Local Dentist To Host Emergency

Layton, UT January 27, 2006

After being supported by the members of Davis County for 20 years, local dentist Terry Preece is going to give a gift from his heart this Valentine?s Day. He and his office staff will host a free emergency dental care day February 14th from 8:30 am to 5pm at the Layton Hills Healthy Smile Center.

?The community really is the reason why I?m here,? Preece said. ?And what better time to express my appreciation for them then on the international day of love and friendship.?

Preece and his staff all volunteered to treat people free of charge on a first-come first-served basis all day long. He said the day is for local people experiencing financial hardship who have no other way to pay for dental work.

Procedures will be limited to one per person so as many people as possible can be helped. The most painful or serious problem will be the one treated.

?Oral pain can be some of the worst kind of pain there is,? Preece said. ?Repairs of broken, chipped, cracked, abscessed or infected teeth are definitely on the list of ?emergency procedures? to be performed.?

Preece said the day is not just for teeth but for gums as well. Sore, tender or bleeding gums may mean gingivitis or periodontitis; commonly called gum disease, both can result in bone loss, bad breath and other serious health problems.

Hygienist Tess Hulet said regular cleanings, check ups and, of course, brushing and flossing every day are the best way to keep gums from becoming infected.

?Many people don?t realize that gum disease means they have a pus filled infection in their mouth,? Hulet said. ?It?s gross, I know, but when that infection starts moving into your blood stream and throughout your body, other health problems start to appear.?

Those interested in receiving emergency dental care need to be in good general health. Preece and his staff reserve the right to not treat high risk medical people, such as those with uncontrolled diabetes or high blood pressure. Definitive care such as dentures, crowns and bridges will not be performed.

For more information on the Emergency Dental Care Day, contact the Layton Hills Healthy Smile Center at 2152 North Hill Field Road, Suite 2 or (801) 776-3300.

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