Blog
Welcome Sandy and Angela to Our Team
Independence, MO (March 2016) — We’re excited to introduce you to the two newest members of our dental health team. Sandy Kurok and Angela McCluskey both joined us to start 2016. Sandy joins our team as a dental assistant, bringing a wealth of dental health experience with her. Sandy primarily provides chairside assistance for Dr. […]
When Your Daughter Goes (Far) Off To College – Part 2
Editor’s Note: In Part 1, Susan Widick shared the lead-up to getting daughter Abbey off to Texas Christian University. In Part 2 below, she describes Move-in Day with Abbey, younger daughter Allie and husband Darrin. ***DISCLAIMER – I haven’t written a paper for a grade in nearly three decades. I am not the professional writer […]
When Your Daughter Goes (Far) Off To College – Part 1
About the author. Dr. Widick is a graduate of the University of Missouri and the UMKC School of Dentistry. Having just sent her first child, Abbey, off to Texas Christian University, she offers the following words for others sending a child off to school … or having a friend or family member who is doing so. […]
Happy Holidays 2014!
In 2014, we saw some exciting changes in our dental practice. Dr. Widick’s very first dental assistant, Julie Gooding, returned to our team. We added Jennifer Bell as a hygienist. And we welcomed our new associate, Dr. Katie Oatman. Julie, Jen and Dr. Oatman have been great additions to our team, and they — and […]
Dr. Katie Oatman Joins Our Team
Dr. Katherine “Katie” Oatman has joined the Independence general family dental practice of Dr. Susan Appleberry Widick. Dr. Oatman is a graduate of the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry, where she performed rotations at a Federally Qualified Health Center and at a private clinic. Dr. Oatman also performed outreach educational services and […]
Tooth Sensitivity
Teeth can be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures, very sugary or acidic foods and drinks and vigorous toothbrushing. This kind of sensitivity is often called “dentin hypersensitivity”. Your dentist or hygienist can recommend a treatment or products that can help overcome the problem. What is dentin hypersensitivity? This term refers to the painful sensation […]
Preventing Tooth Decay
The reason we brush and floss is to remove plaque, a colorless, sticky film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth. Plaque is one of the main causes of tooth decay. Dentists use the word “caries” to describe tooth decay. How does plaque cause tooth decay? The bacteria in plaque react with sugar in the […]
Oral Care and Braces
Caring for Your Teeth and Gums During Orthodontic Treatment If you’ve decided to have orthodontic treatment, you’ll know what an important step you’re taking towards improving the look of your teeth. And if you’re already wearing your braces, no doubt you’re looking forward to the day they come off— to reveal your new smile! But […]
Flossing and Gum Disease
Interdental Care for Healthy Teeth and Gums You know that brushing your teeth every day can help you avoid cavities. But that’s not enough to keep your teeth healthy. You may be surprised to learn that most tooth loss in adults is not caused by tooth decay– it’s caused by gum disease. Gums cover and […]
Oral Care for Kids
Oral Care for Kids – Start Early, Start Right— The Fundamentals of Oral Care for Kids Healthy teeth are key to a healthy childhood: kids need them for chewing, speaking clearly, and having a bright smile. And thanks to advances in dentistry and oral care products, today’s children are more likely than ever to grow […]
Pregnancy and Oral Hygiene
Ensuring Healthy Teeth and Gums— For You and Your Baby When you’re pregnant, you know how important it is to take special care of your body. However, you should also know that pregnancy is a time to take extra special care of your teeth and gums. That’s because hormonal changes in your body during pregnancy […]
Teeth Whitening
Everybody wants a beautiful, bright smile – it helps give you confidence and adds to your overall appearance. Many people hesitate to smile because their teeth are stained or discolored. This section provides information about the types of bleaching products available that whiten teeth by a chemical process as well as the options available to […]
Senior Oral Care
With advances in dentistry and oral care products, and a more widespread understanding of what it takes to look after teeth and gums, more people are keeping their teeth as they get older. However, older adults often face additional dental problems, which is why it is more important than ever to maintain a high standard […]
Oral Hygiene
Oral Hygiene – Good Oral Hygiene Today, Healthy Teeth and Gums for Life You know, there’s nothing like the fresh, clean feeling in your mouth after you’ve brushed and flossed your teeth to make you feel good. But cleaning your teeth properly does much more for you than help keep your smile bright and your […]