The Four States Dental Care Blog

Cold season is here, from Four States Dental Care

2012-02-07T15:48:00.000-08:00

Cold and flu season is here yet again. The folks at Centersfor Disease Control and Prevention say that a common cold usually includessneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to twoweeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Dr. Dale Kunkel and our entirestaff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in ouroffice at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizinginstruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and ourstaff at Four States Dental Care,we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any typeof cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contactwith those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

Ask Four States Dental Care: If I have braces, do I still need a dental checkup every 6 months?

2012-01-31T15:47:00.000-08:00

Thanks for the question! Yes! In fact, it's even moreimportant that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit our officeregularly. When you're wearing braces, food may be caught in places that yourtoothbrush normally can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can leadto cavities, gingivitis and even gum disease. Believe it or not, an estimated80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Studieshave shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoringthe importance of good oral health care. Our staff at Four States Dental Care will work closely with your orthodontistto make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while you're undergoingorthodontic treatment.

If it has been more than six months since your last visit toour Neosho & Pineville offices,please give us a call! We look forward to your next visit!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, from Four States Dental Care

2012-01-25T15:21:00.000-08:00

It’s almost February! For the past 62 years, the American Dental Association (ADA) has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month during the month of February to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. 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.

For kids wearing braces, brushing and flossing can become more difficult, requiring extra time and vigilance to remove food particles that accumulate on and between the teeth and in braces. New options for braces such as Invisalign Teen, which is removable, make it easier for kids to maintain good oral health during orthodontic treatment.

If the health of your teeth is ignored during treatment with braces, the results can be significantly compromised. Dr. Dale Kunkel is available and happy to explain why effective brushing and flossing is one of the most critical actions needed from patients during orthodontic treatment. Have you visited us lately? Give us a call and schedule an appointment!

The trouble with bottled water

2012-01-18T15:18:00.000-08:00

Our team at Four States Dental Care know that as more families turn to bottled water and away from the traditional tap, they may be missing out on one important ingredient that most brands of bottled water fail to include: fluoride!

For more than 60 years, water fluoridation has proved to be a safe and cost-effective way to reduce dental caries. Today, water fluoridation is estimated to reduce tooth decay by 20- to 40 percent in children who have access to fluoridated toothpaste.

Bottled water, however, which remains one of the more popular drinks in the world, may not contain any fluoride, which is known to help prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay. The majority of bottled waters on the market do not contain optimal levels (0.7-1.2 ppm) of fluoride, according to our friends at the American Dental Association, or ADA. Many dental health specialists suspect bottled water’s increased popularity as the culprit behind rising rates of cavities.

Because fluoride helps strengthen teeth, it is an important component of maintaining good oral health. So if bottled water is your water of choice, be sure to check the label to make sure that your brand contains fluoride. As of a 2006 decision, the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, allows bottled water containing .6 to 1.0 milligrams per liter (parts per million) of fluoride to carry a label stating that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of dental cavities or tooth decay. The ADA has backed this decision.

Of course, simply drinking fluoridated water is not a magic ticket to perfect teeth. To keep your pearly whites in tip-top shape, it’s important to brush and floss daily and avoid sugary sweets, in addition to maintaining your fluoride intake and visiting Drs. Dale Kunkel, and our team at Four States Dental Care regularly.

Four States Dental Care, reminding you to protect your mouth this winter

2012-01-09T10:43:00.000-08:00

With winter sports under way for a lot of our patients, Four States Dental Care thought it would be a good time to remind all you athletes to take care of both their mouth while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports) this winter.

Many people think a mouth guard is effective just to protect your teeth. But research has shown mouth guards can also reduce lower jaw impact that causes concussions. Dr. Kunkel and our team encourage you to head over to WebMD for a quick primer on the importance of mouth guards and facial protection.

We hope this helps you remember to always wear a mouth guard and other forms of protective gear when participating in winter sports! We encourage you to give us a call if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook!

Make 2012 the year to improve your oral health

2012-01-04T15:01:00.000-08:00

Many folks in Neosho consider the beginning of a new year a time to not only reflect on the year that was, but also to set personal goals for the upcoming year. How are you planning to improve your health and happiness in 2012? Drs. Dale Kunkel, Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and our team recommend that you make a New Year’s resolution to benefit your oral health!

It is important that New Year’s resolutions are reasonable and attainable, and that they improve your overall quality of life—for example, did you know that flossing every day is the very best way to prevent periodontal, or gum, disease? Using a straw when drinking sugary beverages can also help prevent cavities. There are many small steps that you can take to prevent cavities, oral infections and bad breath.

Be sure to give us a call if you need a few suggestions on ways to improve your oral health—we want to hear from you! After all, we know your oral health is about more than just a beautiful smile.

Happy New Year!
—Your friends at Four States Dental Care

This Year, Make a New Year’s Resolution to Smile About!

2011-12-27T15:08:00.001-08:00

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Four States Dental Care believes the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too!

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2012!

Happy New Year!!

Four States Dental Care wishes you happy holidays!

2011-12-19T15:18:00.000-08:00

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as our team at Four State Dental Care reflects on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2012? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

Beware of those Christmas goodies!

2011-12-13T14:23:00.000-08:00

Maintaining a healthy diet over the holiday season can prove a difficult task. After all, who can resist the tasty treats of Christmas? With grandma and everybody else offering you candy, chocolate logs or Christmas pudding, you just can’t say “I’ll pass” each time. But trouble lurks: every time you chow down on that chocolate or candy, the bacteria in your mouth have a feast on the sugar—at your expense. The sugar turns into acid, and the acid eats away at the enamel on your teeth. Then, you start getting cavities.

Instead, our friends at the American Dental Association recommend nuts or dried fruit, which are a nice alternative to sugars and have a greater nutritional value—and can satisfy your sweet tooth! Both nuts and fruit are a great source of fiber and act as an appetite suppressant. In addition, nuts are a great source of Vitamin E, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B9, nutrients that contribute to a healthy immune system. Nuts are also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked with reducing heart disease and lower blood pressure.

If you must indulge in chocolaty goodness this Christmas or holiday season, remember to brush your teeth after eating sugary treats. Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

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

Do we have your current contact info?

2011-12-05T14:19:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays from all of us at Four States Dental Care ! As you probably know, you can always connect with Drs. Dale Kunkel, Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and our team on our Facebook page, but we also encourage you to call us and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

Please contact our office with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so that we may be able to reach you. Thank you!
- The team at Four States Dental Care

Share your winter break plans with us!

2011-11-28T12:55:00.000-08:00

Drs. Dale Kunkel, Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and our team at Four States Dental Care want to know: what do your winter plans look like? Do you have any plans for an exciting family vacation? Are you hanging out around town? Catching up on sleep? Spending time with friends? Let us know!

Please feel free to share your exciting winter plans and experiences with us here or on our Facebook page! We would like to wish all of our patients and their families a safe and fun holiday season!

Happy Thanksgiving, from Four States Dental Care

2011-11-21T13:45:00.001-08:00

With the start of the busy holiday season right around the corner, Drs. Dale Kunkel, Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and our staff wanted to stop for a moment to say how thankful we are to have you in our dental family. We realize that our practice 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.
We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month!

2011-11-14T15:02:00.000-08:00

At Four States Dental Care, our team knows the way you care for your teeth at home doesn’t just affect your oral health – it can impact your overall health as well. In recent years, researchers have found clear links between the mouth and other parts of the body, and the evidence is especially impactful for people with diabetes.

November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, and a great time to learn about how keeping your mouth healthy is vital to your overall health, too. If you are one of the nearly 26 million Americans currently living with diabetes, there is some good news: you can protect your gums and teeth from the effects of diabetes by visiting our Neosho and Pineville dental offices for regular check-ups and cleanings. Most people should have at least two dental appointments per year, but those folks living with diabetes may require additional visits to make sure their dental health remains in top shape. Many insurance plans provide expanded benefits for diabetic patients. Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and our experts can tell you how often you need to come in for your dental visits.

For more information on how we can help, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

What are your November plans?

2011-11-07T09:47:00.000-08:00

Believe it or not, we’re almost in full holiday mode! But before you go celebrating, Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and our team at Four States Dental Care want to know: What are your plans for November? Do you have plans for Thanksgiving? Are you planning a winter vacation? If so, we’d love to hear all about it!

You may share your stories with us below, or by posting on our Facebook page!

–The team at Four States Dental Care

Join the conversation.

2011-11-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

Whenever you have a follow-up question for Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and our team, or if you’d simply like to drop us a quick line, we’d love to hear from you! We love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook fan page.

Please visit Four States Dental Care on the following networks:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/4statesdentalcare
Facebook: Four States Dental Care
Twitter: http://twitter.com/4StatesDental
Yelp: http://www.yelp.com/biz/four-states-dental-care-neosho
http://www.yelp.com/biz/four-states-dental-care-pineville-3

Halloween TIPS from the American Dental Association

2011-10-25T14:48:00.000-07:00

It’s almost that spooky time of year again! Whether you are going door-to-door trick or treating, attending a party dressed in a clever, silly, or scary costume, or simply getting together with friends and family to watch scary movies, Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and our team want you to keep in mind the following tips to help reduce tooth-decay from our friends and the American Dental Association.

•Eat treats with meals. Saliva production increases during meals washing out food particles and helping to neutralize cavity causing plaque acid.
•Consider chewing ADA Accepted sugarless gum after meals. Certain sugarless gums have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance for scientifically proving that chewing the gum for 20 minutes after meals helped prevent tooth decay.

•Follow the 1-2-3s of good daily oral hygiene: Floss once a day, brush twice a day and eat three balanced meals a day.

•Visit Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck for regular checkups.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from your friends at Four States Dental Care!

5 tips to avoid plaque, from Four States Dental Care

2011-10-17T11:27:00.000-07:00

At Four States Dental Care, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth, courtesy of WebMD.

Let’s start with brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, evading a trip to visit Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck is probably not a great idea is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting Four States Dental Care at least twice a year or as recommended, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your natural teeth.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you’re wearing braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.

Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be. If you have any questions, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Cold season is here, from Four States Dental Care

2011-10-10T15:55:00.000-07:00

Cold and flu season is here - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Neosho and Pineville offices at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Four States Dental Care, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay Healthy!

Smile! October is National Dental Hygiene Month!

2011-10-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

Did you know that October is National Dental Health Month? For our staff at Four States Dental Care, that means only one thing: Reminding you that 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 Neosho or Pineville office on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the official National Dental Hygiene Month website as well, which provides pointers on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to Four States Dental Care? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call to set up an appointment with Dr. Dale Kunkel or Dr. Jennifer Matousek-Ronck.

The trouble with bottled water

2011-09-26T16:55:00.000-07:00

Our team at Four States Dental Care know that as more families turn to bottled water and away from the traditional tap, they may be missing out on one important ingredient that most brands of bottled water fail to include: fluoride!

For more than 60 years, water fluoridation has proved to be a safe and cost-effective way to reduce dental caries. Today, water fluoridation is estimated to reduce tooth decay by 20- to 40 percent in children who have access to fluoridated toothpaste.

Bottled water, however, which remains one of the more popular drinks in the world, may not contain any fluoride, which is known to help prevent and even reverse the early stages of tooth decay. The majority of bottled waters on the market do not contain optimal levels (0.7-1.2 ppm) of fluoride, according to our friends at the American Dental Association, or ADA. Many dental health specialists suspect bottled water’s increased popularity as the culprit behind rising rates of cavities.

Because fluoride helps strengthen teeth, it is an important component of maintaining good oral health. So if bottled water is your water of choice, be sure to check the label to make sure that your brand contains fluoride. As of a 2006 decision, the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, allows bottled water containing .6 to 1.0 milligrams per liter (parts per million) of fluoride to carry a label stating that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of dental cavities or tooth decay. The ADA has backed this decision.

Of course, simply drinking fluoridated water is not a magic ticket to perfect teeth. To keep your pearly whites in tip-top shape, it’s important to brush and floss daily and avoid sugary sweets, in addition to maintaining your fluoride intake and visiting Dr. Kunkel, Dr. Matousek-Ronck and our team at Four States Dental Care regularly.

What was your favorite part of Summer 2011?

2011-09-19T16:59:00.000-07:00

The end of Summer and then subsequently the beginning of Fall are just around the corner. Soon the temperatures will cool down, the leaves will start to change, and we’re sure that you’ll be thinking about Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving plans.

But wait! First, we want to know: What were your favorite parts of the Summer of 2011? Did you go on a wonderful family trip? Did you pick up a new hobby? Did you try to spend as much time outside and in the sun as possible?

Share your favorite memories, stories, or photos with us by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page.

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

Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes: What’s the Difference?

2011-09-12T16:53:00.000-07:00

Everybody is jumping on the electric toothbrush bandwagon in recent years, with many experts in the dental field claiming electric toothbrushes provide superior dental care. It’s true that electric toothbrushes are recommended for those who can’t do a good job brushing manually or who have arthritis or other conditions. But manual toothbrushes do have some advantages, according to an article we recently found including:

• Cost. While electric toothbrushes may be expensive for many people, manual toothbrushes are both inexpensive and accessible.

• Less pressure on your teeth & gums. While we can feel the amount of pressure we’re using as we grasp our manual toothbrush, we can’t feel the pressure nearly as well with an electric toothbrush. Placing too much pressure on our teeth can wear away at the tooth enamel, which causes pain, sensitivity, as well as an increased risk of tooth decay.

• Simple to pack. Manual toothbrushes are easy to carry around for those business or family trips. People are less likely to let their good dental care habits lapse on vacation with a toothbrush that they can easily bring along!

• Better for kids. Learning at a young age how to properly use a manual toothbrush helps children get a feel for how to properly take care of their oral hygiene.

Electric toothbrushes, on the other hand, are more effective in removing plaque and are considered a better alternative to maintaining gum health. Remember, whether you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush, Drs. Dale Kunkel, Jennifer Matousek-Ronck, and our team encourage you to choose one with soft bristles and be sure to change the bristles on the electric brush when they become worn down. We also encourage you to replace your toothbrush every three months, when the bristles are no longer straight and firm or after you recover from a cold.

Give us a call at Four States Dental Care if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook!

Happy brushing!

20 things that can ruin your smile

2011-09-07T19:49:00.000-07:00

At Four States Dental Care, we know your smile is important. And we know you want to keep it sparkling and looking its very best. Recently, we came across an article that suggests at least 20 things can ruin that perfect smile you have.

These include:

- Sports drinks

- Tobacco
- Coffee
- Wine
- Soft drinks
- Citrus and acidic foods

Drs. Dale Kunkel, Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and our team encourage you to read the rest of the article and ask us here on our blog or during your next visit to our convenient Neosho or Pineville office. For more tips or for general questions about your ongoing dental treatment, we invite you to ask Dr. Kunkel or Dr. Matousek-Ronck during your next visit! We also invite you to ask us on Facebook!

What’s the deal with coffee and tea?

2011-08-31T10:38:00.000-07:00

At Four States Dental Care, we know most folks enjoy a hot-brewed coffee or tea in the morning, followed by a cola (or more coffee) in the afternoon. But what many don’t know is that both coffee and tea are especially tough on your teeth, because tannic acid (the substance that makes the dark color) etches into the pits and grooves of tooth enamel, and can stain your pearly whites brown.

So, if you can't give up that morning cup o’joe, what can you do? Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and our team suggest rinsing with a glass of water after every cup. If you enjoy iced coffee or tea, drink your beverage with a straw so that tannins don’t make contact with your front upper and lower teeth. Even if you’re not a big coffee drinker, Dr. Kunkel and Dr. Matousek-Ronck encourages you to swish and swallow some water at the end of each meal. Water, after all, helps neutralize acids left in your mouth after eating and also reduces cavity-causing bacteria.

Our team at Four States Dental Care also invite you to visit our convenient office for teeth whitening options. We can help bleach your teeth with proven and professional products. To learn more about whitening options at our Neosho and Pineville office, please visit our website, ask us on Facebook, or give us a call!

Dental FUN Facts from Four States Dental Care

2011-08-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

Everyone loves fun facts and dental tips. Fun, fun, fun! Drs. Dale Kunkel, Jennifer Matousek-Ronck, and our team at Four States Dental Care came across these dental fun facts recently and thought you might enjoy!

• The second most common disease in the United States is cavities. The first is the common cold.
• There are almost 9,000 accidental pockings and piercings with toothpicks per year.
• X-rays may be an effective tool in preventing strokes.
• A child will have 20 baby teeth by the time he or she is 2 years old. Through childhood, kids gradually lose baby teeth and grow 32 permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth.
• According to consumer reports, dentists are among the 5 most trusted professionals in the United States.
• Approximately $2 billion a year is spent on dental products like toothpastes, mouthwashes and dental floss.
• The average American spends about 38 days brushing teeth over his or her http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.giflifetime.
• Kids in North America spend half a billion dollars per year on chewing gum.
• Approximately 94 percent of Americans say they brush nightly while only 81 percent say they brush first thing in the morning.
• Grand Rapids, MI was the first American city to fluoridate its water.
• Earliest record of a toothbrush was found in Chinese literature about 1600 AD
• The natural bristles of early toothbrushes were taken from the necks and shoulders of swine, especially pigs living in colder climates like Siberia and China.

To your next visit with Dr Kunkel or Dr. Matousek-Ronck, give our office a call!

Getting Social with Four States Dental Care!

2011-08-17T14:22:00.000-07:00

At Four States Dental Care, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online on our blog and by communicating ideas on our Facebook. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

Drs. Dale Kunkel, Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and our staff takes time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog or Facebook page?

Please post your thoughts below or on our Facebook page!

Professional Teeth Whitening with Four States Dental Care

2011-08-09T16:48:00.000-07:00

A whiter smile is one just one dentist visit away! ZOOM! Smile Whitening brightens and whitens your teeth in just 45 minutes. Once you have gone through the Zoom! treatment we will send you home with an at-home whitening bleaching kit with custom made trays. Using the take home trays will allow you to maintain your desired level of whitening over several months.

While Zoom! Smile Whitening is a great way to enhance the appearance of your smile, it's not always for everyone. Those with deep, dark stains that remain unaffected by whitening treatments and patients with regular tooth sensitivity may not be good candidates. Find out more about Zoom! Smile Whitening at our web site; and when you are ready to have a whiter, brighter smile contact Four States Dental Care for an evaluation!

Why do you choose Four States Dental Care?

2011-08-02T17:56:00.000-07:00

Four States Dental Care, serving Neosho, Pineville, and Joplin, Missouri, and Bentonville, Fayetteville, Bella Vista, and Rogers, Arkansas, strives to provide exceptional treatment in an informative and friendly environment. Have you had a great experience at our office?

Share your story with the world!

NEOSHO OFFICE

PINEVILLE OFFICE

Just select the "Review Us on Google Places" button above to write a review on our Google Places Page. We look forward to receiving your feedback!

Thank you,
-Dr. Dale Kunkel, Dr. Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and team

Invisalign TIPS, from Four State Dental Care

2011-07-27T15:27:00.000-07:00

Many people know that Invisalign is a great solution to braces if you don't want to experience the look and feel of traditional metal braces. What few people know, though, is that just like traditional braces, Invisalign requires proper care to work effectively. Good oral hygiene is highly important, even when you are wearing something in your mouth that you can take out to eat with. It's still likely that your aligners can build up plaque if not treated properly. When wearing your Invisalign aligners, Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck want you to ask yourself the following questions:

1. Am I eating with my aligners on? - These aligners are removable and should be taken out when you eat.

2. Am I drinking anything other than water with my aligners on? - Though it's not necessary for you to take out your aligners while you drink, think about how sticky soda is. If you take out your aligners when drinking a soda, you have a better chance of keeping your aligners clean.

3. Am I brushing before putting the trays on? - The aligners have both an inside and outside. Keeping the outside clean is easy. Keeping the inside clean is also simple: just make sure you've brushed your teeth before putting the trays on.

These are all very simple steps, and ultimately, they help to keep you building good oral habits. If you have any questions about Invisalign or your treatment here at Four State Dental Care, give us a call!

When should my child come in for a dental visit?

2011-07-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

At Four States Dental Care, we believe a child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable and positive. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel. Children are not born with a fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. And that's precisely why our team at Four States Dental Care makes a practice of using pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe your child's first dental visit and treatment. We want you to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should visit Dr. Dale Kunkel or Dr. Jennifer Matousek-Ronck by their first birthday. It is important that your child's newly-erupted teeth (erupting at 6-12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning. For more information on the advantages of pediatric dentistry at Four States Dental Care, please give us a call today to schedule an appointment.

Smile Wider, Live Longer!

2011-07-13T17:05:00.000-07:00

Folks with big smiles may actually live longer than those who don’t, according to a 2010 study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck has known for quite some time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university did something quite interesting: they looked at photos of 230 ball-players who began their careers in baseball prior to 1950 and studied their smile intensity (ranging from big smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through 2009. The researchers then took into account other factors that impact life longevity, including body mass http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifindex, career length and even college attendance.

The results? Researchers found that players who weren't smiling in the photos died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you been perfecting your smile by visiting Four State Dental Care on a regular basis? If not, give us a call!

What Do You LOVE About Summer?

2011-07-06T15:31:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here, and the team at Four States Dental Care thought we’d ask: What’s your favorite part about summer? The free time you get? Spending quality time with friends and family? Grilling barbecue in the backyard?

Dr. Dale Kunkel, Dr. Jennifer Matousek-Ronck,and team would like to know what makes your summer truly special. Let us know by posting a comment below or on our Facebook page!

Don't Forget About Fluoride!

2011-06-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your treatment at Four States Dental Care. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the dentist's office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

At Four States Dental Care, what puts you at ease?

2011-06-22T09:16:00.000-07:00

Drs. Dale Kunkel, Jennifer Matousek-Ronck, and team understand not everyone is thrilled to see the dentist. But we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit.

We’d like to know:
What is it about Four States Dental Care that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff or Dr. Kunkel and Dr. Matousek-Ronck?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!

You, Your Child and Cavities

2011-06-15T11:10:00.000-07:00

Our team at Four States Dental Care read an interesting article pertaining to cavities and how bacteria spreads from parents to children, and thought we'd share the news with you, our valued patients and parents.

According to the MSNBC article, Streptococcus mutans, or MS, is a bacterium that can pass from person to person through the transfer of saliva, and is the main culprit. Bacteria have been known to spread through blowing on babies' foods, sharing household utensils and even kissing your little one. In fact, a pediatric dentistry study showed “strong evidence demonstrated that mothers are a primary source of MS colonization of their children; a few investigations showed other potential sources … notably fathers.”

Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck know tooth decay is caused by a combination of factors, including the transfer of infectious saliva, genetics, oral hygiene, and feeding practices, such as letting your baby constantly suck on a sippy cup full of juice or milk or other sugar-laden liquids.

Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck would like for you to read the article and learn a bit more about the transmission of bacteria and how it might impact your child. If you have any questions about bacteria or your treatment at Four State Dental Care, please feel free to give us a call!

Ask Four States Dental Care: What’s so bad about nail biting?

2011-06-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at Four States Dental Care found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:

• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?

Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck or visit the article for tips on how to break a nail biting habit.

Good luck!

Your friends at Four States Dental Care

What oral issues should I be aware of during pregnancy?

2011-06-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

Maintaining your oral health is an important part of keeping your entire body well, and never more so than when you’re expecting. If you’re pregnant or considering pregnancy, schedule an appointment with us, and remember to raise the issue of your oral health at prenatal appointments with Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck.

If pregnant, Drs. Kunkel, and Matousek-Ronck want you to be aware of the following issues:

• Tooth Decay
Excessive morning sickness can also contribute to tooth decay, as the acids in your stomach introduced to the mouth during vomiting wear away the protective enamel coating on your teeth.
• Gingivitis & Gum Disease
This is a major issue. The precursor to gum disease is gingivitis, a condition in which plaque buildup on teeth irritates the gums, making them red, swollen and sensitive. The high levels of hormones in the bloodstream brought on by pregnancy exaggerate your gums’ reaction to irritation from plaque.
• Loose Teeth
Another risk faced during pregnancy is loosening teeth. The large amounts of hormones in your bloodstream can have an unfavorable affect on the bones and ligaments that create the foundation of your teeth, weakening them to the point that teeth may loosen.

The ideal time to schedule an appointment at Four States Dental Care is before becoming pregnant. Our doctors will perform a check-up to determine the state of your oral health and how pregnancy might affect you. We will discuss completing any necessary treatments prior to your pregnancy. Give us a call today!

Is Invisalign® really customized for each patient?

2011-05-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

Yes, it is, and that’s part of what makes it work, says Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck. To find out if you are the right candidate for Invisalign treatment, the first thing we do is to take an impression of your teeth as they are now and digitize it. Using special software, we look at the current positioning of your teeth and compare it to the way your teeth should look.

Next we use special software to map out the exact path your teeth will take from the beginning of your treatment to the end. Based on the results, a set of custom aligners are created just for your teeth. Throughout the course of treatment, you will be required to wear these clear, removable aligners one at a time; each one moving your teeth closer and closer to their final, perfectly aligned position. The best thing about it all? Nobody around you will even know you are wearing braces!

Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck are Certified Invisalign® Providers. If you have questions about Invisalign, or would like to find out if you are a candidate for Invisalign treatment, please give us a call.

How to Freshen Bad Breath, from Four States Dental Care

2011-05-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck, your Neosho and Pineville dentists, recognize that many of our patients are concerned about bad breath, or halitosis. While some cases of bad breath are persistent (chronic bad breath), generally bad breath is transient, and can be prevented.

We recently came across this helpful video about bad breath and thought it was worth sharing with our patients. The video explains what might cause bad breath and some ways that it can be avoided. In most instances, bad breath can be prevented by practicing common oral hygiene techniques that you have probably heard us emphasize during a visit to Four States Dental Care, such as brushing and flossing daily. We encourage you to watch this video for additional tips on how to keep bad breath at bay. Enjoy!

What, exactly, are wisdom teeth?

2011-05-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

Wisdom teeth are a type of molar that is found in the very back of your mouth and are the last molars to develop. There are four wisdom teeth: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. These teeth usually appear in late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. The removal of wisdom teeth has become so commonplace that it is almost a rite of passage for young adults.

Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck will tell you that when a tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and yes, even gum disease.

In addition to visiting our website with any questions you may have about wisdom teeth, our friends at WebMD have developed a helpful explanation about wisdom teeth and how they impact your health. Also, feel free to give us a call with any questions you have or ask us on Facebook!

What’s on your reading list?

2011-05-04T13:15:00.000-07:00

With the school year close to winding down for a lot of our patients at Four States Dental Care, we wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading is a vital step in brain development and literacy. And if you needed any more reason to read, May marks “Get Caught Reading Month.”

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great reads? Ask us for suggestions, and Dr. Dale Kunkel, Dr. Jennifer Matousek-Ronck, and our team would be happy to provide a few. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas on what to read next!

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your book picks or your all-time favorite novels or literature on our Facebook page!

The Gum Myth, from Four States Dental Care

2011-04-27T11:11:00.000-07:00

At Four States Dental Care we know the rumors going around—mostly among young people—that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing!

-Dr. Dale Kunkel, Dr. Jennifer Matousek-Ronck, and your friends at Four States Dental Care

Tooth Fairy “Tooth” Box

2011-04-19T13:59:00.000-07:00

For your child, losing their first tooth, or any baby teeth for that matter, can be exciting! They might ask you, "what do I do with my lost tooth?" Well, you simply place it under your pillow at night and when you are fast asleep the tooth fairy will come and whisk your tooth away leaving behind a special gift just for you! Here's a great craft project for you and your child from Disney that will make the tooth fairy’s job a little easier and give their tooth a special place to stay until it is taken away.

Tooth Fairy “Tooth” Box

What you will need:
• 1 large empty match box
• Enough felt to wrap the box and inside sliding tray
• Ribbon
• Glue (tacky glue or a hot glue gun)
• Markers
• White, pink and blue (or your child's favorite color) felt for decorating the matchbox
• Scissors

Step 1: Pull the inner tray out of the box and line the inside with glue and felt as shown. Wrap the outside of the box with felt and glue it in place.

Step 2: Glue ribbon to the outside of the box in a hanging loop shape. Fold another piece of ribbon in half and glue it to the bottom of the inner tray to create a handle for sliding it in and out.

Step 3: Draw a tooth shape on paper, cut it out, and trace it onto the white felt twice. Cut out the teeth and face details.

Step 4: Decorate the teeth with the eyes and cheeks and draw on a mouth. Glue one tooth to the outside of the box.

Step 5: Create a tooth pocket by applying glue to the sides and bottom of the remaining tooth as shown, leaving an opening at the top. Glue the pocket to the inside tray. Once the glue dries, the box is Tooth Fairy-ready.

Now your child can put the tooth inside the inner pocket and hang it outside their door before they go to bed!

We hope you enjoy making your Tooth Fairy Box!

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

$1.50 for a Cavity!

2011-04-12T16:46:00.000-07:00

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck would like to remind you that vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth,” but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Raw Vegetables (broccoli, celery, carrots, etc)
• Bread
• Pretzels (low salt)
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc)
• Sliced meat

If you want more advice on how you can prevent cavities, ask Dr. Kunkel or Dr. Matousek-Ronck during your next appointment at Four States Dental Care.

April is National Facial Protection Month!

2011-04-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

With spring here, many children, teens and adults in Neosho and Pineville will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, Dr. Dale Kunkel, Dr. Jennifer Matousek-Ronck, and our dedicated team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this spring:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Four States Dental Care. Stay safe and have fun!

Baby teeth – and gums – need special care!

2011-03-29T13:29:00.000-07:00

One question our staff at Four States Dental Care hear all the time is, “When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?”

You should begin regular cleanings even before your baby has teeth. After each breast feeding – or bottle-feeding – use a clean, damp washcloth to gently rub your baby’s gum tissue. You can wrap the material around one finger to make it easier to remove any food bits from your baby’s mouth.

When your baby’s first tooth comes in, switch to a baby toothbrush. Look for special baby toothbrushes in your drugstore – they have just a few bristles and are very soft. There are even brushes shaped like finger puppets that fit over the tip of your pointer finger! All you need at this point is water – no toothpaste yet.

After a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste, but you only need a tiny bit, and make sure it doesn’t contain fluoride for the first three years. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing. That way, he or she will already have the good habit of spitting when you switch to fluoride toothpaste, which should never be swallowed.

If you have any questions about caring for your baby’s teeth, please contact Four States Dental Care.

Moooooove over gum disease!

2011-03-21T15:57:00.000-07:00

Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck want to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means 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.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.

Flossing with Four States Dental Care

2011-03-15T10:49:00.000-07:00

We hope you are not a part of the 51 percent of Americans who don’t floss every day. And we definitely hope you're not part of the 10 percent who never floss at all. Drs. Dale Kunkel, Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and our staff at Four State Dental Care will always tell you that proper flossing is just as important for your dental health as brushing regularly. Flossing, you see, cleans food and plaque that build up between teeth and below the gumline, key areas that brushing simply cannot reach.

Flossing 3-to-5 minutes each day is recommended, but even 60 seconds of flossing has a great benefit over not flossing at all. Also, make sure to always brush your teeth after you floss, and to rinse with water or mouthwash. When you begin flossing you may experience gum pain or bleeding, but with daily flossing and brushing this should stop within a week or so.

Lastly, has it been at least six months since your last checkup with Dr. Kunkel or Dr. Matousek-Ronck? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to schedule an appointment!

March is National Nutrition Month!

2011-03-07T13:52:00.000-08:00

March has arrived, and that can only mean one thing: it’s National Nutrition Month. Every March, Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and thousands of dentists and hygienists celebrate this occasion, and this year is no different. This March, Drs. Kunkel, Matousek-Ronck and our team want you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.

Small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet this March:

• Focus on fruits and vegetables: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.

• Think fresh, think local: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in Neosho and Pineville.

• Make each and every calorie count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.

• It’s tempting, but…: If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you crave a snack in the afternoon, enjoy some trail mix or nuts.

• Expand your horizons: Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.

If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping yourself and your mouth healthy, please give us a call!

Ask Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck: Which toothbrush should my child use?

2011-03-02T15:07:00.000-08:00

Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller mouths and hands. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles can harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, do not use fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, you do need to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

Cheese and your Child’s Oral Health

2011-02-24T13:07:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-14T11:38:00.000-08:00

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

2011-02-09T09:39:00.000-08:00

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!

2011-02-01T16:26:00.000-08:00

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!

Is sedation dentistry right for me?

2011-01-26T11:13:00.000-08:00

While Four States Dental Care strives to offer a comfortable experience for all our patients, we realize that fear or anxiety while visiting the dentist can affect a lot of people anyway. For patients who need extra comfort and relaxation during their dental visit, we are pleased to offer sedation dentistry.

Do you feel nervous or stressed about your upcoming dental treatment? Well you’re not alone; in fact, almost 30 percent of the population experiences "dental phobia" when faced with visiting the dentist!

The reasons for patients' fear of the dentist can be numerous, but are usually due to a traumatic experience during their childhood. This overwhelming anxiety can cause one to avoid modern dental care, resulting in poor oral hygiene and possible mouth-related issues such as gum disease.

You can benefit from sedation dentistry if you experience one or more of the following:

* High fear of dental care
* Complex dental problems
* Traumatic dental experiences
* Fear of needles and shots
* Trouble getting numb
* Sensitive teeth

If you suffer from dental phobia, sedation dentistry may be the answer. Please give us a call for more info about sedation dentistry, and we'll be more than happy to answer your questions.

The Importance of Regular Checkups

2011-01-19T16:35:00.000-08:00

If you’re brushing and flossing on a regular basis, we think that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit Four States Dental Care every six months, in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day. Because your dental health is important to us, we'd like to remind you that it's time for your examination.

Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt

• Detect cavities and early signs of decay

• Treat oral health problems early

During an oral exam we will usually check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to our office in the last six months (or as recommended), call us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

Getting Married? Smile Bright with Four States Dental Care!

2011-01-11T17:00:00.000-08:00

It’s winter, and it’s cold. But, believe it or not, there is a growing trend of brides choosing to tie the knot in the winter wonderland. If you are gearing up for a wedding this winter, consider matching that white dress to a perfectly white smile!

At Four States Dental Care we offer in-office tooth whitening for the bride, the groom, or the entire wedding party! You get the girls together to get their nails done, and now you can get them together to get their teeth done!

In-office whitening is the quickest, most effective way to achieve whiter teeth. Because we are dental professionals, we have the expertise to use higher percentages of whitening agents than the at-home systems allow. So you can get a brighter white, usually in just one visit!

Give us a ring and let us add some extra sparkle to your “I do”!

A few patient reviews for Four States Dental Care

2011-01-05T10:44:00.000-08:00

Drs. Dale Kunkel, Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and team, serving Neosho, Pineville, and Joplin Missouri, as well as Bentonville, Fayetteville, Bella Vista, and Rogers Arkansas, deliver the highest quality dental care in a personalized environment. We make dental treatment fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"All the office staff are friendly, helpful and professional. Stacy and Jennifer are outstanding hygienists. Dr. Kunkel performs very high quality dental repair work."

"Reception area wonderful. Dr. Jen was prompt, very friendly and took time to explain carefully and listen to my needs."

"I was greeted quickly and pleasantly. My appointment was right on time. I appreciated very much how I was treated by every staff member. A pleasant experience (even though I don’t relish going to the dentist)."

"I love the personalization and “small town” feel of this dentist office. The people are friendly, personable and caring. They ensure all my questions are answered and are conscious of my comfort at all times. I do not dread the dentist visits as I have in the past. Great place and even better people. Thank you Four States Dental and a special Thank You to “Doc Jen”!"

"I trust the doctor and his staff and they always go out of their way to make me comfortable!"

This Year, Make a New Year’s Resolution to Smile About!

2010-12-27T11:45:00.000-08:00

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Four States Dental Care believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Four States Dental Care

Four States Dental Care, wishes you Happy Holidays

2010-12-21T11:44:00.000-08:00

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as the team at Four States Dental Care reflects on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What do you love about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Seasons Greetings, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at Four States Dental Care

Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck want to know : are there teeth grinders in your house

2010-12-15T16:09:00.000-08:00

Grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound, especially recently. A recent study published in the journal Head & Face Medicine suggests that people—adults and kids—faced with stress tend to cope by grinding their teeth. In addition, the Chicago Dental Society suggests that since the recession began in 2007, teeth grinding, or bruxism, has been on the rise.

The Chicago Dental Society surveyed more than 250 members about the connection between stress and oral health. Nearly 75 percent of dentists said their patients reported increased stress over the past year, largely due to the economic recession. During stressful times, teeth grinding can be a nuisance that causes headaches and sleep problems, but it also can cause lasting problems for your teeth and gums, including chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder.

The first step of recovering from teeth grinding is noticing the problem. Symptoms of teeth grinding include:

•Sensitivity in the teeth
•Tightness or pain in the jaw
•Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
•Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

An important thing to remember is that people frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, and taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem.

If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, schedule an appointment to see us by giving us a call. Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck and our team at Four States Dental Care can help determine the cause of the problem.

Flossing 101

2010-12-08T08:55:00.000-08:00

Here is a very concise video explaining the proper way to floss your teeth. Many people think that flossing is only to get the food out from in between your teeth, when actually flossing should be done every day on every tooth to help protect your teeth and gums.

If you have any additional questions about flossing feel free to give us a call at Four States Dental Care.

Staying connected with Four States Dental Care

2010-12-03T14:44:00.000-08:00

At Four States Dental Care, we embrace new technology, whether it is through the innovative dental treatments we offer, our high-tech website and social networks, or our modern office conveniently located in Neosho and Pineville.

As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our Facebook page. For social media to work, however, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While we take a little time to research how to best use social media moving forward, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call! Have yourselves a wonderful weekend!

The season for thanks

2010-11-22T15:25:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-11-18T16:12:00.000-08:00

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?

2010-11-11T14:16:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-05T15:07:00.000-07:00

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.

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

2010-10-27T15:30:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-10-18T12:43:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-10-10T20:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-01T16:12:00.000-07:00

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.

"My daughter is turning one. When should I bring her in for a visit?"

2010-09-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the question! Our short answer is, "First visit by first birthday."

Dr. Dale Kunkel, Dr. Jennifer Matousek-Ronck and our staff know that cavities know no age boundaries, and that is why we recommend a visit to Four States Dental Care when your child turns one. That also happens to be the opinion of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association agree. The Academy suggests that children who are at risk of early childhood cavities visit a pediatric dentist by their first birthday.

Research has shown that cavities are increasing in preschool-aged children, and that more than one in four kids has had at least one cavity by the time they're four years old. In fact, many children get cavities as early as age two.

The appointment also covers topics such as the importance of baby teeth, nutrition, development and overall concerns you may have with your child. With over 25 years of excellence, our staff makes a practice of using pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe your child's first dental visit and treatment, and we want you to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our convenient offices in Neosho and Pineville.

Have you scheduled an appointment for your child? We hope to see you soon!

At Four States Dental Care, Zoom® your way to a brighter smile!

2010-09-15T10:09:00.000-07:00

We hope you're having a great week so far Today, we thought we'd talk a little about Zoom! whitening at Four States Dental Care, the great way to enhance the appearance of your smile. Zoom is a professional teeth whitening treatment that gets your teeth an average of eight shades whiter — in just one hour at our convenient Neosho or Pineville office! With Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck, the treatment is safe, simple and relaxing! Not only that, but Zoom is championed by dentists and patients from coast-to-coast as a pain-free process.

To prepare for Zoom! whitening, one of our experienced doctors will examine your teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy. Your lips and gums will be covered with an isolation material to protect them during the treatment. Then, we apply the Zoom! whitening gel, which is activated by the Zoom! light source. The gel and light work together to gently break up the stains on your teeth. After three 15-minute applications within one hour, you rinse and the treatment is complete — leaving you with a brighter, whiter smile.

Give us a call to schedule an appointment for Zoom whitening. Have a wonderful rest of the week!

September is National Gum Care Month!

2010-09-07T14:41:00.000-07:00

At Four States Dental Care, we know that gingivitis - the early stage of periodontal disease - can be difficult to recognize. Many people don't recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums, as a precursor to gum disease. This month, a national campaign is under way to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we wanted to help do our part to spread the word here in Neosho, Pineville and surrounding areas!

Dr. Dale Kunkel and Dr. Jennifer Matousek-Ronck will tell you early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body, too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as your heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease.

These can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you happen to notice any of these signs, please schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Our doctors and staff can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.

We hope you had a great Labor Day weekend!

Connect with Four States Dental on Facebook!

2010-08-29T16:04:00.000-07:00

At Four States Dental, we strongly value the relationships we have developed with our patients in Pineville, Neosho, Joplin, Bentonville, Fayetteville, Bella Vista, Rogers and surrounding communities. Even if you only see us for your appointment on a regular basis, did you know that you can now connect with Dr. Kunkel and Dr. Matousek-Ronck on our official Facebook page?

We invite you to “like” us at Facebook.com/FourStatesDental. There, we share office news, announcements and updates, so we encourage you to check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our office automatically in your news feed!

See you on Facebook and have a great rest of the weekend,

- The Four States Dental staff

Three foods that can help you avoid gum disease

2010-08-21T18:15:00.000-07:00

Gum disease, known also as periodontal disease, is far more common than you may think. Each year, new studies begin to link the effect gum disease can have on the heart, and our staff at Four States Dental Care have been helping spread the word! One of the simplest steps to achieving healthier gums can be your diet. We recently found a great article from EatingWell that outlined several options for healthier gums. Included among the suggestions were:

*Raisins
*Green Tea
*Whole Grains (barley, brown rice; buckwheat; oatmeal, popcorn, whole-wheat bread, pasta or crackers)

In addition to these foods being gum-friendly, they happen to be healthy foods in general, and are a great option to begin integrating into your diet more this fall.

Have a great weekend!

Is your child ready for kindergarten?

2010-08-14T15:46:00.000-07:00

With the hot and sultry Dog Days of Summer slowly winding down, it's time for you and your child to start thinking about school. August is Get Ready for Kindergarten month for the two million kids who will be entering kindergarten come September.

So, how do you prepare? Our staff at Four States Dental Care suggest getting involved in storytime by reading your child books about kindergarten, such as The Night Before Kindergarten or First Day Jitters.

Parenting Magazine also suggests that moms and dads take their child for a walk by their or perhaps taking him or her inside for a quick tour to get them familiarized with the concept of kindergarten. Take a walk around the classroom or peek in the windows and talk about what will be going on once school starts. Also, think about adjusting your child's sleep schedule gradually to the school’s schedule.

At home, make learning fun for your child by teach him or her the names of colors, or shapes and taking them on interesting trips around Neosho or Pineville—to the library or grocery store, or to a museum or park—and talk with him or her about what he or she sees.

Finally, make sure your little one visits Dr. Kunkel or Dr. Matousek-Ronck before the first day of school. No one wants for your child to leave school in the middle of the day because of a toothache! Give us a call to schedule an appointment!

We hope both you and your child have a happy and stress-free Get Ready for Kindergarten Month!

Thanks to Invisalign® at Four States Dental Care, mom and dad can have a perfect smile, too!

2010-08-08T13:51:00.000-07:00

Hey parents! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've thought about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, we've got the clear solution for you. Dr. Kunkel and Dr. Matousek-Ronck are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

Invisalign, which consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth, are to be worn all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing. You can even easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap! Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and the best part is, no one will know it but you!

Our staff at Four States Dental Care invite you to give us a call at 417-658-4387 to set up a free consultation at our convenient Neosho or Pineville locations, so you can discuss the specifics of your treatment with one of our Invisalign-certified doctors.

Four States Dental, helping calm children's fears and anxieties about visiting the dentist

2010-08-01T18:36:00.000-07:00

At Four States Dental Care, we know that many children have a fear of visiting the dentist. After all, it's natural! On Friday, we came across a nice article from WebMD on helping kids overcome fears of the dentist..

Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck excel at making children feel comfortable when visiting our Pineville and Neosho offices. In fact, most of our young patients look forward to their next visit!

Has your child visited Four States Dental in the last six months? If not, it’s time to schedule an appointment by calling 417-658-4387 or 417-658-4817! We look forward to seeing you and hope you're having a fantastic summer so far!

At Four States Dental Care, patients at ease

2010-07-24T13:41:00.000-07:00

We always try to make our patients feel comfortable here in our offices in Pineville and Neosho. We have a education program running in the waiting room and you can sit and enjoy a fresh cup of coffee while waiting to be seen. We offer hours before and after work, and have a visual patient education program running in our office. This program offers videos and pictures, with audio, to further explain, in great detail, treatment and services we provide.

At Four States Dental Care, Dr. Dale Kunkel has continued his education to become a type of "one-stop-shop" for dentistry. Meaning, Dr. Kunkel performs many procedures that most general dentists would have to refer out for. He is always looking for ways to continue his education, so his patients don't have to be referred out of the office for further treatment. Even though there are some instances where a specialist is needed, we always make sure our patients are taken care of in the process of being referred!

Have you been in for an appointment in the last six months? If not, we encourage you to give us a call!

When should you call Four States Dental?

2010-07-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

If you or your child face a dental emergency this summer, Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck want you to please give us a call immediately or let us know on our Facebook page. If you need urgent treatment after hours, you can call our emergency number (please ask us for the number if you haven't already done so). We are always here to assist when your child's dental health is at risk. Below are tips on dealing with urgent dental situations; you may want to display this list on your refrigerator or store it near your emergency phone numbers for easy reference.

Bitten Lip or Tongue
If your child has bitten his lip or tongue severely enough to cause bleeding, clean the bite gently with water and use a cold compress (a cold, wet towel or washcloth pressed firmly against the area) to reduce or avoid swelling. Give us a call to help determine how serious the bite is.

Object Caught In Teeth
If your child has something caught between his teeth, use dental floss to gently remove it. Never use a metal, plastic, or sharp tool to remove a stuck object. If you are unable to remove the item with dental floss, give us a call.

Broken, Chipped, or Fractured Tooth
If your child has chipped or broken a piece off of his tooth, have him rinse his mouth with warm water, then use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Try to locate and save the tooth fragment that broke off. Call us immediately.

Knocked Out Tooth
If your child's tooth has been knocked out of his mouth, find the tooth and rinse it with water (no soap), taking care to only touch the crown of the tooth (the part you can see when it's in place). If you can, place the tooth back in its socket and hold it in place with a clean towel or cloth. If you can't return the tooth to its socket, place it in a clean container with milk. In either case, call us immediately and/or head to the hospital. If you act quickly it's possible to save the tooth.

Loose Tooth
If your child has a very loose tooth, it should be removed to avoid being swallowed or inhaled.

Toothache
If your child complains of a toothache, rinse his mouth with warm water and inspect his teeth to be sure there is nothing caught between them. If pain continues, use a cold compress to ease the pain. Do not apply heat or any kind of aspirin or topical pain reliever directly to the affected area, as this can cause damage to the gums. Children's pain relievers may be taken orally. Schedule an appointment immediately.

Broken Jaw
If you know or suspect your child has sustained a broken jaw, use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Call our emergency number and/or head to the hospital immediately. In many cases a broken jaw is the result of a blow to the head. Severe blows to the head can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

The truth is, you can help your child avoid dental emergencies. Child-proof your house to avoid falls. Don't let your child chew on ice, popcorn kernels, or other hard foods. Always use car seats for young children and require seat belts for older children. And if your child plays contact sports, have him wear a mouthguard. Ask us about creating a custom-fitted mouthguard for your child. Finally, prevent toothaches with regular brushing, flossing and visits to our office.

Has your child been in for a visit recently? If not, we invite you to call us and set up an appointment. We hope you're having a GREAT weekend!!

Drs. Kunkel & Matousek-Ronck have a few tips to help prevent bad breath!

2010-07-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

The team at Four States Dental Care know bad breath can be a real downer! However, bad breath can be easily prevented!

Bad breath, or as we call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell, say Drs. Kunkel & Matousek-Ronck.

A few months ago, Dr. Andrew Weil wrote an article titled, "3 Ways to Prevent Bad Breath," in which he recommended the following ways to help prevent bad breath:

1. Brush your tongue. "The tongue, and especially the back of the tongue, is a warm harbor for bacteria," he writes, and recommends spending some time on your tongue during teeth brushing, "moving slowly toward the back so as not to activate your gag reflex."

2. Keep your mouth. hydrated Because a dry mouth typically leads to bad breath, eating oranges or celery, or drinking water, may help.

3. Freshen your mouth. Herbal palate cleansers (parsley, peppermint tea and cardamom seeds may do the trick). If bad breath returns, give us a call! Kunkel & Matousek-Ronck may diagnose any condition or concerns of the oral cavity that may be causing the problems, such as gum disease.

Enjoy your Sunday night, and we'll see you soon!

Four States Dental present: Patriotic fun facts!

2010-07-02T11:22:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, our staff at Four States Dental Care - including Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck - will be busy celebrating America's 234th birthday. And because we know our patients love fun facts, we thought we'd provide you with some fun facts about Independence Day!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- An estimated 2.5 million people lived in America in July 1776. Today, an estimated 309 million people reside in the United States.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- The American flag patch is backwards on U.S. Army uniforms. The reason? The blue field on the flag (the part with the stars) faces forward to symbolize carrying the American flag into battle.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard this Independence Day weekend grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

Have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone, and we'll see you next week!!

Ask Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck: When is thumb-sucking a cause for worry?

2010-06-27T10:41:00.000-07:00

Lots of you parents at our Neosho and Pineville offices have asked us about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75- and 95 percent of infants suck their thumbs.

So, you might be wondering, is this anything to worry about?

In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little ones. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he or she has gotten permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, please give us a call and Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Enjoy your Sunday everyone!

Invisalign treatment at Four States Dental Care: How does it really work? [Video]

2010-06-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

Perhaps you've wondered how Invisalign treatment at Four States Dental Care manages to straighten your pearly whites without having you go through traditional orthodontic treatment?

The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our Neosho and Pineville locations. Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck are Certified Invisalign® Providers, offering Invisalign for teens and adults. If you've been wanting to straighten your teeth but are unsure about going through traditional braces, please give us a call to learn if Invisalign is the right option for you! We will provide a complimentary consultation.

Share your summer plans with Dr. Kunkel and Four States Dental Care!

2010-06-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

With the summer quickly closing in, the days getting longer and the sun getting warmer, there’s no better way to beat the heat than jump into a pool or cool off under the shade with a beverage. For a lot of our patients at Four States Dental Care, summer brings with it a chance to get away from it all and escape everyday life, if only for a week or two. For others, it means a season of relaxation and relief.

How about you?

What are your summer plans? Do you have any interesting plans for a summer vacation? Does your family have a reunion planned? Our staff would be interested in how you are all spending your summer vacations. If you’re going somewhere exotic, cool! If you're going camping with family, we'd like to hear about it! Even if you're staying at home here in Pineville or Neosho and grilling steaks in the backyard, let us know!

Please feel free to share your summer plans and experiences with Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck on our Facebook page as the summer rolls on!

At Four States Dental Care, access to your account anytime!

2010-06-08T14:55:00.000-07:00

Access to your account, whenever you want it. Sounds nice and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at Four States Dental Care enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our web site. You may look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, and all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Just see what some of our patients are saying about this innovative service called DentalSesame:

"It is much more efficient to use than having to stop by the dental office or calling since my schedule is very busy." ~ Kayla W.

"Easy to view account." ~ James G.

"I am able to find the information that I am looking for by going to my daughters account. What I owe, when her next appointment is, etc." ~ Thayla K.

"Easy availability, allows access from home or work." ~ Nora G.

"Allowed me to see insurance payments and remaining balance to be paid and print forms for flex spending." ~ Brandi M.

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

Gum disease and you, from Dr. Kunkel

2010-05-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

It’s simple to tell when you have a cavity, but unfortunately, periodontal disease, or gum disease, can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck will tell you it’s important to watch for the following warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
• Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, please schedule an appointment with Four States Dental Care right away at our convenient Pineville or Neosho locations. Drs. Kunkel or Matousek-Ronck can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your pearly whites and give you back a healthy mouth!

Enjoy the rest of your Memorial Day weekend! Make it memorable!

This Memorial Day weekend, what will you be doing?

2010-05-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day Weekend, only days away, is a time Americans everywhere stop and remember all those men and women who bravely gave their lives for our country.

Memorial Day also marks the unofficial start of summer, and for many folks in our area, getting out of town for three days after being cooped up in the office or in the classroom spells sweet, sweet relief. At Four States Dental Care, we also know Memorial Day weekend is ripe for travel. After all, it’s unofficially the start of summer and a time for a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, or hitting America's great open roads with family this weekend, our team would love to hear all about it!

Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck would like to wish you a nice and relaxing Memorial Day weekend!

How does Four States Dental Care "Go Green"?

2010-05-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

Our staff at Four States Dental Care know that we are living in an age when more and more people have a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. We, too, have taken steps to make our office more environmentally-friendly to preserve our planet and its resources.

There are many things that we strive to do on a daily basis that's not only good for our practice but our earth: We have utilized our digital technology for six years. We are not only paperless with our charts, but our dental claims are filed electronically, and we are currently using digital X-rays. We also recycle all our of boxes, paper and plastics. There are many things that we strive to do on a daily basis that's not only good for our practice but our earth.

For more info on how we "go green," we invite you to give us a call or ask Drs. Kunkel or Matousek-Ronck during your next appintment.

Write a Review of Four States Dental Care!

2010-05-11T13:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Whether you've visited Four States Dental Care for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck are doing! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there.

After all, reviews help Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck create more beautiful smiles in Neosho, Pineville, and Joplin, Missouri and Bentonville, Fayetteville, Bella Vista and Rogers, Arkansas.

You may also write a review here.

Thank you and enjoy your week!

Are you a teeth whitening addict?

2010-05-07T11:32:00.000-07:00

Dr. Dale Kunkel knows people want to look and feel great, and at a time when a set of sparkling teeth might mean the difference between getting a job, more and more folks are complaining about irritation and bleeding gums, excessive teeth sensitivity and even translucent teeth.

At Four States Dental Care, we're proud of offer the latest in in-office whitening. The process takes just about an hour in our office. During chair-side bleaching, Dr. Kunkel will apply either a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect the oral soft tissues. A bleaching agent is then applied to your teeth and a special light may be used to enhance the action of the agent.

We also have in-home whitening treatments, including teeth whitening trays, teeth-whitening strips, paint-on teeth whitening and whitening toothpaste. Lastly, our friends at WebMD have written a helpful article on teeth whitening addiction, and we encourage you to give it a read if you suspect you may have a teeth whitening addiction.

Ask Four States Dental Care: When should my child visit for a check-up?

2010-04-26T10:29:00.000-07:00

At Four States Dental Care, we think a child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable and positive. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel. Children are not born with a fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. At Four States Dental Care, Drs. Kunkel and Matousek and our dedicated staff make a practice of using pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe your child's first dental visit and treatment. We want you and your little one to feel at ease from the moment you walk through the door.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child's newly-erupted teeth (erupting at 6-12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning. Your child's first tooth erupts between ages 6-12 months and the remainder of their 20 primary or "baby" teeth typically erupt by age 3.

If you have any questions about pediatric dentistry, or about your treatment with Drs. Kunkel or Matousek, please feel free to give us a call today!

Imagining your life with Invisalign®, from Four States Dental Care

2010-04-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

You might be wondering what Invisalign treatment is really like, and what effect it will have on your day-to-day activities? Will it slur your speech? Will people know you're in treatment? You're not alone in your concerns! Dr. Kunkel and our team thought we’d share this list of questions and answers for anyone pondering Invisalign treatment at Four States Dental Care.

How exactly does Invisalign work?

Using 3-D computer imaging technology, Invisalign creates a series of custom-made, clear aligners exclusively for your teeth, based on the treatment plan that we specify for you. Each aligner moves teeth incrementally and is worn for about two weeks, then replaced by the next in the series until the final position is achieved.

Will I experience pain during treatment?

Most people experience temporary discomfort for a few days after a new aligner is placed. This feeling of pressure is normal and is a sign that Invisalign is working by sequentially moving your teeth to their final destination.

Can other people see that I'm in treatment?

One of the benefits of Invisalign is that the aligners are clear. You can straighten your teeth without anyone knowing.

Are there any foods I cannot eat while in treatment?

You can eat normally during the entire course of treatment. One of the advantages of Invisalign is that the aligners are removable. Simply take the aligners out before each meal, brush when you're finished eating, then reinsert the aligners afterward.

How often must I wear my aligners?

Aligners should be worn all day, except when eating, brushing, and flossing.

How can I clean my aligners?

The best way to clean your aligners is by brushing and rinsing them in lukewarm water.

How often must I visit Four States Dental Care during treatment?

For most patients, visits every 4-6 weeks are frequent enough for us to determine that your treatment is progressing properly. Drs. Kunkel or Matousek - who are certified Invisalign® providers - will provide you with a specific schedule that supports your individual treatment plan.

To learn more about Invisalign, please give us a call!

What helps you relax at Four States Dental Care?

2010-04-14T13:15:00.000-07:00

Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck know not everyone is thrilled to see the dentist. But at Four States Dental Care, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Four States Dental Care that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly staff? Could it be something about Drs. Kunkel or Matousek?

Let us know by posting here or on our interactive Facebook fan page!

At Four States Dental Care, a comfortable and caring environment

2010-04-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

We view our relationship with our patients as a key part to this practice. The atmosphere here at Four States Dental Care is one where you will always feel comfortable. We strive to make every appointment an experience that will not only make you smile, but want to come back and refer your friends and family!

After their cleanings, our patients talk about how great our Hygiensts are, and how relatively painless treatment is after seeing Dr. Kunkel. There are many advancements in the dental field today that make things from painless local anesthetics to root canals that are as simple as a filling appointment. We want our patients to feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible. So with that, Dr. Kunkel and Dr. Matousek are always finding ways to continue their education to make this possible. We love our patients and want to serve them in the best way!

What puts you at ease at Four States Dental Care?

2010-03-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

Drs. Dale Kunkel and Jennifer Matousek-Ronck understand not everyone is thrilled to see their dentist. But at Four States Dental Care, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about Four States Dental Care that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly and courteous professional staff? Perhaps it's something about Drs. Kunkel or Matousek-Ronck?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call, and enjoy the rest of your week!

Ask Four States Dental Care: How do you keep up with the latest dental technology?

2010-03-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

Dr. Kunkel and our team are always looking for ways to be more efficient at what we do to ALWAYS benefit the patient. In our fast-paced world, things are moving in the direction of procedures that are more comfortable for the patient and are most beneficial to the patient. Dr. Kunkel is always looking to continue his education.

Our clinical team just came back from an Invisalign course. The benefits of Invisalign treatment to our patients are more than just straighter teeth. It' brings them confidence in their smile and better health in their mouth. We offer free consultations for anyone interested in Invisalign.

What are patients saying about Four States Dental Care?

2010-03-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

We love our patients, and our patients love us. Recently, Four States Dental Care, serving communities in Missouri and Arkansas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about us!

"Dr. Kunkel is super great with my child and that is all that matters." ~ Thayla K.

"We all feel very comfortable with him; great with the kids!" ~ Brandi M.

"He doesn't try to nickle and dime his patients to death for every little extra service. He sticks to the price that he tells you before the appointment." ~ Kayla W.

"The whole experience was favorable. Not only Dr. Kunkel, but his staff is great." ~ Mary R.

Please feel free to contribute your own thoughts about our office! Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck, as well as our entire team, love getting patient testimonials!

Ask Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck: What are the consequences of delaying dental treatment?

2010-03-10T15:25:00.000-08:00

There are dangers delaying your scheduled treatment, including possibilities of severe toothaches and infections or cracking—and possibly breaking off—of the teeth. Or if the delay is too long, the restorations of the teeth become void and an extraction has to be done—and no one wants to lose their teeth. Keeping the appointments with Four States Dental Care will always benefit you!

It's funny how the weather plays into people's priorities. People sometimes view the dentist as just an elective service and not something that is a necessity. Dental health plays a huge role in our overall health. We have been told for many years that it's not related, but there are current studies and even past studies that show how important our dental health is to our overall health. Once we understand that, then our dental appointments become important.

As for seeing more emergency visits, we do see the rise of people who haven't kept up with their dental exams every year come more frequently with tooth aches, or broken and cracked teeth. When patients come regularly to their 6-month checkups, Drs. Kunkel and Matousek-Ronck are able to monitor the decay and cut down on those "unexpected" tooth aches or broken teeth.

If you have any questions about your treatment at Four States Dental Care, please give us a call!