Just scraping by — the tongue — for better oral health
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
If you never heard of tongue scraping – you are not alone. While it’s been a standard go-to therapy in bad-breath treatment for years, most of us never really paid a lot of attention to our tongues. So let me explain what it’s all about.
Just imagine that cold winter day (the one we are all dreading) … as you stand at the door,...
Nothing is more precious than your smile
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
There are many wise old sayings involving a smile. Mother Teresa is credited with saying “We shall never know all the good a simple smile can do.” A Chinese proverb suggests that every smile makes you a day younger. It’s no wonder we show people how we feel with our smiles. Today a simple smile has become big business for corporate...
Vacations were made for smiles
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
School is out and the shore traffic tells us all that vacation season is in full swing. We all need a vacation and for most of us we cherish those well-deserved days away from the daily grind of work and chores.
Before you pack your bags, be sure your dental visits are up to date. Fixing a small concern before you go may prevent a toothache...
Smile, it’s a new year
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
In the last few days the extreme cold temperature of the northeast has frozen pipes, chilled the soul and made people with sensitive teeth frown.
When even smiling in the cold is too much for the teeth it’s a real concern. So many times we are asked what can be done. This month I am going to go over some tips to help keep those winter smiles.
It’s...
Being smart about your smile during the holidays
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
With the rush of the holidays, it can be easy to forget to maintain good dental health — but bad choices now could lead to problems in the new year.
Here’s a few fairly simple tips to keep you and your family smiling well into 2018:
Your rights and responsibilities as a patient
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
In just a few days I will be representing the state of Pennsylvania at the annual meeting of the American Dental Association. As a member dentist I subscribe to a code of ethics. Whatever the future of our healthcare holds, we cannot lose sight of ethical care. The American Dental Association also has a patient’s bill of rights. This...
A dental hygiene visit – It’s not just a cleaning
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
It’s easy to think that the regular twice yearly visit with the dental hygienist is just a cleaning. We sometimes forget to share all the things that are occurring during that regular appointment. This visit, the most important aspect of preventive dentistry, is a complete inspection of the oral cavity. I decided to share just some...
Sports dental safety: it’s always an option
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
While summer has just begun it’s time to think about mouth guards for dental safety. Athletic mouth guards are not just for football and hockey. Many sports such as gymnastics, skating, martial arts, basketball just to name a few can put a smile in harm’s way. Mouth protectors can cushion a blow and help protect the teeth as well as...
A little summer sun can make your teeth healthier
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
Here comes the sun, or at least we hope so.
After days of dreary and unseasonably chilly weather the giant glowing orb of happiness appeared outside my window. This amazing event occurred just as I was reading a dental journal and discovered the results of some new research.
The dentist’s guide to Easter candy
By Dr. Stephanie McGann, DMD FAGD, Columnist, The Times
As many of the folks who read my column know, I am not in favor of denying our children the occasional sweet treat. Holidays are special and to steal a chocolate bunny out of the hands of child is just no fun.
However, in light of the supersized world we live in and the prevalence of 4 and 5 pound packages of jelly beans, I felt obligated...
