oral health – Page 7 – Latest News from Children's Dental Specialties

Four False “Facts” About Baby Teeth

Posted on July 16, 2015March 18, 2021

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!

Greek Yogurt: Super-food For Your Family’s Teeth

Posted on July 2, 2015March 18, 2021

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.

Four Reasons You Should Care About Gum Health

Posted on March 12, 2015March 18, 2021

When we think of oral health, our focus tends to be on teeth. But that’s only half the story. Gum health is an integral part of dental and oral health and can also play a significant role in the overall health of your body. Taking care of your own gum health and helping guide your children in good oral habits can provide a lifetime of benefits. Here are four reasons your gums are so important.

1.They keep your teeth in place!

No matter how great the condition of your teeth they require healthy gums to support them. Your gums serve as a seal around your teeth, protecting more sensitive tissues underneath. When bacteria is allowed to sit on gums and teeth, small pockets begin to form over time which provides even more places for plaque to hide. This continual erosion of gum tissues exposes teeth, increasing the likelihood of cavities and even loose teeth.

2.Having healthy gums may lower heart disease.

Gum disease has been linked to cardiovascular problems like heart disease and stroke. Studies point to gum health as an overall predictor of heart health. Experts aren’t sure exactly why this is and the link has long been a matter of debate. What’s unquestionable, however, is that heart attack and stroke patients tend to also have gum disease.

3. It’s possible that having healthy gums can mean a better memory.

According to a report in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry, researchers have noticed a link between performance on memory tests and gum health. Study participants with gingivitis, marked by swollen, sensitive gums, consistently performed poorly in memory tests when compared to those with healthy gums. Apparently, remembering to brush and floss can help you remember where you put your car keys!

4. Healthy gums can keep your whole body healthy.

Bacteria in your mouth can find its way into the blood stream easily when gums are inflamed, meaning that your body is more susceptible to infections. In fact, research has even uncovered links between gum disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can help reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth, reducing the chance of gingivitis and possibly keeping you healthier overall.

You’ll Be Surprised at the Hidden Sugar in these Foods

Posted on February 26, 2015March 18, 2021

The processed food industry has made the job of cutting out sugar even more difficult for consumers. Foods we wouldn’t necessarily consider full of sugar, even healthy foods, are often sugar bombs in disguise. Reducing the amount of sugar your family eats is not only a great idea for keeping mouths healthy, but it can also have tremendous benefits to overall health. Here are a few of the worst sneaky sugar offenders.

BBQ Sauce

Who doesn’t love great barbeque? From ribs, to pulled pork, BBQ chicken and brisket, great barbeque is often accompanied by a great sauce. But BBQ sauce can have a high sugar content, sometimes as high as 10 grams per serving. That’s the equivalent of almost two and one half packets of sugar!

Granola Bars

Granola bars are often high in fiber and full of dried fruits and whole grains. But be aware, many brands of granola are simply candy bars in disguise. When shopping for granola bars, look for bars that contain less than 35% calories from sugar. You’ll be surprised at how few of them fall under that number. Many bars come in at nearly 50% calories from sugar.

Dried Fruit

One of the biggest surprises in our list of sneaky sugar foods is dried fruit. That’s because it can be difficult to find dried fruits that don’t have sugar added for extra sweetness. Raisins, dates, cranberries and even dried bananas are sometimes coated in sugar. Be sure to check the packaging and only purchase dried fruits that don’t include the extra sugar.

Smoothies

What could possibly be more healthy than a smoothie? Made the right way, using whole fruits and vegetables, along with unsweetened Greek yogurt, a smoothie can be a terrific choice. But many smoothie bars will often add liquid sugars to the mixer just before blending. Your best bet is to ask for a nutrition guide at your favorite shop and watch your smoothie being made. Try to avoid fruit juices that are generally all sugar and no fiber. Know what’s going in and don’t forget to ask questions.

With all of the hidden sugar in our food, it can be daunting to track it all down. A great rule of thumb is to read labels whenever possible and become educated as to the various names for sugar. Dextrose, corn sweetener, high –fructose corn syrup, fructose, maltose, sorghum and evaporated cane juice are all common names for sugars found in foods you might never suspect as being hidden sugar bombs.

When Fruit is Bad for Your Teeth

Posted on November 6, 2014March 18, 2021

With all of the junk food available to kids and adults, it’s hard to imagine that something as seemingly healthy as fruit could ever be bad for your teeth. And certainly there are a lot of foods that are high in sugar that would be considered far worse for your overall oral health. Still, there are times when fruit may not be the best choice. Here are a few examples when you may want to skip the fruit:

When it’s dried.

Dried fruits have had most of their water removed and what’s left contains a much higher percentage of sugar than fresh fruits. And because you tend to eat more dried fruit based on the volume, you will consume a much greater amount of sugar when compared to eating fresh fruit. This doesn’t even take into account the added sugar that most packaged dried fruit contains. Further, dried fruits like raisins and plums tend to be sticky and often stay stuck to teeth for a long time. This provides bacteria plenty of what they need to grow.

When it’s canned with syrup.

Most canned fruits are packaged in a thick, high sugar syrup. Even those labled “light syrup” contain large amounts of added sugar because that description can refer to the consistency of the syrup rather than sugar content. When eating canned fruits, look for those that have no added sugar or those packed in 100% fruit juice.

When it’s juiced.

First, it’s important to understand that fruit juice can be very good for you when it’s part of a balanced diet. However, juice can still harm teeth when too much is consumed too frquently. This is because fruit that is juiced generally has much of the most nurtitious portions of the fruit removed. When the pulp and fiber is taken away, what’s left is mostly water and sugar. What’s more, fruit juices like orange juice is often highly acidic and can be tough on enamel over time.

As you can tell, fresh whole fruits are always the best option when eating fruit. Whatever you eat, however, it’s important to remember that nearly all foods can be enjoyed in moderation. Be sure to brush and floss regularly.

Recognizing Gum Disease and Taking Early Action

Posted on September 25, 2014March 18, 2021

Periodontal (gum) disease, affects as many as half of all Americans. Gum disease can cause minor symptoms like inflamed or bleeding gums to an even more serious loss of soft tissue and bone. If left untreated, gum disease may mean that teeth are lost or have to be removed.

What to look for.

If your gums or those of your child bleed from routine brushing and flossing you should understand that this is not normal. Bleeding gums result from inflammation caused by bacteria hiding beneath the gum line. Gums may appear red or swollen. It’s important not to ignore these early signs of gum disease, called gingivitis. Regular brushing and flossing is essential to avoiding or helping to correct the earliest signs of gum disease, but a scheduling a dental checkup is the best route to stop gum disease before it gets worse.

What is Periodontis?

When left unchecked, gingivitis can quickly become a more advanced gum disease known as “periodontis”. When this occurs, small spaces begin to form around the tooth where plaque has hardened. Not only can this mean a permanent loss of bone, but the toxins that eventually find their way into the rest of the body can have far reaching effects. Recent studies have even highlighted the relationship between gum disease and heart disease.

Preventing & Treating Gum Disease

If you believe that you or your children may have any stage of gum disease, it’s important to take action. Aside from maintaining a regular schedule of oral care, be sure to stay active with dental checkups every six months or sooner if there is a potential problem. You should be aware of other risk factors which may play a role in significantly increasing the likelihood of gum disease. These include smoking, diabetes, medications causing dry mouth and hormonal changes in young girls and women.

Have more questions?

As always, please feel free to reach out to us if you have concerns about your family’s oral health. Give us a call or schedule an appointment today!

Your Kids Will Love These Tooth Friendly After-School Snacks

Posted on August 28, 2014March 18, 2021

The time when your child’s school serves lunch to when your family eats dinner often means that little tummies need a snack to hold them over. But snacking doesn’t have to be a health disaster. In fact, it can be a great opportunity to provide much needed vitamins and minerals to fuel your child’s active schedule. Below are a few quick ideas we’ve put together. They’re adventurous and may be a little different from what your kids usually eat. But these snack ideas are packed with vitamins and minerals for healthy teeth and we guarantee that each one is delicious!

Fruits, Veggies & Peanut Butter Dip

Snack sized fruits and veggies will disappear with this tasty and easy to make peanut butter dip. We’ve added Greek yogurt which is a dental super food and cinnamon to give it a little added flavor.

¾ Cup Plain Greek Yogurt
½ Cup Natural Peanut Butter
½ Teaspoon Cinnamon

Assorted Fruits and Veggies

Watermelon Sandwich Wraps

These may require a small amount of prep, but getting your kids to help can be a terrific way to encourage them to try something they probably have never had. We got this recipe from the Watermelon.org website. It may seem different, but trust us, it’s yummy!

Wraps – Whole wheat tortilla or pita bread.
Spread – Guacamole (for the more adventurous) or plain Greek yogurt
Meat (optional) – Any sandwich meats or slices.

And of course, watermelon, cut into ½ inch thick spears and as long as your wrap.

Baked Zucchini Slices with Parmesan Cheese

The tooth healthy parmesan cheese is what gives this healthy snack its zing. Again, having kids help sprinkle on the cheese and lay out the slices will help choosier eaters try something new.

Simply slice zucchini in thin slices (no need to peel) and lay out on a cookie sheet. Have your children sprinkle them with parmesan cheese on both sides. Then, place in a 350 degree oven for 10 minutes on each side, or until brown.

The Truth About Sports Drinks

Posted on May 15, 2014March 18, 2021

Kids and teens love sports drinks. In fact, studies have shown that these “thirst quenchers” are consumed by 62% of adolescents every day. But are they good for your child’s body or teeth? And are they truly necessary for sports performance? Here are a few facts:

Sports drinks contain more sugar than you may realize.

After water, the second ingredient in some popular brands of sports drinks is high fructose corn syrup. Some sports drinks contain as much as 19 grams of added sugar which means that bacteria present in your child’s mouth are being given exactly what they need to grow.

The high acidity of sports drinks can damage tooth enamel.

A 2012 study showed that sports drinks often have high acidity. This acid interferes with the mouth’s ability to regulate a healthy pH and can lead to the wearing away of enamel. While tooth enamel is literally the hardest substance in the human body, it’s no match for a steady stream of acid.

Sports drinks are full of salt.

Some sports drinks contain up to 200 milligrams of sodium per serving. Keep in mind that a “serving” is usually 8 ounces, which means that a large bottle of the leading sports drink can have more sodium than a bag of potato chips.

Sports drinks can be high in calories.

Even though they generally contain fewer calories than soda, sports drinks can still be high in calories due to their serving sizes and the large amount that many kids drink. Sports drinks make up 10-15% of the daily caloric intake of most teens and aside from their intended purpose, these beverages aren’t always consumed in conjunction with sports.

**Sports drinks are best suited for intense physical activity.**

If your child is participating in an intense game with constant movement and an elevated heart rate, a small serving of sports drinks may come in handy from time to time. But most youth sports don’t involve that level of activity. Fluoridated water is almost always a better choice.

The bottom line is that most kids don’t really need sports drinks. Consuming what amounts to sugar water simply isn’t necessary for the majority of sports or outdoor activities. We encourage you to read labels and be aware of everything your child drinks. Keep your child hydrated and make certain that you child is drinking plenty of water.

5 Crazy Things We Do to Our Teeth!

Posted on March 20, 2014March 18, 2021

Kids and adults do some crazy things to their teeth! Avoiding our list of the top five is a great way to save yourself from future tooth trouble.

1. Using your teeth as tools.

Your teeth are not bottle openers, package rippers, string cutters or any of the number of other crazy tools they get used for. Broken teeth can result in repairs that never end up being as strong as the original tooth. Grabbing a bottle opener, pliers or pair of scissors may be less convenient than using your teeth, but the effort saved isn’t worth an emergency trip to the dentist.

2. Chewing on ice.

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. Its job is to protect the softer tissues below the surface of your teeth. But as tough as your enamel is, it’s still no match for the abuse of chewing ice. Microscopic fractures, gum damage and even broken teeth are all the hazards of chewing ice. The next time you or your child wants something crunchy to chew on, try an apple instead.

3. Drinking tons of soft drinks.

Where does most of the sugar from a typical 2 year old child’s diet come from? Soft drinks. In fact, the average toddler gets more total sugar in his or her diet from soft drinks than with cookies, candy and ice cream combined! Sugar feeds the bacteria that eat away at the surface of our teeth making them more susceptible to cavities. What’s the best choice for your home? Fluoridated tap water.

4. Smoking.

One of the craziest things people do to their teeth is smoking tobacco products. Smoking can cause discolored teeth, bad breath, an increase in plaque and tartar, increased risk of gum disease, delayed healing following dental surgery, inflamed salivary glands, oral cancer…and the list goes on. Plus, teenaged children of smokers are 15 times more likely to smoke themselves.

5. Never flossing.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, only 7% of children floss daily. That shouldn’t be surprising considering that 10% of adults in a recent survey admit to never flossing. This is in spite of the fact that flossing is one of the primary means of fighting tooth decay. Most cavities begin between the teeth, where a toothbrush simply cannot go. To ignore flossing is…well, crazy!

Are “Soft Teeth” a Myth?

Posted on February 20, 2014March 18, 2021

We often hear patients talk about how they or their children have “soft teeth”. We especially hear comments related to how “soft teeth” have been inherited from their parents or have been passed down to their children.

But is there really a condition that causes some people’s teeth to be more susceptible to cavities than others?

Yes…and no.

Most people who suffer from frequent dental caries (cavities) actually have perfectly normal teeth. Their enamel is just as developed and strong as the average person. Poor dental habits are usually the cause of most cavities and with very few exceptions nearly all cavities are 100% preventable. The actual number of people who would have what could actually be called “soft teeth” is quite low.

A condition called Amelogenesis Imperfecta can result in thin, improperly formed enamel. This enamel is often pitted, uneven and brown. Inner layers of teeth can become exposed to damaging acids from food and saliva which leaves these true “soft teeth” more open to cavities.

Babies and young children often develop cavities as a result of bacteria transferred through the sharing of eating utensils or parents cleaning off pacifiers in their own mouths. It’s important to avoid transferring bacteria from one mouth to another and to begin dental care early. A soft washcloth can be used on a baby’s toothless gums, for example, and the American Dental Association has long recommended a small “smear” of fluoridated toothpaste for children under two years of age.

Even though the condition is extremely rare, we can’t rule out “soft teeth” without an exam. But most cavities can be avoided by regular flossing and brushing for two minutes at least twice every day!