We all want to live our healthiest lives. We know that part of keeping ourselves healthy is regular visits to our Portland, Beaverton, or Sacappoose, OR office for checkups and necessary dental work. And that dental work might require an X-ray. Should the amount of radiation in an X-ray concern us? First, it is helpful to know that the radiation you are exposed to from a dental X-ray is very small. A set of most bitewing X-rays, for example, produces an amount of exposure about equal to the amount of background radiation we get from our normal surroundings in a typical day. We also take care to minimize your exposure even further by using specially designed equipment and protective shielding, and taking only necessary X-rays. If your child is very young, if you are pregnant, or if you have other health concerns, talk to us about the advisability of X-rays

You might be surprised to learn that Dr. Doleac and our team recommend an orthodontic appointment even before your child has had that last visit from the Tooth Fairy. In fact, orthodontic assessments at our Portland, Beaverton, or Sacappoose, OR office can be beneficial at many stages of your child’s life. Let’s look at some of the reasons why. The Right Spaces There’s a reason why we recommend that every child see an orthodontist by the age of seven. If there’s room enough in your child’s mouth to accommodate all the permanent teeth that will be arriving soon, you’re good to go. But if it looks like there won’t be enough space for those adult teeth, there are solutions we can offer to make the transition from baby teeth to adult teeth a smoother one. If your child’s mouth is small, the permanent teeth might have too little room to

In the long run, wearing braces is so worth it. Whether you’re working toward straight teeth, an improved bite, or both, you’ll end up with a beautiful smile! But sometimes, in the short run, they can be really annoying. Braces can irritate your lips, tongue, and cheeks while you are getting used to them or after an adjustment. Or a problem wire can poke the inside of your mouth and you can’t see us immediately for a repair. At times like these, Dr. Doleac will recommend orthodontic wax to make your life more comfortable. What is Orthodontic Wax? Orthodontic wax is made from non-toxic products like beeswax, carnauba wax, and paraffin wax. Some products might contain extras like vitamin E, aloe, or flavorings. The soft wax covers the bracket or wire that is bothering you with a smooth surface that won’t irritate sensitive mouth tissue and will give sore areas

When you leave on a trip, you probably double-check that everything’s ready: your clothes are packed, your ticket is handy, and your passport waits patiently on top of your bag or in a special pocket. The same level of preparedness should apply with regard to caring for your oral health when you’re about to leave home for a while. Whether you’re jumping in the car for a weekend camping trip or flying halfway across the globe for a longer stint, the tips below will help you keep your teeth healthy while you’re away. Prepare Ahead of Time The key to maintaining good oral hygiene during travel is preparation. Schedule a regular dental appointment so your teeth are freshly cleaned and ready before you leave. This can identify potential issues that might cause problems while you’re away. If you have any items on a dental “to-do” list, such as wisdom tooth

For centuries, many have believed in messages written in the stars and constellations. Some people look to their astrological sign to understand their personalities and preferences better, and even to foresee their destiny. Whether you’re a firm believer in astrology or just read your horoscope for fun now and then, your perfect band color according to the zodiac awaits below. Aries – Red You’re passionate, enthusiastic, and full of energy the world needs. You have an ability to light an inspirational flame in yourself and others. Taurus – Green You value growth and are filled with earth energy. Close relationships with family and friends are the foundation of your life. Gemini – Orange Orange is the color of diversity and inspiration. You have a knack for readily socializing with other people and value a close-knit community. Cancer – Violet Cancers have the ability to look deep within themselves for guidance

Did you know your toothbrush could be covered with almost ten million germs? We know … it’s gross! That’s why you should know how to store your toothbrush properly, and when it’s time to replace it. If you need to brush up on your toothbrush care knowledge, we’ve got you covered so brushing will always leave you feeling squeaky clean. Keeping a Clean Toothbrush Your mouth is home to hundreds of types of microorganisms, so it’s normal for some of them to hang onto your toothbrush after you’ve used it. Rinsing your brush thoroughly with water after each use can get rid of leftover toothpaste and food particles that cling to the bristles. Some dentists suggest soaking your toothbrush in mouthwash every now and then can help reduce the amount of bacteria further. Store your toothbrush in a cool, open environment away from the toilet or trash bin to avoid