Tyler B. Schaffeld DMD Blog

Excellent hand hygiene has long been promoted by mothers around the world as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep away sicknesses like the common cold and the flu. While social distancing is the best way to stay safe in the COVID-19 pandemic, regularly washing your hands is also essential to protecting yourself and your loved ones. Are you using the proper techniques to prevent spreading infectious particles with your hands? Your Wallowa County dentist shares a few simple tips to keep in mind throughout the pandemic.

Our lives have changed dramatically since COVID-19 surfaced in the United States. From social distancing to wearing masks while in public, life as you’ve known it isn’t the same. As the country reopens, you’ll likely see more differences than what you’re used to, like when visiting your dentist in Enterprise. If it has been a while since your last visit, here’s what you can expect during your appointment.

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You probably know to call your dentist right away if you have a cracked or knocked-out permanent tooth. However, not all dental emergencies are so easy to identify. How can you tell if that unusual dental symptom or new pain in the back of your mouth needs urgent dental care? Here are ten easily overlooked signs that you need to call your Wallowa County dentist right away to save your smile.

The COVID-19 pandemic caught the entire world off-guard, but you don’t have to let it completely disrupt your life. Although dentists around the country have temporarily stopped providing any non-emergent dental services, you don’t have to settle for diminished oral health. If you’re a person who typically visits for checkups and cleanings, there are measures you can take at home to protect your teeth and gums. Continue reading to learn how to fortify your oral health during these challenging times.

Most people know how to eat healthy for the sake of managing their weight. But do you know how to eat in a way that benefits your oral health? While these two methods of eating might seem similar, there are a few key differences between them. To eat in a way that keeps your teeth and gums healthy, a dentist in Enterprise is here with a few tips on sticking to a mouth-healthy diet.

Believe it or not, but another year is already here. As you commit to eating healthier, losing weight, or paying off debt, is a trip to your dentist in Enterprise at the top of your priority list? Although you may not think you need to go regularly, routine dental care is equally important as your toothbrush and floss. Preventive care protects your teeth and gums from common oral health issues to lower your overall dental expenses. As you head into the new year, start 2020 with a trip to your dentist for a healthy, beautiful smile.

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Getting your children to keep up healthy dental habits can be a challenge, especially around the holidays. With hectic work and school schedules, crazy amounts of cooking and cleaning, and an endless supply of sugary treats everywhere, it’s easy for dental habits to be put on the backburner. Alongside 1.76 billion candy canes and 150 million chocolate Santas made annually, it can be a tough time of year for your teeth. But don’t be discouraged! Your dentist in Enterprise has some helpful tips for you and your family to keep up your good dental habits this holiday season. Try these teeth-friendly stocking stuffers to get the whole family excited about practicing good dental habits!

Do you have gum disease? A recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that 50% of Americans aged 30 and older suffer from this troublesome disease. They estimate that about 64.7 million Americans have periodontitis, the advanced form of gum disease that can cause permanent damage to tissue and teeth. Since it doesn’t necessarily change the color or shape of your teeth, it can be easily overlooked as permanent damage sets in. Alongside tooth loss, periodontitis has been linked to other serious health conditions like pregnancy complications, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s, and even heart disease. Your dentist in Enterprise, OR can show you how to spot gum disease and how to stop it.  

Did you know that over 100 billion dollars in dental insurance benefits are wasted every year? Millions of people are missing out on the coverage they’re paying for, and the worst part is that they don’t even know it’s happening. Dental insurance can be confusing, but if you know how to play the game, you can end up saving hundreds annually on your dental care. Read on to learn how to make the most out of your dental insurance from your dentist in Wallowa County.

Countless dental myths have been circulating for decades due to misconceptions about oral health and hygiene. Unfortunately, they could be causing more harm than good by preventing people from getting the treatments and care they need from their dentist in Wallowa County. Debunking tall-tales about your mouth could be just what you need to get the tooth whitening treatment you’ve always wanted or prevent you from developing easily preventable oral health problems. Read on to learn about four common dental legends that are simply not true.