The CCDC Blog

 

COVID-19 UPDATE


By Brianne Jones, RDH - April 13, 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE

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COVID-19 UPDATE
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Dear CCDC Family,

We understand that you have been inundated with e-mails about COVID-19. This virus has been ever changing, as are the rules posted for our safety. Last week, we were given more information as it pertains to the latest order from Governor Polis who extended the "Stay at Home" order through April 26, 2020.
 
As a result, we anticipate CCDC remaining closed through the end of April. As always, urgent needs can be addressed by Dr Jones via phone. Please call our office for further details should your child need any urgent care.
 
If true dental emergencies arise, Dr Jones has been given strict guidelines in terms of in-person care that can be provided during this time.
 
We will continue to keep you updated with periodic emails in regards to extended closure ...or when we anticipate being able to re-open as more information presents itself to us.
 
Be safe and take care.
 
Warmly,
 
Dr. Jones

 

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Temporarily Closed - COVID-19


By Brianne Jones, RDH

Temporarily Closed - COVID-19

Temporarily Closed

The COVID-19 situation is changing day by day and CCDC is doing what we feel is best for the safety and well-being of our patients and staff. Please know that we are grateful to have you as part of our dental family, and are keeping your health in mind while navigating through this tough time.  We have consulted with multiple dental offices nationwide and taken into account all the state and federal recommendations as well as those from the CDC, and we have decided to close the office for the next 2 weeks. We feel we need to do our part in helping end this pandemic.

Pediatric dentists are on the front lines of oral health and will continue to be challenged to address significant oral infection that can’t wait, and to care for patients with significant medical issues, making them at risk and fragile. While certainly some dental visits and treatments can be safely postponed, being a “dental home” for families means being available when urgent or emergency dental care is required. For those true dental emergencies, our voicemail will provide access to Dr. Jones' cell number.

At this point, we will not be rescheduling appointments until we have determined an official “re-open date.” With that said, please hang tight while we figure out another time to get all of you rescheduled. Please understand that when we do call to reschedule, there will likely not be enough after school and before school appointments, so we ask for your understanding and request you to please try your best to work with our team on this. We will do everything in our power to add appointment times and days to accommodate the appointments we are forced to cancel.

If you have a specific concern regarding your child’s dental care, or an emergency during this time, please reach out to Dr. Jones and we will make sure you are taken care of. Just to clarify, an emergency would involve bleeding, swelling, and/or pain. If you need an emergency visit, please follow the guidelines below:

  1. We prefer to not have siblings at the office. 
  2. If you are over the age of 60, please do not come into the office. 

Life has been disrupted by this public health scare on so many levels. Thank you for your understanding, and we are truly sorry for the inconvenience. In times like this, it is important for us all to work together for the best interest of the community.  Again, we feel so lucky to have you all as part of our dental family, and thank you for trusting us with your kiddos!

Stay healthy,
Dr. Marc Jones and the CCDC Staff

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Coronavirus Update


By Brianne Jones, RDH

Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus Update

Dear Families,

For now, CCDC will operate as scheduled unless otherwise communicated. We continue to closely monitor and adhere to recommendations from the Tri-County Health Dept and CDC regarding COVID-19.

WHAT PRECAUTIONS ARE WE TAKING TO PROTECT YOU DURING VISITS TO OUR OFFICE?
•  Hand soap + sanitizer are always available in each room of our office (including waiting areas).
•  Toys in the waiting area will be limited and sanitized daily.
•  Magazines will be removed from the waiting area since we cannot wipe them down.
•  Tissues and no-touch disposal receptacles available for use.
•  Frequently touched surfaces, including door knobs, will be sanitized throughout the day.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT CCDC?
•  If you, your child or a household contact have a fever, cough, or other flu-like symptoms, the CDC recommends you stay home until you are free of fever and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing or cough suppressant medication. Our office will then wait 2 weeks before rescheduling your appointment.
•  If you have traveled internationally OR to any city with sustained COVID-19 transmission within the past 3 weeks, then please call us to reschedule.

We appreciate your cooperation during this tough time. As the situation evolves, we may implement additional preventative measures to ensure patient and staff well-being. Please check our Facebook page for updated information. Any changes will also be communicated to families via email. Thank you for your patience as we navigate this challenging situation one day at a time and determine how best to continue serving our families.

Best,
Dr. Marc Jones

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What to Know Before Getting Braces!


By Brianne Jones, RDH

What to Know Before Getting Braces!

Before Getting Braces!

It’s not just about the look of your smile. While orthodontics help with a cosmetic desire for straight teeth, braces can also help correct teeth, bite and jaw alignment issues and ultimately improve oral health.

You’ll need to get your dental work done first. 
Before getting braces, you’ll need to have a  teeth cleaning and have all other dental work completed. This may include having wisdom teeth removed so they don’t interfere with the orthodontic treatment.
You’ll need to adjust your diet.
Begin to limit or eliminate certain foods from your diet before you get braces that can become a big problem. This includes gummy and sticky foods like caramels, gummy bears, and gum; foods you have to yank to chew, like taffy or jerky; very hard foods, especially those you bite into like corn on the cob and apples (of course, you can still eat these, they just need to be cut and chewed rather than bitten into).
Teeth brushing will be more important than ever. Braces make brushing a little more difficult but it’s even more important once braces are in place to ensure the health of your teeth during treatment. Before getting braces, get a travel pack together for your on-the-go oral care. Carry a toothbrush and travel-sized paste with you, as well as a gum-safe toothpick. Items can easily get stuck between wires and brackets, and brushing will help resolve it easily and keep breath fresh.
Athletes –
You’ll want a mouthguard. Patients who play sports will want to make sure they start using a mouthguard to protect the inside of their mouth from potential contact with their braces.
Braces are a commitment. Most patients will need to see their orthodontist every 4-6 weeks to ensure treatment is progressing properly and to have adjustments made. It’s a time commitment for both the patient and their parent.
There might be some pain.
At times, patients may experience mild pain, especially after initial placement and when wires are tightened.  Patients can try chewing sugar free gum or sucking on ice to relieve discomfort. You’ll also want to prepare with over the counter pain medication and plan on only eating soft foods, especially in the beginning when you are getting used to the new braces.
You’ll want to take a selfie. Of course you want to have before and after photos – so make it fun and snap your selfie before getting braces to look back on when they come off and reveal a beautiful, straight new smile!

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Dental Apps for Kids!


By Brianne Jones, RDH

Dental Apps for Kids!

5 Dental Apps That Make Dentistry FUN!
Brushing teeth is a real pain when you’re five years old. When you’re a parent trying to make sure your five-year-old is doing it well or often enough, it’s an even bigger pain. Sometimes it takes an app with games, characters, music, and rewards to make it more fun for kids and parents alike.

Here are five apps that make dental health fun and easy for kids:

Disney Magic Timer by Oral-B

Brushing is more exciting when you can do it with characters from your favorite movies. Scan any Crest or Oral-B Pro-Health Stages product to reveal characters like Olaf, Darth Vader, Belle, Cinderella, and many others. Collect a new digital sticker after each successful two minutes of brushing; track progress with stars and milestone badges on the Brushing Calendar.

  • Encourages kids to brush for two minutes twice daily.
  • Shows proper technique.
  • Rewards for daily brushing.

Price: free

Ages: 4+

Available: iTunes store and Google Play

Toothsavers Brushing Game Offered by Partnership for Healthy Mouths, Healthy Lives

Good brushing habits can be an adventure. In this app, an evil sorceress has cast a wicked spell, leaving everyone’s mouths to rot and be overrun by cavities. Kids have two minutes to brush and scrub away the spell for each of the kingdom’s quirky inhabitants. For every few days your kids brush, they’ll unlock a new Toothsaver to brush with. Brush for 30 days and they’ll have the chance to defeat the evil sorceress herself!

  • Encourages kids to brush for two minutes twice daily.
  • Kids can practice brushing on fun characters.
  • Rewards for daily brushing.
  • Parents can designate daily brushing time and monitor progress.

Price: free

Ages: 4+

Available: iTunes store and Google Play

Brush DJ

This app makes brushing fun even for older children. Play two minutes of music from your devices, cloud, or streaming services. Kids can choose the color of the screen and timer to match their toothbrush, bathroom, or they can just pick their favorite color combinations.

Price: free

Ages: 4+

Available: iTunes store and Google Play

 

My Teeth All Inclusive

Learn to brush teeth while imitating one of four different characters. Kids get to choose the character and parents get to choose the brushing sequence for the character to follow. Kids enjoy listening to music and watching the timer count down three minutes while they brush.

  • Encourages kids to brush for three minutes twice daily.
  • Shows proper technique.
  • No need for in-app purchases.

Price: $1.99

Ages: 4+

Available: iTunes

My Bright Smile By Colgate-Palmolive Company

The Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program is now an educational app. Kids learn to brush twice and floss daily by playing five games, including “Visit the Dentist,” “Swipe the Sweets” and “Brush the Teeth.” There’s even a two-minute song that will help keep your kids brushing until every tooth is cleaned.

  • Encourages kids to brush for two minutes twice daily.
  • Teaches kids about healthy eating.
  • Encourages proper technique.

Price: free

Ages: 4+

Available: iTunes and Google Play

Help your kids practice the correct (and fun) way to brush and floss to maintain healthy teeth and gums. 

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