“Between barbeques and amusement park fare, summertime eating can be synonymous with sugary, sticky foods and drinks, which can contribute to tooth decay if patients don’t practice good oral care,” said Maureen Howes, RDH, MS, director of hygiene services at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. “Maintaining your oral health at home and getting regular care is essential to help prevent dental problems.”

Since enjoying the occasional s’more or other sweet snack is part of the American tradition, Howes reminds patients to brush at least twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, which helps remove food and plaque. You should also floss to remove plaque between teeth and below the gum line where your toothbrush can’t reach.

If you’re not able to brush your teeth immediately after consuming a sugary food or drink, rinse your mouth with water to help wash it away.

Another tip is to minimize snacking, which creates a constant supply of acid in the mouth. Avoid constant sipping of sugary drinks or frequent sucking on candy and mints. In addition to soda, other beverages that may be high in sugar are certain juices and sports drinks — check the label to see how much sugar you’re drinking.

Advice for Denture Wearers

For the nearly 50 million Americans who wear dentures, following a good oral care routine is just as important. Denture-wearers should clean their gums to avoid plaque build-up that can irritate the tissue under dentures, and thoroughly clean dentures at night to avoid bacteria growth.

And if your dentures no longer fit as well as they once did, consult your dentist about an adjustment or replacement — the tissues in the mouth change over time, and bone and gum ridges shrink, which can result in ill-fitting dentures that make eating uncomfortable or downright painful. While the American Dental Association recommends that dentures be replaced every five to seven years, many people keep the same set of dentures for much longer.

One sign that it might be time for a replacement is the overuse denture adhesive cream. If you are using more than one tube of denture cream every three weeks, your dentures may not fit properly and should be evaluated. Visit your dentist to see if they need to be adjusted.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network currently has more than 250 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com : www.aspendent.com/ . To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com. : www.aspendentaljobs.com./

In addition to offering patients the choice of eight different styles of Aspen Dental’s exclusive ComfiDents^® brand full and partial dentures, the new practice will provide comprehensive dental exams, hygiene services, treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, extractions, fillings, oral surgery, whitening, and crown and bridge work. The office features state-of-the-art Kodak Dental Systems digital radiography products to better diagnose and treat patients, as well as Vizilite Plus^®, which uses a blue-light, “glowstick” technology to detect oral cancer at its earliest stage.

The office will be open extended hours, including select Saturdays. To ensure that patients can get the care they need, Aspen Dental offers affordable fees, a wide range of flexible payment plan options and works with all insurance providers. Walk-in patients and those with emergencies are welcome.

Dr. Phung Pham, DMD, who will serve as lead dentist, received her degree from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry.

To make an appointment, call 423-926-5800 or 800-ASPEN DENTAL. As an added convenience, patients can schedule their visit online by going to www.aspendent.com and clicking on “Make an Appointment.”

Wide Range of Options for Denture Patients
Aspen Dental’s ComfiDents^® full and partial dentures come in eight different styles, giving patients more diverse and affordable options than are available at traditional dental practices. Patients can choose from dentures manufactured using two different technologies: heat-injection and cold-pour. Regardless of which denture style patients choose, Aspen Dental doctors work with each patient to ensure proper fit and comfort.

As an added convenience to denture patients, the Johnson City office will have its own on-site denture laboratory, which typically ensures same-day turnaround for select new dentures, denture repairs, relines or adjustments.

To help encourage patients to take the first step toward good oral health, Aspen Dental will offer new-patient exams and X-rays for $19 to patients without dental insurance; no obligation denture consultations for all denture patients; special promotions and senior discounts. Patients can learn about what to expect during their first visit to Aspen Dental at www.aspendent.com/appointment.first.visit.html.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network is comprised of more than 250 locations in 21 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental practices recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

For more information about Aspen Dental practices and services, visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

In addition to offering patients the choice of eight different styles of Aspen Dental’s exclusive ComfiDents® brand full and partial dentures, the new practice will provide comprehensive dental exams, hygiene services, treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, extractions, fillings, oral surgery, whitening, and crown and bridge work. The office features state-of-the-art Kodak Dental Systems digital radiography products to better diagnose and treat patients, as well as Vizilite Plus®, which uses a blue-light, “glowstick” technology to detect oral cancer at its earliest stage.

Aspen Dental will be open extended hours, including select Saturdays. To ensure that patients can get the care they need, the office offers affordable fees, a wide range of flexible payment plan options and works with all insurance providers. Walk-in patients and those with emergencies are welcome.

To make an appointment, call 941-235-1001 or 800-ASPEN DENTAL. As an added convenience, patients can schedule their visit online by going to www.aspendent.com and clicking on “Make an Appointment.”

Wide Range of Options for Denture Patients
Aspen Dental’s ComfiDents® full and partial dentures come in eight different styles, giving patients more diverse and affordable options than are available at traditional dental practices. Patients can choose from dentures manufactured using two different technologies: heat-injection, which uses high pressure and heat with the highest quality materials to ensure the most precise fit available; and cold-pour, the traditional method that uses fiber acrylic. Regardless of which denture style patients choose, Aspen Dental doctors work with each patient to ensure proper fit and comfort.

As an added convenience to denture patients, the Port Charlotte office will have its own on-site denture laboratory, which typically ensures same-day turnaround for select new dentures, denture repairs, relines or adjustments.

To help encourage patients to take the first step toward good oral health, Aspen Dental offers free new-patient exams to patients who do not have the benefit of insurance; free denture consultations for all denture patients; special promotions and senior discounts. Patients can learn about what to expect during their first visit to Aspen Dental at www.aspendent.com/appointment.first.visit.html

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network is comprised of more than 250 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental practices recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

For more information about Aspen Dental practices and services, visit www.aspendent.com To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, visit www.aspendentaljobs.com

“Good oral hygiene and regular dental exams are important at any age. But the mouth, gums and teeth go through changes as we age, so there are special considerations that adults and seniors should keep in mind when it comes to maintaining oral health,” said Dr. Arwinder Judge, vice president of clinical support at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. “We’re proud to be partnering with OHA to educate Americans about this issue.”

Among the topics to be addressed by the campaign are the link between oral and overall health, common issues faced by denture-wearers, and how some over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can impact oral health. The joint educational initiative will include online resources and media components, as well as discounted services at Aspen Dental practices.

About Aspen Dental

One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network currently has more than 250 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

In addition to offering patients the choice of eight different styles of Aspen Dental’s exclusive ComfiDents® brand full and partial dentures, the new practice will provide comprehensive dental exams, hygiene services, treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, extractions, fillings, oral surgery, whitening, and crown and bridge work. The office features state-of-the-art Kodak Dental Systems digital radiography products to better diagnose and treat patients, as well as Vizilite Plus®, which uses a blue-light, “glowstick” technology to detect oral cancer at its earliest stage.

Aspen Dental will be open extended hours, including select Saturdays. To ensure that patients can get the care they need, the office offers affordable fees, a wide range of flexible payment plan options and works with all insurance providers. Walk-in patients and those with emergencies are welcome.

Dr. Thad Carter, who will serve as lead dentist, received his DMD degree from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry.

To make an appointment, call 859-272-0130 or 800-ASPEN DENTAL. As an added convenience, patients can schedule their visit online by going to www.aspendent.com and clicking on “Make an Appointment.”

Wide Range of Options for Denture Patients

Aspen Dental’s ComfiDents® full and partial dentures come in eight different styles, giving patients more diverse and affordable options than are available at traditional dental practices. Patients can choose from dentures manufactured using two different technologies: heat-injection, which uses high pressure and heat with the highest quality materials to ensure the most precise fit available; and cold-pour, the traditional method that uses fiber acrylic. Regardless of which denture style patients choose, Aspen Dental doctors work with each patient to ensure proper fit and comfort.

As an added convenience to denture patients, the Lexington office will have its own on-site denture laboratory, which typically ensures same-day turnaround for select new dentures, denture repairs, relines or adjustments.

To help encourage patients to take the first step toward good oral health, Aspen Dental offers free new-patient exams to patients who do not have the benefit of insurance; free denture consultations for all denture patients; special promotions and senior discounts. Patients can learn about what to expect during their first visit to Aspen Dental at www.aspendent.com/appointment.first.visit.html.

About Aspen Dental

One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network is comprised of more than 250 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

“The current economic environment has forced many Americans to delay seeking dental care, cutting back on everything from cleanings to dentures to treatment of gum disease,” said Dr. Arwinder Judge, vice president of clinical support at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. “Considering the link between gum disease and certain health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and stroke, patients should try to make regular visits to the dentist just as much of a priority as regular visits to their primary care physician.”

Adds Dr. Judge, “Ultimately, seeking preventative care and taking care of small dental problems before they become big problems pays off.”

According to a report by Oral Health America, early dental treatment is cost effective. In fact, the cost of providing preventive dental treatment is estimated to be 10 times less than the cost of managing symptoms of dental disease in a hospital emergency room. Moreover, the report notes that improving oral health by multiple preventative approaches, including periodontal (gum) disease management, saves more than $4 billion per year in treatment costs.

Advice for Denture Patients

Regular oral care is just as important for the nearly 50 million Americans who wear full or partial dentures. Even patients who have no natural teeth should have their mouth examined annually not only for signs of oral cancer, but also for proper denture fit. The tissues in the mouth change over time, and bone and gum ridges shrink, which can result in ill-fitting dentures that make eating uncomfortable or downright painful. While the American Dental Association recommends that dentures be replaced every five to seven years, many people keep the same set of dentures for much longer.

Another key concern for people with dentures is the use of denture adhesives. While adhesives can help dentures feel more stable and secure, long-term excessive use can potentially pose health risks. Patients should closely follow labeling instructions for denture adhesive products. If dentures feel loose or cause discomfort, it is important to contact your dentist as soon as possible about an adjustment or replacement.

Making Dental Care Accessible

Doctors and staff at Aspen Dental work to help break down the barriers that keep patients from getting the oral care they need, offering convenient locations, extended hours including select Saturdays, affordable fees, and a wide range of flexible payment plan options. Aspen Dental practices work with all insurance plans.  Walk-in patients and those with emergencies are welcome.

To help encourage patients to take the first step toward good oral health, Aspen Dental offers free new-patient exams to patients who do not have the benefit of insurance; free denture consultations for all denture patients; special promotions and senior discounts. Patients can learn about what to expect during their first visit to Aspen Dental at www.aspendent.com/appointment.first.visit.html.

To make an appointment, call 800-ASPEN DENTAL or visit www.aspendent.com to schedule online.

About Aspen Dental

One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network currently has more than 250 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental practices and services, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

Members of the Training and Development team at Aspen Dental Management, Inc. received a CNY BEST Learning and Performance award from the American Society for Training and Development in recognition of excellence in learning and performance practices that link learning to strategic growth. Members of the ADMI team are as follows. Front, left to right: Robin Ivens, Operations Trainer; Carrie Clark, Manager, Operations Training; Lisa Brennan, Operations Trainer; David Sokolowski, Managing Director, Training and Development. Rear, left to right: Lenore O'Connor, Director, Operations Training; Mark Britz, Instructional Designer.

Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI) received a CNY BEST Learning and Performance award from the American Society for Training and Development in recognition of excellence in learning and performance practices that link learning to strategic growth.

ADMI’s Training and Development team was honored at the CNY BEST Awards Ceremony on June 10, 2010 for its Blended Learning Approach, a program based on the philosophy that today’s employees require ongoing support for learning, rather than single, exhaustive knowledge download. The team developed a series of e-learning modules using rapid e-learning tools, which were supplemented by written job-aids, SharePoint blogs and wikis to provide ongoing support and education. The program not only showed significant cost savings over traditional training delivery methods but also resulted in improved performance.

“Our training and development team fully believes that employees derive the greatest benefit from consistent, ongoing learning opportunities,” said David Sokolowski, managing director of training and development at ADMI. “Developing and implementing solid programs for clinicians and office staff in more than 245 Aspen Dental practices across 20 states is a huge challenge, so I’m incredibly proud of the team’s ingenuity in creating and implementing this award-winning initiative.”

ADMI has invested significantly in training in recent years; the company’s Practice Support Center in East Syracuse, which opened in 2006, houses a 90-seat auditorium to host regular, onsite training sessions. In 2009 alone, ADMI invested more than $6 million in support of professional development initiatives for 750 doctors, hygienists and office managers at the Support Center and in the field.

In addition to Sokolowski, members of the ADMI Training and Development team include Lenore O’Connor, director of operations training; Mark Britz, instructional designer; Carrie Clark, manager, operations training; Lisa Brennan, operations trainer; Robin Ivens, operations trainer; Mike Jimerson, director of laboratory performance improvement and Teresa Clonan, administrative assistant.

ABOUT ASPEN DENTAL & ADMI
With more than 245 locations in 20 states, Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality dental care under the Aspen Dental brand. Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network of practices is supported by Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI), one of the largest and fastest-growing providers of integrated business services to dental practices in the U.S.

ADMI provides business expertise that allows dentists to focus on providing quality care to their patients. These services include training and professional development, benefits administration, marketing, insurance processing, procurement, facilities and equipment.

To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com. 

An estimated 75% of Americans have some form of gum disease and researchers have found that people with gum disease are almost twice as likely to suffer from a heart condition as those without. (www.perio.org)

“Unfortunately, many people aren’t aware of the connection between your gums and your heart,” said Dr. Irshad Mohammed, lead dentist in Aspen Dental’s Fairfield office in the Black Rock Shopping Center. “In addition to brushing and flossing every day, and visiting your dentist every six months, it’s important to eat foods that promote good oral health.”

Dr. Mohammed’s Tips:
• Try tea. Drinking green tea is an easy way to ward off the bacteria that causes gum disease. It contains antioxidants called catechins that reduce inflammation and inhibit bacteria. Brew some green tea and then chill it for a cool and healthy summer drink.

• Choose fruits high in vitamin C. Depending on its size, a kiwi can give you 100 percent of your daily vitamin C intake. The vitamin C prevents the collagen in your gums from breaking down which can lead to tender gums more susceptible to disease. Blend kiwis and cantaloupe in a food processor to make a chilled summer soup or use as a topping on your favorite yogurt.

• Go with the grain. Eating whole grains is another simple way to keep your gums and heart healthy. Whole grains are digested more slowly than other grains, which means blood glucose levels rise at a steadier rate and mitigate the body’s production of bacteria that can cause gum and heart disease. Try replacing unrefined white pasta with whole wheat noodles in your pasta salad this summer.

For more advice on foods that can keep your mouth and heart in good health, ask your dentist during your next exam.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network currently has more than 245 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

Aspen Dental doctors and staff help meet the demand for high-quality, yet affordable denture and dental services by offering convenient retail locations, extended hours, affordable fees and a wide range of payment plan options. The offices work with all insurance plans.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

“Year after year, the faculty and staff at SUNY Canton donate their time, talents and expertise to the community. We share their commitment to providing high-quality, comprehensive oral health care to those who need it, and are proud to call SUNY Canton a partner,” said Maureen Howes, RDH, director of hygiene services at Aspen Dental Management, Inc.

In February 2010, SUNY Canton hygiene students teamed up with Aspen Dental dentists and hygienists to provide a day of free dental services to more than 30 Syracuse-area high school students who participate in the Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection (HW-SC) youth development program. Services included x-rays, basic cleanings and fluoride treatments.

“The hygiene students from SUNY Canton were instrumental to the success of our program with HW-SC. We look forward to their ongoing partnership and participation in our future days of free dental service for Hillside students,” added Howes.

Students from the SUNY Canton program have also toured ADMI’s Practice Support Center in East Syracuse, where they participated in hands-on workshops and attended presentations on topics including oral cancer screening, dental restorations and dentures.

ABOUT ASPEN DENTAL & ADMI
With more than 245 locations in 20 states, Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality dental care under the Aspen Dental brand. Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network of practices is supported by Aspen Dental Management, Inc. (ADMI), one of the largest and fastest-growing providers of integrated business services to dental practices in the U.S. ADMI provides business expertise that allows dentists to focus on providing quality care to their patients. These services include training and professional development, benefits administration, marketing, insurance processing, procurement, facilities and equipment.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.

In addition to offering patients the choice of eight different styles of Aspen Dental’s exclusive ComfiDents® brand full and partial dentures, the new practice will provide comprehensive dental exams, hygiene services, treatment of periodontal (gum) disease, extractions, fillings, oral surgery, whitening, and crown and bridge work. The office features state-of-the-art Kodak Dental Systems digital radiography products to better diagnose and treat patients, as well as Vizilite Plus®, which uses a blue-light, “glowstick” technology to detect oral cancer at its earliest stage.

The new Springfield practice will be open extended hours, including select Saturdays. The office offers affordable fees, a wide range of flexible payment plan options and works with all insurance providers. Walk-in patients and those with emergencies are welcome.

Dr. Vishal Gandhi, who will serve as lead dentist, received his DDS degree from The Faculty of Dentistry of the University of Toronto.

To make an appointment, call 217-793-2400 or 800-ASPEN DENTAL. As an added convenience, patients can schedule their visit online by going to www.aspendent.com and clicking on “Make an Appointment.”

Wide Range of Options for Denture Patients
Aspen Dental’s ComfiDents® full and partial dentures come in eight different styles, giving patients more diverse and affordable options than are available at traditional dental practices. Patients can choose from dentures manufactured using two different technologies: heat-injection, which uses high pressure and heat with the highest quality materials to ensure the most precise fit available; and cold-pour, the traditional method that uses fiber acrylic. Regardless of which denture style patients choose, Aspen Dental doctors work with each patient to ensure proper fit and comfort.

As an added convenience to denture patients, the Springfield office will have its own on-site denture laboratory, which typically ensures same-day turnaround for select new dentures, denture repairs, relines or adjustments.

To help encourage patients to take the first step toward good oral health, Aspen Dental offers free new-patient exams to patients who do not have the benefit of insurance; free denture consultations for all denture patients; special promotions and senior discounts. Patients can learn about what to expect during their first visit to Aspen Dental at www.aspendent.com/appointment.first.visit.html.

About Aspen Dental
One of the largest and fastest-growing networks of denture and dental care providers in the U.S., Aspen Dental practices are committed to providing patients with affordable, high-quality care under the Aspen Dental brand.

Aspen Dental practices are nationally accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and maintain an A+ rating with the BBB’s Reliability Report.

The Aspen Dental network is comprised of more than 245 locations in 20 states. In 2009, Aspen Dental doctors recorded more than 1.5 million patient visits, including visits from more than 340,000 new patients.

For more information about Aspen Dental and the services it provides, please visit www.aspendent.com. To learn more about careers at Aspen Dental, please visit www.aspendentaljobs.com.