Back to School Already? Give Your Kids Something to Smile About!

As another summer comes to a close, give your kids a reason to smile. Along with making a shopping list for supplies, new backpacks, lunch boxes and school clothes, include a dental checklist as well. With a new school year ahead, give your youngster the tools for a successful and healthy start. Just as establishing an organized routine goes hand in hand with doing well in school, the same holds true for achieving excellent dental health.  

Just follow this simple checklist that will help create positive dental health practices:

• Schedule routine dental checkups for your children. Use a calendar to stay on top of everyone's appointments. Regular cleanings help dental professionals detect any problems early before they get out of control. Annual checkups are the best way to monitor the growth and overall condition of a young person's teeth and gums. In addition to cleaning and polishing the teeth, dental visits are necessary to ensure that all is well with the jaw, tongue, and oral tissue.

• Oftentimes, attention to dental care details slacks off during the lazy days of summer. Reinforce the importance of brushing after meals and sugary snacks. Also, make sure that your kids know how to floss properly.

• Want your youngsters to get an A+ after their next visit to the dentist? Set them up for success by providing them with an arsenal of tools to fight tooth decay and maintain a dazzling, healthy smile. Choose products they will be enthusiastic about using such as toothpaste flavors they like, a new toothbrush, colorful floss pics, and their own bottle of anti-cavity rinse. Do not assume that just because you like spearmint gum and floss that it is your child's first choice. They will be more likely to reach for products they enjoy using.

• Clarify that it can only be enjoyed after school and then buy some gum. Yes! That's correct-numerous clinical studies have revealed that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following a meal is effective in preventing tooth decay. Purchase the sugarless brands that have received the ADA's Seal of Approval. Non-cavity causing sweeteners such as aspartame, xylitol, sorbitol or mannitol sweeten them. Using chewing gum can be an added bonus to your family's dental health regime because when sugarless gum is chewed, the flow of saliva increases which in turn helps wash away food particles. Extra saliva also neutralizes acids made by the mouth's naturally occurring bacteria which creates disease-fighting ingredients in the mouth.

• Explain that correct and frequent brushing is vital to prevent cavities, healthy gums, plaque buildup and bad breath. Make things fun with several packets of "disclosing tablets." They are made from harmless vegetable dye and detect spots that children missed when brushing. They are a great way for kids to see what happens when they forget to brush the right way!

• Since the ADA recommends brushing for a full 2-minute period, find a fun to use timer to help the little ones keep from rushing the process of brushing their teeth.

• Stock up on healthy snack and lunch box options. Fresh fruits, whole grain crackers and cookies, popcorn, nuts, and cheeses are the way to go. Invest in a few BPA-free water bottles and promote water as the beverage of choice.

Remember, just like good study habits, practice makes perfect when it comes to achieving excellent dental health! If you have any questions, you can reach us at 919-782-0548 or visit our website at http://www.theraleighdentists.com/.

Resources Aimed at Pediatric Dental Care

Establishing healthy habits such as proper dental care and wholesome snacking are vital for putting children on the path to a lifetime of well-being. As parents, we certainly need all of the help we can get towards imparting this information and making it appealing for our youngsters.

In addition to regular dental visits and having access to all of the tools needed to maintain a healthy smile, kids often need a little boost to ensure that they follow through. Here is a list of a few very helpful websites that improve your child's chances for making the right choices when it comes to dental health and hygiene:

• Meet the Mouth Monsters and learn how to keep them away: http://www.mychildrensteeth.org/mouth_monsters/
• Online Dental Games: http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/health_games_dental.html
• Oral Health Education Database: http://www.healthyteeth.org/
• Games for Choosing Healthy Snacks: http://www.kidseatwell.org/kids.htm

Dr. Simon Melcher at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh works with children and can help you and your family establish a great dental care routine.  Be sure to call our office to schedule an appointment: 919-782-0548.

News About Fluoride Toothpaste for Kids

Fluoride is something that many of us seldom think about. It was first added to toothpaste in Germany in the 1890s. In the U.S., fluoride toothpastes only received ADA-approval in the 1950s and were finally available to consumers by 1955. Numerous long-term studies revealed that including fluoride in toothpaste is an effective anticavity measure that can significantly improve dental health and hygiene.

For decades, it has been recommended that youngsters begin using a fluoridated toothpaste by the age of 2, Now the results of 17 systematic studies published in the The Journal of the American Dental Association reveals some interesting new scientific evidence.

Data analysis from the 17 separate studies showed that using fluoride toothpaste is effective in controlling tooth decay in all children, regardless of their age.

A New York Times article, published in early February 2014, discussed how this news changes the way we currently understand and deal with fluoride.  Presently toothpaste labels advise consulting with a dentist or family doctor before introducing fluoride toothpaste to kids 2 or under. Many parents interpret that as a warning that fluoride use before age 2 is either unnecessary, unsafe or both. The reason that the age of 2 was chosen as the right time to begin using a fluoridated toothpaste is because that is when most children are able to spit. This is important because "swallowing more than a pea-sized amount each day increases a kid's risk for dental fluorosis, a condition that leads to brown spots and staining of the teeth."

Pediatric dentists are applauding the news and agree that prevention against tooth decay should take place as soon as possible. This is especially true for children that sleep with a bottle and those with family histories of dental issues. The key to using this information successfully requires participation and guidance from parents and caregivers. Here are the suggestions:

• For infants, gently wipe their gums with a warm, damp wash cloth after feeding.
• For babies, "parents should use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste to brush baby teeth twice daily as soon as they erupt, instead of waiting until children are older." (American Dental Association)
• For toddlers, use a rice grain-size amount of fluoride toothpaste and brush twice daily. Demonstrate swishing, rinsing, and spitting with water until they are able to do it on their own.
• Please note that the updated guidelines change the previous advice from the A.D.A. that recommended using a pea-size amount of toothpaste when children reach 24 months. Now that amount should be used from the age of 3 through 6.

The most important information to take away from this news is that early prevention and establishing routine dental hygiene are the keys to establishing excellent dental health.

Want to see the difference between a "smear" of toothpaste vs. a "pea-sized" squirt? Use the following link for that image and more details regarding this story: Dental Group Advises Fluoride Before Age 2

Other Source: http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/flurosis.htm

Also See: Kids' Dental Care Tips for Parents

Kids' Dental Care Tips for Parents

Helping your child develop a proper dental hygiene routine can keep their smile healthy throughout their lives. Studies have shown that children who practice proper dental hygiene early in life, are more likely to continue the habit well into adulthood. Although it may be tough for parents to get their little ones into the routine of brushing and flossing, it will certainly pay off in the long run.

Here are a few helpful hints for parents when it comes to dental care:

Use positive reinforcement - Don't use a trip to the dentist as a scare tactic. Reward proper brushing and flossing with praise or perhaps a small treat like a sticker or small toy.

Brush with your child - Young children especially like to imitate their parents' behavior. If your child sees you brushing and flossing regularly, chances are he or she will be more likely to follow suit.

Make it part of you and your child's routine - Make sure you allow extra time (at least in the beginning) for you and your child's dental routine. You will most likely have to help your child brush his or her teeth, which may take a little longer, or your child may need a few extra minutes of coaxing before they're even willing to brush.

Choose fun dental products that your kids will like - Whether its a toothbrush with your child's favorite cartoon character on it or some kid-friendly mouthwash that changes colors when they spit it out, your children may be more willing to engage in routine brushing if they are allowed to pick out the products they use. Just make sure any products you buy for your child are approved by the ADA and are safe for kids.

Kids should start their regular dental cleaning and check-ups at 3 years old.  You can consult with us to see if your child may be ready to start his or her visits with Dr. Melcher.  We work with patients of all ages - from toddlers to seniors.  Give us a call today to schedule your child's appointment: 919-782-0548.