February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

National Children’s Dental Health Month is an observance that brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others. Many people do not realize that cavities are one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood, yet cavities are preventable.  The importance of developing strong oral health habits is key to maintaining a healthy, functional smile, but it’s so much more. National Education Association (NEA) data shows 51 million hours of school are missed every year by children dealing with oral health problems. This is a simply staggering statistic that impacts educational, social and psychological development. The NEA also notes that students dealing with oral health pain are four times more likely to have a lower grade point average than students unencumbered by dental problems.

It’s Never “Just a Cleaning”

So often throughout the day we hear people use the phrase “the appointment is just for a cleaning, right?” With so much at stake directly related to your oral health, there is no such thing as ‘just a cleaning’. Studies have proven that periodontal health directly affects more than your mouth – it affects your entire body. Heart disease, stroke, diabetes – all can be directly linked to oral health. In addition, bacteria that causes irreversible bone loss is harbored in the tartar that only your hygienist can remove. Not to mention oral cancer – over 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed this year. More than 8,000 will die. Early detection saves lives – and an oral cancer screening is part of your hygiene visit. So the next time you think “I’m going to change my appointment because it’s “just” a cleaning – remember there is no such thing as ‘just a cleaning’ in this office.

We Are ‘Timely’…

We get a lot of compliments on how our office runs on time.  It is not always easy, and it is not always perfect, but it is one of our top priorities. Your time is valuable, and we appreciate that.  In order to continue our efficiency, kindly give us two business days if you need to make any changes to your appointment.

Our Innovative Dental Technology

Our most recent acquisition is the iTero element 5D imaging system.  This is an advanced 3D camera system that allows us to scan a patient’s mouth with a camera.  The camera takes an astonishing 6,000 images per second!  It will then produce a virtual model of your teeth, without taking an impression!!  We can then send this image to Invisalign for production of aligners or a laboratory to produce a resin model of your teeth.  It can also be used to provide you with a simulation of what your teeth would look like after orthodontic treatment.  The iTero can also be utilized to view the virtual model of your teeth using NIRI (near infra-red imaging) to detect cavities without using x-ray radiation.

Fun Fact

Teeth contain stem cells…researchers are currently using dental stem cells to try and regrow human teeth. But don’t let that stop you from caring for the ones you already have!

Listen to Dr. V

92.7am, 104.7fm first Friday of every month at 8:10AM
Contact Us

Contact

Dr. Gary Vander Vliet

Dr. K Dermoumi

Preventive, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

office@gvdental.com

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Call us

908-852-8858

Address

Hastings Commons, Building 2B;
486 Schooley’s Mountain Road;
Hackettstown, New Jersey 07840

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Office hours

Monday 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Tuesday 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Wednesday 8:00AM – 5:00PM
Thursday 8:00AM – 5:00PM