We listen to our dental family. Often times they make our day with their comments. We thought we might share a few of the most recent observations.
I have been embarrassed by my smile for years and terrified to go to the dentist to do anything about it. It’s been a long journey and I still have a way to go, but the light is at the end of the tunnel. EVERY one of your staff members that I have met along the way have been beyond exceptional. Thank you to all of you! I left grinning from ear to ear today confident that I will finally have a smile I love!
SK
I am an RN Geriatric Care Manager who personally takes her clients to all doctor’s appts including dental. One of my patient’s had Dr. Frankel as her dentist. Quite frankly, I have never been to such a caring, professional and high-tech dental office. I immediately switched my dental care to Dr. Frankel. I have also recommended him to several of my clients and they are now his patients as well.
JK
I hate going to the dentist! I have not been to one in 30 yrs but Frankel dentistry has impressed me enough to return to them for the needed care. I still don’t like dentist visits but they make it a pleasant as possible experience thanks to the great staff.
MM
They are very quick to get their patients in as needed. I had a broken tooth and Dr. Jon called me personally to get me in. Thank you very much for all your work and making me feel I matter.
Anonymous
Need a crown on a tooth and was pleasantly surprised to find they can prep the tooth and make the crown and place it all in the same visit. As always the staff was friendly and make you feel comfortable!
Age is one factor that we can’t fight, although we really, really try. Truth be told, with all the other age defying tricks out there to help keep our youthful appearance, our smiles should not be one that we neglect.
Here are 5 areas where teeth can tell our age.
Tooth decay. Yes, we warn our children and grandchildren about too much sugar and cavities. But just because we are older doesn’t mean we are immune to tooth decay. It is important to still brush for two minutes twice a day, floss daily, and visit Dr. Frankel for an exam every six months. A clean, healthy, white smile is also a nice trick to help keep you looking young and vibrant.
Dry mouth. As we age and are prescribed different medications, we may start to experience dry mouth. Saliva is important part of protecting our teeth from decay, therefore, a dry mouth could be detrimental toward our oral health. Make sure you are staying properly hydrated, and sip and swish water whenever you notice your mouth may be dry.
Too crowding. Pre-teens are not the only ones who experience tooth crowding. As we age our teeth move and shift. This may cause our teeth to crowd. Crowded teeth give bacteria many places to hide, where our tooth brushes and floss may not reach effectively. This breeding ground for bacteria may lead to tooth decay or worse, gum disease.
Gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontal disease effect nearly half of American adults, according to the American Academy of Periodontology. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease, which left untreated can affect the gum tissue and lead to tooth loss. The Frankel Dentistry team has a practicing Periodontist on staff, who will be able to treat patients with gum disease. Although gum disease cannot be reversed, there are plenty of ways to manage it, keeping your gums and teeth healthy.
Oral Cancer. 43,000 Americans are diagnosed each year with oral cancer and nearly 8,000 will die from it (Oral Cancer Foundation). It is best to catch oral cancer in the earliest stages. While at Frankel Dentistry we will do a comprehensive exam, including an oral cancer screening, which will help ensure that your mouth is healthy and cancer free.
You probably thought we were going to discuss halitosis. Yes, we can help you bring back your baby fresh breath. Causes may range from inadequate home care, gum disease, dry mouth to sinus infections, acid reflux, diabetes and liver and kidney problems. There are solutions to halitosis. But the smell of your breath isn’t being challenged here.
It is snoring.
You know that loud cacophony that keeps your spouse without sleep and ready to bolt. It is important to rule out sleep apnea and find the ideal solution. We offer a complimentary pulse-ox screening at Frankel Dentistry. If the screening finds you at risk, we or your family physician can order a sleep study. The solutions vary from oral appliances to use of a c-pap. The results are unanimous. Dozens of thankful spouses have let us know. Give it a rest. Check out the cause of your snoring.
Keep you Healthy
You have probably heard a healthy mouth promotes a healthy body. Gum disease appears to contribute to diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, low birth weight in newborns, miscarriage and Alzheimer’s disease. Regularly scheduled dental visits help you to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
You might not realize routine dental re-care visits include an oral cancer screening. Your dentist is also reviewing your medical history and checking for other health issues that can be detected early.It’s just another way your dentist keeps you smiling.
Make you look good
A beautiful, bright, healthy smile can be a life changer. We have seen hundreds of patients at Frankel Dentistry who have opted for teeth whitening, orthodontic or cosmetic treatment. Almost to a person, they mention they wish they would have sought treatment sooner.
There is a look good, feel better factor. An open, inviting smile triggers pleasant looks and an involuntary “smile-back” response. Balanced teeth enhance natural features making the makeover notable but challenging to detect. Close friends and family compliment the change but are at a loss as to what is different. They often ask if hair color or style has been altered or if weight has been lost.
Your dentist can bring you out of hiding allowing you to share your greatest gift, the real you.
Show you the way
The real reason you did not floss until you met the dentist of your dreams and his team is simple. You did it wrong and it did not help. Instructing you through the mysteries of personal dental hygiene is invaluable. Your dental team will show you proper flossing technique, how to find the ideal electric toothbrush, little brushes for between your teeth, and help you dive into oral water irrigation.
Before you know it, these habits will bring you better breath, healthy gums and bright and shiny teeth. Looking forward to dental visits is inevitable when you are no longer confused regarding how to care for your teeth and gums and have a dentist you adore.
Preserve your Interests
Regularly scheduled preventative visits to your dentist allow you to take care of small issues before they become big problems. It safeguards your health as a healthy mouth promotes a healthy body. In addition, your dental visits allow for detection of other health issues that might potentially go unnoticed.
Re-care dental visits save you teeth, time and finances.
Nudge your Nerd
You likely have noticed your dentist has gone techie. Cerec 3D crowns are designed in the computer, milled in the office and placed in your mouth on the same day. X-rays are digital. Before and after cosmetic digital photos show you your future smile. Short cone imaging allows the doctor to find the ideal spot for a dental implant and design a guide to assure optimal placement.
Appointments can be scheduled online and confirmation received via email or text.
IT is an integral component of dentistry. It just can’t get better!
It’s Memorial Day weekend. The kickoff to summer. Kids are off of school and many of us plan our summer vacations. Here are a few tips to help with your packing before you travel.
1.) Check-It!
It is time to get a 6 month check-up, get it before you travel to ensure that your mouth, teeth and gums are healthy and that you have a beautiful Frankel Smile in all those pictures that you take. Also, by getting your routine check-up you ensure that your mouth is healthy and that small problem are taken care of before they become big issues. It is also a great time to ask Dr. Frankel about how to avoid travelers breath or if you have any mouth sensitivity while traveling at a high altitude.
2.) Pack- It!
Don’t forget to pack your oral hygiene care. Your list should include: toothpaste, toothbrush (manual or electric- if electric don’t forget your charger), dental floss, mouth rinse, sugar free gum, plastic baggie (you don’t want your toothpaste exploding all over your clothes), disposable toothbrushes if you are traveling to a place where the water is not safe, and a toothbrush cap. **Special note about those caps- Yes, they protect your bristles, but they also breed bacteria. Be sure to take the cap off your toothbrush once you arrive at your destination.
3.) Swish-It!
Caught somewhere without your toothbrush? Swish your mouth with water.
4.) Share-It!
Pack healthy snacks to share with your family while traveling. Bring fruits, veggies, nuts instead of candy bars and soda.
5.) Know-It!
Dental emergencies happen. Have a plan in case something occurs. Many times it is as simple as asking your hotel concierge for a recommendation in case of an emergency. This video is great for special tips in case of an emergency. Be sure to click it and watch!
As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday, we will be reflecting on all those things we must thank mom for. But connected with each of those events is a smile!
Here at Frankel Dentistry, we also need to thank mom for helping us with those smiles. Without her we would have less to smile about and perhaps less teeth to smile with.
Be sure not to forget about these three things as you show gratefulness to your mom!
1.) She makes you smile! From the time you were young she made funny faces and played games to get you to smile. Smiling is still a way of feeling good. Not only can a simple smile enhance your mood, but it can help others feel better as well. Be sure to smile this Mother’s Day- we are pretty sure there is plenty to smile about.
2.) Who made sure you brushed your teeth before you went to bed? Who handed you floss each morning? Who was honest with you when you had bad breath or something in your teeth? That’s right, Mom! These childhood lessons have turned into adult habits that you too have (or will) pass on to your children. Be sure to thank mom for teaching you that a healthy mouth is part of a healthy body.
3.) Don’t forget to thank her for keeping your schedule. Aside from running you to soccer practices, dance lessons, or school, mom also scheduled (and most likely took you) your appointments at Frankel Dentistry. Today many of our families continue to bring their next generation through the doors of Frankel Dentistry.
So, Thanks MOM! Our smiles would not be the same without you!
10.) 2 minutes seems like a long time to brush your teeth. While brushing divide your mouth into 4 different sections. Spend 30 second brushing each section, allowing a full 2 minutes of teeth brushing each time you brush!
9.) Be sure that you are brushing correctly. Softly brush up and down or circular on your teeth while aiming the bristles at a 45 degree angle toward the gum line. Be sure that you are not brushing horizontally, which can lead to abrasions.
8.) To be “Earth Smart” this Earth Day, be sure to turn off the water while brushing. Don’t mindlessly brush your teeth with the water running! Turn on the water only to rinse your mouth and toothbrush.
7.) A few signs of oral cancer include: a sore, irritation, lump, or thick patch in your mouth, lips, or throat; a feeling that something is caught in your throat; difficulty chewing or swallowing; or difficulty moving your jaw or tongue. If you suspect you may have any of these symptoms, be sure to call Frankel Dentistry to get an exam.
6.) Frankel employees know their patients. Once you become a patient at Frankel Dentistry, you are part of a close dental family. It is truly a place where everyone knows your name. Knowing the patients is one of the reasons they love what they do! Call today to join the Frankel Dentistry family!
5.) Oral cancer includes cancers of the mouth and pharynx. Typically people who are at risk for this type of cancer are those who smoke cigarettes, use chewing tobacco, and drink alcohol.
4.) Be sure to rinse your toothbrush after you brush. Bacteria can grow on an un-rinsed toothbrush. The next time you brush, you are putting these bacteria back into your mouth. Be sure to rinse your brush off after each time you use it.
3.) Frankel Dentistry is not here to lecture you about your oral health. Instead it is their focus to help each patient understand the importance of routine cleanings, flossing, sealants, and fluoride and how each one of these things are all helpful in ensuring a healthy smile.
2.) Large amounts of sugary foods pose a significant threat to your dental health and promote plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on your teeth and gums. Every time bacteria come in contact with sugar and starches in the mouth, they produce acids that attack your teeth. These acids leave your mouth more susceptible to enamel erosion, cavities, tooth decay and gum disease.
1.) April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. Oral cancer rates are significantly increasing. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, nearly 42,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year. Please contact Frankel Dentistry to schedule an appointment and get a screening.
Dark. Cold. Gloomy. Snowy days are now but a thing of the past.
It’s finally here! SPRING! As many of us dedicate this time to dusting off the winter cobwebs, opening up the windows, planting flowers, and other forms of spring cleaning, it is also a great time to reevaluate our habits. This time of the year is perfect to begin healthier patterns and changes to take us into summer feeling and looking our best. Here are 5 ideas brought to you by Frankel Dentistry to pump up your oral health.
1.) Throw it out! While cleaning out the junk during your spring cleaning binge, pitch that toothbrush. Now is the perfect time to replace it with a fresh one to keep your mouth clean this spring. Besides, we all know we should be replacing our toothbrushes every 3 months anyway!
Manual or Electric? The choice is yours!
2.) Perfect Your Routine! We all try to step up our exercise game this time of year, getting our bodies ready for those swim suites. But why not step it up on the flossing side of things too, ensuring your smile is picture perfect as well. Maybe you are not the world’s best flosser— We get it. But this spring is different. This spring you want more. This spring is a time of new habits. Challenge yourself to floss every day for the next month. By then it will be an easy part of your routine and your mouth will thank you.
A Quick Flossing Tip
3.) Eliminate the soda.
Honestly, what is more thirst quenching than an ice cold glass of H2O on a warm spring day? Besides, eliminating that extra sugar will not only do wonders for your smile but also your figure. Need an added twist? Infuse a little fresh fruit in it for some added flavor. Not enough, unsweetened iced tea and plain black coffee are other beverages choices that will keep your teeth healthy.
4.) Don’t forget to add your family in your new habits.
Others tend to keep us accountable. Why not include your loved one’s in on your new routines? Besides, we love families at Frankel Dentistry!
5.) Schedule your spring dental cleaning at Frankel Dentistry.
Spring is a great time to get those chompers cleaned and any treatment completed and ready to showcase a healthy beautiful smile all summer long.
April Showers and Cleanings bring May Flowers and Smiles!
Dr. Frankel often states, “A healthy mouth promotes a healthy body.” If only the sugar lobbyists would have listened to him 50 years ago.
Jon Frankel, DDS
Early this month researchers from the University of California, San Francisco uncovered documents from the 1960’s that describe how the sugar-industry successfully persuaded government health authorities from completing studies that might categorize food by their cavity promoting characteristics, which might have lead to people consuming less sugar.
In the 1960’s the National Institute of Dental Research declared that it was going to accelerate its research efforts to find a way to end cavity formation by: 1.) Stopping sugar-related, cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to and damaging teeth, 2.) Determining the most effective way of including fluoride in the fight against cavities, 3.) Figuring out a way to get people to modify their diet to reduce cavities.
Today changing our diets is a hot topic mainly because of high rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease all of which is related to our sugar consumption. However, in the 1960’s these problems were not yet of national concern. Fast forward 50 years and the American society consumes nearly 25% more sugar and tooth decay is an epidemic that affects billions of people world wide.
So, now the question arises, how do we eliminate sugar from our diet?
Here are 6 quick tips brought to you by Dr. Frankel.
1.) Sugar has aliases- get to know them! Some of the most felons include: high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, fructose, glucose, Lactose, molasses. Also know the names of common artificial sweeteners: splenda and aspartame. For a full list of common names, click here: http://clinton.k12.wi.us/documents/sugar_names.pdf
2.) Once you know the names, look for them on the back of your labels. If one of those labels has a sugar listed toward the top, you know it is one of the main ingredients. PUT IT DOWN!
3.) But don’t give up sugar cold turkey. This is very difficult. Instead slowly eliminate your consumption of sugar, which will lead to more lasting results.
4.) Substitute your sugar with natural flavors. Try cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, or citrus zest.
5.) Eliminate all sugary sodas and juices.
6.) Stick with it! Consistency is key to lasting results both in the dental chair and for your overall health.
It is after hours, you not only have a question, your tooth is killing you. You need answers or minimally reassurance. If your dentist has given you his personal cell phone number and told you to call if you have concerns, it is clear as a bell he or she is an ace communicator.
Text message or e-mail reminders on request.
Clue # 2
You know you scheduled your six month dental check-up appointment and they gave you a card but when exactly is your appointment? Crack communicators send out reminder text messages, emails and call you personally. Busy lives and over-scheduled agendas make six months seem like a life time. A caring dental family keeps you informed.
Dental Treatment Options
Clue # 3
You meet with your dentist. They read off numbers and look at strange black and white skeletal versions of your teeth and supporting tissue. More numbers and letters are discussed. It is a weird dental code. You wonder, what is going on? A commendable communicator will explain the gibberish and offer a complimentary consultation where you can set back relax and review what’s up dentally. Scheduling a complimentary consultation keep you in the know.
Complimentary Consultation
Clue # 4
Great communicators realize not everyone receives information the same way. You might catch each word without missing a detail. Others may prefer a video, print-out or to see a model of what is going on. Videos with dental information, brochures explaining treatment or even personal photos of your teeth are an indication your dentist not just cares, he wants you to understand your options.
Financial Options
Clue # 5
Sharp dental practices help you navigate the wilds of dental insurance benefits. An insurance coordinator reviews your coverage. Your dental family lets you know your responsibility before treatment. A financial manager is available to answer coverage questions. You are offered payment options and know the treatment priorities. You work together to attain and maintain dental health.
Dr. Frankel often says “a healthy mouth promotes a healthy body.”
This statement rang true today when our manager of dental hygiene, Debbie, came in to work during her vacation because caring for our dental family is what we do best!
