No More Excuses - How Social Media can get you in the Dental Chair by just a Convenient Click Away!

 

Let's face it. Not many people enjoy going to the dentist, however in today's world, you have all the tools you need to feel safe, secure and confident in finding the right one. Or if your general dentist refers you to a specialist, you can view information on the web and rest assure you will be in good hands. Here are some social media friendly reasons why visiting your dentist regularly is easier in 2014!

 

·  Research Yourself - If you have a computer or a smart phone, you are in business! Use the internet to find out any research you can. You can visit websites like Yelp, Angie's List and other medical sites that allow you to view ratings, reviews, photos and so much more! Here you can view and compare the answers to any questions you may have. Check out any other professional associations  the dentist is linked to. You may be surprised how involved they are in the dental community, which should make you feel even more comfortable with your visits.

 

·  Location  & Information - Google your dentist. Their website or another site will have their address and may even have a map making it easier to navigate directions. You can even pull it up on your Smartphone and it can take you there turn for turn. You should also be able to see the office hours, days open, lunch hours and any other beneficial info. Voila!

 

·  Making Appointments Online - That's right people, it's true. Most dental websites have an area where you can make appointments on line or at the very least send an instant message so the office can be notified immediately. This is usually under the "Contact Us" section. Send your note with just a click! If you are an elder patient and you are not familiar with computers or Smartphone's, have a tech savvy family member help you out!

 

·  Saving Time & Money for Both Parties - Technology helps save time. For example, instead of waiting on the phone with the receptionist to ask lots of questions, you can find most information like maps and forms on the website or on line. The dentists save time and money because their employees are more productive, since technology is on their side assisting them with daily activities. This means they can get through their load of work faster.

 

·  Help you Build a Relationship with your Dentist/Specialist - Social Media makes it easier for you to connect with your dentist or specialist as an actual person, not just someone who works on your mouth. You can view their bios, blogs, reviews, pictures on line or from your Smartphone and instantly feel a connection. When you visit their office, they may even have office and staff videos set up from their Ipad so you can see or hear their interviews and learn more. All these wonderful tools help give you more information to put you at ease and helps you establish hopefully a long lasting relationship with your dentist and a healthy mouth! :)

Rediscover Your Oral Health in 2014

Happy New Year all! A new year means new goals and new resolutions, but what if we just made some small, simple changes that could make a huge difference? Here are some useful tips that will help you smile healthier along the way .

 

·       Be Realistic in Your Goal Setting -

Be true to yourself and don't set yourself up for failure. Whether it's doing
500 sit ups daily or brushing and flossing several times per day, etc. Take baby steps rather than giant leaps. Become a "Swapper," by saying you will drink more water and less soda. Swap a stick of gum (which contains sugar) for a gum disease fighting mouthwash. It will help pay off in the future and small step taking reduces pressure. Climbing a staircase takes time, so remember that and learn while enjoying each step!

·       Make a Vision Board -

Get inspired! Go to the hardware store and buy a corky sponge board (which is just a few bucks). Then get magazines, fabrics, pictures, crafts or anything that inspires you to be better and promote health. It can be a picture of a desired smile, a food you want to eat more of, or a $1 bill to remind you that you must save for that necessary dental work. Have fun with it and hang it in a place that you can see often, not behind the coat rack!

·       Eat Dental Friendly Foods-

Certain foods are great for your overall physical, mental and emotional health. Let's give you some examples. Foods like almonds, cheese, salmon, spinach and yogurts are filled with vitamin D, which are a great way to get your daily calcium and strengthen your bones. Celery is excellent because it breaks down into fibrous strands that naturally clean the teeth. Did you know that cocoa is filled with a substance which helps reduce gum inflammation? It also prevents tooth erosion and decay! So start eating dark chocolate, besides it's also proven to brighten your mood!

·       Communicate with Your Dentist-

Having a good relationship with your dentist can alleviate fear, answer pondering questions and save you money. The more you know him or her as a real person, the more comfortable you will feel asking him or her questions about your oral health, bad breath, cavities, dental implants and cosmetic work. If you visit your dentist regularly for checkups, this will help keep you on track towards maintaining a healthy mouth. Skipping visits can lead to more problems, which in the end can cost you a lot on dental work you could have prevented. Get to know your dentist. You can do it!

·       Brush & Floss Daily-

The obvious tip, but do you brush every single night right before you go to bed? Do you floss enough? You can always remind yourself to do it more. Remember to also replace your toothbrush every 3-6 months so your bristles are always strong cleaning your teeth thoroughly. Make sure to floss daily and if you're not sure if you are flossing correctly, talk to your dentist. After all, you have a healthy relationship with him or her by now ;)

·       Smile More -

That's right, we said it. Smile more! Smiling makes you feel better and it sure is contagious. The more you smile, the more people around you will smile. There's a famous quote by an unknown author that states  "There are hundreds of languages in the world, but a smile speaks them all." A beautiful smile is not always about having the most perfect white teeth. A smile comes within and exits with happiness and confidence. You will feel better about your smile and it will motivate you to take better care of your teeth. We hope these tips from Drs. Lascoe, Waki & Hoang at Burbank Perio made you smile and thank you for reading:)