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Pop Quiz: Establishing a solid oral care foundation

Will your child have a future Filled with healthy smiles? Teeth add to your smile, allow you to enjoy delicious foods, and rip apart that plastic wrap off your new DVD. However, as a parent, you might be wondering whether you’re setting up proper oral hygiene habits for your child, or if the little tike…
To smile or not to smile

Dr. Karen Teston and other local experts on oral hygiene and your overall health Some folks are afraid of pain. Some know they haven’t done a good job of taking care of their teeth, and don’t want to be lectured. Still others lack cash. Whatever the reason, many avoid the dentist until an emergency arises.…
Community outreach programs make check-ups more available

Free dental exams, preventative tooth care, and more Several outreach programs in Polk County recently offered free dental exams and other tooth services to spread awareness about the need for dental health care. At the Haines City Dental Clinic, the Florida Department of Health in Polk County (FDOH-Polk) offered free comprehensive dental exams to children…

How to maintain oral health during the holidays

The holiday season is fast approaching with many distractions that might keep you from maintaining good oral health. Luckily, following a few tips can help ensure that your mouth stays in tip-top shape throughout the holidays! Up your oral care routine First and foremost, stick to your daily oral care routine. Then, to make sure…
The Dreaded Call: ‘Mom is on her way to the ER’

The immediate questions: Why? How did it happen? How long will she be there? How quickly can I get there? She’ll be upset, especially being alone. But can I get away right now? As care managers in geriatrics and dementia care, participating in ER visits is one of our biggest strengths and helps provide peace…
Enterovirus D68: Symptoms, Severity, and Treatment

We are currently experiencing a nationwide outbreak of the Enterovirus D68. Enterovirus D68 can cause respiratory illness ranging from mild to severe. Infants, children, and teenagers are most likely to get infected and become ill. Adults may also become infected but are more likely to have no symptoms or mild symptoms. Children with asthma may…