When most people think of dental hygienists, they think of a teeth cleaning. However, the American Dental Association highlights the many additional responsibilities hygienists hold. These include examining your mouth, taking your blood pressure and pulse, and assessing your overall health and wellness. Hygienists also take dental x-rays to check for any problems in places that aren’t easily visible, such as in between or underneath your teeth. They also educate patients about good nutrition and ways to keep a healthy mouth. The cleaning itself involves removing plaque and tartar from around your gum line, followed by thoroughly brushing and flossing your teeth.
It's National Dental Hygiene Month!
Tip of the week!
Celery is very beneficial when it comes to oral health, and some even call it nature's toothbrush. As you chew celery, it helps to clean your teeth and massages your gums in the process, while all that chewing will also produce plenty of saliva to neutralize bacteria. Celery juice can also be helpful in the fight against gum disease and stopping the buildup of unhealthy fats.
Committed to excellence.
Squirrels might be able to bite off more than they can chew, but if you want to keep your teeth healthy, make sure you're taking normal size bites!
Tip of the week! Don't use your teeth as tools! While you have your hands full, you may be tempted to hold something in your mouth, like your purse. Not only is it unhygienic to use teeth to hold things, but it increases your risk for injury. While we're on the subject, also avoid the temptation to remove a bottle cap, tear open an envelope, or otherwise use your teeth as tools. Your teeth will thank you!
Tip of the week!
Green & black teas both contain polyphenols that interact with plaque bacteria. These substances either kill or hold back bacteria. This prevents bacteria from growing or making acid that attacks teeth. Depending on the type of water you use to brew your tea, a cup of tea can also be a source of fluoride.
Feel great about your smile, and your dentist.
Fun Fact Friday!
Tip of the week!
Think twice as you walk down the supermarket bread aisle. When you chew bread, your saliva breaks down the starches into sugar. Now transformed into a gummy paste-like substance, the bread sticks to the crevices between teeth. And that can cause cavities. When you’re craving some carbs, aim for less-refined varieties like whole wheat. These contain less added sugars and aren’t as easily broken down.
Most dental insurances cover two annual cleanings and exams at little or no cost. If you have dental insurance and haven’t had your second visit for the year, now’s the time to take advantage of your benefits and schedule your appointment. It's also a great time to use up any remaining flex dollars! If you do not have insurance, don’t worry. Give us a call and ask about our QDP inhouse savings program.
Pumpkin seeds contain magnesium and zinc, which are good for teeth and the immune system.
Fun reminders!
Tip of the week!
Oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are tasty as both fruits and juices, and are packed with vitamin C. But their acid content can erode enamel, making teeth more vulnerable to decay. Even squeezing a lemon or lime into water adds acid to a drink. Plus, acid from citrus can be bothersome to mouth sores. If you want to get a dose of their antioxidants and vitamins, eat and drink them in moderation at mealtime and rinse with water afterward.
Tip of the week!
Brushing before bed- It's no secret that the general recommendation is to brush at least twice a day. Still, many of us continue to neglect brushing our teeth at night. But brushing before bed gets rid of the germs and plaque that accumulate throughout the day.
Thank you! #VeteransDay
An attractive smile makes a lasting impression.
November is National Diabetes Month. Here's some useful information on Diabetes and your smile!
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diabetes
MOUTHHEALTHY.ORG
Diabetes and Teeth - American Dental Association
Tip of the week!
Chew your way to better dental health. Finish your meal with a cube of cheese. This can help reduce the effect of acids from food on your teeth!
When researching how to get healthy gums, you might not have considered this food, but ginger root is considered a healing herb. Its anti-inflammatory properties promote healthy tissue in your mouth, and it’s one of the good herbs for gum disease prevention.
Fun Fact Friday!
48% of young adults have untagged themselves from a photo on Facebook because of their smile.
Just one more reason to smile!
Fun Fact Friday!
Mosquitoes have 47 teeth!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! #thankful
Southern Heights Dental Group wishes everyone a safe & blessed Thanksgiving holiday. Our office will be closed tomorrow, Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th. We look forward to seeing you when we reopen on Monday with our normal business hours. #grateful #thankful #blessed #Thanksgiving
It's National Cookie Day! What's your favorite cookie you like to bake during the holiday season? #NationalCookieDay #holidayseason #baking
Use it or lose it! Only 1 month left to use your flex dollars and end of year insurance benefits!
Friday dental humor!
- https://www.innovativepediatricdentistry.com/keep-kids-teeth-healthy-during-the-holidays/
INNOVATIVEPEDIATRICDENTISTRY.COM
7 Tips for Keeping Kids’ Teeth Healthy During the Holiday Season
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is an infection of the structures around teeth caused by the bacteria in dental plaque. Common signs of periodontal disease are swollen and bleeding gums. Both surgical and non-surgical treatments are available depending upon your specific needs. Call us at 507-334-6433 to assist you in scheduling an appointment.
Tip of the week!
Instead of grabbing a candy bar or dessert this holiday season, if you have a sweet tooth, eat an apple instead! Apples provide hydration and fiber for your body. By replacing sugary treats with apples, you're promoting good saliva production. Celery helps clean your teeth because the texture can scrape leftover food particles and bacteria away from your teeth. Carrots and celery are a great source of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin A. Add raw carrots to a salad, or enjoy some baby carrots as a snack.
Give yourself the gift of a beautiful smile this holiday season.
Our office will be closing early on Thursday, December 24th at Noon and will be closed Friday, December 25th for the Christmas Holiday. We will reopen for business on Monday, December 28th with normal business hours.
Holiday Healthy Teeth Tips from Hermey the Elf! https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/holiday-healthy-teeth-tips
MOUTHHEALTHY.ORG
Holiday Healthy Teeth Tips
Use enough, but not too much fluoride. The single biggest advance in oral health has been fluoride, which strengthens enamel, making it less likely to decay. Three out of four Americans drink water that is fluoridated. If your water isn’t fluoridated, talk to your dental professional, who may suggest putting a fluoride application on your teeth. Many toothpastes and mouth rinses also contain fluoride. Fluoride should be used sparingly in young children -- no more than a pea-sized dab on the toothbrush. Too much can cause white spots on teeth.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas Eve!
New Year, New Smile!
Happy New Year!
Our office will be closing at Noon today, December 31st and will be closed tomorrow, January 1st for the New Year holiday. We will reopen for business on Monday, January 4th with normal business hours. Have a safe and blessed New Year!
Fun Fact Friday!
The Statue of Liberty’s mouth is 3 feet wide.
MouthHealthy Resolutions for 2021- https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/h/holiday-ideas
MOUTHHEALTHY.ORG
Mouth Healthy
Tip of the week!
Sip soft drinks and other beverages through a straw positioned towards the back of the mouth. This will limit the amount of time the beverage is in contact with the teeth.
We offer emergency services if you are experiencing dental pain.
Is it a Dental Emergency?
Are you bleeding from the mouth?
Are you in severe pain?
Do you have any loose teeth?
Have you been hit in the face or mouth?
Do you have any swelling in the mouth or facial area?
Do you have any bulges, swelling or knots on your gums?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you might be having a dental emergency and should call us at 507-334-6433.
Fun Fact Friday!
"Long in the Tooth”, meaning “old”, was originally used to describe horses. As a horse ages, their gums recede, giving the impression that their teeth are growing in length. The longer the teeth look, the older the horse.
Tip of the week!
When you want to improve your smile, you have several choices for cosmetic dental work. SHDG offers a wide range of cosmetic options such as porcelain veneers, crowns, bonding & teeth whitening.
Let your smile shine all day long!
When you want to improve your smile, you have several choices for cosmetic dental work. SHDG offers a wide range of cosmetic options such as porcelain veneers, crowns, bonding & teeth whitening.
Do inform your dentist if you notice bleeding gums, lumps, bumps, or ulcers. Many times, changes in the environment of your mouth are harmless — but some could be early warnings of disease. Be sure to let your dentist know when you notice anything unusual: bleeding, sensitivity, pain, discoloration, a sore or a lump, or any other signs or symptoms that are not normal. He or she will examine the area for signs of disease, and let you know if it needs treatment. That’s one more reason why regular dental checkups are so important for your oral health.
Fun Fact Friday!
Athletes are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth when not wearing a mouth guard during athletic activities.
Let your smile shine all day long!
When you want to improve your smile, you have several choices for cosmetic dental work. SHDG offers a wide range of cosmetic options such as porcelain veneers, crowns, bonding & teeth whitening.
February is National Children's Dental Health Month! Check out these kid-friendly snacks that are great for their teeth!
https://www.aquafresh.com/amp/dentist-approved-snacks-for-kids.html
AQUAFRESH.COM
Kid-Friendly Snacks That Are Great For Their Teeth
Fun Fact Friday!
Certain cheeses including Aged Cheddar, Swiss and Monterey Jack, have been found to protect teeth from decay.
Do inform your dentist if you notice bleeding gums, lumps, bumps, or ulcers. Many times, changes in the environment of your mouth are harmless — but some could be early warnings of disease. Be sure to let your dentist know when you notice anything unusual: bleeding, sensitivity, pain, discoloration, a sore or a lump, or any other signs or symptoms that are not normal. He or she will examine the area for signs of disease, and let you know if it needs treatment. That’s one more reason why regular dental checkups are so important for your oral health.
Fun Fact Friday!
Athletes are 60 times more likely to damage their teeth when not wearing a mouth guard during athletic activities.
Let your smile shine all day long!
Happy Valentine's Day!
Fun Fact Friday!
Over three million miles of dental floss is purchased in North America each year.
Kids love us. Parents trust us!
February is National Children's Dental Health Month! Check out these kid-friendly snacks that are great for their teeth!
https://www.aquafresh.com/amp/dentist-approved-snacks-for-kids.html
AQUAFRESH.COM
Kid-Friendly Snacks That Are Great For Their Teeth
Fun Fact Friday!
Certain cheeses including Aged Cheddar, Swiss and Monterey Jack, have been found to protect teeth from decay.
Do inform your dentist if you notice bleeding gums, lumps, bumps, or ulcers. Many times, changes in the environment of your mouth are harmless — but some could be early warnings of disease. Be sure to let your dentist know when you notice anything unusual: bleeding, sensitivity, pain, discoloration, a sore or a lump, or any other signs or symptoms that are not normal. He or she will examine the area for signs of disease, and let you know if it needs treatment. That’s one more reason why regular dental checkups are so important for your oral health.
Fun Fact Friday!
Over 40% of North Americans have at least one tooth that could benefit from some type of treatment.
Tip of the week!
Be a role model. Kids like to imitate those around them, so be a good role model and demonstrate good oral health habits for them. Brush and floss with your kids, rather than sending them into the bathroom on their own. Instead of treating it as a chore, make it part of the daily routine.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Fun Fact Friday!
Over three million miles of dental floss is purchased in North America each year.
Kids love us. Parents trust us!
February is National Children's Dental Health Month! Check out these kid-friendly snacks that are great for their teeth!
https://www.aquafresh.com/amp/dentist-approved-snacks-for-kids.html
AQUAFRESH.COM
Kid-Friendly Snacks That Are Great For Their Teeth
Tip of the week!
Ultimately, it should be your goal to build the foundation for your family to achieve healthy teeth from childhood and beyond. Jump start those lifetime habits by making these healthy kids teeth goals:
Avoid Sugary Foods
Brush Twice a Day
Floss and mouth rinse daily (per age appropriateness)
Visit the dentist twice a year
Make oral health a fun habit!
https://www.southernheightsdental.com/children
Children — Southern Heights Dental Group
At Southern Heights Dental Group we have a team of providers who focus on delivering the highest quality dental care to children. In 2013 Southern Heights Dental Group began using dental therapists who have developed a pediatric based practice. They, along with our dentists, understand the unique dental needs of children.
SOUTHERNHEIGHTSDENTAL.COM
Southern Heights Dental Group
Fun Fact Friday!
Over 40% of North Americans have at least one tooth that could benefit from some type of treatment.
Tip of the week!
Be a role model. Kids like to imitate those around them, so be a good role model and demonstrate good oral health habits for them. Brush and floss with your kids, rather than sending them into the bathroom on their own. Instead of treating it as a chore, make it part of the daily routine.
Happy Valentine's Day!
Fun Fact Friday!
Over three million miles of dental floss is purchased in North America each year.
Tip of the week!
Strawberries are an all-around healthy treat, packing enough Vitamin C and antioxidants to keep your entire body healthy. They also contain a compound known as malic acid, which acts as a natural enamel whitener. Just be sure to take extra care when you floss, since those little seeds can easily get stuck between your teeth.
Fun Fact Friday!
50’s heart throb James Dean had no front teeth! He wore a bridge.
Tip of the week!
Ultimately, it should be your goal to build the foundation for your family to achieve healthy teeth from childhood and beyond. Jump start those lifetime habits by making these healthy kids teeth goals:
Avoid Sugary Foods
Brush Twice a Day
Floss and mouth rinse daily (per age appropriateness)
Visit the dentist twice a year
Make oral health a fun habit!
https://www.southernheightsdental.com/children
Children — Southern Heights Dental Group
At Southern Heights Dental Group we have a team of providers who focus on delivering the highest quality dental care to children. In 2013 Southern Heights Dental Group began using dental therapists who have developed a pediatric based practice. They, along with our dentists, understand the unique dental needs of children.
SOUTHERNHEIGHTSDENTAL.COM
Southern Heights Dental Group
Fun Fact Friday!
Over 40% of North Americans have at least one tooth that could benefit from some type of treatment.
Tip of the week!
Be a role model. Kids like to imitate those around them, so be a good role model and demonstrate good oral health habits for them. Brush and floss with your kids, rather than sending them into the bathroom on their own. Instead of treating it as a chore, make it part of the daily routine.
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sleep-apnea-and-snoring?utm_source=mouthhealthyorg&utm_medium=mhtopstories&utm_content=sleep-apnea
MOUTHHEALTHY.ORG
Sleep Apnea - Snoring - American Dental Association
Tip of the week!
Strawberries are an all-around healthy treat, packing enough Vitamin C and antioxidants to keep your entire body healthy. They also contain a compound known as malic acid, which acts as a natural enamel whitener. Just be sure to take extra care when you floss, since those little seeds can easily get stuck between your teeth.
Fun Fact Friday!
50’s heart throb James Dean had no front teeth! He wore a bridge.
Tip of the week!
Ultimately, it should be your goal to build the foundation for your family to achieve healthy teeth from childhood and beyond. Jump start those lifetime habits by making these healthy kids teeth goals:
Avoid Sugary Foods
Brush Twice a Day
Floss and mouth rinse daily (per age appropriateness)
Visit the dentist twice a year
Make oral health a fun habit!
https://www.southernheightsdental.com/children
Children — Southern Heights Dental Group
At Southern Heights Dental Group we have a team of providers who focus on delivering the highest quality dental care to children. In 2013 Southern Heights Dental Group began using dental therapists who have developed a pediatric based practice. They, along with our dentists, understand the unique dental needs of children.
SOUTHERNHEIGHTSDENTAL.COM
Southern Heights Dental Group
Fun Fact Friday!
Over 40% of North Americans have at least one tooth that could benefit from some type of treatment.
5 Steps to a Flawless Floss! https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing-steps
MOUTHHEALTHY.ORG
How to Floss Your Teeth
Fun Fact Friday!
Floss is quite durable. A West Virginia inmate once used dental floss to braid a rope, which he used to scale a building and escape in 1992.
We bring smiles to life!
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sleep-apnea-and-snoring?utm_source=mouthhealthyorg&utm_medium=mhtopstories&utm_content=sleep-apnea
MOUTHHEALTHY.ORG
Sleep Apnea - Snoring - American Dental Association
Tip of the week!
Strawberries are an all-around healthy treat, packing enough Vitamin C and antioxidants to keep your entire body healthy. They also contain a compound known as malic acid, which acts as a natural enamel whitener. Just be sure to take extra care when you floss, since those little seeds can easily get stuck between your teeth.
Fun Fact Friday!
50’s heart throb James Dean had no front teeth! He wore a bridge.
It's World Sleep Day!
Did you know we offer snoring and sleep apnea screenings? Call us at 507-334-6433 to assist you in scheduling a screening!
#WorldSleepDay
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
5 Steps to a Flawless Floss! https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing-steps
MOUTHHEALTHY.ORG
How to Floss Your Teeth
Fun Fact Friday!
Floss is quite durable. A West Virginia inmate once used dental floss to braid a rope, which he used to scale a building and escape in 1992.
We bring smiles to life!
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sleep-apnea-and-snoring?utm_source=mouthhealthyorg&utm_medium=mhtopstories&utm_content=sleep-apnea
MOUTHHEALTHY.ORG
Sleep Apnea - Snoring - American Dental Association
Fun Fact Friday!
The color of your toothpaste apparently matters. More people prefer blue toothpaste over red toothpaste.
Contact us today to schedule your child's first dental appointment!
It's World Sleep Day!
Did you know we offer snoring and sleep apnea screenings? Call us at 507-334-6433 to assist you in scheduling a screening!
#WorldSleepDay
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
5 Steps to a Flawless Floss! https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/f/flossing-steps
MOUTHHEALTHY.ORG
How to Floss Your Teeth
Fun Fact Friday!
Floss is quite durable. A West Virginia inmate once used dental floss to braid a rope, which he used to scale a building and escape in 1992.