Westlake Dental Associates is ready to welcome you back to an effective oral health routine, without judgment

By Adam Cook

After the challenging year we’ve all had, Dr. Chrys Constantinou, Dr. Jessica Reichard and Dr. Allyson McClendon, of Westlake Dental Associates, agree the last thing any of us need right now is more uncertainty.

“We greatly enjoy seeing our patients’ smiling faces, and it’s a blessing to help them keep their mouths healthy and happy,” says Dr. Reichard. “Whether it’s been six months, a year, or many years since your last dental visit, feel confident you are entering a judgment-free zone.”

The unprecedented disruption in our lives derailed oral health routines for some. Somewhere along the line, between missed brushings and forgotten flossing, many of us might have skipped a six-month checkup or two.

“Good hygiene is critical for the long-term health of the teeth, but even very diligent patients still need periodic checkups and cleanings,” says Dr. Constantinou. “Regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste and flossing can reduce tartar buildup and cavities.”

Dr. Constantinou says it’s essential to practice good oral health and address issues with our teeth and gums. The longer we avoid these issues, the bigger they become.

“Decay will never get better on its own,” he says. “In some instances, where a weakness in the enamel is minimal, we can slow decay. Frequently, however, cavities occur in areas that are hard to reach or in deep grooves on the teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t access. Getting treatment when a cavity is small, for the most part, is painless. It’s always easier and less costly than waiting for it to be large and painful.”

That’s a lot to swallow, but regular six-month checkups are an essential part of a good oral health routine. No one wants to just go from one emergency to another.

“We want to help you feel empowered to take control of your oral health,” says Dr. Reichard. “We love to hear how our patients went from feeling a little fearful and uncertain about their initial checkup to feeling a sense of ease and confidence on their return visits.”

Amid the uncertainty, we imagine the worst. It’s natural to have some hesitancy. But, if this past year has shown us anything, it’s that there really is nothing we can’t handle. A good cleaning and a proper checkup can do as much for our mental health as it does for our oral health.

“Teeth grinding and clenching as well as bruxism were common in our fast-paced society before the pandemic,” says Dr. Reichard. “Overactive jaw muscles from anxiety, stress, and even as a side effect of many medications can cause you to have sore teeth and sore jaw muscles and joints. It can occur during our day-to-day activities as well as during the night while we’re sleeping. Being a year into an unprecedented, highly stressful pandemic, we’ve seen a significant uptick in these complaints from patients. If left untreated, tooth enamel can wear excessively and there can be tightness and difficulty opening the mouth.”

Westlake Dental treats the whole person, discussing various treatment options. What’s right for you might not be the right thing for someone else.

“I recommend a multifaceted approach to treatment to protect the teeth and jaw and manage stress,” says Dr. Reichard. “This can include night or day mouthguards or Botox treatment for overactive muscles, coupled with relaxation and stress management techniques, like daily 10-minute meditation. Too often people don’t take enough time to practice self-care and it can have real adverse health outcomes.”

The best oral health routine is the one that works for you.

“We take great pride in offering our patients the latest dental technology. This includes progress in completely digital impressions and mock-ups for anything from veneer treatments to orthodontics and oral appliances,” says Dr. Reichard. “Three-D printing and digital technology are the future of dentistry, and we continually strive to stay up-to-date for the benefit of our patients.”

In many ways, dental offices never got out of their routines. They’ve long worn masks and been adherents to sanitization. The staff at Westlake Dental continues to follow the best practices of the American Dental Association (ADA), the CDC, and OSHA, just as they did before the pandemic.

“From young to old, we’re seeing everyone,” says Dr. McClendon. “The enhanced health protocols we have in place are there to keep everyone safe.”

Uniquely equipped to confront the challenges of the last year, the staff at Westlake Dental works to protect everyone who relies on them.

“Our staff has been amazing at handling all the changes in protocols and stress of the times,” says Dr. Constantinou. “They are superheroes. They’ve been there every day greeting and treating our patients with a smile and looking out for their well-being.”

Westlake Dental Associates is located at 25575 Center Ridge Road in Westlake. To request an appointment, call 440-835-8999 or visit WestlakeDentalAssociates.com.