How often should I have my heat pump serviced?

You should have your heat pump serviced at least once a year. If you use your heat pump for heating and cooling, you should service it twice annually, in the fall and the spring.

What is the life span of a heat pump?

The average life span of a heat pump is 10-15 years. Because heat pumps run year-round to heat and cool your home, they don’t always last as long as a typical heating or cooling system. However, you can extend the life span by ensuring that your unit is routinely maintained by an HVAC professional.

Dental Disease Prevention: The Definitive Guide to Maintaining Oral Health

Maintaining optimal oral health is essential for overall well-being, yet dental diseases remain prevalent worldwide. From cavities and gum disease to more severe conditions like oral cancer, dental issues can have a significant impact on our quality of life. However, with the right preventive measures and habits, many dental diseases can be avoided or minimized. In this definitive guide to dental disease prevention, we’ll explore key strategies and practices to help you achieve and maintain a healthy smile for years to come.

Understanding Dental Disease

Before delving into prevention strategies, let’s first understand the common types of dental diseases:

Cavities (Dental Caries): Cavities are caused by the breakdown of tooth enamel due to the acids produced by bacteria in the mouth.
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease): Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support the teeth, leading to inflammation, gum recession, and tooth loss if left untreated
Oral Cancer: Oral cancer can affect the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat, and early detection is crucial for successful treatment.

Key Strategies for Dental Disease Prevention

1. Maintain Good Oral Hygiene

Regular brushing and flossing are fundamental for preventing dental diseases. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from between the teeth and along the gumline.

2. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for early detection and prevention of dental issues. Your dentist can identify signs of cavities, gum disease, oral cancer, and other problems and provide timely treatment or recommendations for further care.

3. Follow a Balanced Diet

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains provides essential nutrients for healthy teeth and gums. Limit sugary and acidic foods and beverages, as they can contribute to tooth decay and erosion.

4. Limit Alcohol and Tobacco Use

Smoking and chewing tobacco increase the risk of gum disease, oral cancer, and other oral health problems. Similarly, excessive alcohol consumption can also harm oral tissues and increase the risk of oral cancer. Avoiding tobacco and moderating alcohol intake are essential for maintaining oral health.

5. Use Fluoride Products

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and helps prevent cavities. Use fluoride toothpaste, and consider fluoride treatments or mouth rinses as recommended by your dentist, especially if you are at higher risk of cavities.

6. Practice Mouth-Healthy Habits

Avoid habits that can harm your oral health, such as biting your nails, chewing ice, or using your teeth as tools. Protect your teeth during sports and recreational activities by wearing a mouthguard.

7. Manage Stress

Stress can contribute to teeth grinding (bruxism) and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, which can lead to tooth damage and jaw pain. Practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to alleviate stress and protect your oral health.

8. Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water helps maintain saliva production, which is essential for washing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and remineralizing tooth enamel. Choose water as your primary beverage and stay hydrated throughout the day.

Conclusion

Dental disease prevention is a lifelong commitment that requires consistent effort and attention to oral hygiene and overall health. By following the strategies outlined in this guide—maintaining good oral hygiene, visiting your dentist regularly, following a balanced diet, limiting alcohol and tobacco use, using fluoride products, practicing mouth-healthy habits, managing stress, and staying hydrated—you can significantly reduce your risk of dental diseases and enjoy a healthy smile for years to come. Remember, prevention is always better than cure. By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine and seeking professional dental care when needed, you can protect your oral health and maintain a confident, radiant smile throughout your life.

Meet the team

MEET DR. TEDI HOWELL

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Dr. Tedi was born in Great Falls, MT, and raised in Shelby. She attended Carroll College, where she received her BS in Biology. During her free time, she worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Kevin. It was here that she fell in love with pediatric dentistry! After her undergraduate education, she moved to Kirksville, MO, for a two-year Master’s in Biomedical Sciences program, where she completed cardiac research. After receiving her Master’s degree, Dr. Tedi moved to Phoenix, AZ, for dental school at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. Following dental school, Dr. Tedi provided ten years of dental care for adults and children in public health clinics throughout Missouri and Wisconsin. Always having a heart for children, Dr. Tedi decided to continue her education in a two-year pediatric residency program at Denver Health Hospital in Denver, CO. Dr. Tedi is so excited to move home to be closer to her family and to serve the Helena community as part of the Helena Pediatric Dentistry team once again!

MEET DR. KEVIN RENCHER

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Dr. Kevin Rencher grew up in southeastern Idaho. As the oldest of eight siblings, he has always been surrounded by children. He graduated from Brigham Young University in 1998 and then graduated from dental school at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry in 2002. During dental school, he served as the President of the American Student Dental Association. He also served on numerous legislative committees. He then went on to complete two additional years of specialty training in pediatric dentistry at Schneider’s Children’s Hospital in New York City. Dr. Rencher continues to receive numerous awards for his superior academic excellence and leadership. He has traveled throughout the country speaking to dental professionals. He routinely travels to Washington, D.C. to help influence children’s dental legislation. He continues to be a leader among the pediatric dental community. As an active member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and through his involvement with the American Dental Association and the Montana Dental Association, Dr. Rencher makes it a priority to stay current on the latest developments within the pediatric dental community. Dr. Rencher is happily married. He and his beautiful wife have two sons and a daughter. In his spare time, Dr. Rencher enjoys camping, traveling and playing with his family.

MEET DR. NATE STEVENSON

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Dr. Nate Stevenson grew up in North Ogden, a small town in Utah tucked into the Wasatch mountain range. He graduated from Utah State University in 1999 (Go Aggies!) where he served as Student Body Vice President. He then went dental school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at Marquette University, where he served four years as president of the dental school. In school, one of his first patients was a frightened child who had severe decay. Winning his confidence was the moment Dr. Nate knew he wanted to dedicate his career to helping kids love going to the dentist. He then completed two years of additional training in pediatric dentistry at Schneider’s Children’s Hospital in New York City. Those were two amazing years that taught him that every child is different and wonderful. His education included advanced studies and specialized training in dentistry for children, special needs and medically compromised patients. He truly believes that showing children compassion will shape their future as an adult. Dr. Nate continues to stay active in dental education and advocacy through his different roles as a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and Western Society of Pediatric Dentistry (WSPD). He was awarded Diplomate status by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry shortly after finishing his formal training by successfully completing a series of voluntary examinations offered by the board of examiners. He is also a member of the Montana Dental Association (MDA) and Utah Dental Association (UDA). After 10 years in private practice in Salt Lake City, Dr. Nate and his wife decided to fulfill a childhood dream of his and move to Big Sky country. He and his wife have two boys and a daughter who now call Great Falls their home. When not at work, Dr. Nate can usually be found either with his family on the soccer fields, on the water or on the ski slopes. His hobby is finding new projects to do around the home that drive his wife nuts.

What To Expect

Discover The Great Falls Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics Difference

Comprehensive Services

We offer a comprehensive range of orthodontic and pediatric dental services tailored to meet your child's unique needs. From routine checkups to specialized orthodontic care, we have you covered.

Gentle Checkups & Cleanings

Our friendly and experienced team goes the extra mile to ensure your child feels comfortable and relaxed during routine checkups and cleanings. We believe in making each visit a positive and educational experience.

Preventive Care

We take proactive measures to protect your child's precious smile. Our preventive care includes fluoride treatments and dental sealants, which effectively guard against tooth decay and ensure long-lasting dental health.

Diagnostic Precision

To provide the best possible care, we utilize advanced dental X-rays for precise and accurate diagnoses. This enables us to develop tailored treatment plans that address your child's needs.

Metal-Free Fillings

Our metal-free fillings effectively treat cavities and blend seamlessly with your child's natural teeth. This approach ensures a beautiful, natural appearance while maintaining optimal dental health.

Expert Care

Our experienced dental team excels in complex cases, offering extractions when needed. We prioritize patient comfort with options like nitrous oxide or anesthesia for anxious children. Your oral health is our top priority.

Comprehensive Services

We offer a comprehensive range of orthodontic and pediatric dental services tailored to meet your child's unique needs. From routine checkups to specialized orthodontic care, we have you covered.

Gentle Checkups & Cleanings

Preventive Care

Diagnostic Precision

To provide the best possible care, we utilize advanced dental X-rays for precise and accurate diagnoses. This enables us to develop tailored treatment plans that address your child's needs.

Metal-Free Fillings

Our metal-free fillings effectively treat cavities and blend seamlessly with your child's natural teeth. This approach ensures a beautiful, natural appearance while maintaining optimal dental health.

Expert Care

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In Our Clients Words.

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They have a great atmosphere for kids! They try to make things fun and easy to understand for the kids.

Debbie B.

Very wonderful staff and did awesome job with my 7 & 3 year Old's. I would highly recommend this place.

Dianna

The staff was very kind and courteous and they really enjoyed being with the doctor. The staff was honest with us and made the children very comfortable and not scared. It's a kid friendly office from the lobby all the way to the cleaning room.

Amy Truro

We highly recommend Dr. Rencher and Great Falls Pediatric Dentistry! Fabulous staff, fabulous facilities, and fabulous care! Our children look forward to going to the dentist!!!!!!

Elle S.

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