Back to School. . .Back to the Dentist.

Silvestri Dental & Associates

Back to School. . .Back to the Dentist!

Greetings!

As Labor Day approaches and the Summer Barbeque season comes to an end we eagerly look forward to fall and the opportunities for learning and change that it brings.

Congratulations to Dr. Silvestri on the graduation of his daughter, Katie, from Maine-Endwell High School and Good Luck as she prepares for her first year of college. Dr. Comfort celebrated his one-year anniversary of practice at Silvestri Dental and Associates. He has easily transitioned into his second year of practice and looks forward to many more to come.

September is Back-to-School season - a time to learn new things. Here at Silvestri Dental and Associates we are always eager to learn. At the end of July we held a two day in-office conference on Practice Growth and Team Building. Many exciting things were learned as we continue to look for ways to improve - both personally and professionally.

It's easy around this time of year to delay our scheduled dental hygiene and restorative appointments because of our busy schedules. While these delays can save time in the short term, there's the possibility of more time lost in the long term. Remember that missed appointments might mean missed problems that will cost time and money in the future to fix. Call our office today to schedule your Back-To-School cleaning and exam! We can also sign your child's dental health release form if we have seen them in the last 6 months.

Enjoy the final days of Summer!

Dr. Mario Silvestri, Dr. Ryan Comfort & the Team at Silvestri Dental and Associates

The Freshman 15. . .Cavities?!

From the Desk of Dr. Comfort Freshman Warning

Going away to college is an exciting time for any teen. Moving away from Mom and Dad and getting your first taste of real independence is a rite-of-passage. Suddenly you are responsible for your own life - meals, schedules, study habits, friends and social events. But remember, as Spiderman's Uncle Ben once wisely said: "With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility." It's easy when you're away and caught up in the new experiences of college life to forget simple things you once took for granted - like brushing your teeth!

Over the course of the last year I've made an interesting observation. Many times, when college aged patients return to the office for the first time since they went away, I find a large amount of decay in their mouths. These patients are most often individuals who have no history of cavities. It seems that college life - be it dorm food, sugary Red Bull during all night study sessions, or simple lack of hygiene - has taken a huge toll on their teeth.

Parents, remind your college aged teens about the importance of brushing and flossing while they're away. And teens, take heed to my warning, the independence of college life is both fun and exciting - but coming home to a Winter Break spent in the dental chair is not. Come in before you head off to school and we'll give you a College Dental Care Kit to help keep your smile bright (Just bring in the coupon at the bottom of the email) Good Luck, and see you over Break!

Send your kids back to school with a smile! All children aged 6 and older should visit their dentist to be evaluated for dental sealants. Sealants are a pain-free and preventive procedure that closes off the "grooves" in teeth from cavity causing bacteria. More than 75 percent of dental decay begins in the pit and fissure areas of the back teeth. Combined with proper home care and regular dental visits, sealants are extremely effective in preventing tooth decay.

Starting another school year is also a great time to educate kids on the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Brushing before catching the bus and again before bed is a great habits to teach kids that will prevent cavities and help them in the future. Also, packing lunches filled with "smile-saving" foods can be fun! Let your kids help pick out things to put in their lunch boxes and decide what to leave out. Crunch fruits such as Apples and Pears help build healthy smiles - and healthy bodies too! Limit things such as pretzels, cookies and potato chips that have sugars that can stick to teeth. Encourage kids to choose water or white milk for a drink. Did you know that Chocolate Milk actually contains more sugar than most fruit juices? A few healthy choices a day will lead to great results!

Patient Appreciation Give Aways! Tooth Brushes

If you have an appointment with us during the month of September - either for a hygiene visit or a restorative appointment - you will automatically be entered to WIN one of two prizes! This September we're giving away a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble and a $25 gift card to Consol's Family Kitchen.

While this time of year is usually associated with kids and Back-to-School activities it's important for parents to remember to take care of themselves, too. Remember not to neglect your regularly scheduled dental appointments and call to set up that procedure you were putting off during the busy months of Summer. We look forward to seeing you!

Free College Dental Kit	This coupon entitles the bearer to one (1) FREE "Back-to-College" Dental Kit. College aged students only, please. Not transferable. Holds no cash value. While quantities last.
Offer Expires: August 31, 2011