Now, of course, when it comes to issues of the mouth, we must take a stand to educate and do what’s best for YOU – our patients. In many cases, the reason for issues with dry mouth stems from a medication being taken. Medications treating anxiety, depression, high blood pressure are common. Other factors that contribute to dry mouth are aging (darnit!), nerve damage, cancer therapy, autoimmune diseases and other chronic ailments.

Where we come in concerned is due to the fact that dry mouth can cause issues within the mouth and health of the teeth. It can contribute to an entire host of hygienic obstacles including, bad breath, mouth sores (inside and out), cracked lips, difficulty in tasting or chewing, dry, red tongue, among others. Because the glands are unable to produce an ample amount of saliva, presence of any or all of these symptoms can increase the chance for gingivitis, tooth decay or mouth infections. Additionally, it may present challenges in the ability to wear dentures.

The good news through much of this is the fact that there may be a solution to your specific battle with dry mouth. Specifically, the doctor prescribing any of your medications may be able to lower the dosage of your medicine or switch you to something comparable with less of an effect. Remember, they can’t help if they don’t know about it!

Other at-home or day-to-day remedies to dealing with dry mouth include: limiting caffeine intake (which increase dryness), chew sugar-free gum, stop any and all tobacco use (yes, do this!), add moisture to your room overnight with a humidifier, avoid OTC antihistamines that increase dryness, sip on water throughout the day, breathe through your nose – there are many, many options!

The most important point of providing you with this information is to remind you that something can be done! And it’s critical that something is done to treat this ongoing issue in order to avoid deeper problems from arising.

Not sure where to start? Just ask us. We’ve got an answer, suggestion and the concern for your well-being – and we’ve heard it before!

Somehow you’ve survived the Christmas break from school and managed to keep the kids busy while they were holed up inside because of the cold temperatures. But now you’re nearly broke because you just spent your life savings, or close to it, on Christmas presents. So the kids are still “booooored” and you’ve got to think of ways to keep them and yourself sane. Fear not, Kellerman Dental friends, we’re here.

Many of us at Kellerman Dental are parents and we get

that sometimes it’s hard to always come up with something to do that is not a trip to dinner or a movie, and of course, won’t break the bank. Check out the following few items we’ve gathered and think sound best!

Eagle Meet and Greets

Just 15 minutes away, the kids can get up close and in person (kind of) with some bald eagles. A few representatives of our nation’s symbol will be on-hand at the Alton Visitors Center on Saturday, January 14, 21 and 28. FREE

Delmar Loop Ice Carnival

A carnival. In January. While we shouldn’t even need to go on, we will. The Delmar Loop in University City has residents and businesses participate each year to make the most of winter. Family-friendly events include ice carving and sculptures, an ice slide (you know you want to!), human sled dog races and more. Saturday, January 14. FREE (Oh, and PS – you may have to have lunch and root beer float at Fitz’s to really top it off!)

Star Party at the St. Louis Science Center

The St. Louis Astro

nomical Society sets up telescopes and answers questions for miniature star-gazers at the Planetarium. The kids can join in and you can, too! Star Parties are the first Friday of each month, January 6, February 3 and March 2. FREE

Penguin Parade

STL Zoo Penguins

Who doesn’t have a little love for the puffins and penguins of the St. Louis Zoo? Sunday afternoons in winter are packed with activities including the

Penguin Parade (2p.m. – 2:30p.m.). Now if the weather cooperates, the penguins will be marchin’! FREE

Family Nights at The Magic House

The Magic House in Kirkwood really is just that, magical. As one of the top children’s museums in the area, they make it even better with free admission for families on the third Friday of each month from 5:30p.m. – 9p.m. FREE

See, it may not be so bad! FREE options to keep the kids busy. All it takes it is a little bundling up in the hats and scarves. Do you have a secret hot spot in St. Louis for the kids? Tell us about it!

Our blood drive is scheduled for Monday, January 9^th from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. The wonderful folks at the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center will sponsor the blood drive. If you’re looking for a way to give back directly to Glen Carbon, Edwardsville and surrounding areas, you’ll be happy to know the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center is the supplier to all of our local hospitals!

If that’s not enough to want to give a little so someone gets a lot, here are some facts from the Mayo Clinic about blood donation in the United States.

• Only 5 percent      of eligible donors across the nation donate blood, but the number of      transfusions nationwide increases by 9 percent every year.

• On average, a      hip replacement typically uses one unit of blood, cardiac bypass 2 units,      a heart transplant 2 units and a liver transplant 10 units!

• Statistics show      that 25 percent or more of us will require blood at least once in our      lifetime.

• Blood cannot be      manufactured. It can only come as a gift from people. (Hint, Hint!)

So we’ve got to ask, who’s ready to continue the holiday gift giving on January 9^th? We’re still taking sign-ups! Please feel free to email us at or call us at 288-3535. We’re looking forward to making major strides for the beginning of 2012!

Do you have a suggestion for a way we can give back in 2012? Let us know!

So some of you might not have a clue at all what we’re referring to, but have no fear, that’s why we’re here, right? Here’s a quick lesson.

More often than not, health insurance companies delineate a certain amount of coverage each year depending on the type of medical services you’re needing. Sometimes certain services such as vision, chiropractic, other specialists, including dental aren’t covered – blasphemy, right? Well, that’s why we encourage a Flexible Spending Account if the all the services you need aren’t covered or if services needed arise unexpectedly.

A Flexible Spending Account is similar to a “medical bank account”. Money can be taken from your paycheck (prior to taxes) and placed into an account for use on certain services throughout the year. Although, it’s important to remember Flexible Spending Accounts have a “use it or lose it” clause. If you haven’t used all the money set aside by that particular year’s end – it’s gone. And, well, no one likes disappearing money.

So you must wonder, does this apply to you? As we mentioned before, sometimes certain services just aren’t covered under a particular plan, and you need those services. If you need an eye exam and to purchase contacts twice a year, this is a perfect example. Or perhaps, you’ve been putting off that much-needed dental work that you didn’t want to pay out-of-pocket.

One thing to be sure of is to check all that your insurance plan covers, if in fact you have insurance coverage. Aside from the services that are covered, you need to check that the sometimes non-traditional services (whitening, LASIK, etc.) are included in services, which your Flexible Spending Account funds can be used towards.

Have more questions? Reach out and talk to someone in our front office! Planning is key and we want to make sure you keep up with your semi-annual visits to our office. And maybe, just maybe, at the end of the year you’ll have some funds left over to treat yourself!

But we have a feeling this one may be far more exciting because you just may get to use it while in the dentist’s chair! Let’s paint the picture…

You have your mouth wide-open while Dr. Kellerman and an assistant are doing some dental work. They are concentrating on making sure your mouth stays open, the area they’re doing work stays visible and dry, and of course, making a dental masterpiece. You on the other hand are straining to keep your mouth open, wondering what they’re thinking as they can nearly see down your throat, and above all, trying not to choke on your spit or gag (you know you were thinking it!).

Well, dental friends, no more of that. Meet Isodry!

Isodry is a mouthpiece that comfortably retracts your tongue and cheek, protects your throat, keeps your mouth gently propped open all while providing continuous suction! That’s right, no more fears of choking on your own spit – what a relief!

Isodry has a built-in bite block that is made of a soft, rubbery plastic and allows your jaw to rest easily instead straining to keep it open. And that constant suction ensures less time of powders, pastes, liquids to stick around in your mouth, and of course, fewer suction breaks means a quicker procedure.

Another perk? It has a tongue guard, which for some patients, is a huge relief! Not that we have a history of attacking tongues, but it eases the mind a bit knowing any of our tools are nowhere near the tongue!

Now, we’ll admit we like to keep our toy collection growing, but as we’ve said many times before – we keep adding to it because we want to optimize your visits with us. We want to accommodate you during what you think may be a stressful procedure, or provide some comfort and relaxation to a procedure you’ve been putting off.

Wondering how this new little tool works, check it out here!

http://youtu.be/MuuOhGwh4YU

Well, because we’re not procrastinator Kellerman Dental, we’re pleased to announce a Kellerman Dental Blood Drive coming this January!

In an effort to kick off a year of giving back, our blood drive is scheduled for Monday, January 9th from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m. The wonderful folks at the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center will sponsor the blood drive. If you’re looking for a way to give back directly to Glen Carbon, Edwardsville and surrounding areas, you’ll be happy to know the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center is the supplier to all of our local hospitals!

If that’s not enough to want to give a little so someone gets a lot, here are some facts from the Mayo Clinic about blood donation in the United States.

• Only 5 percent of eligible donors across the nation donate blood, but the number of transfusions nationwide increases by 9 percent every year.

• On average, a hip replacement typically uses one unit of blood, cardiac bypass 2 units, a heart transplant 2 units and a liver transplant 10 units!

• Statistics show that 25 percent or more of us will require blood at least once in our lifetime.

• Blood cannot be manufactured. It can only come as a gift from people. (Hint, Hint!)

So we’ve got to ask, who’s ready for some gift giving on January 9th? We’re ready to take sign-ups as soon as…NOW! Please feel free to email us at or call us at 288-3535. We’re looking forward to making major strides for the beginning of 2012!

Looking forward to being a donor at our blood drive but want to do a little giving back now? You’re in luck – don’t forget about our non-perishable food drive!

Do you have a suggestion for a way we can give back in 2012? Let us know!

But do you ever think about the little everyday necessities?  You know, the shampoo that keeps your hair clean, the conditioner that keeps it oh so smooth, and the toothbrush that prevents you from having to see us ALL the time?

But what happens when you don’t have these things?  Things tend to be a lot tougher.

Well – the reality is that many people don’t have the little things, but that doesn’t mean YOU can’t help make a change! 

For the remainder of November and all of December we ask that you help us make a difference in your own community.  We are collecting all of those everyday items, plus non-perishable food items, in an effort to deliver a truckload of goodies to the GlenEd Pantry right here in Edwardsville.

When you think of donating to a pantry, you often consider the non-perishable food items, right?  While most people think of the soups, veggies, pasta and fruits – which are all fantastic – we’re asking you to get creative and take it to the next level!  So let’s maybe throw in some shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, brushes and combs!     

Last year we had 100 participants in our food drive, this year our goal is to have 200 patients bring in items to donate!  When we think of how many we average in a day – that shouldn’t be so hard!  So help your community (and us!) by being one of those 200 patients – or better yet, be one that helps us SURPASS our goal!

 Just think, your $5 in deodorant, shampoo and conditioner can supply at least a month to someone in need.  Double that and you could provide for a family!  Triple that and…ok, you get it!

So we were reflecting on some of the tricks we’ve pulled in the office and realized that we may be giving Dr. Kellerman a hard time! We’ll let you be the judge!

1)  Every morning we review the schedule for the day and discuss how we can best serve our patients.  One day, we played a little trick on Dr. Kellerman with the schedule.  Obviously, we are careful with scheduling to make sure to allow sufficient time to help each patient, not put too many appointments next to each other, etc.  So we decided to “doctor” the schedule to make it look like it was completely over packed, but still somewhat believable and achievable.  The look on Dr. Kellerman’s face was priceless!  He couldn’t even form a sentence to ask what was going on! Just goes to show how careful we are with providing the best care for our patients!

2)  One day the team decided to lead Dr. Kellerman to believe several of the team members were going to have to call in for personal reasons.  We very strategically staggered the times/excuses so that he wouldn’t catch on.  Around 6am the first call was made; our hygienist’s son was sick.  Shortly thereafter, another team member claimed to be sick themselves, another had a flat tire, another’s car wouldn’t start, another overslept, etc.  Dr. Kellerman started to catch on at the end, but he was still very nervous until he showed up for work and everyone was there!

Now we don’t always get a kick out of causing Dr. Kellerman to experience hyperventilation, but it is a bit fun to mix things up a bit! So this Halloween, make sure you ask for a trick or joke before you deliver a treat! Remember to choose a healthy alternative to all the sugary candy they’ll already receive!

‘Tis the Season for Coating Teeth in Sugar?
Scary Thought!

Do you have any noteworthy tricks you’ve played or
experienced? Share them with us!

Kellerman Dental offers three main options for patients interested in dental replacements. Each of them caters to what you are looking for in particular. If you’re unsure which is best for you, ask! Dr. Kellerman is more than happy to determine which option is the most beneficial to you.

Dental Implants

Dental implants are a highly successful replacement of the tooth’s roots that are permanently affixed to match your teeth’s natural color. They are designed to fuse with bone so they feel like your actual teeth! The advantage to dental implants is that they are secure and do not need to be removed for any reason. They create an overall improved appearance, level of comfort, easier eating and speaking and last many, many years. Dental implants are an effective way to replace one or multiple teeth!

Dental Bridges

Dental bridges are just that – bridges! They bridge the gap between one or more missing teeth with the use of crowns. Two crowns are fixed to the surrounding teeth – called abutment teeth – after they’ve been re-contoured (if needed) and the false tooth, or teeth, goes right in the middle.  Simple as that. There are three main types of bridges that are considered, and Dr. Kellerman helps determine which is best for you. Dental bridges can help preserve the shape of your face, ensure your bite is maintained and prevent any other teeth from drifting out of position.

Partial Dentures

Partial dentures were created for the patient that is not looking for a permanent implant. Rather, replacement teeth are attached to pink or gum-colored plastic bases which are connected by a metal framework. The partial dentures attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or nearly invisible “precision clasps”. Usually bridges complement the overall framework of the ideal fit of partial dentures. Dr. Kellerman will talk with you about whether this removable option is the best case for your situation. If partial dentures are the final decision, we will work with you to ensure you’re given the best instructions to maximize your comfort.

Having multiple options for dental replacements helps our patients realize they can be part of this decision! Not every replacement option works for every patient, so working together to decide which is best for your lifestyle will make all of the difference in the long run. So if you’ve been considering fill that gap, don’t hesitate to ask our opinion.

You can also check out our website for more information on replacing missing teeth.  http://kellermandental.com/Treatment/GeneralTreatment.aspx  We’re ready and willing to provide you with options!

Anticipating the arrival of a new family addition is challenging enough, but when you’re waiting to discover the gender until their grand entrance is made, it’s even worse. But all was well in the world on Wednesday September 28^th at 2:11am – Everett John Kellerman made his first long-awaited appearance. At 7 lbs 6 oz and 21 inches long, we know he’s destined for greatness! Mom and dad are looking to set their “longest time without sleep” record!

If you haven’t noticed, we’re quite the family at Kellerman Dental and adding another to the bunch is a momentous occasion. With a mom and dad like Dr. K and Amanda, we’re sureEverettwill be a straight-A, mountain climbing, kayaking, marathon-running, classic rock loving bundle of awesomeness – with a wonderful set of teeth of course.

But don’t worry, we won’t allow littleEverettto sway our monthly Cavity Club contest. (wink wink!)

We send our best to Dr. K and his growing family. Please send your best wishes below!