Give Kids a Smile Campaign From the ADA

In this season of giving, we'd like to spotlight the very worthwhile efforts of the Give Kids a Smile program. Many of us take things for granted, such as access to affordable, quality dental care. That's why it is important to reflect on the admirable efforts of those responsible for reaching out to children in need.  Last year, the ADA celebrated the 10th anniversary of its "Give Kids a Smile" campaign.

History

Two dentists started the program in the Greater St. Louis area in 2002. They set up a temporary 2-day, full-service clinic that offered free treatment. In those two days, close to 400 underserved children were seen by the dental professionals. Their efforts caught the attention of the ADA and created awareness within the dental health community of the tremendous need for such a program. So, in 2003, the agency brought it to the national level.

Now, dentists and other volunteers give their time and services, to provide screenings, treatments and education to children across the country. As the program has grown, it has benefited approximately 4.5 million children through over 1,500 events, annually. The program is made possible through of the efforts of more than 325,000 volunteers and 100,000 dentists.

Importance of Dental Care for Kids


The National Institutes of Health reports that close to 80 percent of the tooth decay in the U.S. is experienced by 25 percent of the country's children. Furthermore, data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services show that, "for every child younger than 18 years old without medical insurance, there are at least two children without dental insurance." The fact that state budgets allocate only 2 percent or less for dental services is yet another reason why the "Give Kids a Smile" or GKAS, program is so vital. Dental professionals and volunteers also work within their state and local governments to inform policy makers about the dental health challenges faced by at risk families.

The work done by the GKAS campaign encompasses education, screening, prevention, clinical evaluation and treatment. Thanks to generous donations and thousands of volunteers, public non-profit clinics have been set up, where children can receive services such as x-rays, cleanings, extractions, fillings, fluoride treatments, and dental sealants.

The GKAS campaign has stated its vision: "To eliminate cavities in U.S. 5-year olds by 2020."

Sign up here for Give Kids a Smile Day-2014.

To learn about programs in your community, please use this helpful GKAS finder.

To see what's going on right now, across the country with volunteers and happy participants alike, visit the Give Kids a Smile Facebook page.

Ways to Keep Teens and Young Adults on Track with Their Dental Care

For parents, instilling the importance of routine dental care in their children is an ongoing process. As kids grow up and become more independent and responsible, it's easy to assume that they're taking care of brushing regularly, flossing, and eating healthy snacks. Or is it?

Anyone living with teens and young adults knows that with their erratic schedules and sleep patterns that monitoring their activities, including dental hygiene, is far easier said than done. Some may even compare keeping tabs on these age groups similar to herding cats!

As a parent, maintaining the foundation for dental hygiene that you've built through childhood is difficult during this murky period. Here are a few suggestions from Dr. Melcher that should help:

• Appeal to your young person's vanity and remind them that having fresh breath and a white smile will make them more attractive to peers and others.
• Create two dental "tool-kits," one for home and one for their car or sports bag. Fill it with everything they could possibly need such as: a toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, floss, dental rinse, tongue scraper, and lip balm. Encourage them to use all of the products and let you know when items need replenishing.
• Let them say "Yum" to gum. In recent years, the ADA has supported the use of sugarless chewing gum as an effective tool in the fight against tooth decay. According to the ADA, chewing gum after a meal increases the flow of saliva in the mouth, which in turn, "actually helps to neutralize and wash away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on your teeth." However, not all chewing gum acts in this way-offer your young adults only sugarless brands that bear the ADA seal of approval AND discuss the proper disposal methods for chewing gum!
• Since nagging is usually ineffective, set your child up for success by having healthy snacks at home and plenty of water to drink. Make these items "grab & go" friendly and designate a specific pantry spot and another area in the fridge for cut-up fresh fruits and veggies, cheese, whole grain pretzels, crackers, packages of nuts and dried fruit. Also, purchase a few BPA-free water bottles and have them filled, chilled and ready to grab.
• In the ongoing quest to make brushing fun, discuss how brushing to some favorite music will ensure that proper brushing time is achieved. If music is not easily accessible, outfit the bathroom space with a small radio or mp3 player as an added incentive. A small, 3-minute hourglass style egg timer is another way to increase brushing time.
• For those young people who play contact sports, wearing a mouth guard and having a spare in their gym bag is non-negotiable!
• To encourage young people to be in charge of their dental health, make sure their dentist's office has their e-mail address and cell phone number as well as yours. That way, they will receive appointment reminders and any other helpful communications sent from their dentist's office.
• It's never too late to remind older kids about the importance of regular brushing and flossing along with the correct "how-to's," such as brushing gently in circles in the direction the teeth grow and flossing between every single tooth. Improper brushing can result in receding gums and gum disease.

Of course, scheduling regular checkups and cleanings are part of a successful dental health routine. Please call our office to schedule an appointment. Our team of dental professionals will also be happy to discus and demonstrate proper brushing and flossing techniques with your young adult or teenager. Just give us a call at: (919) 782-0548

Dental Sealants for Kids

Since they were introduced in the late 1970s, dental sealants have evolved into one of modern dentistry's greatest technological advances. Although fluoride use among children makes a significant difference in the fight against cavities, it is not a cure-all. The use of sealants in conjunction with fluoride, flossing, regular brushing, and routine dental visits, provides maximum protection against tooth decay for kids.

Because teeth contain a variety of nooks and crannies, the application of a topical sealant works to prevent bacteria and food particles from entering those hard to brush areas. Sealants are so effective because they are made of a clear plastic material, which is applied directly to the surface of the teeth. With children, sealants can only be applied after the teeth have fully erupted. For most kids, that means between the ages of 5 and 8 years of age.

In a child's mouth, sealants can be applied to both permanent and primary teeth. The material is actually brushed on the chewing surfaces of the molars and along the grooves and depressions of the teeth. For kids, the craggy surfaces of molars are the most common places to develop cavities. For adults, it's sometimes tough to reach all of the spots between the teeth, even with flossing and an electric toothbrush. That is why it is so important for youngsters to receive sealant treatment. They are still learning how to properly take care of their teeth.

The sealant application process is easy, fast, and painless. The tooth is cleaned, dried, and then the sealant is painted on. A special heat light cures or dries the sealant coat and that's it! Sealants are invisible and in no way interfere with a child's day- to-day activities, including playing an instrument, singing, or smiling. They last for years and if they become rough or cracked, they may be reapplied.

Please remember that dental sealants are just one part of an effective dental hygiene routine. Additionally your child should also:

• Brush twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between the teeth daily with floss or another interdental cleaner
• Eat a balanced diet, with healthy snacks-avoid sugary, sticky foods and beverages 
• Refer to these Tips for Great Dental Hygiene
• Visit Dr. Melcher and his friendly staff on a regular basis!

Call our office to consult with Dr. Melcher regarding dental sealants for kids: 919-782-0548

Good Nutrition is Directly Tied to Good Dental Health

As a nation, Americans are finally waking up to the fact that diet is a direct link to overall health and well-being. The foods and beverages we eat and drink affects all of the physical systems that make up the human body. Poor nutrition can be linked to a variety of health problems such as obesity, cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and even arthritis. It should come as no surprise then that the foods we eat can either maintain and improve our dental health or destroy it.

Consider the process of eating and digesting food. Next, think of your mouth, teeth, tongue, and gums as the first stop along the "Digestion Highway." Just like a highway sees wear and tear from heavy equipment, eating unhealthy foods inundates your teeth and gums with substances that wear them down and cause decay and disease. In fact, when foods that are full of sugar, acid, salt, preservatives, and other artificial ingredients are consumed, your general health and dental health are likely to suffer.

In its campaign to promote better health for everyone, the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, which is an agency overseen by he U.S. Department of Agriculture, has created the website ChooseMyPlate.gov.

Here are a few suggestions from the site:

• Of all the food you eat daily, at least half should consist of fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains such as oatmeal, brown rice, and whole wheat bread is preferable over highly processed bleached, white flour and other grains that have been stripped of their nutritive qualities, including fiber
• Low-fat and fat-free dairy products are essential for the development of healthy teeth and bones
• Protein should be lean such as skinless poultry, fish, or lean cuts of beef and pork. Cook it without added fat by baking, grilling, or roasting. A serving of meat should be no larger than a deck of cards. Also try to have several meatless meals a week with non-animal protein sources such as legumes, soy and beans

Please consider what the American Dental Association says "If your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your oral health."

Be sure to check in on your dental health regularly by scheduling appointments with Dr. Simon Melcher at Implant and General Dentistry in Raleigh every six months.  Request an appointment online or call us today at 919-782-0548.

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Concerns About Sensitive Teeth

A variety of factors may come into play when it comes to discovering why a patient is experiencing sensitivity in his or her teeth and gums. Sometimes the sensitivity is just minor. However, please keep in mind that although it may be bearable, it is likely a warning sign that something is wrong.

Sensitivity occurs in several ways, such as discomfort brought on by hot or cold foods or beverages, sugary foods, or even brushing and flossing. The cause of the problem is typically due to the fact that the teeth in question have worn fillings, damaged enamel, cracks, or decay. Overly aggressive brushing can also cause the gums to recede, which leaves a tiny portion of the roots of the teeth exposed - ouch!

Periodontal disease is one more contributing factor that can result in painful teeth and gums. Still other explanations for dental sensitivity are the over use of mouthwashes and whitening products. The consumption of highly acidic foods such as citrus, tomatoes, pickles, or tea can lead to enamel erosion and make one's teeth and gums sensitive.

To alleviate and prevent the pain and discomfort caused by dental sensitivity, regular visits to the dentist are extremely important. Your dentist and hygienist can review proper brushing and flossing techniques and identify the real source of any problems. For example, you may be grinding your teeth and unaware of it. Your dentist could suggest having a mouth guard made which will protect your teeth in the long run. Some other things that may help are:

• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush which is easier on the gums
• Switching to a brand of toothpaste that is especially for sensitive teeth and gums
• Using fluoridated toothpastes and rinses which can also prevent the discomfort caused by sensitivity
• Being diligent about regular brushing and flossing
• Eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of natural teeth cleaners like apples, carrots, and celery

When you follow the guidelines suggested by your dentist and still have problems, please don't worry.  There are a few treatments that can help. Bonding can cover the exposed root tissue, and reduce pain. Applying a fluoride varnish or dentin sealer are also ways to tackle the issues of dental sensitivity.

If you are experiencing any discomfort and would like to have a thorough checkup conducted by Dr. Melcher or one of our highly skilled and professional dental hygienists, please request an appointment online or call us today to schedule an appointment: (919) 782-0548

Enjoy a Brighter Smile with Teeth Whitening

With the holidays fast approaching there will likely be an abundance of gatherings with friends, family, and co-workers. Will you be ready to smile and say "cheese" for all those photo-ops?

For adults, years of tobacco use, coffee and tea consumption plus the side effects of certain medications can make teeth look dull and stained. If your smile has lost its luster, you may have considered some of the new over-the-counter whitening products. Although drugstore whitening kits are ok, professional treatments are much better, for a variety of reasons. At Implant & General Dentistry in Raleigh, Dr. Simon Melcher and his staff can use professional teeth whitening treatments help make your smile its very best!

Since you only have one set of grown-up teeth, it's a good idea not to take any chances with your dental health. Before making any attempts to whiten the teeth, it is always advised to have a thorough check-up with a dental professional. Having a preliminary exam is important because should whitening agents be used when there are existing issues, such as cavities or cracks, other problems may arise. In other words, proceeding with a whitening regime before have a dental checkup is like putting the cart before the horse.

Another concern is that over-the-counter kits that claim to whiten the teeth can possibly damage your tooth enamel. This occurs when these types of over the counter products are used too often. Oxygen radicals in the stain removers can cause the pores of the teeth to open, which can jeopardize the health of the enamel.

Lots of whitening kits only address the front teeth and leave the back teeth out. Have you every seen anyone who has whitened just their front teeth? If they knew a line of demarcation was present, they would definitely allow their dentist to tackle the job! In addition to having better access to a patient's entire set of teeth, a dental professional is also able to employ the use of specialized lighting and magnification tools When you have the whitening done by a skilled professional, such as Dr. Melcher, your whites will match!

So, if your smile is not as brilliant as you would like, make your appointment early - the holidays will be here before we know it!  Call us today at 919-782-0548.

Reviews for Dr. Simon Melcher at Implant & General Dentistry

Raleigh Oral Surgeon, Simon Melcher Gives His Patients Plenty to Smile About!

If you are in need of a full-service dental office in the greater Raleigh area, please consider contacting the office of Dr. Simon Melcher of Implant and General Dentistry. From bridges to wisdom teeth, our team of dental professionals is skilled and experienced in the latest strategies and treatments for improving the dental health and hygiene of our clients.

In addition to traditional care, such as fillings, crowns, root canals, and bonding, we also take great pride in offering cosmetic procedures. Our office provides veneers, implants, inlays, and whitening. Of course we are also able to address the needs of those who may require dentures, partials, or bridges. See details about each of our dental treatments.

Our friendly staff of dental hygienists goes the extra mile with each of our patients. Everyone can use a refresher now and then about the right way to brush and floss, which is why we're dedicated to hands on help. No wonder our clients leave smiling! Here's what a few of them have had to say lately:

"I really appreciate the quality of service this practice offers to me. Friendly staff, great dental education, plus thorough 6-month check-ups. Also, excellent care when dental treatment is required. Everyone is great!"
 - by Carolyn Sexton on 09/03/2013 (5 stars)

"Wonderful office, with friendly, knowledgeable staff and great doctors. This office is always welcoming and ready to help patients solve any problems, then calling to follow up with patients afterward. They all go above and beyond. I would recommend this office to anyone looking for a caring dentist. Thank you for taking such good care of me!"
 - by Paula Brantley on 08/28/2013 (5 stars)

"Would recommend this practice to any of my friends!"
 - by Anne McKee on 08/13/2013 (5 stars)

"I had a filling replaced, and it was a painless experience. I would highly recommend Dr. Melcher."
 - by BJ on 08/01/2013 (5 stars)

"The whole team is EXCELLENT! Thank you for thinking outside the box rather than taking my money for something i didn't need. The Skidmore's love your team and will be back!"
 - by Rivka Skidmore on 07/25/2013 (4 stars)

Thank you so much to our patients who take the time to provide feedback.  We value all your comments and appreciate your business.  We invite you to read more reviews and testimonials on our website and to contact us directly to schedule a consultation: 919-782-0548.