria, and while that’s normal, certain concentrations of certain types of bacteria can be dangerous. Some types of bacteria, if not properly cleansed from our mouths on a daily basis, can lead to periodontal disease, a gum infection that can wreak havoc on the jawbone. Both poor gum care and genetics can cause gum disease, and whether your mouth is in pristine condition
or if you suffer from gum issues, having oral DNA testing performed is a great way to protect your mouth. In the office, we test your plaque and saliva, and with a microscope, we place the bacteria we find on a slide and view the live, moving bacteria up close. We identify the many types of bacteria within your mouth and devise a specific treatment
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YOUR DIABETES AND YOUR DENTAL HEALTH
With October being National Diabetes Month, now is the perfect time to explore the connection between diabetes and your dental health. Yes, there is a connection. As is the case with your dental health and so many other health conditions, they overlap, meaning that there are ways you can maintain and improve your dental health by taking care of your diabetes, and vice versa. HOW DOES DIABETES RELATE TO DENTAL HEALTH? Before getting into how you can improve your diabetes by taking care of your teeth, let’s talk a little bit about how diabetes and dental health are connected in general. If you have diabetes, that means that you’re more at risk for the following: TOOTH DECAY Diabetics have a harder time managing their blood sugar, and the higher your blood sugar levels, the higher the
amount of sugars and starches in your mouth that could create plaque, which leads to cavities. EARLY AND ADVANCED GUM DISEASE Diabetics’ bodies have a harder time fighting bacteria, which means that plaque and tartar can build up easier. This might lead to gingivitis (early gum disease) and later to periodontitis (advanced gum disease), which could lead to your teeth loosening and falling out if left untreated. DRY MOUTH Some diabetics have a hard time producing saliva, which leads to dry mouth. Without saliva to keep your mouth moist, you could be further at risk for the previously mentioned conditions. HOW DO I MANAGE MY DIABETES AND MY DENTAL HEALTH TOGETHER? There aren’t very many out-of-the-box tricks when it comes to caring for your
dental health while also accounting for your diabetes. The best defenses are just more important: Brush twice a day, floss regularly, and see a dentist for regular checkups. Dentists treating gum disease can actually help improve your blood sugar! But of course, managing your blood sugar levels with the help of your doctor will go a long way in protecting your dental health as well. Although taking your insulin will always be the best defense against diabetes, it’s nice to know that brushing, flossing, and otherwise caring for your mouth can help make a difference!
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www.hagerstownsmiles.com 1115 Mt. Aetna Rd. Hagerstown, MD 21740 Call Now! 240-329-4725
INSIDE Our Dental Hygiene Team page 1
Oral DNA Testing page 2
Your Diabetes and Your Dental Health page 3
Winners page 3
Corn Maze Safety page 4
FUN FOR ALL THIS FALL
5 CORNMAZE SAFETY TIPS
Eat beforehand and stay hydrated. Be sure to eat before setting out into the maze and don’t bring any glass bottles with you, as it can be dangerous if broken. Furthermore, do not consume alcohol before or while enjoying your time at the corn maze. Be prepared. Accidents can happen, usually at the most unexpected times! It is important to always have a first-aid kit handy. Be sure to call 911 in an emergency and let staff know what is going on.
Fall brings apple cider, pumpkin patches, fun seasonal outfits, and corn mazes. Unless you are visiting a “haunted” corn maze, you and your family probably won’t be chased by a chainsaw- wielding serial killer while you try to navigate through. However, safety risks are still present. Here are five safety tips to keep the fun coming during your next corn maze experience.
Follow the rules. At the entrance to each corn maze, there should be a sign stating the rules for visitors. For the safety of yourself, your children, and others, be sure to read each rule and follow along. Always accompany your kids in the corn maze — it is a maze, after all! Watch for tripping and fire hazards. Keep your eyes peeled for any obstacles on the path, including holes, bumps, ruts,
and corn stalks. While navigating a maze, it can be easy to forget to look down while searching for the exit. To prevent fires, you should also avoid smoking and never use matches or lighters. Wear proper footwear. Ensure that you and your family all have proper footwear, preferably closed-toed shoes, while exploring the maze. You never know what kind of critters or potentially harmful hazards may appear in your path.
As long as safety is the top priority this fall, fun will be had by all!
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