Young adults learning to floss in Jinja Africa, Uganda

Most of my dentist work occurs in Apple Valley and Faribault, Minnesota and along with my wonderful staff I’m happy to share my time with patients at both locations. Every so often though, I answer a calling to extend my services far beyond the  boundaries of my two practices in Minnesota. In February 2013 I traveled with St. James Church in Colorado Springs to Jinja in the Uganda, Africa region to provide services for people with no access to dental care.  Those that follow Distinctive Dental on Facebook saw a preview of some of the photos I shared during my time there. Now here’s the rest of the story.

Dr. Miller at the source of the Nile River in Jinga

In February 2013 I boarded a plane with Larry Ihle,  a great friend and owner of Dexterity Dental Lab, to fly across the world to  Jinja in Uganda, Africa.  Jinja is on the shores of Lake Victoria and near the headwater of the Nile River, the world’s longest, flowing 4000 miles to Egypt.  There we joined the team of an outdoor dental clinic overlooking the source of the Nile.

In Enteppe, Larry and I taught the importance of dental hygiene  including brushing and flossing. We even shared the techniques with our motel staff, which for many of them was the first time to be introduced to dental floss. Africa people have great warmth about them and great smiles and we want them to be able to keep those smiles long into their adult lives.

Along with prevention, we also performed many needed surgeries, correcting dental infections that could persist throughout the patients’ lifetimes. Most of the extractions were performed by local dentists, as they are fast and adaptable to the unique situations that occur in this region. I do admit to being spoiled by having oral surgeons do most of the extractions at Distinctive Dental. That being said, I did perform some extractions with Ihle as my assistant.  We make a good pair!

Providing dental care in Jinja, Uganda Africa

Here I am pictured with the team at our clinic in Jinja, Uganda Africa.

Pictured in photo:

Front: Dr. Don Couchman, Dr. Charles Miller

Second: Mrs. Cathy Couchman, Sarah Mizer (college student from Colorado) and Sarah (student  in Jinja)  

                                          Back: David Couchman (Don’s brother), Larry Ihle, Ben (our driver)

Part of my dental works includes a commitment to mission work in parts of the world with limited access to dental care. I know I’ll return to this part of the world again, and look forward to working with the wonderful people of Africa.

Caring for an infant’s teeth

One thing I cannot stress enough – do not give an infant a bottle of juice or milk to drink in bed. Doing so is the main cause of Baby Bottle Mouth, which is a rapid decay of the emerging teeth throughout the mouth. Baby Bottle Mouth can result in unnecessary and uncomfortable dental work, such as crowns, in a toddler. If you do want to provide a drink in bed I recommend water only.

Before teeth emerge get in the habit of wiping the gums with a damp washcloth. This will clean the gums and help your child become accustomed to the feeling of cleaning the teeth. When teeth start to emerge offer your child a baby toothbrush and let them bite and chew on it with parental supervision. This helps them get used to the feeling of the brush on the teeth and does provide some cleaning. Use no toothpaste at this point, just dampen the brush. Follow up by wiping with the cloth.  During this stage I recommend parents watch their child’s juice intake as well, as juices can cause decay. When you do offer juice, wipe gums after or offer water to rinse and clean the teeth.

Caring for a toddler’s teeth

With adult supervision, children can begin brushing once teeth emerge using a pea sized portion of toothpaste. Using more than that can cause fluorosis, a condition caused by ingesting too much fluoride which can alter the appearance of teeth. Allow your child to brush on his or her own for a minute or so, then step in and finish. Children should brush twice per day, morning and night. Night time brushing is especially important, as without a good brushing there will be decay causing materials sitting on the teeth for 8 hours or more.

Baby teeth are often spaced widely, so there may be no need to floss yet. If teeth are tightly spaced, flossing may be needed. Otherwise parents can introduce flossing every few days to develop the habit.

Allow candy in moderation. Sour candies especially can create divots in the teeth because of the acid used to flavor the candy. Check my blog on dental care and Halloween candy for advice on handling this issue. Brushing is the key to avoiding problems caused by candy and other decay causing foods.

Did you know that thumb sucking past the age of 5 or 6 can cause permanent skeletal and tooth deformities? f possible, thumb sucking should end by the time the front teeth emerge, as the habit can deform the bone structure and push out the front teeth. I advise my patients that if thumb sucking is still occurring past the age of 5 or 6 they make an appointment with an orthodontist. The orthodontist can fit their child with a special appliance that works as a deterrent. This can be very expensive, so the best advice is to avoid thumb sucking past the age of 5 or 6.

What to expect during your child’s first dental visit

I recommend that children visit the dentist for the first time around the age of 3 or 4, depending on the maturity of the child. The staff at Distinctive Dental will provide a fun and inviting environment to make your child as comfortable as possible. Your child can expect a ride in the chair to start, and if they are agreeable, a quick polish and floss. A fluoride treatment may be given if the child is ready. Prepare your child first by keeping your own fears in check. Encourage a positive experience and they will follow.  Reach a book like Berenstein Bears Visit the Dentist to prepare them for this all important first visit.

Now that your child is ready for his or her first visit, contact Distinctive Dental to make an appointment! Your child is in good hands with our professional and caring staff.

Lumineers

One popular option for tooth whitening are Lumineers, which are Cerinate porcelain veneers applied directly to the teeth. The process takes about three weeks and does not require any grinding or shaving of the tooth structure for application. You can read about the entire process of applying Lumineers here.  They are easy and painless and give you a perfect, white smile. Lumineers are much faster than orthodontic work, and the application process saves the original tooth structure and is reversible if needed.  No anesthetic is used during the seating of Lumineers, as the preparation is very conservative and there should be no sensitivity to the teeth. The cost of Lumineers is approximately the same as the cost of traditional veneers. There is a limit to the amount of tooth correction possible with Lumineers, as there is no shaping of your natural teeth during application. Our dental staff at Distinctive Dental is specially trained to apply Lumineers and there are a limited number of dentists offering this service. Lumineers have a 5 year warranty with proof of regular of dental cleanings.  Lumineers, with proper care can last up to 20 years.

Find out about our current special on Lumineers.

Veneers

Veneers are another popular option for tooth whitening and smile correction. They are strong and difficult to stain, will last up to 15 years and can actually strengthen your teeth. Other than regular visits to your dentist, there is no additional maintenance required. Application of traditional veneers requires anesthetic as the teeth are shaved and shaped to accept the application of the veneers. Veneers are non-reversible because of the tooth structure which is lost during the preparation. Traditional veneers require Novocain because of increased sensitivity during the tooth shaping for the preparation. There may be some additional sensitivity after application process and a period of about two weeks to a month to get used to the way your new smile feels. Veneers can completely transform your smile.

Talk to us if you suffer from bruxism (clenching or grinding your teeth) as this can damage your veneers. We may recommend a mouth guard at night to help protect your new smile.

On New Year’s Day we gather for a German pancake, made from a wheat blend with spicy sausage in the middle. Does anyone know the name? The pancake is very filling, so typically I can only eat 2-3 cakes.

One thing I remember is frosting our roll out Christmas cookies with my mother when I was a child. I have passed down that tradition to my children.  We love adding extra frosting on the cookies and eating them frozen (again, followed by a good tooth brushing.)

One of my favorite memories is the Christmas I received a GI Joe helicopter.  It looked like an Army helicopter but with yellow blades.  It was so cool!  I was planning to have a lot of fun with that helicopter until my older sister fell on it later that same day. It was never the same after that…..

My fondest Christmas memory is a recent one, going back only a couple of years.  We were traveling to Sioux Falls SD to visit my family when the area was hit by a major snow storm on Christmas eve.  My nephew and I had a four wheel drive vehicle so we were still able to pick up the family and have our Christmas.  Later that Christmas Day we spent a good amount of time in the driveway scooping large amount of snow.

And who can forget about the 24 hours of the Christmas Story?  I love watching the Christmas Story each year. Somehow that family from Indiana really reflects my memories of Christmas traditions and living in a small town.   It’s a great show!

Still though, with all the activity and gifts I have not forgotten the real reason for Christmas, which began about 2000 years ago. I greatly appreciate the newborn child.

May be peace of that newborn child be with you this season.

Merry Christmas!

In just over an hour, Sapphire Whitening will safely whiten your teeth by up to 4-6 shades. The system uses a specially designed light to activate the Sapphire Whitening Gel which will gently remove stains and discoloration and leave your smile sparkling!

Under Dr. Miller’s trained supervision, Sapphire Whitening is one of the safest cosmetic tooth whitening procedures available. While Sapphire Whitening will enhance almost anyone’s smile, its effectiveness may be limited for certain cases. The staff at Distinctive Dental will be happy to advise you regarding the system’s advantages and disadvantages to your particular case.

After your whitening session, you’ll receive post-whitening care instructions to help you keep your smile radiant. Maintaining healthy oral hygiene habits at home is very important. Occasional touch-ups with the specially formulated Sapphire Take-Home Gel will also help keep your smile sparkling white. Your teeth will always be whiter than before the treatment, but these simple steps will help your new smile to stay bright and fresh for a long time.

We also offer a take home whitening kit that takes 14 days for the full tooth whitening. There are other popular options available for tooth whitening as well, so contact us for more information about how you can get started.

What is the cost of professional tooth whitening?

The cost of our in office tooth whitening session is $525 dollars, which include touch up whitening trays. If you prefer to use our take home tooth whitening kit the cost is $99 for a limited time special.

How long does professional tooth whitening last?

Each case is different and there are many factors to determine how long professional tooth whitening will last. Much of the results depend on diet, intake of liquids that produce staining (like red wine, coffee, tea etc.) smoking  and your own biological make up. We offer touch up whitening gel kits to keep your teeth looking their best.

Is there any pain or sensitivity associated with tooth whitening?

Most people experience little to no sensitivity.

How do I care for my whitened teeth?

Avoid red wine, smoking and other staining foods as much as possible.  Proper oral hygiene is a must to keep your teeth looking white and clean.

Why is professional tooth whitening better than over the counter methods?

Most professional whitening systems contain fluoride which strengthen the teeth. Over the counter methods do not contain fluoride.

Get Started!

If you are interested in our professional tooth whitening services contact us for an appointment today! We’re offering several new patient specials and discounts on some of our popular services.

Note: This procedure is not recommended for pregnant women and we suggest you discuss the system with Dr. Miller before using it on those under age 18.

Is it ok to let kids gorge on candy?

Moderation of candy is always the best.  Gorging  is not healthy on the teeth or the body. Allow children to choose a few pieces at a time and put away the rest for another day.

What kinds of candy cause the most dental problems?

Sour candy can eventually cause erosion on the top of the posterior teeth which cause little holes into the teeth. These little holes are food traps and can cause the beginnings of decay. Caramel and chocolate can leave a film on the teeth which can cause cavities and cause more plaque to attach to the teeth. This also creates more bacteria which can further break down the tooth surface.

Some dentists have a buy back candy program. Is this something you participate in?

I still pass out candy because it is fun and I enjoy the children. Plus, I have to admit I might be tempted to eat the candy I purchased.

Set up a treat time and ration the amount of candy they can eat at one time. Remember that regular brushing is critical, especially before bedtime.  During the day, there is constant activity in the mouth with eating, talking and drinking. All that activity helps dissolve the candy residue and associated plaque. Without nighttime brushing the candy residue and plaque will sit on the teeth and gum tissue for 8-10 hours! So remind your children that brushing before bed is important for reducing the possibility of cavities and gum disease.

Happy Halloween!

Dr. Miller

Here are the most common questions I receive about LUMINEERS:

How Long Does the LUMINEERS Application Process Take?

Typically the application of LUMINEERS takes about 3 weeks, which is much faster than orthodontic work. In just just 2-3 visits to Distinctive Dental, you can have a custom-made smile.

How Long Do LUMINEERS Last?

Clinical testing shows that patients keep their perfect LUMINEERS smile for over 20 years. There is a 5-year Warranty for replacement on the product, so ask us here at Distinctive Dental about our warranty on this service.

Can LUMINEERS Be Removed?

LUMINEERS are reversible, as there is no alteration to the existing tooth structure like with traditional veneers. Your natural teeth are intact and strong underneath.

How Do I Care for My New LUMINEERS Smile?

Since LUMINEERS are similar to your natural tooth enamel you should choose a low-abrasion toothpaste that will remove plaque, stains and tartar, just as you would for your own teeth.

Are There any Food or Drink Restrictions with LUMINEERS?

Because LUMINEERS are so durable and natural, there are no limitations to what you can eat or drink. Make sure to visit us here at Distinctive Dental every six months for a checkup, just as you would for your natural teeth, to keep your LUMINEERS in great condition and to make sure your Warranty remains valid.

Take a look at these before and after photos to see what LUMINEERS can do for your smile.

LUMINEERS can transform your smile like this in as little as three weeks. If you’d like to make an appointment for a consultation, contact our office today.

Distinctive Dental of Apple Valley
7631 145th St W
Apple Valley, MN 55214
(952) 432-8696
distinctive@frontiernet.net

Distinctive Dental of Faribault
417 Lincoln Ave NW
Faribault, MN 55021
(507) 332-8888
distinctive@frontiernet.net

Dr. Charles Miller

I loved the television show Cheers. For those that remember, Cheers was about a small town tavern where everybody knew your name and everyone was glad to see you when you came in the door. I always dreamed of having that kind of dental practice. A place where my patients feel like part of the family when they enter. A place where my staff and I provide quality dental care served up with the feeling of belonging.

Why Apple Valley and Faribault, Minnesota?

Not only is dentistry a great profession for me with strong family ties, but it’s also a way for me to give back to the two great communities of Apple Valley, Minnesota and Faribault, Minnesota. I grew up on a small dairy farm in the town of Lennox, South Dakota. After graduating with my Bachelor of Science from the University of Sioux Falls I went on to earn my Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. The community of Faribault reminds me of that small town in South Dakota with its agricultural roots and its friendly people.  Both communities of Apple Valley and Faribault have embraced my philosophy of providing quality dental care that fits the budget of both the patient and the insurance. I’m thankful to be a part of both communities.

Quality and Professional Dental Care

Yes, you’re getting small town friendly dental service here, but you’re also getting a dentist who follows the latest breakthroughs in the field through membership in a number of prominent professional associations, including the American Dental Association, Minnesota Dental Association, the Saint Paul District Dental Society, the Dakota County Dental Society, and the Twin City Implant Society. I can provide implants, restorations, cosmetic dental services, pediatric dental care, Lumineers, crowns, bridges and more. I take the dental profession seriously!

Beyond Apple Valley and Faribault, MN

I believe in sharing the opportunities these communities have given me. Through my dental mission work I’ve had the opportunity to visit India, Tanzania, Malawi and Belize. There, I’ve developed a passion to bring much-needed dental care to disadvantaged areas of the world. When I can, I look forward to further trips in the future.

I also enjoy having fun with my family and being involved in the lives of my children Nathan and Caity. I enjoy golf, tennis and water sports like wake surfing, wake boarding, and tubing. I regularly attend Hosanna Lutheran in Lakeville, MN which I’m active in Kingdom Expansion ( Mission Trips) and the prayer team.

If you’re looking for a dentist, we’d love to have you as part of our family. Welcome! If you have any questions about our services, feel free to ask them here in the comments, on our Facebook page or by contacting us. We’d love to hear from you!