The Connection Magazines Bernards-Ridge Edition Feb-March 2021

theconnectionsnj.com HEALTH & WELLNESS PAGE 16 We are located at 10 Anderson Hill Road, Bernardsville, NJ • Call us today at 908-221-1188 www.proudtosmile.com I believe that everyone deserves a healthy, beautiful smile that will last a life- time. For more than 25 years, my philosophy has been that having a nice smile that is also fully functional and healthy, is essential for a good quality of life. Our enjoyment in life is tied to how our mouth, teeth and gums feel and look every time we eat, talk, laugh, or kiss a loved one. No matter who you are, regular dental care is important for maintain- ing a healthy smile and protecting your immune system. Regular dental appointments are criti- cal for the optimal oral health you deserve. Studies show that gum disease affects 75% of people and that 90% of all systemic diseases develop in the mouth. Research has linked oral infections that spread throughout the body to dementia, heart disease and other life-threatening health challenges. Our team may identify an issue with your gums, teeth, or mouth that could be symptoms of a bigger health issue. Addressing it could save your life. Furthermore, we have seen an unfortunate rise in the number of patients com- ing to us with stress-related oral health issues such as cracked teeth and chipped teeth since the onset of the pandemic. If not treat- ed early, these can become bigger and more expensive problems in just a few short weeks or months. We want you to understand that it is critically important to not delay dental vis- its due to COVID-19. A recent American Dental Association (ADA) article noted that the CDC has not reported any documented cases of COVID-19 transmission in a clinical dental setting. At our office, we are safely seeing pa- tients using CDC recommendations. Our caring, professional, compassionate team has always strived to keep our workspace clean and sterile for our patients’ safety. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are taking additional protocols as recommend- ed by the CDC to keep our patients and team members safe and healthy! • Physical Distancing – We are schedul- ing appointments in such a way to mini- mize the number of people in the office at any given time. We are also leaving time in between patients to effectively clean and disinfect operatory between patients. We ask that our patients call our office when they arrive and use their car as a “waiting room” until it’s safe to enter the office. • Taking Temperatures – One of the key ways we are keeping patients safe and healthy is by taking the temperature of every person who walks through our doors. When you come in for a visit, ex- pect to have your temperature taken. • Keeping Sick Patients at Home – It is our duty to protect not just the health of our patients, but the health of our entire community! In other words, we are obli- gated to send sick patients home. Prior to anyone’s appointment, we will do a screening via phone or email. We have all had our lives and routines upended by the pandemic. But remember that dental care is essential and safe. Your personal health and our public health de- pend on it. Dr. Patti Swaintek-Lamb, Aesthetic Dentistry of Bernardsville – Dr. Swaintek- Lamb isn’t like ordinary dentists – she uses her knowledge gained from her education and experience to work to ensure that her patients have both dental and whole- body health. She welcomes all patients in and around Somerset County. Furthermore, we have seen an unfortunate rise in the number of patients coming to us with stress-related oral health issues such as cracked teeth and chipped teeth since the onset of the pandemic. Research has linked oral infections that spread throughout the body to dementia, heart disease and other life-threatening health challenges. CONTINUED DENTAL CARE IS CRITICAL NOW MORE THAN EVER