Dr. Samuel U. Rodgers believed that health care was a basic human right. His vision to ensure quality, accessible care regardless of ability to pay led to him founding the health center fifty years ago.
We're here because we love what we do. Hear from three Sam Rodgers Health Center providers about how they help create a safe space for families.
To schedule an appointment, please call (816) 474-4920. A member of our scheduling team will work with you to identify the best match for your clinic location, provider, and more!
Our patient resources provide a variety of support for our community. Sam Rodgers is dedicated to having accessible care for patients of every background. To schedule an appointment, please call (816) 474-4920!
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Practicing good oral hygiene has nearly limitless benefits. When our mouths, gums or teeth aren’t healthy, our bodies may be more susceptible to serious disease, so taking care of your mouth is just as important as taking care of the rest of your body. Although February is children’s dental month and we focus on building good oral health habits for kids, it’s always a good time to reevaluate your current techniques. Working with children to create good oral health habits early on can go a long way toward a lifetime of healthy smiles, but as adults, any bad habits we have acquired might have stuck around longer than they needed to. Here are a few tips for making sure your teeth and gums stay as healthy as possible.
Care for your teeth daily
Make sure you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. The fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes teeth more resistant to decay and if you use mouthwash, do not use it directly after brushing as it will rinse away the fluoride. It’s important to brush your teeth before bed to make sure bacteria that cause plaque, tartar and gingivitis can’t spend all night on your teeth.
Proper Brushing
When brushing your teeth hold the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle so both the gum line and surface of the tooth are exposed to the bristles. You should brush using an up and down and back and forth motion. After brushing be sure to floss! While it might be a chore, flossing can remove debris from teeth that brushing misses.
Visit your dentist regularly
You should be seeing your dentist at least twice a year for semi-annual cleanings and a thorough checkup. Your dentist will examine your teeth for potential issues, discuss a customized care plan and determine if you need to be seen more often as well as additional procedures that may need to take place. Going to the dentist can make some people uneasy and if you experience anxiety thinking about a trip to see your dentist, try bringing a friend with you or listening to music during your appointment.
Watch your diet
A diet rich in vitamins, minerals and fresh fruits and veggies can help prevent gum disease. It’s best to avoid snacking when possible and limiting yourself to soda at meal times can reduce the amount of time your teeth face added factors for decay and damage. If you are in need of a snack, cheese cubes are a tasty way to reduce lingering acid on your teeth. Finally, a diet
Our oral health changes throughout our lifetime, as does the attention our teeth and gums might need. To learn more about oral health or to schedule an exam and cleaning please call 816.474.4920 today or request an appointment online!
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