Kirk Kimmerling DDS Continues Participation In Child Assistance Program

Kirk Kimmerling DDS contributes to the dental needs of Cobb Dental Society's Child Assistance Program (CAP) another year.

CAP is a Cobb County and Marietta City School Social Work Program serving the dental needs of families not quite able to make ends meet.

The program welcomes volunteer dentists from a variety of specialties including orthodontists, periodontists, endodontists and general practitioners that are willing to donate free dental services to children in need in Cobb County and Marietta City.  The program helps about 120 students a year, and the families are very appreciative of Dr. Kimmerling and the social workers hail him and the other dentists as "heroes."

The families are pre-screened, and the children in need are enrolled in the program to get the appropriate dental services.  "Dentists, like Dr. Kimmerling help them and before long, they are back focusing on their education," says Penny Warren, M.S.W. and Director of the CAP Dental Program for 8 years, and a social worker since 1976.

Most children referred are not an emergency dental situation, as the typical patient has decayed teeth, swollen and bleeding gums or are in need only of a dental cleaning and check-up. Dental needs can seriously affect learning, and put a child at a grave disadvantage.  The students get their needs met by improving their child's dental health, allowing parents to have one less concern.

In total, about 58 dentists participate in the program with Dr. Kimmerling, and they pick the number of students they see.  The dentists receive a detailed form when a child is referred.

Students come from all types of backgrounds; single mothers, domestic violence, homeless or some just need a little help to get by.   "If we help people when they are not quite making ends meet, then we will keep them off government programs.  This could include a food pantry, school supply give away, clothes closet, Christmas gifts or the dental program.  If the community steps up to the plate, then the families make it with a little support in various ways according to their needs," says Ms. Warren.  These families have fallen in the cracks of society.  They are not eligible for any assistance, such as Peachcare or Medicaid programs, and it is clear that dentists like Dr. Kimmerling make a real difference filling the gaps in Cobb County.

Dr. Kimmerling makes the effort to give back, and makes the world a better place.  "Dr. Kimmerling has a one of a kind, beautiful, high-tech office and I believe he is successful because he gives so much," says Katherine Worsham, Insurance Administrator at Verde Pointe Dental Associates in Marietta.

"Treating the students of Cobb County has been an absolute pleasure.  These children are grateful, wonderful kids, and it is my pleasure to shine a little light in their lives," says Dr. Kimmerling.

The distinguished group of caring professions do a terrific job every year for Cobb County.  They have helped the county in a big way.  Many Marietta dentists like Dr. Kimmerling participate, however we have a great need in our county and more are always welcome to help.

The program is a success thanks to dentists like Dr. Kimmerling.  He has provided dental services free of charge to those that otherwise would go without.  He is to be commended as a community leader and Dentist in Marietta.

Chronic Stress And Your Oral Health

Chronic stress is well-known to have destructive effects on oral health says Marietta dentist.   Millions of people are unaware that they clench and grind their teeth.  It can occur while awake or asleep, and the tempromandibular joint (TMJ) can be affected.  This is the joint that connects the jaw to the skull and if over-stressed, can become sore and radiate pain.  TMJ discomfort can be a manifestation of stress, and a dentist is your first stop for information.

The specific term for clenching and grinding teeth is bruxism.  Some people grind and clench without manifesting pain or complications, however others have excruciating, radiating pain.  Those with acute discomfort claim it feels like a migraine, sinus headache or even mimics wisdom tooth pain.  It can radiate down the shoulders and neck causing significant discomfort as the muscles in the face become increasingly stressed and tense. Grinding and clenching can cause teeth to become sensitive over time.  Some people are aware a problem exists years before seeking treatment, and wait for it to become acute.

TMJ can occur from a misaligned bite,  broken teeth, dental restorations, trauma, clenching or grinding. If the jaw develops degenerative changes, discs can swell, shift, click, and even lock.  The jaw can be sore enough to make chewing food difficult.

Teeth that are chipped, cracked or grinded down need repair from a dentist.  Repairing them helps keep the bite in the correct alignment.  Preventative treatment can be important before significant destruction to the tempromandibular joint occurs.   If a partner hears grinding at night, take action and alert your dentist.  He may suggest proactive treatment.

Treatments for TMJ include...

A dental appliance

Muscle relaxant medication

Anti-inflammatory medication

Chiropractic manipulation

Physical Therapy

Massage Therapy

Botox injections

Dry Needling

Surgery

Braces

The night guard provides a cover to the chewing surface of teeth, stopping the constant contact. Since, much grinding happens when people are asleep and unaware, a night guard may be the only needed remedy for many. Avoid sleeping on your stomach.  This can cause the  jaw to unnecessarily to strain.

How to reduce the stress...

Exercise on a regular basis

Eat a balanced healthy diet

Get plenty of rest every night

Focus on the positive in life

Focus on eliminating stressful triggers

Practice relaxation techniques or yoga

Engage in relaxing hobbies

Make an effort to maintain a positive mental attitude

Reducing stress is important to oral health, as the risk of periodontal disease (gums disease) doubles in those affected by significant stress. People with increased stress levels also tend to increase poor habits such as eating junk food, skipping exercise or even forgoing normal oral hygiene practices.   It is best to do what you can to keep stress under control.

If you have sore jaws in the morning or are aware you clench and grind, perhaps speaking to a dentist is wise.  It may allow early detection of  a TMJ problem  before it becomes acute.  A simple fix can prevent more severe future problems with degenerative changes, says the dentist in Marietta, GA.

Marietta Dentist Introduces Blog On Dentistry And Involvment In Polymer Chemistry

Verde Pointe Dental Associates introduces a new blog on the practice website for better informed patients.

Marietta, GA- Leading dentist in Marietta and Kennesaw at Verde Pointe Dental Associates, Kirk Kimmerling DDS introduces the launch of the practice's new blog library.  With involvement in creation of new dental products, the Marietta dentist has recognized the need for a new informational blog.  It is different than any other blog.  It not only covers dental procedures and news, but also Dr. Kimmerling's involvement in polymer chemistry and the introduction of new incredible dental products he is currently involved with.

Dr. Kimmerling is able to communicate new information to his patients about dental care, new treatments and new procedures as they come available.  "More patients than ever are interested in a healthy mouth, as they know it relates to a healthy body," says Dr. Kimmerling.  "My partners and I are planning on changing the chemistry of dentistry."  Patients of the Marietta dentist will have the ability to keep up to date on Dr. Kimmerling's polymer chemistry group and its effects on dentistry.  Dr. Kimmerling believes they have a product on the horizon that is one of the biggest products ever in dentistry.

Dr. Kimmerling is a part of an organization of incredible minds across the country.  They are working together to change dentistry for the betterment of the world health.  Dr. Kimmerling is a unique Marietta dentist, as he received a degree in chemistry from Emory University before attending dental school.  He has been practicing dentistry for over 29 years, giving him the unique ability to contribute significantly in changing the product world of dentistry.  He's involved with Universities, large corporations, and brilliant individuals, all contributing to further the development of the polymer chemistry.  It will not only be used to change dentistry, but also in far-reaching applications and directions.

The blog on the website will allow patients and interested people to be kept abreast on the group's upcoming innovations in dental product development.  Informed patients allow the practice to provide a better quality of service overall.  Patients not only learn about dental topics, such as bonding, root canals, dentures, toothaches, dental fillings, dental cleanings, teeth whitening, sealants, dental veneers and dental implants, it will include information on the new polymer products.

The dentists and staff at Verde Pointe Dental Office are schooled on not only the dental services and treatments, but on the exciting upcoming dental advancements.

Patients that have been coming to Dr. Kimmerling over the years for teeth cleanings and treatment are excited about the upcoming dental products.  Dr. Kimmerling expects to change the face of dentistry significantly, and wants his patients to benefit immediately.  Patients are glad to be apart of such a significant dental office.  "We expect the blog to be the place our patients go to learn more," says Marietta dentist.  "Dr. Kimmerling is no ordinary dentist, says Katherine Worsham, Insurance Coordinator at Verde Pointe Dental Associates.  "He is highly intelligent and is able to work with brilliant chemists on a new polymer.  I find that amazing."

Verde Pointe Dental Associates has a new and exciting blog by a Marietta dentist that will be different than any other.  It's exciting because patients can be apart of the changes coming to dentistry.