Children's Dental Health Month

This month, Dr. Fletcher visited Hariette Kirschen Elementatry School in Modesto, CA for Children's Dental Health Month. This was Dr. Fletcher's 15th year at Kirschen school presenting his own personal dental health program for the students(complete with toothy dinosaurs, giant underwear and a ring of toothbrushes). He also screened a few dozen children for tooth decay and dental needs.

Yesterday, Fox News published an article by Julie Relevant from HealthyMama.com about calming your child's dental fears. You can read it by clicking on this link or by clicking on the picture.  

Afraid of the dentist? 9 tips to calm your child’s dental fears

By Julie Revelant - Healthy Mama  Published February 23, 2014  FoxNews.com

The advice given in this article is very good and I would only add one small suggestion. I've always thought it was a good idea for parents to bring their child along for one of their dental visits. When your kids see you getting your teeth cleaned, examined or repaired, they are given a first hand look at how easy it is to visit the dentist.

For questions about your children's dental health or suggestions about taking better care of their teeth, contact our office.

Keep on smiling,

Dr. Fletcher

Why Pregnant Women Should Visit The Dentist

If you are a patient of Fletcher Dentistry, you know how often we like to move our discussions beyond your mouth and talk about your TOTAL health. Yes, it is our responsibility to diagnose and treat the problems and diseases we can see in the oral environment, but we regularly engage with our patients about their overall healthcare.

The article attached was published recently on FoxNews.com and the reporter discusses several items relating to dental care in the pregnant patient. (Click on the photo or link to go to the article).

Dental health during pregnancy: How to care for your teeth and gums

By Julie Revelant - Healthy Mama - Published February 02, 2014 - FoxNews.com

Pregnant Women and Dental Care

For the past few years, our conversations have been more focused on the importance of dental health care for patients diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other systemic diseases which have an oral health care connection. However, the most prevalent condition we see in our dental patients that benefits DIRECTLY from better oral health care is pregnancy.

According to a recent article I read by The American Public Health Association:

"Research shows that bacteria associated with periodontitis have been found in the amniotic fluid, cord blood and placenta of babies born pre-term or with low birth weights, according to the recommendations. For example, in the case of pre-term babies, bacteria such as bergeyella have been found in amniotic fluid and porphyromonas gingivalis has been found in placenta tissue, the recommendations said."

What does this mean for patients who are pregnant?

In a nutshell, you must think about taking BETTER CARE of your teeth and gums during pregnancy. In the past, we would simply warn our pregnant patients to be on the lookout for the potential of swollen and bleeding gums during pregnancy.

With this new research and information, our conversations with our patients have changed. We still recommend EXCELLENT home care during pregnancy, but we also stress the importance of IN-OFFICE dental care as well. Pregnancy is NOT the time to avoid dental care, and that goes for both cleanings and restoring broken teeth. We no longer recommend postponing dental treatment  during pregnancy. If teeth are broken, decayed or infected - treat them!

If you have any questions, please leave a comment on the blog or contact our office.

Keep smiling,
Dr. Fletcher

Why Dentistry?

I am often asked why I became a dentist. Some of my patients know that I am not the first dentist in the Fletcher family. In fact, if you are ever traveling through Grass Valley, CA with a toothache, feel free to get in touch with my big brother, Dr. Scott Fletcher. 

Although my brother was a huge influence in my life and a great example, my career in dentistry actually goes back to childhood.  Before anyone asks, it wasn't because of Hermey the Elf on Rudolph's Christmas special. It was actually the influence of my childhood dentist, Dr. Ken Frangadakis.

Dr. Kenny had a big impact on our family. My big sister was his dental assistant for years. My mom worked as his bookkeeper. Once, when I was 8 years old, my 16 year old sister drove me to his office. As a newer driver, she accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake and we leapt over the curb and crashed into his waiting room. Dr. Kenny was unfazed. His only response was to accuse our family of beginning the trend for "drive-thru" dentistry. 

As I think back on it, he was the one to write letters of recommendation for me when I applied for college and for dental school. His colleagues and friends were some of my instructors while I was in school. Dr. Kenny has influenced every part of my path to become a dentist.

Dr. Ken Frangadakis and Dr. Fletcher, Sept 2013

This past week I attended a memorial service for a good friend in the Bay Area and I was pleased to bump into my dentist, mentor, and friend. As always, he took the time to ask what was going on in my life, he provided a few words of encouragement, shared a few funny memories and reminded me to take great care of my patients.

I am thankful for his impact and influence on my career. Dental school and 18 years of experience have taught me how to restore teeth, but knowing how to take good care of people was largely caught by observing Dr. Kenny.

Helping Modesto Smile,
Dr. Fletcher