As many of you have known, our hygienist Joanne had been battling AML Leukemia. Today we are sad to announce that she has lost her battle. On the morning of October 14th, Joanne passed away at AngelsGrace Hospice in the presence of her family. Her battle with Leukemia began just over a year and a half ago and included many treatments, one of which was a bone marrow transplant from her son Patrick. Sadly the transplant was not a success and it became clear that her battle would be lost.  She was then moved to hospice care. She was sure to keep a positive attitude and enjoy every moment she had with her family.

Although the last year and a half did not allow Joanne to work, over 10 years with our team made it easy for the staff to keep in touch. We still enjoyed her company at team gatherings and missed her bold personality, infectious laugh and awesome bakery around the office! She was always honest with  her patients and their needs. She was meticulous and detailed in her cleanings and exams. She enjoyed getting to know more about each and every one of her patients. We are confident that if she were here and still working hard for all of you, that she would want to remind you to floss every day! After all, you are the only one responsible for YOU!

Carrie G. was able to visit her the week before she passed. Joanne shared some comforting words for those she was leaving behind. She said: “I don’t know why everyone is so sad. I am going to a better place.”

Joanne: Indeed we know that you are now in the arms of your Lord and no longer suffering. You will be forever in our hearts and we will not forget you. Thank you for your great hard work while you were a part of our team. Thank you for being a great friend to all of us. Don’t worry, we will keep taking great care of your patients for you. We love you and miss you.

A memorial gathering will take place at the Brookfield Krause funeral home this Sunday, October 18th from 1-4pm. In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations for AngelsGrace Hospice as well as the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. And because we don’t want others in the future to suffer from AML or other forms of Leukemia, Elmbrook will be hosting a pretty awesome fund raiser in Joanne’s name during the month of November. Stay tuned for details!

Walking in to the oral hygiene isle at your favorite store can be overwhelming, even for us as professionals. There are so many things to choose from. Today we will focus on the mouthwash aspect of this isle and help you make a decision! So, here is an overview of the main things you will see while shopping.

Antiseptic mouthwash: The most common brand of Antiseptic mouthwash is Listerine, however there are many store brands that offer an equal option. Just look carefully at the label and be sure it specifically uses the word “antiseptic”. Any flavor, any brand will work, although not all generic brands will carry the seal of approval from the American Dental Association. This type of mouthwash has the highest ability to kill germs of any mouthwash on the market. It is generally a 30 second rinse that you can perform 1-2X daily after your brushing and flossing routine. Expect a little bit of a spicy burning sensation during your rinse. No worries, this just shows how well it’s really working! The soft mint flavors or similar offer less burn while you rinse.

Fluoridated mouthwash: Many different companies now offer a fluoridated mouthwash. You can look for them by Act, Listerine, Arm and Hammer and generic brands. Fluoride functions in preventing cavities by killing bacteria and remineralizing spots that may be breaking down on our teeth due to plaque, diet, enamel deficiencies or poor oral hygiene. It is a naturally occurring element that plays an important role in making teeth stronger. It is best used as a ONE MINUTE rinse after brushing and flossing before bed.

Dry mouth rinse: Common companies you may recognize that make dry mouth rinse are Boitene and Act. These are both alcohol free rinses that help soothe dry and irritated oral tissues and stimulate a healthy salivary flow. Many medications or circumstances can lead to a chronic dry mouth, which leads to discomfort, bad breath and a higher risk of decay. Using a rinse can reduce some of these symptoms.

Whitening rinse: Most major brands provide a whitening mouthwash option. Their effectiveness and flavor options can vary widely. The important thing to know before investing time and money into this type of rinse is that it is not made to alter severely stained teeth. They can aid in preventing new stain once heavier stain is removed by your dental professional, and brighten your smile to varying degrees. The degree in which you will see a change will greatly depend on your commitment to the product, how many stain creating things are in your daily routine (smoking, coffee, tea, juices and red wine) and the shade your teeth started at naturally. It will certainly aide in whitening, but don’t expect to have a Hollywood smile by simply using a rinse alone.

There are many other rinses out there that fit into a vague category that can only be described as providing a wide spectrum of effectiveness for cavity prevention and killing bacteria. Some good rinses, some not even worth it. If you have questions about your favorite mouthwash, ask your hygienist at your next routine visit. Heck, why not even bring the bottle in with you so they can take a look at what it is! That’s what we are here for.