Cheese and your Child’s Oral Health

Did you know, research shows cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth? Not only does cheese provide large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also fights cavities. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss and Mozzarella all do their part to stimulate our salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris ...and protect them from acids that weaken them.

What does that mean? Cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's pH level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Hope this helps!

-Drs. Dale Kunkel, Jennifer Matousek-Ronck, and team

The Importance of Brushing and Flossing, from Four States Dental Care

We all know that eating right and exercising is easier said than done. But there are two easy things you can do that can make a huge impact in maintaining good oral health--brushing twice a day and flossing once a day. They seem easy enough right? Four States Dental Care dentists, Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck, would like to emphasize the fact that brushing and flossing can make or break your dental health.

Believe it or not,

• 73 percent of Americans would rather go grocery shopping than floss
• 94 percent of Americans say they brush nightly; 81 percent say they do it first thing in the morning
• 75 percent of the U.S. population has some form of periodontal gum disease
• 50 percent of Americans do not receive regular oral health care

Don't put off these two items just because they are "little". It's normally the "little" things we do that make the biggest impact.

Give our office a call if you have any other questions or would like to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Kunkel or Dr. Matousek-Ronck.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Oral Health and Your Heart

Especially during these tough economic times, it is easy to view dental care as elective. But did you know that maintaining good oral health has been directly connected to good overall health. There are many health issues that can be improved through proper oral health, such as heart disease.

Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting Four States Dental Care on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And remember, your dental costs are the cheapest today! The longer you wait, or put it off, the more likely it will cost your more money down the road. Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck also say it’s important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at Four States Dental Care, please give us a call today.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

For the past 61 Februaries, the American Dental Association, or ADA, has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. National Children's Dental Health Month began as a one-day event in 1941 in a Cleveland clinic. In 1981, however, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Each February, Drs. Dale Kunkel, Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and thousands of dental professionals focus on the preventive oral care of America's children. Drs. Kunkel, Matousek-Ronck and our staff want you to remember developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Has your child visited Four States Dental Care the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!