Happy New Year! Every New Year, I try to organize and get a fresh start. Cleaning cupboards, sorting, and taking unused items to Goodwill or our local Samaritan’s Closet. Also, when was my last physical, or do I need to schedule an eye exam, and how is my dental health? Recently, it was on the National news that studies show it’s not important to floss your teeth. Although, I am not an expert, I can’t see how leaving food between your teeth could be a good thing. Though this may seem strange, Dr. Siddall encourages people to smell their floss after using it. To me, that’s a pretty good study.
I think a great New Year’s resolution would be to floss daily. It only takes a few minutes, and after it becomes a habit you’ll wonder how you ever lived without flossing. The New Year is a great time to come in and have your teeth cleaned. It’s like changing the oil in your car, a little maintenance goes a long way. If you haven’t had your teeth cleaned in awhile it’s okay. We are judgement free! We know people put their kids before themselves, or because of fear of pain or cost, they try to avoid the dental appointment.
But, for many reasons, your dental appointment is important. The health of your teeth and gums will be assessed. New studies have associated periodontitis (gum disease) with heart disease. They think bleeding gums act as an open wound, letting all kinds of bad bacteria into the bloodstream. Also, signs of diabetes show up in the oral cavity. Doctor Siddall may do an evaluation on sleep apnea, and recommend an at home sleep study. The cost of treatment, if needed, will be discussed and you can decide how you would like your treatment to be done. Usually, if Dr. Siddall finds a cavity before the patient starts to feel it, it will cost a lot less to fix. Once you feel a cavity the nerve is usually involved.
I should mention we have Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas). Many patients find this helps relax them. I have been asked many times, but no we don’t charge for the Nitrous gas, as we want you to be as comfortable as possible.
I would like to invite you to meet our dental hygiene team. Colleen was a Traverse City Central graduate, where she played a lot of high school soccer. She was recently married in September. Colleen brings enthusiasm and professionalism to our team.
Kathy has been a hygienist for 30+ years. She taught dental hygiene at the University of Michigan. She is an avid bicyclist and rides all over Leelanlau County. She brings experience and insight to our office.
We are here to help you meet your health goals, and I would like to wish you a wonderful, happy, and healthy New Year!