Southcenter Dental Blog

What’s on your reading list?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Tue, 03 May 2011 21:02:00 +0000

With the school year close to winding down for a lot of our patients at Southcenter Dental, we wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading is a vital step in brain development and literacy. And if you needed any more reason to read, May marks “Get Caught Reading Month.”

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great reads? Ask us for suggestions, and Dr. Jerome Baruffi and our team would be happy to provide a few. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas on what to read next!

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your book picks or your all-time favorite novels or literature on our Facebook page!

How to freshen bad breath, from Southcenter Dental

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 21:41:00 +0000

Dr. Baruffi, your Seattle & Tukwila dentist, recognizes that many of his patients are concerned about bad breath, or halitosis. While some cases of bad breath are persistent (chronic bad breath), generally bad breath is transient, and can be prevented.

We recently came across this helpful video about bad breath and thought it was worth sharing with our patients. The video explains what might cause bad breath and some ways that it can be avoided. In most instances, bad breath can be prevented by practicing common oral hygiene techniques that you have probably heard us emphasize during a visit to Southcenter Dental, such as brushing and flossing daily. We encourage you to watch this video for additional tips on how to keep bad breath at bay. Enjoy!

Ask Dr. Baruffi: What's the deal with dairy?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 02:46:00 +0000

If dairy is not major part of your diet, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, call us at 206.973.8211 or visit our website!

Gum disease and your diet, from Southcenter Dental

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Wed, 13 Apr 2011 16:34:00 +0000

Periodontal disease, known also as gum disease, is far more common than you may think. Each year, new studies begin to link the effect gum disease can have on the heart, and our staff at Southcenter Dental have been helping spread the word! One of the simplest steps to achieving healthier gums can be your diet. We recently found a great article outlining several options for healthier gums. Included among the suggestions were:

*Raisins
*Green Tea
*Whole Grains

In addition to these foods being gums-friendly, they are healthy foods in general, and a great option to begin integrating into your diet. Hope these tips help! Enjoy your week!

Southcenter Dental, supporting Oral Cancer Awareness Month

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 22:22:00 +0000

Visiting us at Southcenter Dental on a regular basis will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy as well. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

As your dentist, Dr. Baruffi is a specialist who works to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next appointment. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Love your smile? Tell the world about it!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:17:00 +0000

Happy Thursday! Whether you've visited Southcenter Dental for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about your experience! There are lots of places on the Web where you may share your reviews, but we'd like to direct you to our Google Places Page to write a review of us - it only takes a moment!

Thank you in advance! See you soon!

- Dr. Baruffi and team

How important is your smile? From Southcenter Dental

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 14:07:00 +0000

At Southcenter Dental, we happily serve the Greater Seattle Area. Our caring dental team is here to assist with all your dental needs including dental checkups, preventative dentistry, sedation dentistry, CEREC® dental restoration, teeth whitening, and more. We look forward to meeting you. And remember, healthy teeth add to a beautiful smile!

And speaking of smiling, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Contact our office for an appointment today! We look forward to seeing you!

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up On You, from Southcenter Dental

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 16:53:00 +0000

At Southcenter Dental, we know it’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
• Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, make an appointment right away by calling our office. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

Invisalign patient testimonial [Video]

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 14:26:00 +0000

Dr. Baruffi and staff found this video last week, and realized that it's just what folks in the Seattle and Renton area considering Invisalign need to see. Invisalign gets a ton of promotion online (including here on our blog), but people rarely get the see a clear cut, unbiased, point of view from someone who has chosen to straighten their teeth with Invisalign.

At Southcenter Dental, we get quite a lot of requests for Invisalign. We always let our patients know about the stages of Invisalign, as well as how one might first react to it. But, to hear it from someone actually wearing these clear aligners is something else.

Check out this video of a patient who has been wearing her aligners for only 10 minutes! Because they’re clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Please give us a call to set up an appointment, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Ask Dr. Baruffi: Why are regular dental checkups so important?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 00:45:00 +0000

Are you brushing your teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important for you to visit Southcenter Dental every six months in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health.

Drs. Baruffi and Neilson can check for problems that might not be seen or felt, detect cavities and early signs of decay, treat oral health problems early and show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth.

During an oral exam Drs. Baruffi and Neilson can check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, give us a call at 206.973.8211 to schedule an appointment!

Connect with Southcenter Dental on Facebook!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Fri, 18 Feb 2011 21:41:00 +0000

At Southcenter Dental, we truly value the relationships we have developed with our patients in Renton, Tukwila, SeaTac and surrounding communities over the years. Even if you only visit Drs. Baruffi or Neilson every six months, did you know that you can now connect with us on our Facebook page?

We invite you to “Like” Southcenter Dental on Facebook, where we'll share office news and updates on our Fan Page, so check it out! By Liking our page, you will receive updates from our team automatically on Facebook!

See you online and have a great holiday weekend,

- Dr. Baruffi and staff

American Heart Month & your cardiovascular health

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 19:39:00 +0000

You may remember our post from last week, when we discussed February being National Dental Health Month. But did you know February also marks American Heart Month at Southcenter Dental?

It’s a great time to take good stock of the health of your heart, says Dr. Baruffi. Cardiovascular disease remains American's No.1 killer, claiming more lives than the rest of major causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office regularly can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit a dentist, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to Southcenter Dental. In observance of Heart Month, Dr. Baruffi says it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at Southcenter Dental, please give us a call today.

February is National Dental Health Month

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 17:07:00 +0000

Did you know February is National Dental Health Month?

It's a great time of the year to renew those resolutions about continuing to practice great dental hygiene. Today, we thought we'd discuss the importance of preventative oral care. While most people are familiar with traditional heart-saving practices such as eating healthy and exercising regularly, lesser-known are the benefits that great oral hygiene provides to one’s cardiovascular health.

Here are a few tips to help you continue those New Year's resolutions:

*Remember that poor oral hygiene is linked to serious common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia and osteoporosis. Teeth are the only non-shedding surface in your body, which suggests teeth have the highest bacterial levels in the entire body.

*Brush and floss every day to remove the plaque that can lead to cavities. Flossing daily removes food debris that your toothbrush cannot reach.

*Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or after a cold or illness to prevent re-infection. Remember to use a soft toothbrush so you won’t wear off the enamel of your teeth.

*If heart disease runs in the family, a diagnosis of gum disease increases the likelihood of developing heart disease, but an improved oral care regimen and healthy diet can lower the risk.

*Visit our office regularly. The American Dental Association recommends you visit Drs. Baruffi and Neilson every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Fluoride treatments twice a year will help prevent tooth decay.

Each February, our team at Southcenter Dental focus on the preventive oral care of our patients. Have you visited our office the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

The advantage of Zoom® whitening at Southcenter Dental

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 22:32:00 +0000

Today, we thought we'd talk a little about Zoom! whitening at Southcenter Dental, the great way to enhance the appearance of your smile. Zoom is a professional teeth whitening treatment that gets your teeth an average of eight shades whiter — in just one hour at our convenient Tukwila office!

With Drs. Baruffi and Neilson, the treatment is safe, simple and relaxing! Not only that, but Zoom is championed by dentists and patients from coast-to-coast as a pain-free process.

To prepare for Zoom! whitening, we will examine your teeth and gums to make sure they are healthy. Your lips and gums will be covered with an isolation material to protect them during the treatment. Then, we apply the Zoom! whitening gel, which is activated by the Zoom! light source.

The gel and light work together to gently break up the stains on your teeth. After three 15-minute applications within one hour, you rinse and the treatment is complete — leaving you with a brighter, whiter smile.

Please give us a call at 206.575.1551 to schedule an appointment for Zoom whitening. Have a great rest of the week!

More than just a day off from work

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Tue, 18 Jan 2011 00:28:00 +0000

Today, our country celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who was a thinker, leader and civil rights champion. In the 1950s and ’60s, Dr. King recognized the need to bring about social justice, and worked tirelessly to instill tolerance in our nation, strengthen America’s communities and move the nation forward.

As the social justice leader once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: “What are you doing for others?” There are many ways that you can answer this question, whether it is participating in a local environmental impact project, volunteering through an education program, supporting disaster services, or serving veterans and military families. Today, our staff at Southcenter Dental would love to hear what you’re doing for others in the greater Seattle community.

Gummy Tummy? From Southcenter Dental

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 00:42:00 +0000

At Southcenter Dental, we know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing!

Happy New Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 02:22:00 +0000

2011 is here—and what a year 2010 was at Southcenter Dental! Today, we thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you, and what are you most looking forward to this year? Do you have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

Love your smile? Then we invite you to review Southcenter Dental on Google!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Sun, 26 Dec 2010 21:46:00 +0000

Happy Holidays! Whether you've visited Dr. Baruffi and Southcenter Dental for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about your experience! There are lots of places on the Web where you may share your reviews, but we'd like to direct you to our Google Places Page to write a review of us - it only takes a moment!

Thank you in advance and enjoy your weekend!

- Dr. Baruffi and team

Season's greetings from Southcenter Dental!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 04:28:00 +0000

The holiday season is upon us, and as Dr. Baruffi and his team at Southcenter Dental reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What’s your favorite part about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for the new year? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stay away from those sweets!

--The team at Southcenter Dental

Staying connected with Southcenter Dental

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:58:00 +0000

At Southcenter Dental, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative dental Drs. Baruffi and Neilson we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, though, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While we take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Ask Dr. Baruffi: Do cold germs live on toothbrushes?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Fri, 03 Dec 2010 18:02:00 +0000

Thank you for the question. Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush.

Germs are known to linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Southcenter Dental if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook. Have a wonderful weekend.

The season for thanks

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 22:37:00 +0000

Thanksgiving is almost here, and we at Southcenter Dental are thankful for all our wonderful patients and friends that make our each day extraordinary!

Since the holiday season is about to begin, what are you thankful for?

Share a response in the comments section, or head over to our Facebook Fan Page to join the conversation!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Do we have your current contact info?

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Thu, 18 Nov 2010 21:48:00 +0000

We hope you're having a fantastic week so far! If you've seen the news, you probably know there is nasty weather ahead this fall and winter in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest.

Please help Drs. Baruffi & Neilson, as well as our staff at Southcenter Dental get prepared by calling us and letting us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

At times of power outages and inclement weather, we need to be able to get a hold of you. Please call us with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you and Happy Holidays from our entire staff at Southcenter Dental!

Don't throw your insurance benefits away! From Southcenter Dental

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 23:48:00 +0000

Our entire team Southcenter Dental would like to give those patients with flex spend, health savings, or insurance benefits a friendly end of the year reminder that it's the perfect time to schedule your dental visit with Drs. Baruffi or Neilson so you can optimize your benefits!

Now is the time to reserve you appointment with us. Space is limited and we usually get busy around the holidays, so don’t wait to give us a call at 206.575.1551! Have a great rest of the week!

November special at Southcenter Dental

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Jerome Baruffi) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 23:46:00 +0000

Happy Friday! We are excited to tell you about a special offer going on now at Southcenter Dental! Now through November 30, we will deduct $150 any dental treatment OR will provide FREE Zoom! in-office whitening ($600 value) upon completion of your dental, necessary X-rays and cleaning.

New patients over 18 only, please. One coupon per family. Coupons cannot be combined with any other offer.

Give us a call at (206) 575-1551. Dr. Baruffi & team look forward to seeing you!