Maintaining your oral health is just as important as keeping up with your overall physical health. Studies show that there is a connection between gum disease and heart disease. Read more

Back to school. These three little words mean a little something different for everyone these days. Whether your child will be learning in a traditional classroom or virtually, it is important to keep up with their oral health by scheduling regular visits to the dentist. A fresh start to the school year begins with a check-up and cleaning to catch any potential problems. At Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates, we are working to make sure that our patients stay as up-to-date as possible on their routine appointments. Read more

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, a time focused on raising awareness of cancer of the mouth. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 53,000 people will get oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2020. 

At Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates, we recognize that the first step in prevention is awareness. Given the situation that we are in currently with the COVID-19 restrictions, although we are not able to see you for your regular hygiene visits until further notice, this is a good time for you to increase your dental health awareness. Let us help you gain a better understanding of this disease, what it looks like, and how it can be prevented or caught early with an oral cancer screening.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer is a broad term that refers to any cancer that begins around the mouth. This type of cancer can affect:

• Lips
• Tongue
• Cheeks
• Soft and hard palate of the mouth
• Floor of the mouth
• Throat
• Sinuses

Learn the Risk Factors

Tobacco and alcohol use are among the top risk factors associated with oral cancer. However, even if you do not smoke or drink, you can still develop oral cancer. Other factors include HPV (human papilloma virus) infection, prolonged sun exposure leading to lip cancer, and poor oral hygiene and nutrition.  Men are twice as likely as women to develop oral cancer, and people over the age of 45 are also at an increased risk. 

Recognize the Symptoms

Not everyone with the risk factors will get oral cancer, and some people with none of the risk factors could still develop it. This is why it’s so important to be able to recognize the symptoms when they appear. These include:

• Sore throat or feeling like something is stuck at the back of your throat
• A sore or irritation around your face, mouth, or neck that has not healed after 2 weeks
• Hoarseness 
• Difficulty swallowing, chewing, or moving your jaw or tongue 
• Numbness, tenderness, or loss of sensation around the mouth, face, or neck
• Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
• Red or white patches in your mouth
• Bumps, swollen areas, lumps inside the mouth or on the gums or lips

Early Detection Saves Lives

The earlier oral cancer is caught and treated, the better the rate of survival. Those who have one or more of the risk factors should consider getting regular health screenings, which can detect oral cancer before any of the above symptoms appear.

When oral and throat cancer is detected early, there is a much higher risk of surviving without serious long-term effects. Many of these cancers can be found early when they are still small with a routine screening exam by a dentist. At Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates, “an oral cancer screening is a quick and painless part of your ordinary dental examination,” says Dr. John Reckner, D.M.D., M.A.G.D. “Although we perform oral cancer screenings all year long, in April we make sure that we educate our patients on what to look for and how to prevent it.”

What can you do between visits?

• Reduce your lifestyle-related risk factors. These include smoking, drinking alcohol, sun exposure, a diet low in vegetables and fruit, and poor oral health.
• Be aware of other risk factors, including a history of other cancers, HPV infection, a weakened immune system, and oral Lichen Planus.
• Watch out for these signs: mouth sores that don’t clear up within 14 days, mouth pain, thickening of the cheek lining, loose teeth, ill-fitting dentures, loss of sensation in the lips or cheeks, voice changes, bleeding in the mouth.

During these uncertain and difficult times, our dentists in Souderton and Harleysville want to reassure you that your health is our top priority. As soon as we are able to begin seeing our patients again, we will maintain the same level of high-quality care that you have come to expect from our practice. In the meantime, it’s important to perform oral self exams every month. Tilt your head back and using a mirror and a bright light be sure to check your gums, the inside of your lips, lining of your cheeks, back of your throat, and the roof and floor of your mouth. Check for suspicious patches, sores, inflammation, or other changes. 

Cancer of the mouth can affect anyone, regardless of age and smoking or drinking habits. We at Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates look forward to seeing you again soon in either our Harleysville or Souderton location for your routine oral cancer screening. You can learn more about our office and other services, including orthodontics, dental implants and cosmetic dentistry by browsing our website. If you are having a true dental emergency, you can contact one of our offices at 215-486-1649 or 215-486-1652.

What age should I bring my child to the dentist? When is my child going to lose their first tooth? Why is fluoride important? These are all common questions parents face when they discover their child’s first tooth. While it’s a joyous and special time, it also creates many uncertainties about the importance of their child’s oral health and what it means to take care of their child’s teeth. 

As a leading family and children’s dentist in Montgomery County and Bucks County, we create smiles for all ages, including the smallest of smiles. We can care for your child as they grow from a baby to a young adult. Before bringing your child to the dentist for the first time, there are some important tips to help guide parents as to what to expect when visiting Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates. 

We recommend that children make their first visit to the dentist when the first tooth has erupted. This is a great opportunity for parents to ask questions and seek advice. Around the age of two, a child’s visit will give them the opportunity to  “get a ride in the chair and count the teeth,” and occasionally polish, if the visit is going well. 

Many people believe that primary teeth (baby teeth) are not as important as permanent teeth. However, neglected cavities on the baby teeth can frequently lead to further problems in the development of permanent teeth. Baby teeth are important for chewing and providing space for permanent teeth to get into the proper position. Most children will begin losing their front teeth around ages six or seven, while the back teeth can be in the mouth until the child reaches 13 years or older. 

When you visit one of our offices in Harleysville or Souderton, our pediatric dental specialists will recommend fluoride in-office to protect current teeth in the mouth and fluoride supplements to strengthen developing teeth currently growing in the jawbone. Sealants are another preventative measure for your child; they fill in the grooves of the permanent molars with a safe, protective shield. While sealants are not a substitute for brushing and flossing, they can keep cavities from forming and may even stop early stages of decay. 

Radiographs (x-rays) are also a key factor in helping to diagnose certain dental conditions which could be missed. X-rays detect much more than cavities. With the proper imaging, dentists can survey erupting teeth, diagnose bone diseases or plan for future orthodontic treatment. At Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates, there is no need for an orthodontist referral. As a child progresses from child to young adult, Weaver, Reckner & Reinhart Dental Associates is ready to treat your child in every phase of their oral health development. By maintaining a consistent cleaning and examination schedule, it paves the way for a lifetime of preventative care and a healthy mouth. 

If you would like to learn more about pediatric dentistry in Montgomery or Bucks County, or to schedule an appointment with a leading children’s dentist in Souderton or Harleysville, browse our website or call one of our offices at 215-486-1649 or 215-486-1652 for more information.

For many people, going to the dentist can create a variety of emotions causing increased stress and anxiety. That’s why between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going to the dentist. One of the most important factors in overcoming dental anxiety is good communication between yourself and your dentist. At Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates, we recognize that not everyone enjoys coming to the dentist, therefore we do our best to make you as comfortable as possible. YOU are our priority. 

Whether you need a routine cleaning, orthodontic services, root canal treatment or dental implants in and around Montgomery County or Bucks County, we at Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates make sure that you are comfortable before, during and after every treatment.

Dental Office Amenities

For your comfort during treatment, we have a few items to ensure that you are relaxed and content throughout your entire treatment process. All of our rooms, including our waiting room, are equipped with TVs. During each visit, an assistant or team member will offer a warm blanket or a heated neck pillow. Your comfort is our top priority! Complimentary coffee, tea, or water is also available. 

Our highly-dedicated team of qualified professionals at Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates is friendly and compassionate. You can rest easy the night before your appointment, knowing that your concerns will be handled with the utmost respect. 

Nitrous Oxide

Nitrous Oxide (NO2), commonly known as “laughing gas,” is an option for patients who are nervous about an upcoming procedure. Nitrous oxide is a harmless gas that is mixed with oxygen and gently administered through a small nose piece. By breathing normally, the gas will begin to take effect after a few minutes, leaving you feeling calm and comfortable. This state is known as “conscious sedation” and you will still be able to hear and respond to any requests or questions by your dentist. The effects of NO2 will begin to wear off as the nitrous is lowered before your treatment has concluded. You will be able to walk out of your appointment feeling satisfied that your needs have been met.

Handicapped Accessible Locations

At Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates we welcome patients with disabilities. Both of our offices in Souderton and Harleysville are handicapped accessible. We will do our best to work with you or your loved one to make sure that you are comfortable every step of the way. 

You can learn more about our personal comfort amenities, nitrous oxide treatments, or any of our dental procedures, such as implant restoration, available to Montgomery County and Bucks County residents, by calling Weaver, Reckner and Reinhart Dental Associates. We have two convenient office locations in Souderton or Harleysville. Be sure to take that first step and make your appointment today!