Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Kelly and Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry

With the busyness of the holiday season knocking at our door, Dr. Kelly Hilgers and our entire staff at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry wanted to stop for a moment to say how thankful we are to have you in our dental family. We realize that our practice here in Goodyear thrives because of great patients like you. We are the lucky ones because we not only help keep your child's smile healthy, but we also have the pleasure of knowing you and your loved ones.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality care that we have given your child. We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Ask Dr. Kelly Hilgers: Can germs really live on my toothbrush?

Thanks for the question! Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Kelly Hilgers our team will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing

• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen

• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster

• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call us if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook. We hope you have a terrific weekend!

Dr. Kelly Hilgers & staff, honoring our veterans

Happy Veteran's Day! We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the veterans and those currently on active duty who have put their lives on the line for the freedoms we all enjoy.

In celebration of Veteran’s Day, Dr. Kelly Hilgers, Dr. Greg Mathieu and our entire team at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, our national holiday and our country’s history!

-Veteran's Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.

- President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veteran's Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veteran's Day

-There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.

-The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777

-Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values - red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth

-Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump

-When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).

-Veteran's Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veteran's Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served in our military.

-There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania.

Thanks again to our veterans! We are so thankful for all who have and are currently serving in the U.S. and abroad.

Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry proudly support AYSO 225 Soccer Fest 2010!

Dr. Kelly Hilgers and our staff, as well as our friends at Hilgers Orthodontics are proud sponsors of AYSO 225 Soccer Fest 2010, coming on December 11th-12th at Friendship Park in Avondale. The younger divisions will play one game in a tournament style format all day on Saturday. Upper Divisions will have a game on Saturday with a possibility of playing for a Championship on Sunday.

The event will have a festival atmosphere with food, games, vendors, jumpers and many other activities to keep your family entertained.

Ask us for info here or on our Facebook page!