Monday, Feb. 20 marks Presidents’ Day, a day known for celebrating of both George Washington’s and Abraham Lincoln’s combined Birthdays. Presidents’ Day was created in 1971, when President Richard Nixon combined the birthdays of two of our most well-known presidents into one single federal holiday. Presidents' Day also marks a hard-earned day off from work and school for a lot of our patients at Halloran Dentistry.

Here are a few fun facts about our nation’s presidents:

*Abraham Lincoln, our 16th president, carried letters, bills and notes in his tall stovepipe hat.

*George Washington is the first president to be featured on a postage stamp.

*Ronald Reagan, our 40th president, broke the so-called "20-year curse," in which every president elected in a year ending in zero died in office.

*Abraham Lincoln was the tallest of the U.S. presidents, measuring 6’ 4” tall.

*Virginia is the birthplace of more United States presidents than any other state, followed by Ohio and Massachusetts.

*Harry S. Truman was the first president to have his Inauguration and speeches televised.

With February being National Children's Dental Health Month, our team at Halloran Dentistry thought we'd share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush, using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.
• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and place between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.
• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these beverages create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. When drinking one of these beverages, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Rather, have a drink and then brush your teeth.
• Regular dental visits: You should visit us regularly (approximately every six months).

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 62nd year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Halloran Dentistry, please feel free to give us a call!

Drs. Richard and Douglas Halloran and all of us at Halloran Dentistry are proud to offer mini dental implants at our Fresno, CA office. Dental implant therapy is a significant advancement in the dental industry that has greatly improved the lives of many patients with dentures. There are several different types of implant and restoration options, but the choice often depends on the amount of bone available and your general health. However, the introduction of mini dental implants, or MDI Denture Stabilization System, has enabled us to broaden the spectrum of patients who can be treated with implants.

The MDI Denture Stabilization System consists of a small implant that acts like the root of a tooth and a retaining fixture that is incorporated into the base of dentures. The head of the implant is shaped like a ball that snaps into a rubber O-ring in the retaining fixture. This allows the denture to be held firmly in place. Within a few days, the security of the denture will allow you to start eating comfortably and enjoy your favorite foods in public. You will be able to have a pleasant conversation, laugh and talk without worrying about your dentures. The best part? Mini dental implants are also very affordable…how great is that?

The placement of these dental implants can usually be done within a 2-hour appointment at our office, using local anesthesia. Typical results may vary, depending on your specific case. As with any procedure, ask Drs. Halloran if mini dental implants are right for you. To learn more about this great advancement in dentistry, feel free to give our office a call or ask us at your next appointment.

Thanks for the question! Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit our office regularly. When you're wearing braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush normally can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis and even gum disease. Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care. Our staff at Halloran Dentistry will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while you're undergoing orthodontic treatment.

If it has been more than six months since your last visit to our Fresno office, please give us a call!