What's Your Excuse?

At East Berlin Smiles, we cannot tell you how many times we have heard people say things like....

"I've been meaning to make an appointment but I haven't gotten around to it yet."

With that in mind, here are some of the most frequent excuses people have for not visiting the dentist.


* Going to the dentist is too expensive!!!

Actually, the opposite is true! While quality health care can certainly be costly, the investment in preventive dental procedures such as hygiene visits, exams and necessary digital images can save thousands,if nottens of thousands of dollars in more expensive treatment later. The sooner you go, the less it will cost!! And, if you don't have insurance, that's OK! Insurance is not necessary. As a matter of fact, most of our patients don't have insurance. We offer no interest financing and several affordable options to make it stay within your budget.

* Dental appointments are uncomfortable!

While a dental visit may not be as much fun as a night at the movies, it's not as difficult as it was decades ago. Modern anesthetics and dental techniques have made a trip to the dentist more pleasant than ever before. Dr. Cockley uses the latest in topical anesthetics to numb your gums and she is pretty slick with her injection technique!! Many patients ask if they have been given an injection because they never even felt it!! We are always searching for the latest "comfort" items to make your visit as relaxing as possible. Allow us to pamper you with an MP3 player and headphones, heated neck wrap, blanket, paraffin wax hand treatment or cushy pillows!! Our new hygiene chairs have heat and massage that you control yourself so you might say that your dental appointment was the most relaxing hour of your week!

*I don't want to take off work to go to the dentist!

We are open from 7am until 7pm to accommodate work schedules. You can come in before or after work.

*I'm not in pain so I don't need to go!

Even if you take fantastic care of your teeth and gums, waiting until you have pain means you have waited too long! Early cavities and gum disease are painless. Waiting for symptoms can lead to complicated and expensive treatment and even tooth loss.

At East Berlin Smiles, we value the importance of regular dental examinations and preventive cleanings. Our goal is to make your dental treatment  as comfortable and cost-efficient as possible, and to help you keep your teeth for a lifetime.

If you have any questions, concerns, or would like to make an appointment, please give us a call at 717-259-9596 and let Christa or Cathy help you. They are here for you!

If you aren't making any of these excuses, please feel free to forward this to someone who is. You'll be doing them a huge favor!!

East Berlin Smiles

Tel: 717-259-9596

418 West King Street

East Berlin, PA 17316

USA

Who Gave the Tooth Fairy a Raise??

If you are of a "certain age", you may remember gently placing your lost baby tooth under your pillow and hoping the tooth fairy (or one of her agents) would come by in the middle of the night and replace it with a quarter. Well it seems those days are gone!

According to a survey by Visa, the National average is now $3.70 per tooth, up 42 percent in the last two years!

"Tooth Fairy inflation is surging", says Jason Alderman, Visa's director of global education. Alderman goes on to say this rise in rates is due to several things and names the economy and parental guilt as the two main drivers. "It's hard for us to say 'no' to our kids", he adds.

Neale Godfrey, chair of The Children's Financial Network, agrees on the guilt aspect. They have seen that about 6 percent of the time, tooth fairies (or her parental representatives) are leaving more than twenty dollars and two percent are tipping the scales at a whopping fifty bucks per tooth!!!!!!

So, while we can't counsel you on how much to suggest that your local tooth fairy slips under the pillow, when it comes to all things concerning children and their teeth, at East Berlin Smiles we are here for you!

To discuss any problems or questions or to schedule an appointment for you or your child, please call and speak with Cathy or Christa at 717-259-9596 today! We'd love to have your child come visit us for one of our Kids' Days, making their dental visits fun. There is never a charge for a Kids' Day visit under the age of 3. Remember-having regular dental checkups saves you money-so you can be prepared for whatever the tooth fairy requires!

Dental Clinic East Berlin -  East Berlin Smiles

Tel: 717-259-9596

418 West King Street

East Berlin, PA 17316

USA

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth - Tongue Piercings

Tongue piercings may be trendy, but biting down on the metal stud can crack a tooth. Lip piercings pose a similar risk. And when metal rubs against the gums, it can cause gum damage that may lead to tooth loss. The mouth is also a haven for bacteria, so piercings raise the risk of infections and sores. Bottom line, discuss the health risks with your dentist first.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Tel: 717-259-9596

418 West King Street

East Berlin, PA 17316

USA

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth - Playing Sports With No Mouth Guard

Whether you play football, hockey, or any other contact sport, don't get in the game without a mouth guard. This is a piece of molded plastic that protects the upper row of teeth. Without it, your teeth could get chipped or even knocked out when the action gets rough. Self-fitting mouth guards may be purchased at a store, or you can have one custom made by your dentist.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Tel: 717-259-9596

418 West King Street

East Berlin, PA 17316

USA

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth - Chewing on Ice

It’s natural and sugar free, so you might think ice is harmless. But munching on hard, frozen cubes can chip or even crack your teeth. And if your mindless chomping irritates the soft tissue inside a tooth, regular toothaches may follow. Hot foods and cold foods may trigger quick, sharp jabs of pain or a lingering toothache. Next time you get the urge for ice, chew some sugarless gum instead.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Tel: 717-259-9596

418 West King Street

East Berlin, PA 17316

USA