The American Dental Association is collaborating with Choosing Wisely, an initiative of the American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation, in an effort to help patients make educated choices about health care. In addition to conversations with their dentist, patients can access evidence-based information on the website to help make informed decisions about dental treatment. Visit ADA.org or choosingwisely.org to learn more!
Is your smile ready for school?
July 30, 2014 By
The new school year is just around the corner, and with that comes busy schedules. As “back to school” activities are planned, make sure your teeth are ready as well. Call to schedule a check up today! Enjoy the rest of the summer.
Oil Pulling
March 25, 2014 By
Oil pulling is a subject several patients have asked about in the past few weeks. To learn more about the topic we gathered information by searching “oil pulling oral” on Pub Med and here is what we found:
Oil pulling is a technique that is associated with the practice of Ayurveda, which is a traditional natural system of medicine in India that has been practiced for thousands of years.
The process of oil pulling consists of swishing (sipping, sucking, and pulling), but NOT swallowing, an edible oil (the studies that we read used sesame oil) for 20 minutes. Oil pulling is completed with the intent of preventing tooth decay, bad breath, and gingivitis (gum inflammation).
One study found that oil pulling can reduce the amount of Streptococcus mutans (the primary bacteria linked to tooth decay) in the mouth after 1-2 weeks of daily use. The study found that there are other mouthrinses that reduce bacterial counts more rapidly than oil pulling.
While oil pulling has recently resurfaced in social media, keep in mind it is not a substitute for good brushing and flossing or for daily fluoride exposure!
Source: Asokan S, Rathan J, Muthu M S, Rathna PV, Emmadi P, Raghuraman, Chamundeswari. Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: A randomized, controlled, triple-blind study. J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent [serial online] 2008 [cited 2014 Mar 24];26:12-7. Available from: http://www.jisppd.com/text.asp?2008/26/1/12/40315
Minnesota Mission of Mercy
May 3, 2013 By
Patients and volunteers get ready for an amazing event at the Sanford Center in Bemidji! Mission of Mercy is coming to our region. The event provides no cost dental treatment to patients. There are many opportunities to be of service to others as lay and professional volunteers from the region, state, and neighboring states. Treatment days- June 14-15, 2013. Sign up online to volunteer at www.mndental.org See you there!
Welcome to Our New Website!
December 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment
At Great River Dentistry we are changing the way patients think about their dental care. It is our goal to be your resource for all of your dental questions and needs. When it came time to redesign our website, we wanted it to be a direct reflection of our office: warm and welcoming.
Using the same earth tones that cover our walls and vibrant photos of our staff, we were able to design a functional website filled with information for our patients. New patient information, transfer patient forms, post-operative care instructions and in-depth explanations of procedures can all be found on our site. It was our goal to give our patients as many resources as possible to help educate and ease an anxious mind.
Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or click here to make an appointment. Remember, here at Great River Dentistry you can smile because you’re in good hands!
Great River Dentistry Welcomes Dr. Willams-Furfaro to its Practice
December 17, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Great River Dentistry is proud to announce the addition of Dr. Baret Williams-Furfaro, daughter of dentist, Dr. Doug Williams, to its Bemidji practice.
Dr. Williams-Furfaro joins the practice after completing a 12-month postdoctoral residency program at the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis. Prior to this, she received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, earning her DDS degree from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry in May 2011. Dr. Williams-Furfaro is excited about applying her expanded knowledge of dentistry and years of professional development to further offer Great River Dentistry’s expanded services to the Bemidji area.
“I am excited to follow in my father’s footsteps by continuing to serve the Bemidji region with the exceptional care patients have come to know and deserve,” said Dr. Williams-Furfaro.
For more information about Great River Dentistry’s practice or to make an appointment, click here!
