By Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD  
The Toothboss, www.toothboss.com

Last month, I mentioned a song written for my practice, “The Toothboss of My Heart.” The song and video featuring staff and patients is now available on my website, https://toothboss.com/anthem/.
When I commissioned that song, I never imagined just how special that would feel. It was an incredible reminder of the journey from a Navy dentist aboard the USS Midway to 35 years of practice serving the good people of the South Shore. In watching the music video for “Toothboss of My Heart,” something dawned on me: Though it may sound like a romantic ballad about me, it’s actually a love song my patients.
It also reminded me of why I love music. It goes back to my days as a trumpet player in the band and orchestra at Hingham High School. I still remember playing with Dr. Peter McDonal (also a local dentist). I can picture the music room, who sat next to me, and the hiss of the radiator in the room on those cold winter mornings. Everything.
Reminders play a very important part of being a dentist. First, there’s the daily care things as we remind patients to:

  • Brush at least twice a day (morning and night)
  • Use fluoride toothpaste
  • Replace your toothbrush (or brush head) every 3-4 months
  • Floss once a day, preferably before bedtime (or use interdental brushes/picks if easier)
  • Brush or scrape your tongue
  • Rinse with an antimicrobial or fluoride mouthwash
  • Avoid brushing too hard, but be very thorough
    Then there’s the professional care part as we remind patients to:
  • Schedule regular dental checkups (every six months, or as recommended)
  • Get regular professional cleanings, which normally include a dental checkup every six months, or as recommended by your dentist or hygienist
  • Take X-rays as recommended for early detection of cavities, periodontal disease, and infected teeth.
  • Apply sealants (especially for kids)
  • Consider fluoride treatments if at risk for cavities
  • Have oral cancer screenings
  • Schedule periodontal (gum) checkups if prone to gum disease
    Of course, at this time of year, we share a timely reminder for those of you who still have traditional dental insurance. In most cases, that insurance resets on January 1. If you’ve already met your deductible or have unused benefits, now is the smart time to schedule more extensive treatments – crowns, implants, bridges – before year’s end.
    Putting off needed dental work can lead to more discomfort, more expense, or complications later. And if your benefits lapse, you may lose the benefit you’ve already paid for.
    Part of this reminder is that the holidays are soon approaching. Your dentist and his/her office may not be open during the weeks of Thanksgiving or Christmas. So there’s even less time to get those more extensive treatments scheduled.
    So, while you enjoy the video, I hope you’ll also consider your dental needs for the rest of this year. And if you’re in between dentists and need some work done or just a routine checkup, give my office a call at 781-335-0604. Maybe you can be part of the next verse to be written for the sequel to “Toothboss of My Heart.”
    If you’re a Toothboss patient or a regular reader of this column, thank you for giving me this joyful song.

About the Author: Dr. Richard Wolfert, DMD is the owner of The Toothboss, 1121 Main St., South Weymouth. For more information, call 781-335-0604 or visit www.toothboss.com.