Be Prepared with Delta Dental

July 25, 2017Dental Health Tipsdelta dental, dental insuranceDr. Charles R. Kimes

As Aesop is quoted: “It Pays to be Prepared”. So how does dental insurance play into such a quote? Let’s see. We prepare for a lot of things (or we’re supposed to be prepared, right?)! Like a job interview, it’s best to be prepared to answer interview questions (if we want the job). When we go on vacation, we pack the things we need to be prepared to have fun. We save our money and prepare for retirement.

So, why would we not be prepared for a necessary dental treatment? Have you ever heard the phrase, “It’s not IF, it’s WHEN”? We have dental insurance for the “WHEN”! Because accidents happen and our teeth, like our car, are going to need proper maintenance and repairs at some point… so it’s always best to be prepared with dental insurance to help with unplanned expenses.

You take time to brush, floss and schedule your dental appointments every 6 months with Dr. Charles R. Kimes at Overland Park Dentistry. Because that’s what you do if want to have healthy teeth and a beautiful smile. However, having dental insurance for proper maintenance or a dental emergency is what you do if you want to be prepared for the unexpected.

Although many dental insurance plans can provide you with excellent coverage depending on the treatment you receive, it is extremely important to realize that the purpose of dental insurance is to assist you in covering some of, but not all of the expenses for the care you receive. Additionally, certain types of dental treatments may not be covered by your insurance provider at all. So taking the time to make sure you and your family have adequate dental coverage is important and Delta Dental can help.

Why Delta Dental?

As mentioned previously, while there are numerous insurance providers available, and many of which can provide sufficient coverage; however, Delta Dental insurance is a smart option. Here are a few reasons why:

Delta Dental has been working to improve oral health and hygiene by emphasizing preventative care since 1954. They believe everyone deserves to enjoy a healthy smile and so do we!
Delta Dental provides cost-effective, quality dental benefits and top-notch customer service
Delta Dental covers more Americans than any other dental benefits provider and strives to make dental coverage more accessible and affordable

An essential part of a healthy lifestyle is your oral health. Delta Dental offers individual dental insurance plans that can help you maximize your oral health. As a matter of fact, people with dental insurance are more than twice as likely to visit their dentist regularly. Use their individual dental insurance locator to find an individual or family dental insurance plan that is available in your state.

Delta Dental: 4 Options for Individual and Family Plans

Delta Dental offers four plan options for individuals and families, so you can find the plan that fits best for you and your family. And you can enroll year round. You may be interested in getting more information about these plans if:

You are self-employed or employed without dental coverage
You are a college student or recent graduate and you are not eligible for parent’s plan
You are retired and looking to transition from your previous employer’s dental plan
You are unemployed without dental coverage

Delta Dental wants to be a resource for your family:

Delta Dental even offers a bi-annual e-magazine, Grin! It has something for everyone: oral-health friendly recipes, tips on floss and toothbrushes, oral health history and more. Read the latest issue of Grin! Here and brush up on your oral health IQ.

They even offer a mobile app where you can check your coverage and claims … you can even set a toothbrush timer to make sure you or your littles are brushing the recommended 2 minutes!

All Delta Dental Plans Include:

You are free to visit any dentist you’d like (however there may be a difference in payment if the dentist is not an in-network dentist).
Diagnostic and Preventative Services are covered at 100% and there is no waiting period (these services include: exams, X-rays, cleanings, sealants and fluoride)
Check-ups and cleanings do not apply to your annual maximum benefit (this means you don’t pay a deductible for exams and cleanings. And the benefit paid for exams & cleanings does not reduce your annual maximum benefit).
There is a 6-month waiting period for Basic Services (fillings and non-surgical extractions) and a 12-month waiting period for Major Services (root canals, dentures, crowns & bridges, gum disease treatment, surgical tooth extraction, implants and occlusal guards for teeth grinding & jaw clenching prevention).

That’s why Overland Park Dentistry participates in both the Delta Dental PPO and Delta Dental Premier plans.

Things can change quickly, so please … don’t take our word or what’s included. Go directly to the source at Delta Dental!

Choosing a dental insurance plan can be overwhelming, especially when you are trying to research and compare monthly premiums, annual maximums, deductibles, etc. You can make your decision easier by reading this article, selecting a dental insurance plan.

Delta Dental: You can enroll today!

Although the information stated above may certainly provide you with some valuable insight into the four Delta Dental insurance plans, it is important to realize that there are considerably more benefits available. If you are interested in getting additional details about whether or not a Delta Dental plan is best for you and your family, you’ll want to search their website. While there’s no way you can predict the future of your oral health, by preparing yourself with a quality coverage plan, you have taken a major step to protect yourself and your family.

If you are currently looking for a family dentist in Overland Park, KS … here is an article that may give you a few tips on what to look for.

Dr. Charles R. Kimes, DDS and his expert team at Overland Park Dentistry look forward to having the opportunity to help you and your family during your bi-annual dental appointments or with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you may have. To schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Are You Experiencing Sudden Tooth Sensitivity?

April 25, 2017Dental Health Tips, UncategorizedDr. Charles R. Kimes

What is Sudden Tooth Sensitivity?

Sudden tooth sensitivity is something that most people experience at some point or another and although a common problem, it can be quite a hindrance in your daily life. Sudden tooth sensitivity or dentin hypersensitivity can be caused by several different factors, and may come and go over time. Typically the most common symptom of sensitive teeth is a sharp pain when consuming products that are hot, cold, acidic, or particularly sweet. While this might began as simply a slight nuisance, this sudden sensitivity may likely worsen as time goes on. Therefore we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with your dentist, before this minor problem becomes a major one.

Causes for sudden tooth sensitivity and how we can help!

While there are many factors that can put wear and tear on your teeth and ultimately cause sudden tooth sensitivity, there are typically four main culprits behind this issue.

Clenching/Grinding: clenching and grinding your teeth (or bruxism) might be a side effect of excess stress, excess frustration, malocclusion (jaw misalignment), or perhaps even a reaction to certain medications or stimulants. In addition to the onset of heightened or sudden tooth sensitivity, many patients also report facial pain or frequent headaches accompanying bruxism, thus causing additional discomfort. While making key dietary and lifestyle changes may help alleviate these symptoms, your dentist may also suggest a bruxism appliance or mouth guard. This is a custom fitted device created by your dentist, that provides your jaw with the necessary spacing and cushioning between and around your teeth. These devices can be worn during the day and at night, thus protecting your teeth from acquiring any excess wear.
Fractured Tooth: Sometimes known as “cracked tooth syndrome” small cracks or abrasions on your tooth, although difficult to see sometimes, can cause a significant amount of pain and sensitivity in the affected tooth. Treating a fractured tooth typically varies depending on the size and positioning of the damaged area. The treatments can range from bonding, crowns, or in more serious cases a root canal. Although this may seem excessive for a small fracture, it’s important to realize that these cracks will likely grow in time. Therefore a proactive step would be to address the issue now instead of later.
Tooth Decay: Simply put, tooth decay is the breakdown of the tooth’s enamel and dentin, due to overexposure to acidic bacteria. While this basic dental issue may seem like an obvious problem, it remains a persistent and easy to overlook issue for many. If detected early, your dentist may apply a sealant solution to protect and fill in the groves of your tooth. However if the enamel has been considerably destroyed, a filling will be needed.
Gum Recession: Although periodontal or gum disease is a common issue that can affect people from all walks of life, how you choose to react to such an occurrence often determines how it may affect you individually. Gum disease is a gradual problem that occurs slowly over an extended period, and may initially present itself as inflammation and redness of the gum line. While this may not seem serous at first, the irritated gums may begin bleeding while growing increasingly sensitive to certain food products. This sensitivity is due to the root surface of the tooth becoming exposed resulting in abfraction. To combat this, you dentist may recommend desensitizing toothpaste or gels, as well as using a softened toothbrush to prevent further trauma. Obviously continuing to practice proper oral hygiene under the supervision of your dentist may perhaps be the best solution for this issue as consistently ensuring your gum’s health is ultimately your best option.

Related Article: Sensitive Teeth – Causes and Cures

Schedule your appointment today!

As you can see, there are many ways in which we can help our patients with painful and sudden tooth sensitivity; however, you should certainly come see us to receive a formal diagnosis. By letting us help you, you are taking a necessary first step in getting to the root of the problem!

We look forward to having the opportunity to help you with any restorative care in the case of sudden tooth sensitivity. If you need to schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Dental Appointment: Why Twice a Year?

April 11, 2017Dental Health TipsDr. Charles R. Kimes

Dental Appointment: A common misconception

When you hear the term “dental appointment” what comes to mind? For many people the term conjures up images of your dentist searching for cavities or abrasions to your teeth, however rarely do people think of much more than that. While this is true to a certain extent, there is considerably more to a dental appointment than just looking for cavities, and although receiving a standard dental checkup might seem like a minor procedure of relatively little importance, rest assured they are in fact very important for a number of reasons.

Reason 1: Early Detection

One of the lesser known but undoubtedly most important services offered by today’s dental practitioners is the oral cancer screening. Oral cancer screenings are included as part of your routine dental exam, and although they might seem like a small part of the procedure, this seemingly mundane aspect can in fact save lives. Although oral cancer causes approximately 7,500 deaths annually in the U.S. alone, oral cancer can be treated easily if detected early on. Therefore it is extremely important that your dentist give a formal examination for any unusual spots, swelling, or other abnormalities, particularly if you are a regular user of tobacco or alcohol products.

Reason 2: Save Money

Imagine if you never took the time to have your car serviced. As you can probably imagine, eventually your car would fall into a state of neglect and need repairs. However if this neglect continued, the more repair work your car would need, thus the cost of the work needed would be increased. This concept is the same with your teeth, as with anything used on a daily basis, regular maintenance is required. If you take the time to have your dentist thoroughly examine your teeth twice a year during your dental appointment, then you are far less likely to require much more serious and costly procedures later on.

Reason 3: Prevent or Reduce Pain

Although this reason should seem like an obvious one, it’s important to remind people that regular dental appointments are necessary in preventing any pain and discomfort that might occur. Oral pain can be caused by numerous issues, such as fractures or abrasions in your teeth, to gum disease as well. This is important to remember even if you are not experiencing any current issues, as it is preferable to prevent discomfort before it occurs, as opposed to dealing with it after.

Twice as Nice!

Although it can be easy to overlook that second yearly dental appointment, remember by simply taking the extra time to see your dentist twice a year, you are taking a major step in preventing in future problems that may occur. So remember: twice a year, you’re in the clear!

We look forward to having the opportunity to help you and your family during your bi-annual dental appointments or with any preventative, restorative or cosmetic needs you may have. To schedule a dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Do You Need Emergency Dental Care?

February 28, 2017Dental Health Tips, Uncategorizeddental emergency, emergency dental careDr. Charles R. Kimes

Emergency dental care is something we all hope we’ll never need… Having a dental emergency is not something any of us normally look forward to, nor is it something that is ever planned. Unfortunately, it happens to all of us at one point or another. And when it does, it’s nice to know what to do when you or someone close to you needs emergency dental care.

An unexpected dilemma

Imagine enjoying a wonderful holiday break with your family. As you sit down to have a meal together, you experience an unpleasant situation. When you bite into your food you feel a cracking sensation, followed by a sharp pain in your mouth. As the stinging in your mouth continues to worsen, the reality of your situation sets in; you have just broken a tooth! Unfortunately, this imaginary scenario has been a reality for many people; when you break a tooth it’s often a sudden, unanticipated problem that delays any immediate plans you may have. You experience needing emergency dental care.

Who are you going to call?

At Overland Park Dentistry we are prepared to assist our patients when a dental emergency occurs. When patients call in this type of situation, we always do our best to accommodate same day emergency appointments.

There are normally two reasons for emergency dental care, restorative and cosmetic.

We provide restorative emergency dental care to help our patients to get out of pain as quickly as possible. There are cosmetic reasons for requiring an emergency visit as well. Perhaps you have a presentation to give, or an important meeting to attend, or maybe child has a school photo in the next couple of days.

These are both valid and understandable reasons for requesting an emergency visit, and here at Overland Park Dentistry we are willing to help address these unexpected issues when they arise.

What should I do if I need emergency dental care?

In the case of a dental emergency, before we can get you into one of our offices for an appointment, here are some helpful tips:

What if my tooth gets knocked out in an accident?
When trauma or an accident knocks out your tooth, you need to act quickly. First, locate your tooth (or teeth) and determine whether you have the entire tooth in one piece including the root or if the tooth came out in several pieces. Rinse any dirt or debris off the pieces you have gathered and avoid touching the root. Put the tooth in milk or your own saliva for transport.

Safely rush the injured person and tooth to our dental office. In an ideal situation, the tooth will be re-implanted. For a period of time, the tooth may be splinted with a wire to the adjacent teeth.

Broken Filling or Broken Tooth:
Temporary filling materials can be purchased at most pharmacies and can be placed over the sensitive area until you see Dr. Kimes. Use sugar-free chewing gum to cover the area as a last resort.

When a permanent (or temporary) crown comes off:
Brush the area, if it’s not too sensitive and rinse with warm salt water (below) to keep the area clean. Teeth can shift, making it difficult or impossible to re-cement the crown at a later date, so avoid leaving the crown out for more than a few days. Until your emergency appointment time, toothpaste or denture cream can be placed inside the crown before it is gently put back into place.

Toothache:
Rinse your mouth with a warm salt water* rinse (see below). Gently floss and brush the area to remove any debris or trapped food. If you can take Ibuprofen or other over the counter pain medications, this may help to sooth the pain. Sometimes Orajel or similar topical gels can help, but usually it will only sooth the pain for a short time. Even if the pain goes away, please call our office to see Dr. Kimes, because without proper dental care your condition could return or even get worse.

When you are in need of emergency dental care: If it is after regular business hours, please call 913-647-8700. The more time that passes, the less likely your tooth can be re-implanted successfully. If you are out of town, visit the nearest Emergency Room or Urgent Care or contact a dentist in the area.

*To make salt water rinse: mix 1 teaspoon table salt with 1 cup warm water

For additional patient resources and frequently asked questions, please click here.

While you might not be able to anticipate when a dental emergency will happen, you can rest assured that you will receive swift, expert, emergency care when you call our office.

We look forward to having the opportunity to be help you with any restorative or cosmetic care in the case of a dental emergency. If you need to schedule an emergency dental appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380.

Dentistry for Kids in Overland Park

February 15, 2017Dental Health Tipsdentistry for kidsDr. Charles R. Kimes

Growing up in Overland Park:

Overland Park is the second most populated city the great state of Kansas and for many of us it is the place we lovingly call home. Due in part to its low crime rate, high opportunity for employment, and relatively reasonable cost of living, Overland Park attracts people from all walks of life; particularly those looking for a place to raise children. That is why the need for dentistry for kids is an area of expertise that is exploding in our area.

Because of the economic stability, kids growing up in Overland Park have been able to receive quality educational and medical services. A great example of this can be accurately illustrated within the Overland Park dental community, as both kids and adults are able to receive what’s considered to be, some of the highest quality dental care nationwide.

Dentistry for Kids:

Studies have shown that children at a young age are often able to learn and absorb new information with amazing quickness; therefore it is important for proper oral hygiene to be taught during this time in order to prevent potential dental problems before they occur.

Like an adult, the beginning of decay can lead to a lot of problems for a child, some relating to oral health and some relating to overall well-being.

Preventative care includes:

Proper brushing and flossing techniques
Healthy eating habits
Regular cleanings and exams
Early cavity detection
Fluoride treatments
Education on healthy daily habits

This emphasis on prevention is a theme that you will find echoed throughout the Overland Park dental community when talking about dentistry for kids, particularly among its most sought after dentists. Some dentists consider providing education on prevention (to both adults and children) to be as much a part of their job as providing the actual dental care itself.

Related: Preventative Dentistry

Several of the local Overland Park school districts provide assistance to make sure students receive the care they need by requiring them to have a regular dentist when they are enrolled. Many school districts provide education about dentistry for kids for students and their parents. During the month of February, also known as Children’s Dental Health month, many schools also provide activities and additional information about dental care.

While there are many significant benefits in living and raising a family in the safe, clean, and productive city of Overland Park, don’t forget that our dental community is here to provide you with fantastic dentistry for kids that will keep them smiling for years to come.

Offering dentistry for kids is important to us, because we love our patients and we want them to be healthy. If you’d like to schedule an appointment, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380. We look forward to having the opportunity to be your Overland Park family dentist.

Searching for an Overland Park Family Dentist ?

January 12, 2017Dental Health TipsDr. Charles R. Kimes

Deciding on an Overland Park family dentist may seem like a daunting task; however, there are several steps that you can take that would not only expedite the process, but maximize its effectiveness and ensure quality dental care for you and your family.

Step 1: Do your homework:

While this may seem like an obvious step, it is absolutely necessary that you actually take the time to research the local dental care providers when looking for an Overland Park family dentist. While doing your research, don’t forget to ask if your dental insurance plan is accepted at their office. This is a step that often people forget to take until it’s too late, which can be a problem when dental care is most needed.

Related Read: Dental Insurance / Financing

Step 2: Ask who you know:

Although word of mouth referrals are primitive by today’s standards, when searching for an Overland Park family dentist, it is still wise to seek information and advice from people you know. If you have family, friends, co-workers or neighbors that live nearby, ask them who their Overland Park family dentist is and if they are satisfied with the care they receive.

Step 3: Consultation/First Appointment:

Once you have selected a few dental practitioners in your area as potential choices for an Overland Park family dentist, it is important that you schedule an appointment to meet with the dentist, prior to receiving their services. In doing so, you not only will have the opportunity to meet the dentist and their staff personally, but you will also be able to ask some of the all too important and frequently asked questions. Such as:

What dental services and specialty procedures are the dentists qualified to preform?
Does their practice accept your dental insurance?

Upon making your selection and scheduling your first appointment with your new Overland Park family dentist, it’s important that you pay attention to the performance of the dentist and their team. This will help you when evaluating the care you received afterwards; therefore, helping you decide to continue or discontinue receiving their service.

What to keep in mind:

Thorough the duration of the selection process, there are a few things to keep in mind. While it is important to consider issues such as the convenience of their office location(s) and their hours of operation, perhaps the most important concern should be that of trust. In any sort of medical realm, the relationship between the doctor and their patient is a relationship based on mutual trust, and dentistry is no exception this rule.

So when choosing an Overland Park family dentist, make it your top priority that the dentist be someone who is caring and shows genuine concern for the health and well-being of your family. Once a trusting relationship with a quality dentist has been established, you and your family can enjoy dental care that is certain to keep you smiling for many years to come.

If you’d like to schedule an initial consultation, contact us at our south Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our north Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380. We look forward to having the opportunity to by your Overland Park family dentist.

3 Reasons to Remove Wisdom Teeth over the Holidays

November 22, 2016Dental Health TipsDr. Charles Kimes

You’ve heard the song “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth”, but at GPS Dental, we have another take on it. “All I want for Christmas is to lose my back teeth.” We’re talking about your wisdom teeth. Christmas break is a great time to schedule wisdom teeth extractions for your student! Here are three great reasons why.

Use Your Insurance Benefits from This Year

Kids usually have several weeks of downtime and it’s also a great way to use up any leftover dental insurance benefits before they expire, especially since most plans are set up on a “use ‘em or lose ‘em” basis. Why wait till summer and let those benefits go to waste? Someone may need a crown or braces next year. Be smart and get the most out of your benefits.

The Holiday Break Allows for Recovery Time

Most kids are off for at least two weeks during the holiday break. This means it’s a great time to be able to sit back and recover from having the wisdom teeth removed. Whether they are having one, two, or all four removed, you won’t have to worry about them missing any school. This means they won’t get behind on any of their assignments, either.

It Won’t Interfere with Summer Vacations

Many people wait until the summer to schedule wisdom teeth removal. The biggest problem with this is that it often interferes with summer vacations. It can take a little bit of time to recuperate and there’s nothing worse than not being able to enjoy yourself at the beach or anywhere else you go during the summer.

If your child has wisdom teeth that need to come out, contact us online or call us at one of our two office locations. Our south office is (913) 647-8700 and our north office is (913) 341-2380.

Your Dental Benefits May Expire Soon – Use ‘Em or Lose ‘Em!

October 19, 2016Dental Health TipsDr. Charles Kimes

As the year comes closer to its end, it’s the perfect time to assess whether you need any important dental work done.

Why now? Well, many dental insurance plans run on a calendar year cycle, with a yearly maximum of coverage earmarked for that time period, usually around $1,000 for most plans. And the unused remainder of those funds do not roll over to the next year. You either use it, or lose it.

Schedule Any Major Dental Work before the Year Ends

As we enter the final quarter of the year, now’s the time to take a moment and consider whether you need any major work done. If you’re aware of an issue, it makes far more sense to use up the rest of your 2016 coverage in October or November, than it does to start burning through your limit in January.

For instance, if you have aging crowns that are beginning to wear — five years is the standard period of service insurance expects — now’s a great time to talk to your dentist about having them replaced. You pay your monthly premiums; there’s no reason not to maximize the benefits of this procedure if you’re in need of a replacement.

Capitalize on Remaining Insurance Benefits – You’ve Already Paid for Them

And of course, smaller procedures are extremely important to your ongoing oral health. If you’ve already completed all the major procedures you needed earlier in the year, now’s the time to build your preventative oral health strategy. A teeth cleaning or simple filling now could save you from a root canal next year.

With the year quickly coming to a close, now’s the time to contact your insurance company to find out how much of your yearly maximum is left. Then, call Overland Park Dental’s south office at (913) 647-8700, or our north office at (913) 341-2380 to make an appointment today.

The Worst Halloween Candy for Your Teeth and Fun Candy-Free Options Too!

October 13, 2016Dental Health TipsDr. Charles Kimes

At Overland Park Dentistry, we want you to enjoy Halloween, including the candy that accompanies it. However, there are some candies that are worse than others for your teeth (particularly if you’re an adult with fillings, crowns, inlays or other expensive and vulnerable dental work in your mouth). In order to avoid dental damage this Halloween, follow these simple tips from Overland Park Dentistry:

Tips for Adults

We know you’re only human and will fall prey to your favorites, but stay away from sticky candy if you can. If you do eat something sticky or chewy, resist the urge to chew and try to suck on the candy instead. As an added bonus, the candy will last longer in your mouth and you’ll keep your teeth intact!

Top 10 Worst Candy for Your Teeth

Below is a list of the most dangerous candy for your teeth based on sugar content and sticky consistency:

Gummy Bears/Fruit Snacks
Candy Corn
Caramel Apple Pops
Sour Patch Kids
Now and Later
Jaw Breakers
Jolly Rancher
Milk Duds
Tootsie Rolls
Bit O’ Honey

Also, look out for hard candy and candy with nuts. Nuts and hard candy can crack a tooth or a filling while you’re chewing them. Plus, nuts will commonly get stuck in the grooves and pits of your teeth too. Sour candy has its own issues as well. On average, sour candies are more acidic than sweet candies. The acidity, combined with the sugar content, creates a very acidic environment in your mouth, which can permanently damage your enamel if you’re not careful. Your saliva will naturally return the pH in your mouth to neutral after eating these candies, but with sour candy it may take longer than the standard 30 minutes, leaving your teeth exposed to acid erosion.

Tips for Kids

For kids, it’s the amount of sugar in candy, and how long it’s left on their teeth that will cause problems. Sticky candy like caramels, hard candy, and taffy, are the worst for sticking to teeth for long periods of time. This allows the bacteria in your mouth to feed on the sugar that is stuck in your teeth for longer periods of time producing more acid. Both bacteria and acid weaken your teeth and may cause cavities.

The best advice, from a dental perspective, is to have the kids brush as soon as they are done eating the candy. If brushing isn’t convenient, at least rinsing with water or eating something like an apple to help physically remove some of the sticky candy residue is better than nothing. TIP-if your children are under five years old, don’t rely on them to brush their teeth thoroughly. They will need help to do a proper job of removing sticky candy.

Fun Halloween Candy Alternatives

While getting candy is fun, there’s no doubt that your kids (and all of the other trick-or-treaters) will receive plenty of it. Why not opt for more tooth-friendly candies, or something other than candy? Some great alternatives are sugar-free lollipops and hard candy, sugar-free gum, and even plain chocolate like Hershey’s Kisses, which wash away from teeth with normal saliva production.

Another option is to give away small toys, like bouncy balls, fake tattoos, vampire teeth, window clings and more! Visit your neighborhood dollar store for more great ideas.

One other great idea is to encourage your kids to give some of their candy away to shelters, or our military personnel in foreign countries. What a great way to thank them and boost their morale by sending a literal “taste of home” to those brave (and homesick) men and women serving our country! Click this link to find out how easy it is: Soldiers’ Angels Treats for Troops

No matter what your little ghouls and boys do this year, the team at Overland Park Dentistry wishes you a safe and fun Halloween! Please call us if you have any questions about candy, teeth, or tooth care. Call our south office at (913) 647-8700 or our north office at (913) 341-2380.

Dental Sealants – What Are They and Do You Need Them?

September 22, 2016Dental Health TipsDr. Charles Kimes

Preventative Dentistry is crucial for keeping your teeth in tip-top shape for a lifetime. There are many treatments that fall under the heading of Preventative Dentistry, including regular cleanings, fluoride treatments, and oral cancer screening s, to name a few. The perfect combination of treatments is different for everyone, but one thing that almost every patient can benefit from is dental sealants. Here is some helpful information about dental sealants from the team at Overland Park Dental:

Dental Sealants Prevent Cavities

Sealants are made of a plastic material that is brushed onto the teeth (particularly the chewing surfaces of the back teeth) that hardens and acts as a barrier to shield teeth from plaque and acid. Dental sealants are especially helpful for protecting the hard-to-reach places that regular brushing and flossing may not clean thoroughly.

Sealants Work for Kids and Adults

Sealants work for all ages. While sealants are especially helpful for children and teens to prevent early tooth decay, they are also a great option for adults. Cavity prevention is good for everybody!

Sealants Last a Long Time

Because dental sealants are formulated to be used on the parts of teeth that are primarily used for chewing, the material they are made of is extremely strong. They are durable and long-lasting. In most cases, the sealants that your dentist applies will last for years before needing to be replaced. As with all dental work, the dentist will check the sealants for any cracks at your regular checkups and replace them as needed.

If you would like to keep your teeth healthy for many years to come, be sure to take good care of them with preventative dentistry and regular cleanings.

To schedule an appointment or find out more about our preventative dentistry options, give us a call at our South Overland Park office at (913) 647-8700 or our North Overland Park office at (913) 341-2380. We will be pleased to help you with your dentistry needs!