You may have received an e-mail from our office to notify you that we will ask for your insurance card at every visit. This is simply to ensure that we can keep the most current and most accurate information on file for you. Often times, a new year can mean new insurance information. Possibly a new group number, subscriber ID, claims address or even a new level of benefits. As a courtesy, we will get updated benefit information for you when it is needed. We strive to provide the most accurate estimates for dental work that we can.

For those of you who do not receive an insurance card from your employer, please just provide us with the name of your carrier, the group name, subscriber ID or social security number and the customer service number if possible. We will be able to receive insurance details with that information.

We look forward to seeing your smiling faces in our office in 2013!

We have all done it. Told our Dental Hygienist that we promise to floss more. Or that we KNOW we need to do it. Some of your have even had patients tell us they are going to make it their new year’s resolution for 2013! So, is flossing more often your 2013 resolution? Flossing helps to prevent tooth decay between your teeth and helps prevent gum diseases like gingivitis, or the more serious periodontal disease. Here are some tips that might help you make your Dental Hygienists dream come true:

1. Determine your barrier by answering this question: What is stopping you from flossing as much as you should?

*”I don”t have enough time”: Put the floss in your car and floss at stop lights. Put some in your desk at work or next to your favorite recliner. It’s easy to multitask.

*”I am too tired by the time I remember at night”: Do it any time of day, even if not in conjunction with brushing. Any flossing is better than none.

*”I forget”: Technology leaves little room for excuses. There are even floss reminder Apps. You can set an alarm on your cell phone to remind you. Or, tie it to your toothbrush. No getting around that!

*”Ugg, I just hate it!”: There are alternatives you can use to make it easier. A floss holder, Waterpik or other inter-dental device like a Softpik are great options as well. Ask your Dental Hygienist for product options at your next check up. Trust me, she will be glad you asked 😉

2. Set a realistic goal for yourself:

*It is not realistic for you to go from zero flossing, to daily flossing. So, start out slow. If you never floss, start with 2 times weekly for the first 3 months. Then, increase to 3-4 times weekly until you reach your next 6 month visit. If you floss 2 times weekly, increase to 4 times weekly. Take it one step forward at a time.

*Choose your flossing days ahead of time. Example: commit to flossing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. If you don’t choose days, you will talk yourself into “flossing tomorrow” until tomorrow never comes. Choosing these days and staying committed to them will give you a better chance at being successful.

3. Remember the risks and find motivation in them:

*Periodontal disease causes inflammation, bleeding, bone loss, bad breath and even eventually loss of teeth.

*Periodontal disease has been linked to many health issues like cardiac conditions, diabetes, and even Alzheimer disease.

Remember, preventative care is the easiest and most reasonably priced dental care you can get. Best of luck on all of your new year’s resolutions and we wish you a happy, healthy, cavity free 2013.

The kids are home for winter break and the snow is in full swing! Looking for something fun to do? Check out this edible snow globe project from Taste of Home:

http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/Homemade-Snow-Globes

As many of you know, our office collected food for the Hunger Task Force again this year. With the help of patients, staff, and people in our building, we were able to collect over 500 lbs of non-perishable food items. This food will be distributed to families in need throughout the Milwaukee area. As a “Thank You” to all those who helped, each donation was worth an entry for a wonderful gift basket. Our winner was drawn at the end of November. Congratulations to Margarita P. who picked up her basket earlier this month.

The holidays are a great time to reach out to others in need. We encourage you to find a way to help people in your own communities. There are endless opportunities to give. Anything from local food pantries and food kitchens to toys for children in need, or jackets and gifts for the elderly.  Thank you to all of you who helped us to reach out to our cause this year and in the years past!

Each year, many people die and more are hospitalized as a result of the flu. Preventing the cold and flu viruses is important during this time of year. Follow some simple tips to keep you and your loved ones healthy.

Consider getting vaccinated each flu season. The Center for Disease Control recommends early vaccination each season, especially for people in a high risk category. Those considered high risk are: children under the age of 5, adults over 65 years old, pregnant woman, those with heart, kidney or liver disease, a person with a compromised immune system, or someone who is morbidly obese. Vaccinations are available with your health care provider as well as at many local pharmacies.

Practice good hygiene! Because you can pass a virus to someone before you know you are sick, it is important to keep your hands clean by washing them often with antibacterial soap or by using hand sanitizer. If you need to cough or sneeze, cough into your shoulder to avoid carrying the bacteria on our hands and transferring it to others. You may be contagious for 5-7 days after symptoms occur.

Take your vitamins and get a good nights rest. Vitamin C is found in high concentrations in immune cells. When a patient begins to fall ill, these vitamins are quickly consumed. This important viatmin aids in healing. Did you know that your body needs Vitamin D to absorb Vitamin C effectively? So, before you dose up on C, be sure to have D available too! A good nights rest of 8 hours each night helps keep us healthy and at our best, ready to fight those nasty viruses.

For more information on the flu and prevention, visit cdc.gov/flu