Strong Teeth for Life!

Start Dental Care Early For a Lifetime of Health!

Dr. Alan Snodgrass at Thurston Oaks Dental in Vancouver, WA joins the ADA and WSDA to support water fluoridation to prevent dental disease.

Fluoride is nature's cavity fighter, occurring naturally in the earth's crust, in combination with other minerals in rocks and soil. Small amounts of fluoride occur naturally in all water sources, and varying amounts of the mineral are found in all foods and beverages. Water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the natural level of fluoride to a concentration sufficient to protect against tooth decay. Flouride minerals bind to enamel to strengthen the structure of the tooth, and this can be key for children as their teeth develop.

For more information about the work the Washington State Dental Association and Washington Oral Health Foundation are doing for Vancouver area residents in the fight for children's health, read more here.

Regular or Diet? Sip All Day - Get Decay!

Image Courtesy of dentalgentlecare.com

It is well known that sugar can promote obesity, tooth decay, and a wealth of other health issues. but do we realize just how much sugar is in our food and snacks? Here at Thurston Oaks Dental in Vancouver, WA we understand that a healthy diet is just as important as regular visits to the dentists or hygienist. Our friends at the Minnesota Dental Association have put together a campaign to teach children and families about the harmful effects of soda drinking.

Here's how you get cavities

• Sugar in pop combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid.
• Diet or "sugar-free" pop contains its own acid.
• Acid in soft drinks, whether they contain sugar or not, is the primary cause of weakening tooth enamel.
• The acid attacks your teeth. Each acid attack lasts about 20 minutes.
• The acid attack starts over again with every sip.
• Ongoing acid attacks weaken your tooth enamel.
• Bacteria in your mouth cause cavities when tooth enamel is damaged.

How to reduce decay

• Drink soft drinks in moderation.
• Don't sip for extended periods of time. Ongoing sipping prolongs sugar and acid attacks on your teeth.
• Use a straw to keep the sugar away from your teeth.
• After drinking, swish your mouth out with water to dilute the sugar.

To learn more about the research Minnesota Dental Association has completed, visit their website here!

Welcome to Thurston Oaks Dental - Your Vancouver Dentist!

Your Vancouver Dental Office - Thurston Oaks Dental

Dr. Alan Snodgrass provides progressive and affordable family dental care, specializing in preventive dentistry, laser periodontal treatment, and cosmetic dentistry.

At Thurston Oaks Dental, Dr. Snodgrass and his dental staff strive to provide fine dentistry in a comfortable setting, taking special care to be gentle and painless. We are dedicated to the practice and teaching of preventive dental care.

We reserve time each day for emergencies; so please call us at (360) 524-4377 and we will schedule your dental care!

During your appointment, we will take time getting to know you and listen carefully to your concerns. Dr. Snodgrass can then design a personal plan to keep your smile beautiful and healthy for a lifetime. We are proud of our friendly and experienced dental team at Thurston Oaks. Together we work to provide excellent dental care. Contact us today or use our online appointment request form to schedule your appointment with Dr. Snodgrass!

We love your referrals! Be sure to visit our website and check out our special offer for our patient families.