I am continuing to carry on the practice of maintaining a state of the art dental practice and giving personal attention to each patient like Dr Howorth started many years ago! Our team is here to serve you and make sure you receive the best care possible at each visit.
We have implemented oral cancer screenings and periodontal probing into our hygiene protocol to better serve your overall health and catch potential problems early for optimal treatment and prevention. We currently use digital x-rays, which decrease the amount of radiation to our patients while obtaining a clearer, easier to read image. We have intra oral cameras in each of our operatories to take pictures inside your mouth. There are computers in each of our operatories connected to flat screen monitors for you to view these x-rays and intra oral images. Dr Howorth and I use electric hand pieces for the majority of our procedures which are faster and quieter than traditional hand pieces. We enjoy taking the time to discuss any problems in your mouth and all available treatment options to help you make the best treatment decisions.
We have recently started offering oral sedation to patients who have high anxiety in the dental office and have equipment that monitors heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen saturation. We continue to offer nitrous oxide to all of our patients for relaxation during any visit at our office.
Thank you for trusting us with your dental care. We look forward to every opportunity we can take care of you & appreciate your referrals. Have a fun and safe summer!
Dr. B
Summer is the perfect time to schedule your children for their back-to-school dental exam. Over fifty percent of children age 5-9 have at least one cavity or filling; dental exams early to mid summer allows time for any necessary treatment your child may need prior to returning to school. Dr Bartell and Dr Howorth encourage regular dental checkups and preventive dental care, including cleanings and fluoride, so any problems can be treated in the early stages when damage is minimal and restorations can be small. This helps prevent missed school for dental problems, painful or chronic dental conditions, and saves money. Radiographs, or x-ray’s, will probably be taken when your child is in for their dental exam to spot hidden decay. Our doctors & hygienists’ can suggest a schedule for your child’s frequency of dental visit depending on eating habit’s, how clean the teeth are kept, past treatment needs, whether your child drinks fluoridated water, and other factors that affect the likelihood of dental diseases.
Our practice focus is on preventive dental care to ensure oral health. Dental sealants, a plastic material that our dentist or dental hygienist applies to the chewing surface of the back teeth, are an option to keep your child’s smile healthy. Sealants form a barrier that protects teeth from plaque, a sticky film of acid-producing bacteria. Although sealants occasionally need to be replaced, they are pretty tough and hold up under normal chewing forces.
Make sure your child has a new toothbrush to ensure optimum brushing. The American Dental Society recommends changing your child’s toothbrush every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles look worn. Children may be able to brush their teeth by age 7, but still need supervision and monitoring until they are 10 or 11 years old. Educate your child on flossing technique and always supervise if they attempt flossing on their own. This is a difficult task to master and our dental hygienist can help when you are in. Call Diane to schedule your child’s hygiene visit today!
*Information provided by American Dental Association
Race for the Cure
On August 25, 2008, Dr B’s team, along with friends and family, walked in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Fort Worth TX to support breast cancer research. Although we walked for many friends and family members affected by breast cancer, this year we also walked in honor of Merlene Neidermeyer, former employee of Dr’s Bartell & Howorth. We were proud to walk for such an amazing & strong women! We love you Merlene!
Your mouth is a window into the health of your body. It can show signs of nutritional deficiencies or general infection. The mouth is filled with countless bacteria, some linked to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Researchers have found that periodontal disease (the advanced form of gum disease that can cause tooth loss) is linked with other health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacterial pneumonia. Likewise, pregnant women with periodontal disease may be at increased risk of delivering preterm and /or low birth-weight infants.
Systemic diseases – those that affect the entire body, such as diabetes, AIDS and Sjogren’s syndrome – may first become apparent because of mouth lesions or other oral problems. People with diabetes often have periodontal disease and there is evidence that they are more likely to have advanced stages than those without diabetes. Some studies state periodontal disease can make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar. Although periodontal disease may contribute to these health conditions, it’s important to understand that just because two conditions occur at the same time it doesn’t necessarily mean that one condition causes the other.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Given the link between periodontal disease and systemic health problems, prevention is an important step in maintaining overall health.
• Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day. Clean between your teeth with floss or another type of interdental cleaner once a day. Feel free to ask your hygienist for instruction on brushing or flossing techniques to make the most of your efforts.
• Eat a balanced diet and limit snacks, which may reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and periodontal disease.
• Schedule regular dental checkups. Professional cleanings are the only way to remove calculus (tartar), which traps bacterial plaque along the gum line.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
If you notice any of these signs, see your dentist:
• Gums that bleed during brushing and flossing; healthy gums don’t bleed
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• Persistent bad breath or Halitosis
• Pus between your teeth and gums
• Loose or separating teeth
• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• A change in the fit of partial dentures
Tell your dentist about changes in your overall health, particularly any recent illnesses or chronic conditions. Provide an updated health history including medications used – both prescription and over-the-counter products. We have asked you to complete a new medical update in our office every three years because your medications and health can change more often than you think. It is important we know what medications you are taking because certain medications can reduce saliva flow causing dry mouth and decay, as well as, reduce wound healing. By informing us of any new medications or changes in your health, we can adapt the treatment that may be needed and improved your overall health.
We have made it easier on you to complete your medical history forms in your home by informing you prior to your appointment and by putting them on our website. You can pull them up at www.bartelldds.com, click patient forms, then medical history form. Please print out the form and fill it out before you come in for your visit. Through maintaining a healthy mouth you will have a healthier body.
With Summer coming, and a time of greater outdoor activity beginning, the chance of accidents happening increase.s Knowing what to do when a dental emergency occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Quick action can save your tooth, prevent infection and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment. Remember PAIN is a sign that something is WRONG. The following are tips for dealing with dental emergencies. Call our office as soon as you can so we can help.
Fractured Jaw:
If your jaw hurts when it is moved or you cannot close your mouth in a normal manner, don’t talk or attempt to open your mouth. Apply a cold compresses to control swelling and go to the doctor/hospital. A blow to the head can be life threatening, especially to a child. They can provide treatment and tell you if you need to see the dentist.
Knocked out tooth:
Hold the tooth by the crown (the part that is usually exposed in the mouth) and rinse off the root of the tooth in lukewarm water if it’s dirty. Do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, gently insert and hold the tooth in the socket until you can get to our office. Never force it into the socket. If that isn’t possible, put the tooth in a cup of milk and get to our office as quickly as possible. Remember to bring the tooth with you!
Objects caught between teeth:
Try to gently remove the object with dental floss but avoid cutting the gums. Never use a sharp instrument to remove any object that is stuck between your teeth. If you can’t dislodge it with dental floss, contact our office.
Toothache:
Rinse your mouth with salt water. After each meal and at bedtime, stir 1 teaspoon of salt into an 8-ounce glass of water (lukewarm or at body temperature). Hold each mouthful of water in your mouth and roll it around for about 30-45 seconds, before emptying your mouth in the sink. Gently floss to ensure there is no food or debris caught between the teeth. If your mouth is swollen, apply a cold compress to the outside of mouth or cheek. Call our office as soon as possible for further instructions.
Information in this article from the American Dental Association
6013 Wedgwood Dr. • Fort Worth, Texas 76133 • Office: 817-346-6411 • info@bartelldds.com
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