The beginning of a new year brings an array of changes. From wondering how the last year flew by to deciding on new resolutions, there is a lot that seems to happen during the annual transition. At Dr. Drew and Crew, we understand all the changes that come with a new year — including new insurance. We keep our process simple so you don’t have to stress about updating information with us.

Updating Your Insurance Information

If either you or your employer has changed insurance carriers for the year, all we need is your new insurance carrier’s information or your newly issued card. We realize not all insurance companies issue cards. No problem. If you did not receive a new card, we’ll be able to find your information through the insurance company’s website by using your Social Security Number.

That’s it! No stress at all.

At the time of your next appointment, our team will do the rest. If you have any questions regarding this process or any concerns, our crew is happy to discuss those items with you.

We want to wish all of our patients a wonderful new year! We look forward to seeing you throughout the year to help you achieve your dental resolutions. Whether you’re looking to straighten your teeth, achieve a whiter smile, or increase your oral health, we’re here to help. Give us a call today to schedule your appointment!

 

https://drdrewandcrew.com/contact
520 S. 14th St.
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
479-242-373

The alarm clock goes off. The cool, winter weather has you wishing you could press snooze for the next 30 minutes, but you convince yourself to get out of bed and get your day started. Before starting anything productive, you stumble your way to the kitchen and your muscle memory kicks in. A pot of water fills the machine, scoops of grounds top off the filter, and your morning brew is on its way to power you through the day.

Does this sound like you?

Being an avid coffee drinker has its perks. The hot drink can be your best friend when it comes to waking up and staying productive (thank you, caffeine!), but what about the unfortunate downsides to drinking coffee? Specifically, what are the oral health consequences for the avid coffee drinker?

 

Tooth Discoloration

One of the most prominent downsides of consistent coffee consumption is stained or discolored teeth. Coffee impacts the color of teeth through an ingredient called tannin. Tannins are a type of polyphenol that breaks down in water. It is also a part of other beverages like wine and tea. Stains occur when tannin builds up on tooth enamel and “stick” to your teeth, leaving behind a yellowish tint.

 

Preventing Tooth Discoloration

Don’t fret! You can prevent discoloration from worsening by caring for your oral health. Simple steps such as brushing your teeth twice a day for a minimum of two minutes, routinely using mouthwash, and flossing can help fight against additional enamel build up. Beyond those habits, switching to whitening toothpaste and/or a new toothbrush can help improve overall oral cleanliness.

 

Getting White Teeth Back

If your teeth have already seen the side effects of drinking coffee on the regular, there are clinical options that can help you restore your pearly whites! Here at Dr. Drew and Crew, we offer various teeth whitening services that can help improve the look of teeth coloration. To learn more, click here to read our blog about getting whiter teeth.

Questions about teeth discoloration or whitening? Contact us today!
https://drdrewandcrew.com/contact/
520 S. 14th St.
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
479-242-3739

Night guards are great devices that help protect teeth from the damaging effects of grinding or clenching through the night. Guards also can help fight against gum problems (including recession) and loose teeth all while giving cushion to the muscles in the jaw. With benefits such as these, it’s important to consistently wear a night guard if suggested by a dentist and take exceptional care of it. Here are a few tips on how to keep your guard in its best shape.

Rinse

It’s great to get into the habit of rinsing your mouthguard under cool water right after you wake up. This helps remove any saliva and bacteria that accumulated on overnight.

Brush

After rinsing, gently brush your guard with a wet toothbrush and a little liquid soap (no toothpaste necessary). Doing this will help remove the plaque stuck in hard-to-rinse places and ensure that your mouthguard is being scrubbed clean.

Air Dry

This tip is vital for maintaining good hygiene. After cleaning off your guard, leave it to air dry completely in a clean area. Placing a wet or damp guard back into a case can promote bacterial and mold growth, which can undo all the cleaning steps you did that morning.

Store

Just as it is important to keep your guard clean, the same goes for your case. You don’t want to store your guard in a case that is damp, dirty, or old. Be sure to use the case given to you by your dentist or orthodontist and aim to clean out the case in warm water once a week to prevent bacterial build-up.

Taking care of your night guard is just one of the many ways that you can help improve and maintain your oral health. Here at Dr. Drew and Crew, our services include creating a customized night guard to best protect your teeth and dental needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

https://drdrewandcrew.com/contact/
520 S. 14th St.
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
479-242-3739

For some, going back to school is a refreshing sense of structure. For others, gathering materials, supplies, meeting teachers and classmates can bring an entire sense of newness to the once-regulated routine. Either way, there’s one thing you won’t have to worry about this back-to-school season: Knowing your dental team! Just as you meet and get to know your teachers every school year, here’s a warm welcome to your dental staff!

 

Dr. Ellenwood, DDS, Doctor of Dental Surgery

Dr. Drew Samuel Ellenwood, DDS, was born and raised in Oklahoma City, OK and graduated from the University of Oklahoma, College of Dentistry in 1986. In 1987, he moved to Fort Smith to practice dentistry. Dr. Ellenwood enjoys a wide variety of hobbies including biking, gardening, reading, movies, and music. He is also quite the writer and has written three yet-to-be-published novels! Click here to visit his author website.

 

Amanda Taylor, RDH, Hygienist

Growing up in Searcy, Arkansas, Amanda graduated from Harding University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics. She was Dr. Ellenwood’s dental assistant in 2000 and then graduated with her Associate of Dental Hygiene from the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith in 2005. After graduating, she returned to Dr. Ellenwood’s practice as his full-time hygienist. Amanda is known for her contagious humor, laughter, and love for her husband, daughter, and three dogs!

 

Jennifer Ables, RDA, Dental Assistant

A lifelong resident of Van Buren, Arkansas, Jennifer is the dental assistant that’ll take care of you start to finish while translating all of Dr. Ellenwood’s dental lingo into English. She became a Registered Dental Assistant in 2004 and has been on the Crew since 2003. Whether it’s vacationing on the beach or camping on the lake, Jennifer will gladly vacation anywhere with a large body of water!

 

Michelle Palmer, RDA, Patient Care Manager

From scheduling your appointment, consulting your suggested treatment, or making financial arrangements, Michelle is dedicated to helping each person! She’s been working with Dr. Ellenwood since 1994 and has been a Registered Dental Assistant since 1993. Born and raised in Fort Smith, Michelle now lives in Greenwood, Arkansas, and is known for her dedicated Black Friday shopping and ability to personalizing any item on a restaurant menu.

 

Debbie Eden, CNA, Patient Resources Coordinator

Debbie’s bright personality sure does match her sunny Southern California roots! She joined Dr. Ellenwood in 2014 after moving to Arkansas in 2010 and continues to be a balanced force of kindness and professionalism when it comes to working with patients and insurance companies. If you have any questions regarding your account or insurance, she is your go-to person. Be sure to ask Debbie about the chase of a three-legged dog; you’ll be sure to get a laugh!

 

To learn more about Dr. Drew and Crew, be sure to visit the about Dr. Drew and the crew page!

https://drdrewandcrew.com/contact/
520 S. 14th St.
Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901
479-242-3739