The Give Kids a Smile was a success- thank you to all of our patients! This past Friday, Awbrey Dental Group, in Bend Oregon,  treated 16 patients, providing them with one more reason to smile.

Awbrey Dental Group participates in the Give Kids a Smile program several times a year - it’s just one more way  for us to give back to our community.

Last August Awbrey Dental Group saw seventeen children with treatments that included fillings, teeth cleanings and sealants. All of our patients were referred by the Kemple Children’s Clinic, a practice that provides free dental care for low income families.

Supporting the Central Oregon community by way of helping those who can’t help themselves, the kids, is a privilege. So far we have twelve patients scheduled with a great possibility of more coming. All of our dentists, hygienists, assistants and administrative staff are donating their time to the care of these kids from 8 am – Noon.

The national GKAS day was a few weeks ago but our doctors were on vacation so they elected to hold a day, this Friday, to participate in the Give Kids A Smile program.

Give Kids A Smile is the American Dental Association’s major oral health outreach program, launched to encourage parents, health professionals and policymakers to address important access to health care issues. Dentists, Hygienists and Dental Assistants provide educational materials, screenings and, where possible, free dental care such as cleanings, X-rays and fillings.

“There have been enormous advances in dental science in recent years but among America’s low-income and minority children, oral health is still a critically unmet health care need.” said ADA President John S. Findley. “Though many children will benefit from the services provided through Give Kids A Smile, our concern is for the countless others who continue to suffer from untreated dental disease.”

“Oral health is related to overall health and it’s important that policymakers strengthen dental provisions in public health programs to help put children on the road to good health.” Dr. Findley added.
For more information on Give Kids a Smile, visit the ADA website, or the Give Kids a Smile website.

The topic of holistic health is on everyone’s mind.

Bacteria is everywhere and we all know that the mouth is a prime area for bacteria to thrive.  Have you ever considered the idea that pathogens (i.e., bacteria and viruses) in your mouth are just as easily transmissible to various organ systems via your bloodstream?  What we now know is that the pathogens found within the oral environment have been linked not causatively but commonly with heart disease, cancer, diabetes and a malady of other health problems currently plaguing our country.

When you brush and floss, do your gums bleed?  This could be a sign of bacterial infection commonly called gingivitis or in advanced stages … periodontitis.

For a quick visual of the area your gums cover, try this.  Put your thumbs next to your ears and bring your fingers across the front of your face linking them together.  Now, keeping your hands in that position, pull your hands away from your face and notice the size of the area it makes – that’s a general idea of how big an area your gums cover.

If your gums are bleeding you have an active infection, an open wound. Visualize a wound this size on your leg, arm or worse yet, your heart. If left untreated, a wound this size will lead to serious health issues.

The great news is that gingivitis and periodontal disease are treatable.  We have the tools and techniques necessary to help you achieve total mouth health!

Thank you for truly making this another season of giving.