Winter 2012

TooTh TalKDr. Karl Miller’s

Visit our new website at www.drkarlmiller.com

Produced for the Patients of Dr. Karl Miller

Have a Wonderful Holiday!

~ from Dr. Miller & Team

Season’s GreetingsFrom us to you!

The upcoming festive season is about taking the time to reflect on what we’re grateful for and to reconnect with the people who matter to us. although I can’t invite you all over to my place to enjoy seasonal traditions and enjoy a sumptuous festive dinner together (wouldn’t that be a party!), I’d like to extend my warmest thanks to all of you for your dedication to your healthy smiles – such a critical part of your overall health and well-being.

It’s important to me that each of you know how much I appreciate your commitment and loyalty to my team and me. It’s been such a pleasure serving you, and we are all so grateful that you are a part of our practice family.

Enjoy your family time, and know that I am thankful to you for making this year a great one for our practice.

Sincerely,Dr. Karl Miller & Team

Closed for the holidays Dec. 24th, 2012 to Jan. 7th, 2013

2013Celebrating 35 years

practicing in Parry Sound

Infants & Children

Teenagers

Young Adults (20s-30s)

Midlife & Beyond

Milestone

l Healthy gums & teeth

l Arrival of permanent teeth

l Proper spacing & bite alignment

l Protection against sports injuries

l Eating a varied diet

l Greater social awareness of a nice smile

l Fresh breath has become important

l Peer pressure: tobacco, alcohol, power drinks

l Fashion trends like tongue piercing

l Risk of caries, gum disease, enamel erosion

l Greater awareness of mouth-body link

l Focusing on health & fitness

l Increased risk of gum disease

l Continued interest in appearance/lifestyle

l Celebrations (graduations, weddings, etc.)

l Continued interest in appearance & health

l Increased risk of oral cancer

l Receding gums, root cavities, loose teeth

l Hormones decline & bone mass decreases

l Teeth may become worn & stained

l Oral hygiene instruction

l Early orthodontic assessment

l Prevention & monitoring with regular visits

l Custom-fitted mouthguard

l Fluoride advice

l Positive reinforcement of 4 nutrition 4home care routines & professional care

l Education about fads that harm oral health

l Strategies for fresh breath & healthy smiles

l Regular preventive & maintenance checkups

l Educational tips to maintain a healthy mouth

l Monitoring for bite issues & jaw joint disorder

l Consultation for whitening & cosmetic treatment

l Regular exams to intercept emerging issues

l Natural-looking restorative treatments

l Beautiful youthful cosmetic options

l Maintenance of existing restorations

l Monitoring of function, appearance, & investment

What We can offer

Your Teeth’s Natural Life and what you need to do...

issues

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Clues That Reveal Family Secrets About:Brushing & Flossing!

tip top answers Too Good To Be True?try it! You’ll like it!

The ancient Egyptians did it. The Greeks and Romans did it. And oh, those Vikings! Now you can too. Add pizazz with exotic cardamom!

Cardamom seeds can be crushed or used whole to add a heady aroma to curries, rice dishes, and breads. A member of the ginger family, there are several varieties, but green or true cardamom is most commonly used for cooking and to spice up chai tea.

Spices are often used in traditional South East Asian medicine and cardamom’s vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and electrolytes are consumed for a pick-me-up to help improve digestion and circulation and to soothe respiratory ailments and throat problems. It has also been used as an antibacterial mouthwash. Find recipes online!

Aftercall for a consultation todaY!

What is a crown?n Sometimes one is custom-fitted over your damaged tooth to protect and strengthen it so you won’t lose it.

n One or more can be specially fabricated for attachment to neighboring teeth to bridge a gap.

n A crown can also be placed on top of an artificial tooth root implanted into your jawbone to form a completely new tooth.

How will I look with one? n You can choose a gold or silver look, but most people prefer materials that match the rest of their smile.

n Ceramic crowns can be as translucent as your own enamel and are an excellent choice if you have metal allergies.

n When placed over metal for additional strength, ceramics still look natural, but they are not quite as translucent.

Say It Again, Sam! Here’s looking at you!It appears that kids, even as young as 4-6, are heeding their parents’ message

that healthy is good and sugar is bad, according to a small study published in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine.

When a popular recognizable character from television or toys appears on a cereal box, it creates a halo effect, so kids think it tastes better. No character? No contest. Kids prefer the same cereal when it’s called Healthy Bits over Sugar Bits.

Children really do find the familiar appealing, so keep up the repetition. Avoiding sugar and eating healthy are excellent lifelong lessons, and seeing you make home care and dental visits your priorities, will also make them theirs.

Have you noticed anyone self-consciously covering up their smiles? Embarrassment about stained teeth, fillings, or visible tooth decay is a sure sign that a dental visit is overdue.

Do you notice seeds, pepper, or other small bits of food caught in a smile well after mealtime is over? It’s time to brush up on brushing and flossing!

FIVEWhen’s the last time you bought dental floss? A couple of months ago? Everyone in the family should floss at least once a day. Little ones will need assistance.

FOURDried-out toothbrushes are unused toothbrushes. It’s worth checking and reminding everyone that they need to brush for two minutes at least twice a day.

THREEHave you noticed bad breath or coated tongues instead of healthy-looking pink ones? It’s important to brush the tongue as well as the teeth.

TWOONE

We’re always happy to help with a thorough checkup and a home care refresher! ML1

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Before

First the grim, then the good… Did you know that more people die from oral cancers than skin cancer? and because two-thirds of oral cancers are discovered in the late stages of the disease, prognosis is poor – the 5-year survival rate is a frightening 50%. It is imperative, therefore, that oral cancer is detected early, before the disease advances.

With each recall appointment you have with us, we always keep a keen eye for telltale signs like lumps and discoloration, and for suspicious areas or roughness or of any change whatsoever. We check your whole mouth (the top of the tongue and underneath, your lips, cheek lining, and gums). To help us out, make sure you play an active role in early detection too. Make it a habit to “know your mouth” and regularly examine it for any changes.1. Lift your upper lip and check for discoloration or sores on

your lips and gums. Then repeat for your lower lip.2. Check your inner cheeks for white, red, or dark patches. Use

your finger to feel the cheek surface for lumps or roughness.3. Look at the roof of your mouth. Any changes?4. Check your tongue – top, side, and bottom – for any color

changes or swelling.If you find an area of concern, call us right away. And

always remember, like we do … the first step in prevention and successful treatment is awareness.

Oral Cancer Self-ExaminationEarly detection a must

1286-79833 Ml12-3

office information

Information included is not dental or medical advice. For your specific information be sure to consult our office. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please contact us directly.

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New Patients Welcome

We pride ourselves on the high quality of care we provide, and there’s no better sign that we are serving you well than the number of new patients who walk through our door. Referrals and word of mouth are our #1 source of new patients, and a vibrant patient base helps us grow so that we can continue to offer the very best. When you give us a good reference, we won’t let you down! So, if you’re wondering whether or not we accept new patients, the answer is YES! There’s no higher compliment for us than the privilege of welcoming a new patient.

dr. karl miller5 Bowes StreetParry Sound, Ontario P2A 2K7office HoursMon-Thu 9:00 am – 5:00 pmFriday 9:00 am – 4:00 pmPhone numbersOffice (705) 746-5859Toll Free (800) 828-1240Fax (705) 746-8653Home (705) 746-9064dental teamDarlene ............................ReceptionistBrenda ................ Hygiene CoordinatorJoanne, Lucy, Courtney, Lindsay .......... ................................Dental AssistantsKaren, Pam, Josée, Emma .................. ...................Certified Dental Hygienists

new website

www.drkarlmiller.com

Be A Winner Two Ways

First, just ensure that anyone you refer to our practice who makes an appointment with us, mentions your name. We’ll enter you into a draw and we’ll give you one ballot for each person you refer. That means the more family and friends you refer … better your odds. Every three months we’ll draw the name of one lucky person who wins a great prize.

Second, bring in your confirmation post cards at your appointment. Your card becomes a ballot in a monthly draw for a great prize.

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