Top 5 reasons 6 month visits are vital

Nearly one third of Americans did not visit the dentist at all last year.

Not only is this unfortunate, but it can be dangerous to your overall health.

Here are the top 5 reasons, you should keep up with your continued care appointments.

1. Although you may brush twice a day and floss regularly (we hope), your hygienist is able to remove tarter your toothbrush just can't get. They are also able to remove plaque that you may not be able to see, for instance on the back side of your front teeth or around a permanent orthodontic retainer. If this tarter and plaque isn't removed, decay occurs.
2. Do you ever wonder why the Doctor says "stick out your tongue" and grabs it with a cotton swab? It's not just to annoy you. It's because he or she is performing an oral cancer screening. The Dentist is looking for any white spots or abnormalities of the mouth to make sure your mouth is in tip-top shape. This is especially important if you're a smoker or a chew less tobacco user.
3. You should never wait until you're in pain to visit your dentist. If that's the case, the problem most likely just got worse over time. The more often you go in, the better your hygienist and Doctor can look for any cavities and help you prevent those cavities from turning into crowns or root canals.
4. It's never going to cost less than it does today. Going back to #3, if you wait until you're in pain, most likely the tooth has only gotten worse, meaning more of a toll on your wallet. Have your teeth cleaned and checked at least twice a year and in the end you'll save yourself some moola! It's less expensive to pay for a filling than an entire crown.
5. The dental world is constantly changing. New technology is out to help ease any dental treatment in the office as well as making at home care easier. The best way to find out about these updates is finding out from the expert him or herself. For example, back in the beginning of 2013 Dr. Steckbauer decided in order to have a state of the art facility our office needed the most up-to-date technology. He purchased a Conebeam. This x-ray machine allows Glacier Dental's clinical staff to take a 3D image of the patients mouth, allowing him to see the roots of each tooth as well as the bone structure. This is very beneficial when it comes to precise treatment planning. The 3D image is also extremely helpful in any oral surgery he performs, meaning a better and easier appointment for the patient. It also helps eliminate unnecessary follow up visits.

We know the biggest reason patients do not go to the Dentist regularly is because of fear and/or pain. Dr. Steckbauer is extremely gentle and you have nothing to worry about. At Glacier Dental we take time to listen to your concerns and try our best to make our patients feel as comfortable as possible. If you don't believe us, just look at our Google reviews!

Click here to read Glacier Dental's Google Reviews

Why Glacier Dental recommends flossing!

We know you've heard it a million times, why flossing is important and you should floss at least once a day. But why is it still always over looked? According to webmd.com,, ""There is no instant gratification with flossing -- that's the problem," says Alla Wheeler, RDH, MPA, associate professor of the Dental Hygiene Program at the New York University School of Dentistry. "Patients don't think it does anything." " 

And it's true, right? But think about it this way, brushing your teeth only cleans them 70%. Flossing cleans the remaining 30%. When you take a shower, do you only clean your body and not your hair? Of course not!

But what purpose does flossing have in cleaning your teeth? Isn't brushing them good enough? Flossing gets any bacteria out from between the teeth and it also can clean a little deeper into your gums. The bristles on your toothbrush cannot reach these areas. It also helps prevent gum disease and tooth loss. Gum disease and tooth loss!

Another added benefit to flossing, is less scraping at your hygiene appointment. If you're flossing at home at least once a day, you're removing plaque build up. If you don't floss to remove the plaque build up, it becomes harder and turns to tartar, and in return, the hygienist has to scrape it off and cause irritation to your gums.

Now some might say they don't floss because it causes them to bleed. This is normal the first few times flossing, if you have not flossed for quite some time. It just means there was some plaque there and it needed to be cleaned out. However, if bleeding does persist, you may want to go to your Dentist to have your gums checked out. Sometimes this is an early sign of periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or gingivitis).

If you think flossing is too "difficult" or "time consuming", try using a waterpik. Waterpiks use a powerful stream of water to clean between the teeth and below the gum line. Here's a short video clip if you're interested to see how it works: Waterpik Tutorial . Next time you're at your hygiene visit, ask your hygienist about our Waterpiks.

Hopefully this explains why flossing is so important! Losing your teeth and gum disease are only going to cause more pain and money in the future!

Valentine's Day Whitening at Glacier Dental

Valentine's Day is just around the corner!

Purchase your whiting today before your big Valentine's date!

Call today to schedule your whitening consult and see which whitening

option would be best suit for you!

920-235-3251

Glacier Dental offers Botox

Ever hear of a Dental office offering Botox?

Glacier Dental now has a Cosmetic Specialist-Dr. Heather Carpenter!

         Botox isn’t just for celebrities. It has several benefits almost anyone can take advantage of, all at affordable rates. Some of these include smoothing out dynamic wrinkles (wrinkles caused by regular muscle movement, such as a crease between the eyebrows), reducing headaches, helping to relax chewing muscles, and it can also help relax muscles in patients who grind their teeth a lot.

              And Botox isn't the only cosmetic option Dr. Carpenter offers. She also has the ability to plump lips and fill deep set wrinkles with a material called dermal filler. This is made of hyaluronic acid, which is a normal component of skin. This procedure can last anywhere from six months to one year. 

Join us for drinks and hors d'oeuvres on Wednesday February 18 at 6 p.m.and learn all the details about Botoxfrom the expert herself, Dr. Heather CarpenterRSVP before February 4 and you may be eligiblefor same day treatment!All NEW and CURRENT patientsare encouraged to attend! Please bring your friends!

What is gingivitis and who has it?

According to recent studies, 50% of the US adult population is affected by gingivitis. Gingivitis is a very common and early form of gum disease. If left untreated can cause a mouth full of troubles.

To begin, how does gingivitis form. Sometimes brushing and flossing teeth is forgotten, when this happens a bacteria film develops on the outer layer of each tooth, called plaque. The plaque releases acids that break down tooth enamel causing tooth decay. After 72 hours the plaque solidifies and becomes tartar build up around gum lines. Tartar is very hard to clean off completely and it causes irritation to the gums, in return causing gingivitis.

According to WebMD, "Emerging research also suggests that people can be genetically more susceptible to developing gingivitis."

Symptoms of gingivitis include but aren't limited to: red swollen gums, bleeding gums (especially when flossing), sore gums that are tender to touch and/or mouth sores. Next time you brush and floss your teeth, pay close attention to your gums. Nearly 29% of American's assume bleeding during this process is normal, and that is not the case. Healthy gums should be light pink with no sensitivity to touch and no bleeding.

Want to know the good news? Gingivitis can be reversed. 

Here are few steps to help reduce the risk of gingivitis. 

1. Make sure you don't forget to brush two times a day and floss at least once. If you're forgetful, post reminders in your bathroom. Mouthwash is also helpful, there are antigingivitis, antibacterial, or antiseptic mouth rinse options. Use this after you brush your teeth to help clean out your gum pockets and clean any hard to reach spots.

2. If you don't see your Dentist and Hygienist regularly, start doing so. The hygienist is able to give a more thorough cleaning and help clear away plaque and tartar build up. It's important to have 2 cleaning appointments a year. If gingivitis worsens, it causes periodontal gum disease and instead of just 2 cleanings, 4 may be recommended after having a more serious gum treatment appointment. 

3. Eat healthy. It's a lifestyle change and probably can't be changed over night. If you drink a lot of soda a week and eat a lot of junk food, take baby steps to eliminating junk food in your regular diet. It's okay to have desserts in moderation, just be mindful. Not only will this help with excellent oral hygiene, it will also help with your body's overall health. And if you choose to have a soda or sweet snack, rinse your mouth with mouthwash to try to help move some of the sugars from your teeth and gums.

4. Smoking. We know we can't just tell a smoker to quit and magically he or she quits with no problem. But here's a bit of information that may start to change your mind about continuing to smoke as often. We all know it's bad for your heart and lungs, but did you know smoking and chewing tobacco puts you at a higher risk for gum disease, which leads to tooth loss? TOOTH LOSS. If you're willing to quit, do it! But just like eliminating junk food, it may not be that easy. Try to smoke less often, and celebrate small victories! If you take out 2 smoke breaks from your week, buy yourself lunch. The process will only get easier as you go, and your teeth and gums will really appreciate it.

If you have questions about whether or not you have gingivitis, ask your hygienist. At Glacier Dental we will let you know how healthy your mouth and gums are and whether or not extra steps are needed to help reverse gingivitis. There are some in office options, including using our pain-free Periolase to help eliminate bad bacteria and reducing gingivitis. Call today to schedule your next continuing care appointment: 

920-235-3251 

Glacier Dental gives away a Cruise for Two!!

The wait and anticipation are over!

 

Tomorrow, Glacier Dental will be announcing the Cruise for Two winner!

 

The top 10 finalists will be coming to an in office celebration tomorrow night and we will post the winner on our social media pages! Stay tuned!

 

We would like to thank everyone who participated in this drawing. The best compliment our patients can give us, is by sending us referrals.

 

And now, we would love to inform you about our new 2015 prizes!

 

At the end of June 2015, one lucky patient will win a set of

His and Her cruiser Schwinn bikes!

 

It gets better...

 

At the end of 2015, one lucky patient will win a

Brand. New. Moped!

 

If you know someone in need of dental care, have them call 920-235-3251

We will make sure to give them the best dental experience ever!

A New Year, A New You!

2015 means a new year and a new you!

 

This year, don't let your New Years Resolutions slip!

 

Whether it's straightening your teeth or whitening your teeth, Glacier Dental does it all.

 

In addition, most dental insurances renew in January,

meaning more for you to spend.

 

There are several openings throughout the month of January to have your routine continuing care appointment or any treatment you may need.

 

Don't put it off any longer...This year's the year, you start thinking about yourself and your overall oral health.

 

920-235-3251