The season for thanks

With the busyness of the holiday season right around the corner, our staff at Four States Dental Care wanted to stop for a moment to say how thankful we are to have you in our dental family. We realize that our practice here in Neosho and Pineville thrives because of great patients like you. We are the lucky ones because we not only help keep you and your smile healthy, but we also have the pleasure of knowing you and your loved ones.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality care that we have given you and your child.

We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Ask Four States Dental: Do germs really live on toothbrushes?

Thanks for the question! Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, our team at Four States Dental Care will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call us if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook. We hope you have a terrific weekend!

It's National Young Reader's Week! What's on your child's reading list?

Happy Veteran's Day! This week marks National Young Reader's Week, and during this time, Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck will tell you it’s more important than ever to remind your child to read on a regular basis. After all, reading helps kids develop the mind, expands a child’s knowledge base, activates his or her flow of ideas and boosts their confidence. Plus, reading is always fun!

Tell us: is your child reading a book this fall? If so, what's on his or her reading list?

If you're out of ideas for great fall reads, we encourage you to ask one of our team members for suggestions, and we will try to provide a few great titles. You may also ask a local librarian here in Neosho, Pineville, Joplin, Bentonville, Fayetteville or surrounding communities. Or, we invite you to check out these various fall books for kids that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading everybody!

Invisalign®, giving moms and dads something to smile about

Parents! Have you been focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, our staff at Four States Dental Care is here to help! Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you!

Please give us a call to set up a consultation, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment. Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck are Certified Invisalign Providers in Neosho, Pineville, and Joplin, Missouri (MO), and Bentonville, Fayetteville, Bella Vista, and Rogers, Arkansas.