Best Dental Care for Valentine's Day

Show Your Smile Some Love: Best Dental Care for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is all about love—and that includes showing some love to your smile! A healthy, confident smile can brighten your day and the days of those around you. We believe that great oral care is one of the best ways to invest in yourself and share your happiness with others. Here are some of the Best Dental Care tips to keep your smile feeling loved this Valentine’s Day and beyond.

1. Treat Yourself to a New Toothbrush

Your toothbrush works hard for you every day, but it needs to be replaced every three to four months. If the bristles are frayed, it’s time for a new one! Consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush for an even deeper clean and better plaque removal.

2. Enjoy Smile-Friendly Treats

Valentine’s Day often comes with chocolates and sweets, but not all treats are created equal when it comes to your teeth. Opt for dark chocolate, which is lower in sugar and melts away quickly, rather than sticky or hard candies that can lead to cavities or damage your teeth. Limiting sugary snacks can help protect your teeth from decay and enamel erosion.

3. Stay Hydrated for a Healthy Smile

Water is one of the best gifts you can give your smile! It helps wash away food particles, bacteria, and acids that can cause decay. Plus, staying hydrated keeps your mouth from feeling dry and uncomfortable, reducing the risk of bad breath and gum disease.

4. Book a Dental Check-Up for Optimal Oral Health

One of the best ways to care for your smile is by keeping up with regular dental visits. If it’s been a while since your last cleaning, consider scheduling an appointment to keep your teeth and gums in top shape. Preventive dental care can help catch potential issues early and keep your smile looking its best.

5. Show Your Gums Some Love with Flossing and Mouthwash

Healthy gums are the foundation of a great smile. Floss daily to remove plaque and bacteria between teeth, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to keep your gums happy and healthy. Strong gums support strong teeth, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth loss.

6. Share Your Smile with Confidence

A beautiful smile isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about confidence and connection. Smiling boosts your mood, reduces stress, and spreads positivity to those around you. So go ahead and share your smile this Valentine’s Day!

We’re here to help you love your smile every day of the year. If you have questions about your oral health or need to schedule a visit, we’d love to see you. Contact us today to book your next appointment and keep your smile shining bright. Wishing you a Valentine’s Day filled with love, laughter, and healthy smiles!

Dr. Laura Lan

Dr. Laura will be in our office over the next couple of months. Dr. Laura Lan grew up in Los Angeles, California. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Davis. Dr. Laura made her way out to the Midwest to attend The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, where she earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.

In her free time, Dr. Laura enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, and practicing yoga.

FUN FACT… Laura was a classmate of Dr. Rachel’s at Ohio State, and while Fara is a year ahead of Laura and Rachel, she is a close friend of Fara’s from dental school.

Steve M. Jones, D.D.S.

Senior Dentist Emeritus

Dr. Steven M. Jones is a graduate of Shawnee High School. He attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio where he received his B.A. in Microbiology in 1986. Four years later he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (D.D.S.) from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Dr. Jones entered private practice in 1990 in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Jones also practiced in one of the first after hours dental emergency clinics in the country. After several years of private practice, he returned to his hometown of Lima, Ohio. Dr. Jones served as a clinical instructor at the Lima Technical College Dental Hygiene School and began planning a new general practice in the Lima area. In 2002 Dr. Jones opened the newly constructed Northwest Dental Center. Dr. Jones is a member of the Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, Northwestern Ohio Dental Society & Academy of Contemporary Dentistry in Columbus Ohio.

Dr. Rachel Salen, D.D.S.

Dr. Rachel Salen grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania until her family moved to Quincy, Illinois where she graduated from Quincy Notre Dame high school.

She then crossed the Mississippi River to study at Saint Louis University where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Classical Humanities. Her family then moved to her father’s hometown of Warren, Ohio, leading her to choose The Ohio State University College of Dentistry for her post-graduate education where she would go on to earn her Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

Dr. Salen is very excited to begin her career serving the great people of West Central Ohio.

Dr. Salen will make a great addition to our patient-centered team by providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages, including operative, prosthodontic, endodontic, and surgical treatments.

In addition to delivering great dental care, Rachel enjoys taking too many pictures of her cat, traveling across the Midwest and Northeast to visit her family and friends, and reading a good book!

Fara Hurt, D.D.S.

Dr. Fara Hurt grew up in Lima, Ohio. She is a graduate of Elida High school.

Dr. Hurt earned a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Fara worked for several years in the Columbus area, helping patients with their oral health needs and supporting patients with their periodontal care.

As a dentist, Dr. Hurt will make a great addition to our patient-centered team by providing comprehensive care for patients of all ages, including operative, prosthodontic and endodontic treatments In addition to delivering great care, Fara enjoys spending time with family and friends. She also enjoys hiking, traveling, and attending football games.

Mary Wiechart, D.M.D

Dr. Mary Wiechart is a Lima native. She is a graduate of Lima Central Catholic High School. Dr. Wiechart earned a Bachelor of Science in Nature Sciences from Xavier University. She earned a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry.

Her practice includes operative, prosthodontic, endodontic and surgical treatments. In addition to delivering great care, Mary enjoys spending time with family, friends and her dog, Bella. She also enjoys baking, golfing, traveling and listening to music.

Jill A. Miller, D.D.S

Senior Dentist

Dr. Jill A Miller is an Elida native and Elida High School graduate.

She is a graduate of Ohio Northern University and earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The Ohio State University in 2009.

Dr. Miller provides comprehensive care to patients of all ages and strives to make patients feel comfortable. Her goal is to make going to the dentist a pleasant experience for children and adults.

Dr. Miller has served as externship site host for Ohio Northern University and has partnered with the University of Northwestern Ohio to provide emergency dental care to student athletes.

Dr. Miller is a member of the Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, Northwestern Ohio Dental Society, and the Ohio State University Dental alumni society.

In her spare time, Dr. Miller volunteers in the children ministry at her church, enjoys running and spending time with her husband, Zac, and their 3 children.