Doctor Genius Blog Posts

Blog Format

• ID# (found in Column C)
• Keyword
• Title: Use the exact title on the sheets.
• Meta Description/Social Throw
• Body (Include subheadings)
• Conclusion (H2)
• Call to Action

SEO/Engagement (Keyword)

• Must use keyword in title (title is usually assigned)
• Must use the keyword within the first sentence
• Use exact keyword at least three times throughout the article but do not overuse it.
  • Always write keyword as given, even it breaks another rule (has a number below 10, needs a hyphen, etc.).
  • If keyword does not seem to match the article title, please contact the Account Manager

Body

• Avoid writing in first person, unless specified otherwise in the instructions
• Limit use of second person to 1-2 instances maximum, usually in the beginning and/or end
  • Location is only necessary if it is in the keyword
• Avoid using contractions unless it is possessive or in a quote or a title
• Treatments that are proper nouns should always be capitalized. Lumineers, ClearCorrect, etc.
• E.g. and i.e. are not interchangeable, and both should have a comma before AND after.
  • E.g. means ‘for example’ and gives a sample: The city has many eating establishments, e.g., Arby’s, Uncle Sam’s, Toppers, Izakaya.
  • I.e. means ‘in other words’ and refers to one thing: We’re going to the newest restaurant, i.e., Neptune Bistro.
• Use “they” and “their” instead of “he/she” and “his/her” but do not use “they/their” or “you” more than 3 times
• Do not double space between paragraphs.
• Be sure the first word after a colon is uppercase
• Lists must be at least three bullet points or more
  • Do not end the lines of a list with periods
• Try not to use more than one list per article
• For liability’s sake, avoid claim words (in reference to services, procedures, practices, etc.): top, best cheapest, expert, foolproof, warranty, etc.
  • Never use the word “expert” and only use “specialist” when the keyword/instruction says to
  • Avoid absolutes such as “best” or “number one” or anything similar
• If product is marked as ‘Registered Trademark’ please include a registered trademark symbol with each instance of the word

Subheadings

• Your main headings should have the Heading 2 (H2) heading style — include one or two H2s.
• Subheadings (those under the H2s) should be Heading 3 (H3).
• Heading styles are used for content organization and hierarchy, not for aesthetics.
• Use a lead-in sentence or short paragraph between an H2 and H3 heading 
  • H3s cannot come before H2s.
  • Do not add additional formatting to headings, such as bold or italics
• Use sentence case for headings: Only the first letter of each heading is capitalized, as well as proper nouns.

Call to Action (CTA)

• The last thing in the blog should be the CTA. CTA IS included in word count.
• Use 1 of the following 2 choices only – paste it directly to the bottom of your article as you see it below:
  • <em>Request an appointment here: <a href={{WEBSITEURL}}> {{WEBSITEURL}}</a> or call {{COMPANYNAME}} at <a href=tel:{{MAINCALLTRACKINGNUMBER}}>{{MAINCALLTRACKINGNUMBER}}</a> for an appointment in our {{CITY}} office.</em>
  • <strong>Are you considering insert keyword in the {{CITY}} area? Get more information at <a href={{WEBSITEURL}}> {{WEBSITEURL}}</a>.</strong>
• IMPORTANT: Replace “ insert keyword ” with the keyword/a form of the blog keyword so that the CTA sounds like natural language
  • Make it singular or plural if needed, change the tense of the word, etc.
  • Be sure to change the keyword
• Please use the CTA option that makes the most sense with the content of the blog. For example, if the blog is about “gum health”, you would not want to use option 2, as it would read “Are you considering gum health in the {{CITY}} area?”

Meta Description/Social Throw Snippet

• Ideally 150 characters MAXIMUM but can be less (no less than 120)
• First word should be an action word: Call, Read, Find out, Learn …
• Add hashtag + keyword at the end of the snippet (ie. #keyword)
• *Note* 150 character maximum does NOT include the hashtag + keyword
• Do not use quotes or any non-alpha characters

Sources

• Cite sources
  • If it’s a statistic, give the source of the statistic in text form.
  • Otherwise, do not use statistics without some form of citation.
  • IMPORTANT: Never use another private practice as a source.
  • Never hyperlink sources. Just include the name of the source in the sentence.
    • “According to a 2013 study by eurekaalert.org…”
  • Do not use a second-hand source.
    • Find the original source.
    • If original source cannot be found, consider a different statistic.
  • Do not use footnotes. All citations are in-text citations per Associated Press Style.

• Do not use Oxford, or serial, commas.
• Em dashes (—) are surrounded by spaces and can take the place of commas, parentheses or colons (these are NOT interchangeable with hyphens)
  • Limited to 2 appearances per sentence — either once to separate a thought or twice to close a thought mid-sentence
  • Create an em dash on Windows by alt + 0151; shift + option + minus sign on Mac
• Do not use en dashes (–) to indicate a range.
  • Instead use a hyphen (see next bullet)
• Hyphens are only used for compound words (“e-reader”) or for ranges (“10-15 studies”)
• Ellipses ( … ) are surrounded by spaces.
• Keep punctuation within quotation marks (“Example.”)
• All numbers 10 and above are numeral. All numbers nine and below are written out.
  • The exception for this rule is numbers below 10 in titles or ages
• Do not use italics <em> for titles. Books, movies, etc. are surrounded by quotation marks (“To Kill a Mockingbird”)
• Do not underline words.
• Capitalize the word after a colon in the middle of a sentence (“Let’s recap: You need to call today.”).
• Use the % symbol when paired with a numeral
• Use periods in most two-letter abbreviations: U.S., U.N., U.K., etc.
  • Note: “IT” (information technology) does not have periods.

• Save the blogs as the Keyword -Title
• Please put Doctor Genius in the subject line.
• Send completed articles to [email protected]

• Don’t use the phrase “This is because” at beginning of sentence
• Never say “expert”
• Keyword in first sentence
  • Used at least three times total (use keyword exactly as given)
  • Title exactly as given (if keyword and title don’t match in spelling or if one is 2 words and the other one, contact manager for instructions.

Social Media Snippet:

• No less than 120 characters, Max 150
• Use keyword within first 10 words
• First word should be action word: Call, Read, Find out, Learn…
• Add hashtag + keyword at the end of snippet, i.e., #keyword

Subheading formatting:

• Only first letter of subheadings is capitalized – rest are lowercase
• Utilize H2 formatting for main subheadings (only 1-2 in the article), utilize H3 formatting for additional headers within those sections
• Do not bold or italicize headings
• Conclusion heading ALWAYS an H2 (doesn’t count toward the 1-2 in the article)

Bullet Lists:

• Don’t end points with periods

As you read watch for:

• Grammar/Spelling/AP Style proofread – see AP style rules
• No First Person
• Use they/their instead of “he and/or she” or “his and/or her”
• No business practice hours or address (unless specified)
• Avoid contractions (unless possessive, or in a quote or in a title)
• Avoid absolutes
• i.e. and e.g. not interchangeable, use a comma before and after use.
• Don’t double space between paragraphs
• Limit paragraphs to about 4-6 sentences
• If a statistic is given, link to the source of the statistic within article or write the source in text form – no cited sources at bottom
• CTA is very last, and matches one of the two approved CTAs given
  • If you use the second option, make sure the keyword is there.

Keyword: dental sealants

Title: How Dental Sealants Help my Child’s Teeth

Meta desc/social throw: Find out how dental sealants protect a child’s teeth and learn what teeth should be sealed now to prevent decay and cavities. #dentalsealants

Body:

Protecting the surface of teeth is essential in early development, which is why dental sealants are important. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, between 80 and 90 percent of cavities found in adolescents occur on the chewing surface of permanent teeth, with the majority being located on the back teeth, or molars. Commonly referred to as fissure or pit decay, this type of cavity can be easily prevented by applying these protective coatings.

Sealants and tooth selection

Sealants are a thin plastic material that is applied to the top of a child’s back teeth. They work by preventing food and debris getting trapped within the crannies of the tooth while still allowing the depressions and grooves to aid in the chewing of food. This thin layer of plastic prevents the development of bacteria that eventually leads to deterioration and rot.

Choosing which teeth to seal

While many parents may believe that there is no need to seal baby teeth as they are not permanent, the AAPD recommends sealing any tooth that is at risk of decay. A tooth with deep pits and fissures can be sealed, even if it is a baby tooth. Beyond that, the American Dental Association recommends sealing permanent and premolars as soon as they come in, between the ages of 6 and 13 years old.

The conundrum with wisdom teeth

Wisdom teeth erupt sometime between the ages of 17 and 21. While the consensus around other molars is to seal them as soon as they come in to avoid any decay, that is not the case with many wisdom teeth. According to the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, most people do not have enough room in their mouths for this final set of molars to come in correctly, leading to the removal of wisdom teeth. However, if a child does have the room for healthy growth, then these teeth should be treated like the rest of their molars and sealed.

The sealant procedure

The procedure for dental sealants is a straightforward process and is nothing to be concerned about. While many children fear the dentist, the sealant process is painless and typically requires no numbing medications or drilling.

• Tooth preparation: To prepare the tooth or teeth, dental hygienists remove any plaque or residual food debris by polishing the tooth and cleaning the pit and fissures. After cleaning, they isolate and dry the tooth before etching the surface. Then, they rinse the etching material before drying the tooth again.
• Sealant application: The sealant is applied with a small brush to each tooth individually. Then, using a self-curing light, the sealant is dried and bonded to the tooth surface for about 30 seconds.
• Evaluation and occlusion: After the application, both the dentist and hygienist evaluate the sealant to ensure full cure and occlusion. Once hardened, the sealant creates a plastic coating across the surface of the tooth, and it is safe to chew on again.

Conclusion

Dental sealants are excellent preventatives for tooth decay and other oral hygiene issues often occurring in children. However, they do not provide complete protection. To ensure dental health, it is still necessary to practice basic oral and dental hygiene through routine brushing and flossing, restriction of sugary foods, regular dentist visits and professional cleanings.

<em>Request an appointment here: <a href=”{{WEBSITEURL}}”> {{WEBSITEURL}}</a> or call {{COMPANYNAME}} at <a href=”tel:{{MAINCALLTRACKINGNUMBER}}”>{{MAINCALLTRACKINGNUMBER}}</a> for an appointment in our {{CITY}} office.</em>

Keyword: pediatric dental emergency

Title: What is a Pediatric Dental Emergency?

Meta desc/social throw: Learn the circumstances that surround a pediatric dental emergency and which treatments are available for restoring children’s injured teeth. #pediatricdentalemergency

Body:

Most pediatric dental emergency situations arise unexpectedly as the result of a fall or other sudden injury, while others might be caused by tooth decay or infection. These situations can be frightening for both children and parents, especially if a tooth is broken or knocked out completely. Knowing how to react in the wake of this type of crisis and when to seek treatment can lower the risk of permanent tooth loss or damage.

Common types of pediatric dental emergencies

Infected baby tooth

Improper or sporadic cleaning of children’s baby teeth can cause one or more of them to become infected or abscessed. When this occurs, pockets of pus form around the tooth and can make it difficult for affected children to chew or speak. Since the infection is capable of spreading throughout the body, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Children with infected baby teeth may experience swelling in the cheek or jaw, depending on the affected tooth’s location. They might also run a low-grade fever. Ice packs can be applied to the area for brief intervals to reduce pain. Visible abscesses will likely be painful to the touch and handling them may only introduce further bacteria. Encourage children to keep their fingers out of their mouths and away from the infected tooth.

Tooth fracture

Kids often experience tooth fractures during play, such as falling off their bikes onto pavement or from trees and jungle gyms. A fractured tooth may or may not bleed and in some cases, the break may not be easily seen. However, because this type of pediatric dental emergency may result in infection, it is wise to seek treatment right away.

A fractured tooth may break into one or more pieces before treatment. If this occurs, preserving the broken sections as whole as possible can improve the chances of saving the tooth. If a piece breaks off and cannot be recovered, this is not a cause for panic, as it can be a common occurrence during a fracture. To lower this risk, place a damp piece of gauze over the affected tooth and have the child keep gentle pressure there to hold it together.

Injured or lost permanent teeth

Older children who have some of their adult teeth sometimes have them fractured or knocked out as a result of roughhousing with friends or participating in school sports. This type of problem can be serious, as it will likely require tooth replacement. If an adult tooth is knocked out, there are several ways it can be preserved until treatment is sought:

• Hold the tooth in the empty socket with gauze
• Keep the tooth in a paper cup and add milk to prevent the roots from drying out
• Avoid handling the tooth to lower the risk of infection

Acting quickly can make the difference between saving a broken adult tooth and requiring an implant or artificial crown.

Conclusion

A pediatric dental emergency can happen at any time, and being prepared to act may help keep children calm when such an injury occurs. While you can treat these problems at home when they happen, taking your child to a dental professional as soon as you can is usually the wisest course of action.

<em>Request an appointment here: <a href=”{{WEBSITEURL}}”> {{WEBSITEURL}}</a> or call {{COMPANYNAME}} at <a href=”tel:{{MAINCALLTRACKINGNUMBER}}”>{{MAINCALLTRACKINGNUMBER}}</a> for an appointment in our {{CITY}} office.</em>

Keyword:cosmetic dentistry

Title: Cosmetic Dentistry: Ways to Keep Your Smile Bright

Meta desc/social throw: Discover how cosmetic dentistry can make your smile brighter in less time than you think. Ditch unproven methods and go for what really works. #cosmeticdentistry

Body:

Yellowed teeth often keep people from smiling or laughing in public, but a little intervention with some cosmetic dentistry is all it takes to get the teeth sparkling a little brighter. While a dental professional will have access to high-grade teeth whiteners, it is possible to work on whitening teeth at home using over-the-counter methods and good oral hygiene techniques.

Types of tooth staining and treatment options

The first step toward whiter teeth is understanding stains. The teeth tend to discolor over time for many reasons, including age and exposure to different chemicals in foods and drinks. Different types of stains may require different cosmetic dentistry services to effectively brighten a smile. There are two main types of tooth stains.

Extrinsic

Extrinsic stains are those that are on the outside of the tooth. These stains are caused by foods with high pigmentation. In addition, dark sodas, tea and coffee, as well as the use of tobacco, increase the risk of extrinsic tooth discoloration. It is possible to combat this type of stain with over-the-counter whitening options such as strips or a good whitening toothpaste.

Intrinsic

Intrinsic staining occurs under the tooth enamel. As a person ages, the enamel slowly thins, and the teeth may look yellower over time because the dentin under the enamel is yellower in color. However, this can also occur with the long-term use of certain medications, particularly antibiotics. Intrinsic stains seem to respond best to cosmetic dentistry services such as bleaching.

Whitening options that work

For the best results at brightening those pearly whites a few shades, try these options:

• Dental office visits: Dentists have access to professional-grade whitening solutions. Many of these involve using trays with bleaching agents on the teeth during a visit. Some dentists also offer take-home treatments. Results are usually immediately noticeable.
• Whitening strips: Whitening strips are available over-the-counter at many stores. Typically, the strips need to be used one or two times a day, for 15 to 30 minutes at a time, for one or two weeks.
• Whitening gels: Whitening gels usually are applied to the teeth with a brush and are available over-the-counter at many stores. Like strips, the gel may need to be applied one to two times a day for a week or so.

About natural remedies

There are a lot of natural remedies and tips abounding online that urge people to use citrus fruits or substances such as charcoal to whiten their teeth. While doing so occasionally will not hurt, it is important to keep in mind that there are no studies to back up the claims that people make about these home remedies. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends sticking with the tried-and-true methods of whitening teeth for people who want to see real results. Keep in mind that brushing too hard or too often with acidic fruits, baking soda or charcoal could actually end up damaging the tooth enamel.

Conclusion

Teeth tend to naturally yellow over time, but you can get a brighter smile with a little cosmetic dentistry. For the fastest results, see a dental professional. However, certain over-the-counter options can also be effective.

<strong>Are you considering cosmetic dentistry in the {{CITY}} area? Get more information at <a href=”{{WEBSITEURL}}”> {{WEBSITEURL}}</a>.</strong>

Keyword:oral hygiene

Title: Oral Hygiene: Proper Brushing Technique

Meta desc/social throw: Get your oral hygiene routine in check by learning the proper way to brush your teeth. Impress your dentist at your next regular checkup. #oralhygiene

Body:

To maintain good oral hygiene, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Although most people understand this, there are many who still fail to brush enough throughout the day, if at all. Even those who are meticulous about brushing after breakfast and before going to bed may not be brushing the right way, thus putting themselves at risk for developing gum disease. Although many people may think brushed teeth are clean teeth, it is true that there is actually a right way to go about it.

Brushing technique and why it matters

Gathering the tools

The first step for any good oral hygiene routine is to have everything needed to clean the teeth in the morning and at night. Along with floss for getting at any food and buildup between the teeth, everyone needs a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. It is best to use a toothbrush with a soft bristle because harder bristles have the potential to damage the teeth and gums. Once the tools are ready, the brushing can begin.

The technique

• A pea-size amount of toothpaste is all that is necessary to clean the teeth.
• Move the toothbrush gently back and forth across the front of the teeth, the back of the teeth, the flat underside of any teeth and across the tongue for fresher breath.
• When brushing the front surface of the teeth, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle from the gums.
• When brushing the back of the teeth, hold the brush vertically and move it up and down.

Part of a healthy routine

As long as the teeth are getting brushed every day, that is all that matters, right? Not necessarily! Proper brushing at the correct angle ensures all accessible surfaces of the teeth are reached and cleaned. Those who do not use an efficient technique such as that listed above may miss important areas of the teeth, leaving spots more susceptible to tartar and plaque buildup and the development of caries or cavities. This brushing technique is approved and recommended by the American Dental Association.

Maintains teeth until the next dental appointment

Another reason it is important to use a proper technique when brushing the teeth is that most people only visit a dental professional for an oral hygiene checkup once every six months, if at all. People who go for extended periods without seeing the dentist need to properly brush their teeth so as to keep them as healthy as possible between visits. Ideally, the dentist or a dental hygienist will thoroughly clean the teeth at the checkup.

Conclusion

There is a right and wrong way to go about brushing the teeth, so make sure to follow this ADA-recommended method during any oral hygiene routine. In addition to proper brushing, regular visits to the dentist will help to prevent excess buildup of tartar, plaque and bacteria, as well as the development of gum disease and cavities.

<em>Request an appointment here: <a href=”{{WEBSITEURL}}”> {{WEBSITEURL}}</a> or call {{COMPANYNAME}} at <a href=”tel:{{MAINCALLTRACKINGNUMBER}}”>{{MAINCALLTRACKINGNUMBER}}</a> for an appointment in our {{CITY}} office.</em>

Keyword: family dentist

Title: Family Dentist: Brushing With Baking Soda FAQs

Meta desc/social throw: Find out what a family dentist has to say about brushing teeth with baking soda and other common questions people want answers to. #familydentist

Body: 

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a common item in most households, and many people want to ask their family dentist if this ingredient is as good for brushing teeth as so many people claim it is. It is possible to find baking soda as an ingredient in over-the-counter toothpaste, but what about using it on its own? Here are a few frequently asked questions regarding using this popular ingredient on those pearly whites.

Can brushing with baking soda whiten teeth?

Yes, it can, because an alkaline solution is made when baking soda mixes with water. This leads to the release of free radicals, which help to break up plaque on the teeth and surface stains. In addition, for anyone experiencing mouth ulcers, baking soda is an effective treatment. It also assists in freshening bad breath by neutralizing acids from leftover food particles.

Does brushing with baking soda damage teeth?

Brushing once a day with baking soda or on occasion will not damage the teeth. However, brushing too hard or too often with it can lead to damaged tooth enamel. Some people also mix the baking soda with lemon juice, strawberries or other ingredients to clean the teeth. While this can be effective on occasion, a family dentist is likely to recommend doing this sparingly to avoid damaging the teeth.

What does it feel and taste like to brush with baking soda?

The feel of brushing with baking soda can be surprising for first-timers. If used with just water, it will be quite gritty and leave an unappealing aftertaste. Some people combat this by mixing it with toothpaste or other flavors, such as peppermint. Some additions, such as vinegar, may add to the unappealing taste left in the mouth. Be aware that the experience may not be pleasant, but it is possible to mix it with other ingredients to make it feel better and taste better in the mouth.

Is it better to use baking soda rather than toothpaste?

It is a good idea to use toothpaste regularly because baking soda alone does not have the ability to fight cavities. In addition, overuse of baking soda could damage the teeth. While conscious and careful use of baking soda can be beneficial, it is not a permanent replacement for a good toothpaste.

How often is it OK to use baking soda to brush teeth?

An article from the Journal of the American Dental Association states that baking soda is safe for daily use. It is a good idea to only use baking soda to brush the teeth once per day. Use a good fluoride toothpaste to brush teeth the rest of the day.

Conclusion

Baking soda is an effective teeth whitener when used appropriately to brush the teeth. Keep in mind that it is also important to maintain regular dental visits and to continue using a good toothpaste with any baking soda brushing routine. For the best results, consult with a family dentist to find out the best uses for baking soda when brushing teeth.

<em>Request an appointment here: <a href=”{{WEBSITEURL}}”> {{WEBSITEURL}}</a> or call {{COMPANYNAME}} at <a href=”tel:{{MAINCALLTRACKINGNUMBER}}”>{{MAINCALLTRACKINGNUMBER}}</a> for an appointment in our {{CITY}} office.</em>