• Dental

During the summer months, we’ve all heard how important sunscreen is to protect your skin. But, what about your teeth?  Do they need protection?

Many summer sports offer the opportunity for misfortune when it comes to trauma and your mouth. 

Wearing a sports guard is highly recommended, if not required, for many contact sports or when it’s possible to have some mishap happen to your teeth.  Ask your dental professional which option would be best for you.

Other summer sports, like swimming, can also have a negative effect on your teeth. 

Swimmers who are frequently in chlorinated pools may be plagued with something called “swimmers stain”.  “Swimmers stain” is caused from the chemicals used to keep a pool clean.  Usually, this stain is easily removed by your Registered Dental Hygienist or can be polished off. 

Staying hydrated is very important during the hot months. 

What’s the best thing to quench your thirst and keep you healthy?  Simple: water. 

Water is the best thing to drink for your teeth.  Any drink with bubbles (carbonation) cause acidity levels to rise, which can eventually affect your teeth enamel.  Sports drinks can also cause acid to rise.  These drinks can be consumed occasionally, but you’ll want to at least swish with water after having them to buffer the acidity. 

So, while you are relaxing in the pool or having fun in the sun, make sure you stay hydrated, protect your teeth, and wear sunblock!

• Dental

For those with allergies, many oral health issues can arise when you have a stuffed-up nose or sinus inflammation. 

Stuff-Up Nose:  A stuffed-up nose often leads to mouth breathing.  This action can cause inflamed gums along those front teeth.  This can lead to periodontal issues if it continues long-term. 

Take nasal decongestants before bed and keep a glass of water near you for sips throughout the night.  The water will help keep those tissues hydrated and prevent the inflammation.

Sinus Inflammation:  Sinuses are so close to the roots of your teeth that when they are inflamed or enlarged, they can actually cause your teeth to shift and hit harder when you chew and talk.  This constant banging and pressure on the roots of the teeth may feel like a toothache! 

First try gargling with salt water - sometimes this can help release sinus drainage.  See your dentist and primary care physician to see what you can do to relieve this pain and pressure. 

Watery Eyes and Nose:  Some preventive medication may lead to oral health issues.  Antihistamines can dry out your mucous membranes and lead to dry mouth.  A dry mouth can allow bacteria and food to accumulate and cause cavities.  See your dentist for products that can help with this short-term problem.

Sore Throat & Post Nasal Drip:  The leading issue of a sore throat and nasal drip is bad breath.  Using a mouthwash in the morning and at night following brushing and flossing should prevent bad breath.  Also, make sure you stay hydrated! 

The great news about all of these issues is that they are short-term. As long as you frequently visit your primary care doctor and your dentist, many of these issues will be prevented. 

Community Treatment, Inc. (COMTREA) was awarded $200,000 in Missouri tax credits from the Missouri Housing Development Commission Affordable Housing Assistance Program (AHAP), which will allow COMTREA to offer Missouri business donors a 55% tax credit on donations. 

Donations will benefit the building of Mary’s House of Hope at a Safe Place Transitional Housing, serving survivors of domestic violence in Jefferson and surrounding counties.  Women and children will reside in the transitional housing, receiving counseling, education, and shelter, as they prepare for independent living.

Eligible donors include corporations, partnerships, banks, insurance companies, foundations, sole proprietorships, and individuals with income from rental properties, royalties, or farm income.

Missouri businesses may donate cash, materials, products, real estate, stock, and professional services for the project to receive the 55% tax credit.

The AHAP offers a one-time tax credit to business owners which benefits non-profits offering affordable housing activities.

To claim these credits, donation must be received by June 30, 2019.

Please consider donating to Mary’s House of Hope at A Safe Place. Your generous donation is building hope for a strong, safe, independent future.

For more information contact Kim Elbl, Vice President of Fundraising and Development at 636-232-2339.

• Dental

Well now that it’s April, spring has sprung!  Flowers are popping up and trees are showing their buds!

Many people take this as an opportunity for a fresh start, to clear away clutter that’s been plaguing them for the past year.  But, “Spring Cleaning” is not just for your home!  Spring is a wonderful time to look into an oral health overhaul!

Several things can lead to neglecting your oral health: laziness (yes, just admit it), lack of insurance or financial ability, apathy, schedules, and many other reasons.  Now is the PERFECT time to get back on track!  

What can you do for a fresh start:

Change your toothbrush or toothbrush head!  This should typically be done every three months; if you’ve forgotten, now is the time!

Schedule your cleaning!  If you’ve been putting it off, here is your reminder!  Your dental office WANTS to see you and help you stay or get healthy!

Check expiration dates on mouthwashes or toothpastes…YES-they can expire!  This expiration date will let you know when the components will lose their efficacy.  In other words, the power of fluoride may be reduced, or the potassium nitrate that helps fight sensitivity to hot or cold may not be accomplishing the job it should.

Build a new routine!   Do you forget to brush at night because you are too tired, too busy, or too lazy?  Well, now is the time to develop that oral healthcare routine.  Let’s build that brighter, healthier smile today.

Let’s SPRING into action and start this new season off right!

If you need help with establishing a great routine for yourself, your dental professionals are ready, willing, and able to help out.  We care about your oral health just as much as you do, and want to help you succeed in keeping your body healthy.  Not keeping your mouth healthy has been linked to many negative health issues, and we want to keep you around for years and years to come!

COMTREA has several locations and wonderful, friendly, and caring staff that are here for you to accomplish your oral health “Spring Cleaning” goals!  Give us a call today at 1-877-COMTREA.