October brings pumpkin spice, cooler weather, changing leaves, candy, and dental awareness!

October is National Dental Hygiene Month, a time to raise awareness for oral health and to acknowledge the dental professionals who tend to your teeth: dental hygienists. 

Dental hygienists are clinical providers who help you put together a plan of action to keep your smile healthy!  They work closely alongside dentists to evaluate, treat, and educate you on your oral health.

Most dental hygienists receive four years of education, must pass national and regional board exams, and are required to maintain a state license.

Dental hygienists work directly with patients, cleaning teeth, taking x-rays and intraoral photos, and providing other diagnostic information, which helps a dentist diagnose oral health conditions.

Dental professionals have the caring, attentive nature that helps them recognize and address issues that their patients are facing. Personal skills in compassion, sympathy, and respect for patients is necessary to be a successful hygienist.

Next time you are in the dental office, say, “Hello”, to your dental hygienist and wish them a Happy National Dental Hygiene Month!

COMTREA will close two dental service locations as the organization reallocates resources. Twin City Dental Center in Festus, which provides emergency dental care, will be temporarily closed as of August 19, 2019. COMTREA’s MAP mobile dental clinic, which relocates in Jefferson County every few months, will temporarily close in September.

“Due to the shortage of dental staffing in Jefferson County, we chose to temporarily close the locations to ensure patients receive the best care when they visit our offices,” said Sue Curfman, CEO of COMTREA.

COMTREA will reopen these locations at a later date.

All dental services may be obtained at COMTREA locations in Arnold, Hillsboro, and House Springs.

Hickory Plaza Health Center located at 4 Hickory Ridge Road, Suite 600 in Hillsboro is open to the general public Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM until 6:00 PM.

COMTREA Health Center at the Valley located at 4300 Gravois Road in House Springs is open to the general public Monday through Friday from 2:30 PM until 6:00 PM.

Fox Dental Center located at 849 Jeffco Blvd, Suite 200 in Arnold is open to the general public Monday through Friday from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM.

• 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!