You may be asking yourself this question if you have a dentist appointment but are feeling a bit under the weather. As many dental appointments can be difficult to reschedule, you might find yourself uncertain of what to do. To cancel or not to cancel? Here’s a guide on whether you should cancel your appointment if you’re sick.

How Sick Am I?

The first thing you must decide is, “How sick am I?” The type of ailment, depending on your symptoms, can greatly affect your appointment. You must evaluate the severity of your sickness, and the level of pain and discomfort. Patients who are unable to sit still through an appointment should consider rescheduling.

Am I Contagious?

Contagious? If you don’t want to infect others, always reschedule.

However, you might not always know if you are contagious. If you are coughing or sneezing, you may have a common cold, a virus, or maybe even the flu. In this case, you should carefully listen to your symptoms.

Even if you are no longer sick, but have been feeling under the weather over the past several days, you might still be carrying the virus. Studies report that carriers can remain contagious to others for up to one week.

What Should I Do If I Keep My Dentist Appointment If I’m Sick?

In the event that you are experiencing congestion, let our Tedford Family Dentistry staff know. Patients who often have trouble breathing through their nose may also struggle through dental procedures, as their mouth is occupied at times during treatments or exams. If you choose to keep your dental appointment, always communicate to your hygienist, dental assistant, or Dr. Tedford, if or when you experience any discomfort during your visit.

Cancelling My Dentist Appointment

Whether you have a dental emergency or are getting a routine checkup, as a general rule of thumb, we recommend that patients only cancel an appointment in the event of an emergency (sickness included).

While the majority of dental offices understand the need to cancel at times, we do urge you to keep your appointment to avoid any unnecessary cancellation fees. Plus, rescheduling appointments may take time, depending on availability.

If you are sick or contagious, contact our office today and ask us about our policy for these situations. It’s likely we’ll reschedule you for a different date. Get well soon!

Whether you’ve recently moved or are making the switch to a new health care professional, Choosing the right dentist is important for proper dental care and to help keep your smile sparkling bright. Here are the top 5 do’s when picking the right dentist in Ooltewah for you, your family, and overall oral health and wellness:

1. Do Read Patient Reviews

When searching for the best dentist in Ooltewah, TN and which is the right choice for you, do your homework first. Online patient reviews are a great way to find a qualified dentist near you. See Google reviews, yelp, and healthcare websites, such as Health Grades to see what other patients are saying about their overall experience.

• Our Reviews
• Google Reviews
• Yelp Reviews
• Healthgrades Reviews

2. Do Ask Around for Recommendations

If you’re still searching for a licensed dentist in Ooltewah – ask friends, family, and even co-workers for their suggestions. If you are moving out of city or state, ask your current dentist for their professional recommendation.

3. Do Inquire About Specific Dental Needs

With each unique smile, comes unique needs. Perhaps you need an experienced pediatric dentist for your family or a full service cosmetic dentistry in Ooltewah. Compare the dental services to understand the best dental options for you.

• Senior Dentistry & Dentures
• Cosmetic Dentistry

4. Do Check Location & Office Hours

Do you live or work in the Ooltewah surrounding area? Consider the travel distance and office hours. Since regular dental cleanings are the key to maintaining oral health, it might be easier to follow up with your recommended 6 month dental examinations and appointments if you’re within a reasonable driving distance.

5. Do Inquire About Insurance Options The deciding factor when choosing a dentist in Ooltewah may come down to insurance, so don’t forget to discuss payment methods. If insurance does not cover a necessary dental procedure, ask about other financing options that may be available to you.

• Dental Clinic Insurance
• General Dentistry Financing

6. Do Consider Tedford Family Dentistry to Meet All of Your Dental Needs In Ooltewah, TN and Surrounding Chattanooga Areas

Please contact our dental office in Ooltewah, TN if you have any questions or to schedule an appointment. We look forward to providing you and your family with the very best dental care possible. Make an appointment with us and experience our family friendly dental care that's sure to make you smile.

With a variety of toothbrushes on the market, it can be difficult to select the one best suited to your needs. From soft to hard bristles to electric options, deciding on the perfect style can be a challenge. Here are a few tips from our Ooltewah dentist to help you select the perfect brush:

·         Soft bristled brushes are the best for removing plaque and debris. These brushes are also good for brushing hard to reach areas.
·         Don’t purchase those cheap, no name brushes. A brush made of quality materials will help to give you the best clean possible.
·         As for the handle grip or bristle shape, it is a matter of personal preference. Select an option that is comfortable and allows you to easily reach your teeth.
·         If you have limited dexterity or problems brushing, an electric toothbrush may be a good fit.
·         Toothbrushes come in a variety of sizes based on ages. Select the appropriate style for infants, toddlers, children and adults.
·         Replace your brush every three months or sooner if bristles show signs of wear.
·         After brushing your teeth, thoroughly rinse the brush and store upright to dry.

The best toothbrush for you is one that you will use. Make sure that the handle is easy to grip, that the head is comfortable in your mouth and you are able to reach all the surfaces of your teeth and gums. Happy brushing!

We recently celebrated six years of dental service to the Ooltewah TN, Chattanooga, and Cleveland communities. It's been a time of wonderful growth for our practice and we are excited to announce that in the Spring of 2014 we will have a beautiful new office space in Cambridge Square. Cambridge Square is a new development in Ooltewah that features locally-owned businesses in a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly public space. Some of our neighbors already include Southern Burger Company, Lupi's Pizza, Be Yoga, Choo Choo Barbecue, and MorningPointe.

We are so excited to join these businesses and be a part this thriving new business community. Our office is still under construction, but River Street Architecture has completed elevations that show what a beautiful space it will be. Earth work has already begun and in a few short months we will be ready to move in! We will miss our current home at the Ooltewah-Ringgold Road location, but look forward to what lies ahead. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this growth and the Tedford Dentistry family!

Written by Tiffany Hutton