Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection and is a major cause of cervical, vulvar, vaginal, penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers.  Vaccination can reduce significantly the risk of infection and subsequent cancer. According to the director of Snohomish County Public Health, only 30% of Snohomish County’s 11-12 year olds have initiated the HPV series and only 9% have completed the series.  By age 13-17, the rates are only 44% initiated and 24% completed.  The CDC, Washington State Department of Health, and Snohomish Health District are committed to increasing vaccination rates. To that end, I urge our Stanwood-Camano, Arlington, and… [ Read More ]

You remember the last time you had a real Coke or Pepsi?  You sipped it, swished it around a little to enjoy the fizzy feel. Chugged a couple more gulps. And then you noticed your teeth felt different. They’re not slick anymore. Maybe rough to your tongue. Or even a strangely dry feeling. That, my friends, is the power of soda acid.  It strips the protective, mucousy sludge off your teeth.  You heard me. Protective. Your slimy drool has VALUE! We know that people who suffer dry mouth disorder or have chronic soda or sports drink habits, or eat lots of… [ Read More ]

It doesn’t take a degree in rocket science or dentistry to know that people don’t want to come to the dental office for treatment. I can support that with conversations that I have every day with my patients. “I know you’re going to lecture me,” say a few. “Ready for my lashing,” says another. “I know what you’re going to tell me,” say the remainder. Some patients get right to it. “No offense, doc. This is the last place I want to be.” I get it. No one wants to be here. Yet they show up. I have some of… [ Read More ]

Straight out of the hygiene center, Dr. Rafoth gives some advice for how to neutralize your risk for tooth decay. Chris Rafoth is the owner of Lyons Creek Dental Care, providing medical dentistry, dental implants, and facial esthetics since 1998 for Shoreline and greater Seattle areas, as well as communities in King and Snohomish counties. Any questions or comments? Contact him at chris@lyonscreekdentalcare.com today! [ Read More ]

My wife showed me an article the other day. It’s called "Your dentist may be ripping you off. Here’s how to avoid that.” I read it, and had a ton of opinions about the site, the author, and the quality of the journalism(?) that went beyond the topic. But I took a breath, and focused on the content so I could give my readers and patients actual facts about the issues presented. There are a few statements in the article that actually have merit. You likely don’t need all your fillings ripped out. You should be careful of bait-and-switch offers… [ Read More ]

The goal of all good dental health is to remove the debris as well as the BIOFILM (the dental plaque formed by bacteria). The worst stuff is Glide. It smears bacteria around. ULTRA FLOSS from Oral-B is the best, because it’s woven, picks up everything, and it can be stretched thin to fit into tight contacts. [ Read More ]