Memorial Day didn’t become an official holiday until 1971, but Americans started gathering annually in the spring to remember those who lost their lives in war during the 1860s, right after the Civil War. Celebrated on the last Monday in May, people still decorate the grave sites of war veterans and hold memorial services, but Memorial Day has also evolved into a day that signifies the beginning of summer.

During the summer months, many people take road trips to visit family members. Some head off to the airport to enjoy a long-awaited vacation far away, while others look forward to spending time with friends and family at home. However you spend Memorial Day and the subsequent summer months, there are a few things you can take care of to ensure your summertime is enjoyable.

Checklist for an Enjoyable Summer

• Have the AC Checked. During the hottest days of summer, many families find themselves sweating it out due to a broken air conditioning system. Be proactive so you can avoid waiting for hours or days because the HVAC repair person is booked solid. Have your air conditioning system checked before or around Memorial Day each year.
• Ensure Security While You’re Away. When you leave for vacation, the last thing you should have to worry about is the security of your home. Install a home security system, if possible, and put a timer on your lights so they go on and off at normal hours. You can also alert your local police department that you’ll be gone, and ask them to drive by your house once in a while to make sure everything is okay.
• Visit Dr. Christopher Mannon, Dr. Matthew Cannon, and Dr. Brandon Wainwright Before Vacation. Many people put off school-related or annual health exams until after summer vacation. Avoid the crowds and make sure your physical and oral health are in top shape prior to vacation time so there are no unpleasant surprises.
• Plan Your Memorial Day Traditions. Whether you host a barbecue in the LeClaire, Moline, or Bettendorf, IA area or beyond, gather for the parade, or spend time at a loved one’s grave site, plan your Memorial Day happenings in advance so those you wish to include can be there.

Our team at River View Dental Specialists wants you to look forward to Memorial Day and the days of summer by preparing to spend the time safely and comfortably. As you plan ahead, take care of your health and secure your home, you can place your focus on creating memories with family members and friends while enjoying your favorite Memorial Day traditions.

Fluoride is a naturally found ion with a history of greatly reducing the incidence of tooth decay in children. However, over the past decade Americans have increasingly consumed bottled water, most of which does not contain fluoride, and children are no longer getting the recommended dosage of fluoride. In addition, many areas do not add the optimum amount of fluoride to the town drinking water.

Everyone’s dental needs are different. The amount of fluoride a person needs is determined by age (children), tooth sensitivity, risk for cavities, and medical conditions. When a patient needs additional fluoride it can be applied in a foam or varnish.

Children receive additional topical fluoride because teeth in the early development stages have a higher mineral uptake. The future strength of the enamel depends on this. When a tooth absorbs the fluoride ion, it creates hydroxyapatite, a harder mineral compound than enamel alone.

Those who have a dry mouth from medication also need extra fluoride. A daily fluoride rinse and a semi-annual fluoride varnish treatment are standard. If you are on medicine for high blood pressure, anxiety, diabetes, depression, or cholesterol, you may fit in this category.

Cancer treatments can also greatly impact your oral health. Fluoride varnish treatments prior to, during, and after radiation and chemotherapy can be beneficial. There are other mouth conditions which coincide with cancer treatments which make it difficult to brush and floss daily, and can contribute to an increased risk for decay. An infection during cancer treatment can be especially harmful, which is why preventive measures are important.

Fluoride treatments, administered topically, are highly beneficial in preventing decay. Feel free to call River View Dental Specialists to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions.

Have you recently moved, changed your phone number, orchanged any of your information that we use to best serve you? If so, be sure to inform us of your changes!

Also, did you know that we have a vibrant social mediapresence? Have you had a chance to connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube? We’re always looking to stay connected with our patients outside of the office, and our social media networks are an awesome way to see our photos and get some great updates and information!

So, when you have a chance, be sure to visit our website and then connect with us on our social media networks! We can’t wait to hear what you’ve been up to since your last visit with us!

At River View Dental Specialists, we know image is everything, especially for today’s teenagers. At an age when image is so important, the thought of having braces may intensify the already-delicate confidence of today’s teens. Well, May is National Teen Self-Esteem Month, and during this time, parents are encouraged to act as positive role models, help stop negative self-images, and improve confidence and security among teenagers.

Dr. Brandon Wainwright and our team will tell you one of the great ways to improve your confidence is to improve your smile. And that begins with a consultation at River View Dental Specialists. After all, what better time to avoid having crooked teeth in your adulthood than coming in for a consultation with Dr. Brandon Wainwright?

We are happy to treat today’s image-conscious teens, and invite you to give us a call to schedule an initial consultation at our convenient LeClaire, Moline, or Bettendorf, IA office!