confined to a nursing facility can have a very difficult time seeing the dentist, but it’s more important than ever, according to Dr. Hermes. “They really need to be seen more often than less often, even though that’s usually more difficult for them. We like to see those people every four months rather than twice a year.

You can select masks in colors and prints to coordinate with your summer ensembles. Maybe even choose a purse, shoes and a mask to match. Perhaps you’ll opt to show your support for your favorite college or NFL team or sport, even a classic camo design.

Another misconception, which seems to contradict the first, is that we’re bound to lose a tooth – or several – if we live long enough, just as we’re bound to get cataracts. But tooth loss and denture use “are not inevitable,” says Dr. Dan Marut, a dentist and founder of Quality Dental Plan, headquartered in Reno, Nev.

About a month before beginning chemotherapy. you should visit your dentist because side effects are more likely in patients with unhealthy mouths. The dentist can clean your teeth, take X-rays, treat any mouth problems and teach you how to prevent oral side effects.