Monday, October 29, 2012

October is National Dental Hygiene Month | Birmingham Dentist | Dr Thomas Cosgrove

Every October the American Dental Hygienist' Association attempts to raise awareness and promote good oral health. We want to remind you that your teeth and gums are an integral part of total body health!

Your Birmingham dentist, Dr. Thomas Cosgrove, would like to share the American Dental Associations simple tips to keep your teeth and gums healthy:

Brush twice a day for two minutes at a time
Most patients brush their teeth twice daily but research shows that a large number of patients are brushing for less than one minute at a time. Brushing for the full two minutes can reduce plaque buildup which helps prevent gum disease and cavities.

Floss daily
While brushing is important, it can only do so much for your overall oral health. Your toothbrush can not reach in between your teeth or underneath the gum line  Flossing is equally important because it removes food particles and plaque from between the teeth and below the gum line  Flossing also helps prevent gum disease and cavities.

Rinse with an ADA accepted mouthwash
Many people are unaware that the ADA now recommends rinsing with an anti-microbial mouthwash. Both plaque and gingivitis are reduced by supplementing your daily routine with a mouthwash. There are many brands available, choose a brand that carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance. If you have questions about which mouthwash is right for you, call our office at (205)967-4080 today!

Chew Sugar Free Gum
Clinical studies have shown that chewing a sugar free gum 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent cavities. Look for chewing gum that carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Remember that this is not a substitute for brushing and flossing!

Lastly, has it been 6 months since your last visit? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to schedule a checkup by calling our Birmingham dentist office at (205)967-4080. We proudly serve patients from Birmingham, Vestavia Hills, Cahaba Heights, Inverness, Mountain Brook, Homewood and all neighboring communities.



Thursday, October 18, 2012

Mmmm! National Apple Month

Did you know that October is National Apple Month? Well, it is and we just LOVE apples this time of the year!

Remember that old saying "An apple a day keeps the doctor away"? Well, research proves it is TRUE!

Your caring Birmingham dentist,  Dr Cosgrove is dedicated to helping you  maintain a healthy mouth and a healthy lifestyle, so, check out U.S. Apple Association for great apple resources like health facts, apple news and great recipes!

Just remember, after eating an apple it is still important to brush your teeth!



Monday, October 15, 2012

Going Viral!

Dr Cosgrove is going viral! Check out our Virtual Business Card via Vistaprint.

You will find all our business information including handy links to our social media pages and a map to our office!

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Think Pink!



October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. However, the fight against breast cancer doesn't begin or end in October! Raising awareness is a year-round job.

Here are some of the facts:
*1 in 8 will be struck by the disease at some point in their life.
*More than 70% will have no identifiable risk factors.
*Getting fewer than 6 hours of sleep can lead to low grade inflammation which may be linked to cancer.
*Early detection saves lives!
*Being active at least 10 hours/week improves your odds by 30 %

What can you do? Learn your family history and protect yourself by living healthy.

Learn 3 more ways to reduce your risk:

http://www.glamour.com/health-fitness/blogs/vitamin-g/2012/10/3-smart-tips-to-reduce-your-br.html

Birmingham dentist, Dr Cosgrove and his team are proud to support breastcancer.org and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Five Signs That You Have The WRONG Dental Insurance!

If you have dental insurance-congratulations! Dental insurance is a fantastic way for you to get assistance in paying for your dental health care.

Your dental insurance was chosen for you by your employer based on many factors. While all dental insurance plans differ, one thing that most have in common is that they stress prevention-keeping your teeth and gums as healthy as possible through regular dental examinations, necessary x-rays and dental cleanings.

When it comes to covering other services such as dental fillings, crowns, gum disease treatment, the replacement of missing teeth and more-insurance programs vary widely. The good thing is that even a little bit of help in paying for your dental care is better than nothing at all.

However, as a service to our patients and our community, we would like to point out five sure signs that you may have the wrong dental insurance.

1) The "fine print" on your plan requires a medical grade microscope to read and is in Swahili.
2) The insurance company's "on hold music" is The Complete Works of Beethoven-and you've heard it three     times.
3) A non-covered pre-existing condition is the presence of teeth.
4) You are restricted to seeing just dentist on a list and the only dentist in your area is Steve Martin from Little Shop of Horrors.
5) In order to save money, the insurance company requires that you visit a foot doctor at the same time as your dental appointment. Since they are working on different ends of your body it should not interfere.

Hopefully, you got a chuckle out of these warning signs. But even if you didn't recognize any, we realize that dental insurance can be very confusing.

At Thomas P Cosgrove DMD, PC, we know that you may have questions about your dental insurance and we are here to help. We take pleasure in working with you to maximize you benefits so that you get the best coverage possible. Please give us a call at (205) 967-4080 to discuss any questions or concerns you may have.

Most importantly, whether you have dental insurance or not, we will team up with you to get your teeth and gums in the healthiest condition possible and give you the smile of your dreams!!! Please do not hesitate to call or stop by.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Happy Fourth of July!


As we gear up for all of the fun holiday festivities; Parades, fireworks and backyard barbecues, we remember to give thanks for the freedoms we have as Americans.

Dr Thomas P Cosgrove and his team would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July!


Our office will be closed on July 4th and will resume normal business hours on Thursday July 5th.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Dr Cosgrove offers Care Credit!

Ready to start your dental treatment? Dr Cosgrove will pay the interest for you! We offer interest free financing through Care Credit. Call (205)967-4080 today for details!


Friday, June 15, 2012

Dr Thomas P. Cosgrove awarded 2011 Super Service Award by Angie's List


Thomas P. Cosgrove DMD, PC Earns Coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award
Award reflects businesses’ consistently high level of customer service

Thomas P.Cosgrove DMD, PC has been awarded the prestigious 2011 Angie’s List Super Service Award, an honor bestowed annually on approximately 5 percent of all the businesses rated on the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews on local service companies.

“I have been a patient of Dr. Cosgrove’s since I moved to Birmingham in 2004. I thought I would never say this but it is a delight to go to the dentist! He plays great music, he is funny, and his work is not that bad ;-) He has done some cosmetic work and I get compliments on my smile all the time. I highly recommend Dr. Cosgrove for all dental needs.” – Jana W.

“Only a fraction of the businesses rated on Angie’s List can claim the sterling customer service record of being a Super Service Award winner because we set a high bar,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “The fact that Thomas P. Cosgrove DMD, PC can claim Super Service Award status speaks volumes about his dedication to consumers.

Angie’s List Super Service Award winners have met strict eligibility requirements including earning a minimum number of reports, an exemplary rating from their customers and abiding by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service business ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List, but members can find the 2011 Super Service Award logo next to business names in search results on AngiesList.com.

Angie’s List collects consumer reviews on local contractors and doctors in more than 500 service categories. Currently, more than 1 million consumers across the U.S. rely on Angie’s List to help them make the best hiring decisions. Members get unlimited access to local ratings via Internet or phone, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List magazine and help from the Angie’s List complaint resolution service. Take a quick tour of Angie’s List and view the latest Angie’s List news.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Share your summer plans with us!

Dr Cosgrove and our team at Cosgrove Dental Care want to know: What are your summer plans? Planning an exciting summer vacation? Hanging out around town with friends and family? Let us know!

Please share your exciting summer plans and experiences with us here or on our Facebook page! We would like to wish all of our patients and their families a safe and fun summer!

Friday, May 11, 2012

Welcome to our dental blog!

Dr. Thomas P. Cosgrove DMD of Cosgrove Dental Care has been helping people keep their smiles healthy and beautiful in Birmingham, AL since 1995.

We love what we do and appreciate all of our trusting patients.We take a comprehensive approach to your dental needs combining preventative, restorative and cosmetic dentistry to help you achieve the smile you want and deserve.

Dr Cosgrove invites you to learn more about our practice by calling our office at (205)967-4080 or visiting our website at www.cosgrovedentalcare.com