July 16th, 2015
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about a child’s first teeth. Primary teeth, also called milk teeth or baby teeth, are the temporary teeth that end up under pillows and provide plenty of business for the tooth fairy! Here are four myths about baby teeth that every parent should know:
#1 Baby teeth aren’t important.
Many parents mistakenly believe that baby teeth are less important than permanent teeth because they are just going to “fall out anyway”. But baby teeth serve a very important purpose as place-holders in growing mouths during early years of development. They help maintain the proper structure of the mouth in providing a guide for permanent teeth to move in behind them when the time comes. A baby tooth lost too early can lead to crowding of adult teeth, for example.
#2 Cavities in baby teeth do not matter.
This one is similar to dismissing the importance of a baby tooth because it’s based on the idea that since these teeth will eventually come out, what happens to them beforehand doesn’t matter. Unfortunately, cavities cause more than just a cosmetic blemish. Cavities can cause pain or discomfort for children and even abscess if left untreated. Further, cavities harbor bacteria that can spread through the bloodstream and effect your child’s overall health.
#3 There’s no need to brush baby teeth.
Parents should begin brushing teeth as soon as they appear. Not only will this help prevent tooth decay, but it also begins a lifetime of good dental habits. It’s even a good idea to begin oral care before teeth appear. A soft, damp rag rubbed over your baby’s gums reduces bacteria and helps emerging teeth get off to a great start.
#4 Kids don’t need to see a dentist until they are older.
Unfortunately, many parents don’t take their child to the dentist until there is a problem. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests that parents bring their children for a first dental visit as soon as the first tooth emerges or by age one at the latest. Establishing a “Dental Home” early will ensure that your child has a good experience on their first visit and develops a trusting relationship with the dentist.
Do you have questions about your baby’s teeth? Don’t hesitate to ask! We would love to talk to you about any questions or concerns you might have!
July 2nd, 2015
Greek yogurt is a dental super food. Yogurt is more popular than ever as a healthy choice for those seeking to supplement their diet with a food that will help their overall health. Several respected studies over the last few years have continuously shown that Greek yogurt has benefits far beyond digestive health. Here are a few of the exciting ways that yogurt can help keep you smiling:
Greek yogurt helps gums.
A Japanese study of 1,000 adults revealed that the healthiest gums were found in those that ate the most yogurt. Probiotics, the “good bacteria” found especially in Greek yogurt are the possible reason as these active cultures may help to slow the growth of cavity causing bacteria. Healthy gums are essential to your overall health because gum disease can put you at an increased risk for a wide range of complications including heart disease.
Greek yogurt strengthens teeth.
Yogurt is high in calcium which helps to keep your teeth strong. Calcium works by maintaining the density of your skeletal bones through years of deposit while your body is growing the most. For this reason, children especially benefit from the calcium found in yogurt. Once permanent teeth appear, calcium continues to help prevent tooth decay by keeping enamel strong.
Greek yogurt fights bad breath.
Researchers have discovered that eating six ounces of yogurt each day greatly reduces the bad breath causing compounds like hydrogen sulfide. It turns out that the probiotics found in yogurt help to keep “smelly” bacteria in check.
Yogurt makes your mouth less acidic.
Cavity-causing bacteria love an acidic mouth. Yogurt counters this by balancing your mouth’s PH levels and creating a less hospitable place for bacteria to thrive.
The best yogurt for your dental health is plain and sugar free. Greek yogurts are an even better option because they often contain the highest amount of probiotics. If you or your children crave a sweet addition to your yogurt, you might sparingly choose a small amount of fresh fruit or a natural sweetener.
June 18th, 2015
A vacation from work or school doesn’t mean a vacation from your dental health. In fact, the change in your family's schedule and diet means that it is even more essential to be vigilant in maintaining those beautiful smiles. Here are five pointers for a healthy mouth while you and your children are traveling or on vacation:
1. Get up to date on your dental visits before you go.
Don’t put off needed visits until you return from your travels. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead, get an appointment early and take care of your teeth before the rush and hustle of vacations. Doing this will help prevent dental issues from ruining your time away from home by detecting any underlying issues that need to be treated before your leave. Holidays and vacation times are also very busy time in dental offices, so you want to make sure your appointments are scheduled and taken care of sooner rather than later.
2. Make a dental travel kit.
Nearly everything comes in a travel size and we’ve found that the activity of putting together a dental travel kit will encourage great habits while you are away from home. Don’t forget to pack travel sized mouthwash, floss and a toothbrush for everyone in the family. We’re excited about new convenient options as well, such as quick disposable toothbrushes that can be carried for “in-between” brushing on the go.
3. Protect your toothbrush.
You want to make sure that your toothbrush stays covered. Extra handling, luggage and hotel bathrooms provide bacteria extra opportunity to find its way onto your bristles and into your mouth. Several options are available, including covers that are anti-bacterial. A closed cover gives a warm, damp place for bacteria to thrive, so remember to let your toothbrush dry before covering it up.
4. Watch what you eat.
We are all more likely to indulge in sugary drinks, snacks and desserts while traveling or on vacation. Why not make a conscious decision to eat a bit healthier this year? Instead of planning your days around food, look for opportunities for more fun. Pack healthy snacks so that you won’t be tempted to grab a quick treat that may not be good for your teeth.
5. Keep your routine.
Whatever you decide to eat, don’t forget your regular dental habits. It may be tempting to just go to bed after a long day of fun, but forgetting your routine could mean no-so-fun dental problems later on. Make brushing and flossing an activity that your family does together. It can be a great opportunity to “debrief” and discuss the activities of the day or plan for the next.
We hope everyone has a great summer full of fun and healthy smiles!
June 4th, 2015
What your child eats affects their oral health. The best thing you can do as a parent is to encourage your children to make healthier food choices. Here are a few common snacks that can be detrimental to the health of your child’s teeth and a smile-friendly alternative for each of them.
Sodas & Sugary Drinks
Sodas and sugary drinks can be tough to avoid, but they’re also one of the most common threats to your child’s dental health. The sugar in these drinks combines with the bacteria in their mouths and forms acids that attack the enamel on your child’s teeth, leaving them susceptible to decay. Limit sodas and try to establish them as more of an occasional treat while you establish a water habit for your child. Add a lemon, lime or cucumber to their water to give it a more flavorful twist.
Ice Cream
Similar to sodas, ice cream can easily become a problem for a child’s oral health. The high sugar content and extreme cold temperature weaken enamel which can lead to serious problems down the road. A great alternative to an ice cream sundae is yogurt (low in sugar) with fresh fruit. The fruit will provide flavor they are craving; plus, the many oral health benefits of yogurt are well-documented.
Potato Chips & Starchy Snacks
You might not think of potato chips as a particularly risky food, since they have little sugar. However, these foods can easily get wedged and hidden between your child’s teeth. Potato’s starch converts into sugar as soon as you consume them. Instead, try eating different types of nuts. Peanuts, almonds and walnuts, provide vitamins that strengthen children’s teeth and minerals that stimulate saliva production.
Of course, regular (6 month) dental checkups and cleanings are essential in keeping healthy teeth. Until then, establish good eating habits to help improve your child’s oral health.
