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Phoenix Family Dentist

Tips for Building a Healthy Easter Basket

Easter is around the corner and you might be thinking about what you should put in your child’s Easter basket. This year, challenge yourself to put together a personalized and unique, no-candy basket full of items your child will love. Check out this list for some suggestions to get you started: Healthy snacks – Just because a snack is healthy doesn’t mean it can’t be delicious! We recommend fruit, hard-boiled colored eggs and trail mix as nutritious options for your child’s Easter basket. Gift cards – Depending on your child’s age and interests, pack a gift card or two [...]

Know the Risks: Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Approximately 47,750 people will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year in the U.S. An estimated 7,500 people will die of these cancers. Fortunately, the death rate has decreased in the last 30 years. However, the scope of the problem is increasing, with new cases exceeding 450,000 worldwide annually. As April is oral cancer awareness month we would like to highlight the importance of getting screened. Also, we would like to examine the risk factors associated with this type of cancer. Some people have fewer risks than others, but may still develop oral cancer, therefore it is important to schedule [...]

Cutting Down on Sugar for your Summer Diet

Summer diets may be about getting swimsuit ready, but there are a few more benefits to cutting down on sugar and eating healthier.  While the post-holiday season is when most people pledge to start a new diet, by spring the New Year’s resolutions are often all but forgotten and the majority are back to eating carbs and sugar.  The summer months are especially filled with sugary temptations, be they the sweet BBQ glaze at  backyard cookouts, that favorite 4th of July Apple Pie, or the quart of ice cream stocked in the freezer. Now you don’t need to forgo all [...]

How do I know if I need orthodontia?

One of the first things people will see is your smile, which explains why so many turn to orthodontics. Orthodontia is a very effective treatment to achieve a beautiful smile, but it is not only utilized for its cosmetic benefits. Proper oral alignment will also help improve overall health by guiding correct jaw growth, realigning one's bite, protecting teeth from wear, and preventing jaw pain and problems with one's teeth later on. Understanding the benefits of orthodontics may be reason enough to find out if you are a good candidate for treatment. Before making any decisions, however, it's important to [...]

Dr. D – Our Healthcare Hero

A big congratulations to our very own Dr. Dougherty! He was recently selected as a Health Care Hero finalist among 165 nominees for Phoenix Business Journal’s 2015 awards. He is one of three finalists in the dental category.Phoenix Business Journal along with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Abrazo Health Care and Delta Dental will present awards and recognize finalists at a breakfast held on August 20 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. The event open to the public, will recognize the outstanding contributions that healthcare professionals make to our community.Dr. Dougherty’s dedication to providing the best patient care possible begins [...]

Childrens Dental Care Starts Now: How to teach oral hygiene

Teaching healthy habits is much more about what we do than what we say. Children will closely observe their parents’ behavior and other important adults in their lives as they learn and form their own behaviors and habits. In other words, it is important that parents practice what they preach when it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene. It can be difficult for children to understand the importance of taking good care of their teeth and gums and how it can impact their overall health. Fortunately, there are ways to engage kids using age appropriate activities to help them understand [...]

Tips for Managing Toothache

Do You Need Help Managing Toothache? It's something you might have had the misfortune of experiencing before: You're eating something hot or cold and you notice your teeth feeling more sensitive than usual. Or maybe, perhaps, there's a dull ache that just doesn’t seem to go away when you're chewing. Both of these unpleasant symptoms are the result of a toothache, which develops when the nerve in the root of a tooth is irritated. Unfortunately, toothaches aren't exactly a once-in-a-blue-moon occurrence. According to The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 92 percent of adults aged 20-64 have experienced tooth decay—the [...]

How does pregnancy affect your oral health?

Pregnancy presents a unique set of challenges affecting oral health. If you are considering getting pregnant, we highly recommend seeing your dentist for a teeth cleaning and exam in advance. However, if you are already pregnant, the second trimester is the best time to receive routine dental care, but you should wait until after the baby is born to have any major procedures or oral surgeries. It is important to take good care of your teeth and gums while pregnant as the hormonal changes increase the risk of developing gum disease due to the body’s response to plaque. Pregnancy does [...]

Which Cleans Better: A Manual or Electric Toothbrush?

If you’re in the market for a new toothbrush you may be asking yourself if it’s better to stick with an old-fashioned manual toothbrush or if it’s time to upgrade to an electric one. The American Dental Association states that you can effectively clean your teeth with either, so long as you are using the correct technique. This means the decision really comes down to personal preference. Before deciding between an electric or manual toothbrush, here are some things to consider: Electric toothbrushes can be easier for people who have arthritis or other difficulties moving the brush across their teeth. [...]

Freshen Up Your Breath!

Let’s face it; no one wants to be around someone with bad breath! Yet, according to the American Dental Association, 50 to 65 percent of people suffer from halitosis. Of course, having good oral hygiene habits is the best way to keep your mouth clean and your breath fresh, but when we’re eating, drinking and talking during the day we might need a little refresher. Here are our tips to keeping your breath fresh throughout the day: Brush twice a day – Basic dental hygiene is the best way to keep your mouth clean and fresh! Floss every day – [...]

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