Victoria, Dental Hygienist

Victoria has been working alongside Dr. Koczarski for 17 1/2 years — almost his entire career. In that time, she has become an expert dental hygienist with a focus on teeth cleaning. She performs both regular and periodontal cleanings, as well as restorative procedures.

Victoria originally hails from the Philippines, but is a long-time Washington resident who currently lives in Bothell. She considers getting her hygiene license “in the beautiful state of Washington” to be a highlight of her career, but it’s her patients who give her the biggest sense of satisfaction.

“I love meeting people and establishing long-term relationships,” she says. “I strive to be a true caregiver to my patients, in every sense of the word.”

Victoria is also passionate about travel, food, running, hot yoga and Goju Karate, in which she holds a black belt. In both her work and her personal life, she embraces the philosophy that life is a gift. “Like any gift, I use it wisely,” she says. “And I have fun.”

• Sweeter kisses for Valentine’s Day.
• Pregnancy and your teeth: what you need to know

Sweeter kisses for Valentine’s Day.

A beautiful smile can make anyone more attractive. And when is that more important than on Valentine’s Day? Even if you have a sweetie on the big day, you can take easy steps in order to put your best smile forward this Valentine’s Day. For this month’s blog, I’m offering a few tips on how you can get your smile romance ready.

• Brush and floss: Not only can flossing help your teeth stay whiter and your breath fresher, it also cuts down on oral bacteria that you can pass along to your partner. In fact, kissing couples can share hundreds of germ species, some of which cause gum disease.
• Eliminate dry mouth: Dry mouth can lead to bad-smelling breath, as well as increase the chance of developing oral disease. Medications and lifestyle habits (like smoking) are common causes of dry mouth, but it could also be a sign of a more serious condition.
• Enjoy some chocolate: If your loved one surprises you with a sweet treat, go ahead and indulge. Unlike some candies, chocolate doesn’t stick to your teeth. After you’re done, just brush your teeth. If you can’t, at least rinse with water or chew sugarless gum.
• Pucker up: Instead of chocolate kisses, give your honey a smooch. Believe it or not, kissing is good for the teeth. It stimulates the production of saliva, which washes away bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease.
• Brighten your smile: ZOOM! Whitening is a fast and easy way to add sparkle to your smile, as are procedures like dental veneers and CEREC one-visit crowns. Even something as simple as a professional cleaning can help you make sure your smile is ready for Cupid’s arrow.

• Pregnancy and your teeth: what you need to know
• Victoria, Dental Hygienist

If you’re trying to have a baby, or are already pregnant, chances are you’re paying extra attention to your health. Your oral health should be no exception. With a baby on the way, here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Dental exams: Although everyone should get regular checkups, they’re especially important during pregnancy. As pregnancy hormones increase, foods may taste different, dry mouth and mouth sores are more common, and you’re at a higher risk of developing gum disease.
• A healthy diet: What you eat affects your baby’s development, and that includes his or her teeth. Teeth begin to develop during the third month of pregnancy, so you’ll want to include foods high in protein, phosphorous, vitamins and minerals in your diet.
• Calcium counts: Along with vitamins A, C and D, calcium is very important to tooth development. If you lack calcium in your diet, your body will take it from your bones (but not your teeth, as you may have heard). Your doctor may recommend calcium supplements to ensure both you and baby get enough.
• Avoid infections: If you need a filling, root canal or other procedure, make sure to get it as soon as you can. Damaged teeth can create infections, which can be dangerous for both you and your baby. Despite what you may have heard, dental work during pregnancy is completely safe. However, you may be more comfortable in the dental chair if you schedule it earlier — between 14 and 20 weeks is ideal.
• Watch out for pregnancy-induced gingivitis: Hormones will put you at higher risk of developing gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. Gingivitis can be prevented with good oral hygiene and regular professional cleanings. If your gums are red, swollen or they bleed when you brush, contact us for a treatment recommendation.
• X-rays should be OK: We use digital x-rays , which use 80 to 90 percent less radiation than traditional x-rays. The radiation in a full set of digital x-rays is about the same amount you’d get from eating 10 bananas. And, we use leaded aprons and thyroid collars to protect your body. However, we always recommend consulting your doctor to see if x-rays are appropriate during your pregnancy.

• Sweeter kisses for Valentine’s Day.
• Victoria, Dental Hygienist

Why dental x-rays are important, and the benefits of going digital.

With the advent of x-ray scanning at airports, many of my patients are questioning the need for x-rays at their dental checkups, so I’ve decided to make this the subject of this month’s blog post.

Why do we take x-rays? Because they’re the best ways to see and diagnose abnormalities in the teeth and jaws, and their benefits generally far outweigh the very slight radiation exposure. This is especially true with modern digital technology.

Today’s digital x-rays, the type we offer in our practice, use 80 to 90 percent less radiation than traditional x-rays, making them a great and relatively risk-free diagnostic tool. Radiation is a natural part of our atmosphere, and we are all exposed to a tiny amount every day. Eating 10 bananas subjects you to more radiation than an annual set of digital dental x-rays, as does a typical afternoon spent outdoors, even in the dead of Seattle winter.

On a positive note, a set of digital dental x-rays can expose serious risks to your health, including:

• Tiny areas of decay invisible to the naked eye, such as those between teeth or below the gum line
• Cracks or damage in an existing filling
• Bone loss due to gum disease or other conditions
• Certain changes associated with cancer and other diseases

We also use digital x-rays to monitor new tooth development in children, to prevent things like impacted teeth (new teeth that are unable to erupt normally) and to make accommodations for other things kids commonly experience as their permanent teeth emerge.

Adult patients with healthy mouths and good oral care habits usually only need x-rays once every few years. But children and people with extensive disease, restoration work, poor hygiene or other conditions that may result in decay may need to be x-rayed every six months to one year.

Radiation Dose Chart – Randall Munroe – Reed Research Reactor
http://xkcd.com/radiation/

Other related newsletter articles:

• Six reasons you need to see a dentist now.

If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution to stop procrastinating about your health, be sure you don’t overlook your oral health. Getting a checkup every six months is a good start, but if you’re experiencing certain symptoms, you may want to come in sooner rather than later.

Dental problems have a way of sneaking up on a person, and a mild issue now could mean a more serious ― and potentially painful or expensive ― problem later.

What symptoms should set off a red flag? Here are six common ones. If you’re experiencing any of them, it’s a sign you should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

1. Chronic tooth or mouth pain: Do you find yourself chewing on one side of your mouth? Do your jaws or gums ache? Mouth pain can develop so subtly that people barely even notice it. But if yours constantly hurts, it could be a sign of a cavity, cracked tooth, infection or worse.
2. Persistent dry mouth: A healthy mouth produces enough saliva to prevent dryness, but if your mouth feels dry most of the time, you should talk to us. Prescription medication is often the culprit, but it can also be a sign of a compromised immune system. Regardless of the cause, chronic dry mouth can lead to bad breath and advanced tooth and gum decay if left to continue.
3. Mouth sores that won’t heal: A typical canker sore comes and goes in a few days, but if yours lasts longer than a week it could indicate a nutritional deficiency, immune system problem or gastroenterological disease. Mouth sores can also be very painful, so it’s best to get them treated right away.
4. Loose teeth: Unless you’re a little kid, a loose tooth is not normal. Whether it is from an injury or has just become loose over time, it’s a very serious problem that if left untreated could lead to pain, infection or loss of the tooth entirely.
5. Loud snoring and excessive daytime sleepiness: These could be signs of a serious condition called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). People with OSA experience short periods of interrupted breathing while asleep, which over time can lead to chronic sleep deprivation and a host of other ailments. Fortunately, OSA can be effectively treated with a dental appliance (similar to a night guard) to help you breathe easier, reduce snoring and get a more restful night’s sleep.
6. Bad breath (halitosis): Though sour breath can be caused by poor diet and bad oral hygiene, it could also be a symptom of liver or kidney dysfunction. If it is dental- or diet-related, a dentist will be able to determine the cause and help treat the problem. If it points to a larger health issue, they’ll be able to refer you to a doctor who can help.

If you’re concerned about any of these symptoms, give us a call. We can help decide how serious your problem might be and fit you in for an urgent appointment if you need one.

Other related newsletter articles:

• Why dental x-rays are important, and the benefits of going digital.

Thanks for making this such a wonderful year.

Though the days are short and the weather is cold, we’re feeling the warmth of the season, thanks in part to our patients and friends. We love making you smile, and we’re grateful for the chance to keep you happy and healthy.

We’ve been busy putting together new offers and promotions for 2012, and we’ll announce them as soon as we finalize the details. In the meantime, we’re preparing for our annual holiday break.

This year, we will close the office Friday, December 23, through Sunday, January 1. We’ll open our doors on Monday, January 2.

We hope that you’ll take time that week to enjoy family and friends, as well as keep up good brushing and flossing habits, which are especially important when you’re indulging in candy and desserts. And when it comes time for New Year’s resolutions, we hope that you’ll keep your oral health in mind.

If we don’t see you before the break, we wish you the happiest of holidays and a great New Year.

Sincerely,
Dr. Mike Koczarski, Dr. Katie McKay and the entire team.

Other related newsletter articles:

• Employee Spotlight / Wendi
• Posing for the camera
• Smile! The holidays are here.

Wendi, Scheduling Coordinator

Also known by her nickname, “Wendall,” Wendi is responsible for answering the phone and greeting patients when they come into our office.

“Since I’m the first person patients will see or speak to,” she says, “I try to be happy and helpful. And if I can’t help, I can certainly find someone who can.” Wendi truly enjoys getting to know patients and doing her part to help them feel comfortable. “Patient care is always on our minds,” she remarks. “Our team is amazing, and there’s always lots of laughter.”

Like her personality, Wendi’s hometown of Van Nuys, California, is also bright and sunny. But she’s lived in the Northwest for 35 years and currently resides in Bothell with her husband Lance.

Wendi and Lance have two grown sons, Jory and Casey, as well as a granddaughter, Hailey Marie. Her 22-year-old son Casey is a professional dancer in Hollywood and has appeared on Glee and Dancing with the Stars. As this proud mom exclaims, “You’ve probably seen him on TV!”

• Posing for the camera
• Smile! The holidays are here.
• Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday

Part of the fun of the holidays is dressing up and posing for pictures. And one of the easiest ways to look good in a photo is by flashing a happy, beautiful smile. But this is often easier said than done, and some people feel uncomfortable or even “freeze” when asked to say cheese.

The most compelling smiles are heartfelt, honest and genuine, but it can be hard to project these emotions when asked to pose. These tips can help you feel more relaxed in front of the camera, so you can be captured on film (or in pixels) looking your best.

• Take a deep breath before you smile. Many people hold their breath when posing for pictures, which tightens the diaphragm and makes a smile look tight and forced.
• Relax the muscles in your face, neck, shoulders and body. Any kind of strain will show in the photo.
• Think of something light and funny. Your smile reflects how you feel, and thinking happy thoughts will help you project a happy smile.
• Practice your smile in the mirror to find the angles that make you look good. When you see a smile you love, remember how it feels so you can repeat it for the camera.
• If you’re uncomfortable with the pose or the setting, let the photographer know, especially if you’re sitting for a formal portrait. Don’t hesitate to ask him or her to take several shots to make sure you get one you like.

• Employee Spotlight / Wendi
• Smile! The holidays are here.
• Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday

The year is winding down, the holiday season is in full swing, and while we know dental visits are probably not your top priority, we wanted to touch base about a few announcements.

First off, we know that many of you have slush funds, pre-tax dental dollars and other end-of-year financial concerns. If you’d like to estimate your 2012 treatment expenses, or talk about options for using your 2011 dental funds, please call Maggie and she’ll be happy to go over things with you.

We also wanted to give you a heads up about our annual holiday break. We will be closing our offices Friday, December 23, through Sunday, January 1. We’ll be back open on Monday, January 2.

If you want to squeeze in an appointment before the break, we encourage you to call immediately.

We also want to remind you to brush and floss, especially after eating sweet or sticky foods. If you can’t brush, chew sugarless gum or rinse your mouth out with water.

We hope you have a great December, and we look forward to seeing you soon.

• Employee Spotlight / Wendi
• Posing for the camera
• Wishing you a happy, healthy holiday

With today’s advances in cosmetic dentistry, anyone can enjoy a healthier, more perfect smile. No matter what you want to see when you look in the mirror, we have a procedure that can help you like what you see.

Here are some of the most popular cosmetic procedures and how they help transform a smile.

1. ZOOM!® WHITENING: Though there are many do-it-yourself options available, professional whitening is your best option. With ZOOM!, you can get a dramatically brighter smile in just an hour, without the time commitment or risk of tissue damage common with home whitening procedures.
2. VENEERS: Custom-fitted porcelain veneers can work wonders to fix a variety of flaws, including gaps, chips, discoloration and crookedness, in as little as two visits.
3. INVISALIGN® ORTHODONTICS: An alternative to metal braces, this system uses clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth in teens and adults.
4. COMPOSITE FILLINGS: Made of advanced tooth-colored material, they can replace worn, unsightly and potentially unhealthy amalgam fillings to restore the look and feel of natural teeth.
5. BONDING: Similar to fillings, bonding restores shape and function to damaged teeth while maintaining a healthy, natural appearance.
6. DENTAL IMPLANTS: Implanted directly into the jaw without damage to the surrounding area, these “replacement teeth” are the best option for patients with missing teeth.
7. PORCELAIN CROWNS: Designed to cover severely damaged teeth, these caps can be measured, placed, created and fitted in one visit using our state-of-the-art CEREC® technology.
8. PORCELAIN ONLAYS: Porcelain onlays are similar to crowns, except they cover just the cusps and biting surface. They not only restore the look of natural teeth, but their natural strength as well.
9. LASER GUM CONTOURING: An uneven or “gummy” smile can be easily fixed using a quick, painless laser treatment to remove unwanted gum tissue.
10. DENTAL CLEANINGS: Surprise! Regular dental maintenance has cosmetic benefits, too. Professional cleaning eliminates calculus buildup, resulting in a whiter smile, fresher breath and less risk of gum disease and decay.