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Ask Dr. Watkins: If I have braces, do I still need a dental checkup every 6 months?

January 24th, 2012

Thanks for the question! Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit our office regularly. When you're wearing braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush normally can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis and even gum disease. Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care. Our staff at Thomas W. Watkins, DDS will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while you're undergoing orthodontic treatment.

If it has been more than six months since your last visit to our Bloomington office, please give us a call!

Does Dr. Watkins have your current contact info?

January 18th, 2012


As you probably know, you can always connect with Dr. Watkins and 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!

Are regular checkups really that important? You bet.

January 9th, 2012

Dr. Watkins and our team want to know: Are you brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing after each meal? If the answer is yes, we think that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit our Bloomington office every six months (or as recommended), in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day and flossing.

Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Dr. Watkins can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show you how to properly brush and floss

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, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment!

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

January 3rd, 2012

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Thomas W. Watkins, DDS 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 2012!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Thomas W. Watkins, DDS

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