Mr. Bean goes to the dentist! From Four States Dental Care

How about a treat today? Here's a little classic dental humor for you to enjoy, from the bumbling yet lovable British spy, Mr. Bean. Our staff at Four States Dental Care loved it, and we think you'll get a nice laugh out of it as well. Enjoy "Mr. Bean Goes to the Dentist”!

If you have any other video (dental-related) suggestions you think we should share with our patients, please let us know!

Ask Dr. Kunkel: Is tooth decay preventable?

Yes, tooth decay is preventable! Tooth decay is caused by sugars left in your mouth that turn into an acid which can break down your teeth. Children are at high risk for tooth decay for a simple reason — many children and adolescents tend to be lax in their oral hygiene habits. Proper brushing and flossing routines combined with regular dental visits help keep tooth decay away. A low-sugar diet also helps keep tooth decay at bay.

Your child should visit Four States Dental Care every 6 months for regular dental cleanings and checkups. We recommend fluoride treatments twice a year along with cleanings to keep teeth their strongest. Tooth sealants are also recommended because they "seal" the deep grooves in your child's teeth, preventing decay from forming in these hard-to-reach areas. Sealants last for several years, but will be monitored at your child's regular checkups at our convenient offices in Neosho or Pineville.

Lastly, we encourage you to check out this helpful article about kids and tooth decay, courtesy of our friends at KidsHealth.

What's your story? What made you and your child choose Four States Dental Care?

At Four States Dental Care, we want you to know that you are more than just teeth! Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck work hard to build quality and lifelong relationships with their patients while offering the latest advances in reconstructive and implant dental technology in a, fun, friendly, and inviting environment.

But we’re wondering: What made you choose Four States Dental Care for your child's dental needs?

Whether you’ve just come in once or your family has been visiting our Neosho or Pineville office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google listing!

At Four States Dental Care, October is National Dental Hygiene Month

Ah, October has finally arrived. The leaves are beginning to fall, the days get shorter and all that Halloween candy is beginning to make its rounds. For our staff at Four States Dental Care, October is known as National Dental Health Month.

We join our friends at the American Dental Hygienists' Association in spreading the word that good dental habits are easy to develop and even easier to maintain.

Here are a few tips to help you build good oral hygiene habits this month:

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two to three minutes. Make sure to get the outer and inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces of each tooth.

* Floss once a day to remove plaque from between teeth. Help children learn healthy flossing habits so when they're capable, they know how to do it properly.

* Visit Four States Dental Care on a regular basis. Children should start seeing a dentist within six months of getting their first tooth.

* Ask us what toothpaste family members should use. Remember that not all toothpaste is appropriate for all ages.

* Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruit and veggies. Avoid sugary foods and eat a high fiber diet of fruits and veggies such as apples and carrots to help prevent tooth decay.

Your teeth are an important part of your body, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet, and visiting our convenient offices in Pineville or Neosho on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the ADHA's National Dental Hygiene Month website for tips on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to see Drs. Kunkel or Matousek-Ronck? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call to set up an appointment.