We at Berlin Dental Arts are excited to start 2018 with our patients and team! It's that time of year when we start to think about making ourselves better. Do you set financial, spiritual, educational, social, career, personal, health, and dental goals? We are here to help! Make it a point to keep your preventative exam and preventative cleaning appointments so proper periodontal disease screenings and the oral cancer screenings can be completed.

Some dental health goals for you to consider adding to your New Year’s Resolutions

• Brush 2x/day
• Brush for a full 2 minutes each time
• Brush your tongue
• Brush your sulcus (the area between your gums and your teeth – your tooth socket)
• Look in the mirror when you brush to make sure you are brushing every part of your teeth and mouth
• Floss 1x/day
• Tell one friend/family member about our office especially if they need a better dentist
• Schedule and keep your exam appointments
• Schedule and keep your cleaning appointments (at least 2x/year)
• Drink lots of water. Water should be your main beverage or at least have a glass with your other beverages. Try to replace one other drink with water/day.
• Ask about your treatment plan and schedule your next appointment
• Call our office AS SOON AS you have any pain or soreness or redness or dental question

‘Twas the day after Christmas, elves and reindeer relaxed;
They worked hard this 25^th, and the days before that.
While the North Pole snoozed, Santa sat wide-awake;
But why wasn’t St. Nick taking his much-needed break?

Mrs. Claus was nestled and snug in her bed,
While dreams of next Christmas danced in her head;
When out from Santa’s mouth screamed such a clatter,
Mrs. Claus sprang from bed to see what was the matter.

“What’s wrong my dear, do you need a candy cane?”
To which Santa replied, “No, my teeth are in pain!”
Mrs. Claus knew what to do, dialed the dentist in a flash;
She scheduled a visit and they were off in a dash.

“Now, Dancer! Now, Dasher! Now, Rudolph! Let’s go!
Get Santa to the dentist, so his tooth pain can slow!”
The sleigh got there quickly, with minutes to spare;
The dentist greeted Santa and rushed him to his chair.

With tools and his gloves, he could find St. Nick’s flaw
So the dentist told Santa, “Open wide and say, Ahhhh”
After using the mirror for careful inspection,
The dentist detected the site of infection.

On Santa’s back tooth sat a spot that was shocking;
Black as the coal in a naughty list stocking!
He took a deep breath and told St. Nick unhappily,
“I’m sorry to say that your tooth pain’s a cavity.”

Santa’s eyes lit up like a tree full of tinsel;
His smile went from jolly to a face full of wrinkles
“What did I do to deserve such a fate?
Could it be Christmas cookies left out on those plates?

“You have to cut down on the cookies and sweets
Sugar causes cavities and Ho, ho holes in your teeth!
Make sure to make time for your teeth in a rush
The holidays are busy, but remember to brush!”

Santa smiled at the dentist, it was clear he agreed
“I’ll cut down on sugar and brush to succeed!”
St. Nick was relieved the dentist had the answer
Good dental health is a sure smile enhancer.

The dentist filled the cavity and sent Santa on his way
Mr. Claus grabbed his Mrs. and they headed to the sleigh
With his cavity fixed, Santa echoed for miles,
“Happy brushing to all, and to all a strong smile!”

Article property of  Delta Dental of CO

The end of 2017 is fast approaching, and we at Berlin Dental Arts are amazed at how time flies. We are sure it’s the same for you! Suddenly fall is in the air, the leaves are changing, and before we know it, December 31st will be upon us. Unfortunately, for the dental benefits you have, if you don’t use them before the end of the year you will lose them! Let’s not let those valuable dollars go to waste, especially when you pay the premiums every month. For those of you that have treatment that needs to be completed, let’s work together to help get it done.

 In addition to your dental benefits remaining, you may have flexible spending dollars available for you to use. The same thing applies… if you don’t use this, you will sadly lose it after the year’s end. Those hard earned dollars that you set aside (tax free!) will disappear. Even something as simple as a new sonicare or oral-b professional toothbrush can be paid for with that flex money. What a great holiday gift idea!

 Our end-of-the-year appointment slots fill quickly, as everyone tries to make the most of what remaining benefit they have. We urge you to call and make your appointment. If you still have questions about how many dollars you have left to utilize before the end of the year please call us! We love to help our patients make the best use of their benefits.

Please note our office will be closed the week of November 20,2017 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Open your mouth and look at your tongue. That may sound strange, but your tongue can tell a lot about your health. For example, a black and hairy looking tongue can signal poor oral hygiene, or diabetes. If your tongue is bright red like a strawberry, it could signal a deficiency in folic acid, vitamin B12, or iron. But, it could also mean you have strep throat, or a fever.
Is your tongue full of red and white spots? That might be a clear sign your taste buds are worn down. If you’ve eaten a pack of Sour Patch Kids a day for the last five years, or ate a piece of pizza in your mouth as soon as it came out of the oven, you’ve likely been a victim of red and white tongue. Luckily, this is fairly common and taste buds do regenerate.
So the next time you get out of the shower, wipe off the mirror, open your mouth, and inspect your tongue. You might be surprised at what you find!
One in doubt, visit your dentist for a thorough exam and have your tongue checked out. Tongue exam should be a part of your bi-annual dental check up.