√ Holiday presents purchased

√ Cards sent

__  2018 dental benefits used up

If your personal checklist looks like this, you need to call our office right away. You may be letting your 2018 dental insurance benefits go to waste.

Unlike medical insurance, healthcare flexible spending accounts and most dental insurance plans do not roll over to the following year. That means any unused benefit dollars for 2018 will be lost. Forever.

Most dental insurance programs allow for a couple of cleanings and annual exam.  Have you had yours? After all, you have been paying for dental benefits the past year. Use it or lose it.

We know you are busy this time of year. But by coming in for regular dental cleanings and exams you may avoid dental complications that could cause you to exceed future dental benefits. All of us here at Shearer Family & Cosmetic Dentistry are committed to the prevention of dental disease and know that regular exams and cleanings are essential to that end.

Our staff is ready to assist you with figuring out what benefits you have for the remainder of the year. We’ll even help you with the math so that you get maximum use of your deductibles for whatever procedures you need—such as a root canal or crown–and pay as little out of pocket as possible.

Please call as soon as possible. Our staff is ready to help you maximize your benefits AND provide the best dental treatment available.

We look forward to seeing you soon. Best wishes for continued good health!

It doesn’t matter if you’ve been naughty or nice in the dental chair. Santa invites all children from the community to come and receive a free photo taken with him at Shearer Family & Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence.

Santa’s sleigh will transport him along with Mrs. Claus from the North Pole to Northern Kentucky on Monday, December 3 at 5 p.m. and will whisk them back to Santa’s workshop at 6:30 p.m. Santa’s elves at Shearer will be sure that kids have plenty of time to tell St. Nick what they want for Christmas.

Shearer Family & Cosmetic Dentistry is located at 1335 Hansel Drive near Dick’s Sporting Goods in Florence. It is the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky. For more information on Santa’s appearance and complimentary photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, phone Shearer at (859) 647-7068.

Photo caption: Dr. Shelley Shearer, founder of Shearer Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, discusses the December 3 visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus

Soon it will be time for little Zombie’s, Captain America’s and a Mary Poppins or two to run from house to house eagerly awaiting Halloween treats. Since they are inevitably going to haul in a ton of chocolate and sticky candy, why not start a trend and provide some out-of-the box ideas for non-sugar treats and experiences that will position you as the cool house on the block?

While the little goblins aren’t supposed to run, their excitement for the evening gets the best of them. All that activity makes them thirsty. They’d be grateful if you tossed a small bottle of water into their Halloween bag.

Not only will it quench their thirst, it will start to rinse away all the sugar from the candy they secretly already popped into their mouths. It’s a triple win: for the kids, for the parents and certainly for dentists who constantly preach about sugar-free mouths.

If water seems practical but a bit boring, consider this: most children are so excited about the impending two hours that they neglect to eat their dinner. So why not bring dinner to the kids and their parents? Haul the grill to the front yard, set up a table and some lawn chairs and cook some hot dogs.

It may not be the healthiest dinner, but it will fill their tummies with more than candy, provide a rest stop for parents and kids, and give neighbors a chance to get to know each other.

It doesn’t take a creative genius to stuff a tempting Halloween goody bag. The local dollar store is teeming with an array of Halloween-themed fun such as stickers, spider rings, puzzles, bouncy balls, notepads, pencils, erasures, bracelets and much more. Places them in a see-through Halloween-decorated bag and tie an orange or black ribbon at the top. It looks classy and fun. Plus, unlike candy, these toys last for weeks if not longer.

Parents are often grateful for glow necklaces. Also found at a dollar store, they provide fun and protection when crossing the street. Drivers will never have an excuse for not seeing a black-caped vampire if a glow necklace is worn around the neck. The glow necklaces also help parents keep track of their brood throughout the night.

Last, some health-conscious residents enjoy purchasing healthy snacks in bulk to distribute Halloween evening. This may include apples, oranges, bags of low-calorie popcorn and individually-wrapped packages of string cheese.

Whatever you decide to do, dentists have one request: be sure your trick-or-treaters brush and floss after their candy binges.

And don’t forget: Nov. 1, the day that conveniently follows Halloween, just happens to be National Toothbrush Day.

Wishing you a safe, creative and low-sugar Halloween.

Dr. Shelley Shearer is graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky.

On September 11 we were pleased to provide complimentary dental services to Northern Kentucky first responders. It’s our was of saying “thank you” to those who risk their lives for our safety. Here is the story Channel 9 ran about this special day at our office followed by some photos of some of the participating officers.

https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/boone-county/florence/northern-kentucky-dentist-offers-free-services-to-police-on-911-anniversary

You don’t have to be a LeBron James to wear a mouthguard when participating in sports activities.

With fall sports practices starting this month, student-athletes and their parents should heed the advice of the American Dental Association. It recommends that anyone participating in a sport with a high risk for injury (think football, basketball, hockey, soccer, wrestling, and basketball) have a mouth protector.

Blows to the mouth are riskier than many parents believe. An ADA study found that 27 percent of parents revealed they rushed their child to the emergency department upon receiving an injury in an organized sport. Of all the traumatic dental injuries, approximately 80 percent involved the two front teeth.

The ADA says an athlete is 60 times more likely to suffer harm to the teeth when not wearing a mouthguard. That should convince parents of student-athletes as well as athletes of any age to wear this important protective appliance.

Mouthguards are also known as mouth protectors. They usually cover the upper teeth and help cushion any blows to the face, thus minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. If you aren’t convinced already, a mouthguard should be considered an essential part of the complete sports uniform.

The best mouthguard is one that has been custom made by a dentist for an individual’s mouth when the adult teeth have come in, usually by the age of 11. It’s the primary way to get the best fit and comfort. Dentists are also asked about the “boil and bite” mouthguards. These are purchased at a drugstore or sporting goods department and then boiled to the point of being pliable. It is then placed in the mouth to fit the contours around the teeth. The best way to make the decision is to consult with your dentist. Some factors such as a child’s braces should be considered.

One of the most frequent questions posed to dentists is how to care for the mouthguard. Here are a few tips:

• Never leave a mouthguard in the sun or in hot water. Heat can alter the shape and make wearing it more painful than being smacked in the face.
• Check for signs of wear. Remember, kids’ bodies are maturing and they can certainly outgrow their mouthguard.
• Keep the mouthguard clean and dry between use. Rinse it before and after wearing with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
• If used several times a week, clean it weekly with cool, soapy water. Then thoroughly rinse it. There’s no need to re-live grandma’s stories about cleaning a mouth with soap if no dirty words have been uttered.
• Bring your mouthguard to your regular dental checkup. Your dentist will examine it to ensure the fit is still correct and may even clean it for you.
• Store the mouthguard in a dry, sturdy container that has some ventilation slits. This will keep it dry and bacteria free. It will also prevent the family dog from thinking it’s a chewable play toy.

Of course there is one more use of a mouthguard and that’s for those who grind their teeth at night.

Dentists use a type of bite plate that helps prevent damage to the teeth. They can be custom fit to match a person’s bite. When worn, it reduces jaw activity, lessens the grinding and allows sweet dreams for the wearer.

Here’s to a good night’s sleep and peace of mind for athletes and their parents in the coming school year!

Dr. Shelley Shearer is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky.

Florence, KY—The four dentists and staff at Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence will provide free dental exams for Northern Kentucky active duty first responders as part of their Smiles for Heroes September 11 commemoration.

“In honor of 9/11 we thought we’d reach out to the community and give back to those who risk their lives daily for our safety,” says Shelley Shearer, D.M.D., founder of the dental firm. “Two of our staff members are married to first responders so we constantly hear about the tough situations they face and see this as our special way we can honor their sacrifices.”

Shearer will offer the free Smiles for Heroes exams on September 11 along with Lupe Rojas, D.D.S., Ann Shackelford, D.D.S. and Pam Walden, D.M.D. When they combine their various areas of expertise they are able to accommodate just about every aspect of dentistry, many that some dental offices no longer offer such as pediatrics, cosmetics, root canals, extractions, IV sedation, sleep appliances and implants. Combined with the practice’s 21 other female staff members, it is one of the largest all-female dental offices in the Tri-State.

“Since my husband is an active-duty first responder in Northern Kentucky, I am proud to be part of an organization that cares so much it is willing to spend an entire day devoted to free exams,” says Hygienist Carla Hardcorn.

Eligible first responders should currently work at a Northern Kentucky police, fire, or sheriff’s department. To make an appointment for the September 11 Smiles for Heroes Day, phone Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry at (859) 647-7068. The practice is located at 1335 Hansel Drive in Florence.  Appointments will be taken until the schedule fills.

While adult braces and Invisalign have become wildly popular across the nation, there are more significant reasons to straighten teeth than just achieving the perfect smile.

Here are five reasons why straight teeth will give you an oral health home run.

1. Straight teeth are easier to clean

Let’s face it. When teeth overlap and crowd together, they are a bear to clean. When teeth lean into each other they create pockets where plaque builds up and bacteria multiplies like crazy. Tooth decay occurs.

Straight, well-spaced teeth are a cinch to clean since there is room to floss and space for the toothbrush bristles to do their job. Farewell sugar residue and trapped food particles!

2. Straight teeth promote healthy gums

When teeth are in place and easy to clean, the gums are deliriously happy. They have a bacteria-free playground and chances are, they won’t get swollen, red-colored or bleed. Recent research has shown that oral infections have been associated with health problems such as diabetes, heart problems, and pneumonia. Straighten your teeth and say farewell to periodontal issues and other potential ailments!

3. Straight teeth create the environment for a proper bite

Straight teeth alleviate the problem of jaw issues that can result in excessive wear on the teeth and even breathing problems. A bad bite is called malocclusion. This condition can also be inherited or the result of excessive thumb sucking as a child. The overcrowding from crooked teeth can cause pain, tooth decay, tooth loss and gum disease. A proper bite helps alleviate or at least reduce TMJ. Temporomandibular disorder causes pain in the jaw joint and in the muscles that control jaw movement. It also the culprit behind migraines in many dental patients. Chewing can become difficult if not painful. Who doesn’t want to enjoy a good meal? Sometimes even speaking can become difficult. The overcrowding can put a lot of pressure on the jaw bone and its supporting muscles. With teeth straightening you can say farewell to jaw pain, oral disease and trouble eating!

4. Protruding or retruding teeth pose a danger

Sometimes teeth move outward or inward instead of crashing sideways into each other. Children with a protruding teeth condition are teased about having “buck teeth.” For adults, these misaligned teeth can be dangerous. The bottom teeth can cut into the roof of the mouth, causing bleeding. Protruding teeth can make the mouth more vulnerable during falls. Hitting these teeth can easily cause chipped or broken teeth and lead to even worse mouth alignment unless straightened. Farewell bullies and the fear of falling and breaking front teeth!

Invisalign aligners

5. Straight teeth Make a Healthier You

Now that you have read the above, you know that straight teeth help you maintain your gums, prevent tooth decay and preserve your teeth for a lifetime. As a child, you may have already had metal braces but your teeth moved because you thought your retainer was no longer needed. So now you are stuck with overcrowded teeth and don’t want to reverse the clock to those ugly metal braces. That’s why dentists suggest Invisalign for adults. They are made of clear, plastic aligners that are practically invisible. Few people can detect you are undergoing treatment.

Unlike metal braces, the aligners fit comfortably and are removable. This enables you to regularly brush, floss and take care of your pearly whites. The other aspect patients love is that when the aligners are out, they can munch on the foods prohibited by metal braces wearers—popcorn, caramels, nuts and gummy bears, to name a few.

As your teeth begin to straighten, your dentist will fit you with another set to further straighten your teeth. Before long, you have a terrific smile and because of the straight teeth, wonderful problem-free oral health.

Dr. Shelley Shearer is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky.

Quick. What do bass and tooth care have in common?

If you answered that they both require a thin line to get the job done, you are partially right. While we’re fishing for the right answer, we’re not talking about using your pole in the nearest lake. Dentists across the world thank Dr. Charles Bass for introducing the best technique for brushing and flossing your teeth.

Interestingly, Dr. Bass was a medical doctor turned researcher who is often referred to as the “Father of Preventive Dentistry.” He was fascinated by how oral health contributes to general physical well-being, especially since he had been diagnosed with advanced gum disease and advised to have all his teeth pulled.  Instead, he turned to research to study how bacteria builds around the gums and teeth. We have Dr. Bass to thank for the Bass Technique of Tooth Brushing and the discovery of nylon dental floss instead of silk.

So is there a right way and wrong way to brush your teeth?  Yes.

Though Dr. Bass lived from 1875-1975 his legacy for correct tooth brushing prevails. Here’s what you need to know.

Brush This Way for Two Minutes Twice a Day

• Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gums.
• Gently move the brush back and forth in short (tooth-wide) strokes.
• Brush the outer surfaces, the inner surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth.
• To clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, tilt the brush vertically and make several up and down strokes.

Do not brush from side to side. It does not remove plaque and food/sugar debris, however microscopic, that build up around the gums and in between the teeth. Most importantly, horizontal brushing with toothpaste cuts a groove in the next of the tooth where it meets the gum.

What Kind of Toothbrush Should I Use?

Select a soft-bristled brush with a size that fits easily in your mouth so that it can reach every oral area. Replace it every three to six months depending on how frayed the bristles get. The more worn the brush, the harder it is for it to loosen debris in the teeth and gum line. Think of it as a steel wool pad that wears down so much that it can no longer remove food stains from pots and pans.

Why Am I Told I Brush Too Hard?

Statistics clearly show that brushing too aggressively harms the protective enamel on your teeth, makes your gums and teeth more sensitive and even contributes to gum recession. That could lead to some pretty painful disease.

Am I Using Too Much Toothpaste?

Probably. Toothpaste is like putting sand on your teeth. It helps loosen bacteria and polishes a bit, but too much starts to erode your enamel. It’s using the toothbrush itself that’s key to the oral care process. Using a bit less toothpaste saves you money too.

If I Am Brushing My Teeth Twice a Day, Why Do I Need to Floss?

Just like you seek the perfect fishing line and hook to catch fish, you need a perfect line of floss to reach between teeth where even the newest toothbrush just can’t reach. Try to floss twice a day—morning and before bed. If you follow this regimen of tooth brushing and flossing you can maintain your own teeth for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Remember. It’s never too early or too late to learn what can save your teeth.

Dr. Shelley Shearer is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky

SOURCE: http://www.nkytribune.com/2018/06/shelly-shearer-mom-was-right-there-is-a-right-and-wrong-way-to-brush-your-teeth/

You’ve heard the jokes for years such as, “I’d rather be abducted by aliens than have a root canal.”

Dentists across America want to debunk this myth of excruciating root canal pain once and for all. Technology has made the root canal process a straightforward procedure to more easily relieve pain and most importantly, save your teeth and smile. Millions of teeth are treated and preserved each year thanks to a root canal.

“Root canal” is the term used to describe the natural cavity within the center of a tooth.

The pulp, also known as the pulp chamber, is the soft area within the root canal. The tooth’s nerve sits in that canal. So when that area is damaged or infected and you feel pain, it’s time to call the dentist.

In extreme cases the infection becomes abscessed. When this happens the canal actually fills with pus and there’s the danger of the infection spreading to the rest of the body. It can also lead to massive swelling called Cellulitis, an infection that travels under deep layers of skin near the tooth. It is treated with antibiotics but can lead to hospitalization if not caught soon enough. That’s why it’s important to get to the dentist at the first inkling of pain before things get out of hand.

Here’s the most important information: contrary to popular belief, a root canal is no more painful than getting a tooth filling. Really.

First x-rays will be taken to indicate where the decay is located. Then local anesthesia is administered to the affected tooth area. The dentist will make an opening and the diseased tooth pulp is removed and the area disinfected. Last, the roots that have been opened to get rid of the diseased pulp are filled with special material and sealed off with a cement-like substance. Most of the time a crown is needed to cover the area.

The whole procedure is now quick, comfortable, and tooth-saving.

It can be performed in one appointment and seem as routine as getting a filling. Within hours you can be back to effortlessly chewing, biting and smiling.

Saving the natural tooth with a root canal procedure is full of advantages such as maintaining a natural appearance, biting into and chewing whatever you want, and having a new-found appreciation for the modern day root canal.

Stop listening to the decades of root canal jokes and help those around you wise up. Tooth pain is nothing to avoid and if a root canal is called for, go for it. You’ll never regret preserving your own teeth and smile.

Dr. Shelley Shearer is graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky.

SOURCE: http://www.nkytribune.com/2018/05/shelley-shearer-all-jokes-aside-a-root-canal-is-not-awful-and-is-better-than-getting-abducted-by-aliens/