This month we are discussing diabetes and oral health care. One of the effects of diabetes on the mouth is a slower healing process for mouth sores. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you may already be aware of how the condition affects your mouth and gums. To increase the healing process of mouth sores, keep your mouth clean... read more »

We care about the overall health of our patients! November is National Diabetes Awareness month; therefore, our blog is going to focus on raising awareness of diabetes and the connection to oral health. Our team is committed to excellence in dental care, and for our patients that do have diabetes, we have the experience and education in taking the extra... read more »

Did you know that you could actually save money by using your dental benefits before the end of the year? As another year is winding down, we want to remind you to take advantage of any unused dental benefits you may have remaining. Most companies do not allow you to carry benefits over to the next year.  Typically, the yearly... read more »

Remember, dental problems can get worse by delaying dental treatment. If you wait, you might have to have a more extensive and expensive treatment in the future, the problem simply will not go away. What may be a simple cavity now could turn into a root canal later. Call to schedule an appointment to utilize your benefits! Patients, whether children... read more »

As you are probably aware, you are paying a monthly premium for your dental benefits. Premiums are what you pay the company to carry your coverage. If you are paying your dental benefit premiums every month, you should certainly use your benefits. Whether or not anyone in your family has a dental problem, every family member should have regular dental... read more »

As we look at dental benefits this month, you need to consider your annual maximum. An annual maximum is the amount your dental benefit company will pay within a calendar year. Not every plan has the same maximum but in most cases, it averages around $1,200 per year. If you are not sure what amount you have used, contact our... read more »

Smiling is important for many reasons but have you ever thought about smiling as a natural drug? Smiling Releases Endorphins, Natural Pain Killers and Serotonin - Studies have shown that smiling releases endorphins which are natural pain and stress fighters plus serotonin. Serotonin can affect mood and social behavior, appetite/digestion as well as sleep and memory. Simply put - Smiling... read more »

Go ahead and show off your smile! Below are a few more facts about smiling for you to consider: Smiling Makes You Seem Successful - Studies have shown smiling people appear more confident, are more likely to be promoted, and are more likely to be approached. Put your best smile on during a meeting or appointment and people will react... read more »

Smiling Makes Us Attractive We are drawn to people who smile. There is an attraction factor. We want to know a smiling person and figure out what is so good. Frowns, scowls and grimaces all push people away -- but a smile draws them into a conversation. Smiling Changes Our Mood The next time you are feeling down, try putting... read more »

Smiling is a great way to make yourself stand out in a crowd, but did you know that smiling can help your body to function better? Smiles can improve your health and stress level, plus you look better with a smile.  Go ahead and smile. If you are not happy with your smile, call our office to schedule an appointment... read more »

Dr. Petrusha, Dr. Selasky and staff would like to wish you all a safe and happy Labor Day weekend! You might take time this weekend to celebrate with a cookout with friends, find a great sale at the mall, but without our “laborers” this weekend wouldn’t exist.  As a federal holiday, we celebrate the economic and social contributions of workers. ... read more »

Is your young athlete ready for the fall sports season to begin? Along with the proper sporting equipment, make sure their teeth are protected, too, especially if your child has braces. Mouth guards can be custom-fitted in our office, or you can buy one at a sporting goods store. Wearing a mouth guard significantly reduces the risk of chipping, breaking... read more »

Have you ever wondered how you would feel if you lost one or two of your front teeth? Smiling and face-to-face conversations would be uncomfortable.  Eating would also become an issue; until your teeth are missing you might not miss them. Protecting your teeth is imperative to maintain good oral health. Wearing a mouth guard while participating in any sport... read more »

Hard to believe that summer is moving along so quickly and the Back-to-School season will be here in no time. If you are like most people, the thought of going back to school conjures up images of new school supplies, and of a fresh start. What a wonderful time of year! We want your children to head back to school... read more »

The saying goes, “You are what you eat,” so focus on high-performance food. Chips, candy, sodas, and sugary treats do not provide you with the nutrition and stamina to learn and perform well in sports or in the classroom. Be sure to visit our office on a regular schedule. When your child has professional cleanings twice a year you will... read more »

We have found wisdom teeth extraction is often the first time a person has ever has surgery, and young patients can be frightened by what is ahead for them. We encourage open conversation with our young patients and our dental team of professionals so we can ease any fears, and answer any questions about the procedure and healing afterward. Please... read more »

The best decision regarding your treatment option can be made after a full mouth examination and any necessary tests or X-rays.  However, common options may include the following: Non-surgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing (a careful, deep cleaning of the root surfaces to remove plaque and bacterial toxins) with locally applied antibiotics, may be the most appropriate treatment... read more »

Gingivitis is a common dental concern that can lead to periodontal disease if not treated early. If you have noticed bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth, or if your gums seem red, swollen, sensitive or painful, this may be a sign of gingivitis. The gums are a very important part of the structure of the mouth as they... read more »

The American Dental Association, ADA, found that bacteria in the mouth can start causing gum disease in only 24 hours; so regular, thorough cleaning is imperative. The first, and most important, step is to take excellent care of your teeth– brush twice a day, floss daily, and see us at the interval determined by your dentist and hygienist for professional... read more »

Periodontal disease, often called gum disease, is actually an infection in the gums and tissues that support your teeth. When plaque and food particles are left on teeth, a build-up of bacteria occurs in that crevice just below the gum line. As the bacteria grow and thrive, they feed on the tissue that attaches to your tooth and causes the... read more »