Healthy App-etite!

Posted on January 12, 2016 by casasmiles

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, hoping you are still fully committed to your 2016 goals! It’s ok to modify or add new resolutions as the year commences. What matters is that you are on the road to improvement for you & your family.

It’s no secret that we live in a digital & technological age. This is a fact that as parents you can use to your advantage. Knowing the importance of dental health & overall health, we can help our kids become interested & aware of oral hygiene through available technology. Making the importance of health educational, fun, & functional is an advantage parents have now-a-days! After doing some research, I will fill you in on some of the best dental apps for kids. Throughout the year I will continue to fill you in on some useful & interesting finds.

(c) petro www.fotosearch.com

Dental Office Kids

This app from Beansprites puts kids on the other side of the dentist’s chair. It is a simple, interactive way to familiarize children with dental procedures & tools. After selecting a patient , they can clean or extract teeth with the free version. For a few dollars more, users can upgrade this app & gain access to additional procedures & challenges.

Chomper Chums

Targeted to ages 4-11, Chomper Chums helps teach children proper oral hygiene & encourage them to practice it using 3 friendly characters–a horse, a lion, & an alligator. After creating a profile by selecting a Chomper Chum character & naming him or her, users begin to practice brushing, flossing, & rinsing. The app tracks these behaviors & awards coins & Super Smile Award points, which may be used to buy food & drinks for the Chomper Chums. Each oral hygiene practice is timed & animated as it guides children through each procedure. They can follow the toothbrush as it brushes each quadrant of the mouth for the recommended time, the floss as it gets between each tooth, & the water as it swishes around in each side of the mouth.

Monster Mouth DDS

Monster Mouth may be a less realistic simulation of a trip to the dentist, but it’s definitely more fun. Kids–and adults–select from 9 creatures with differing oral ailments–all free to access. Each patient requires special care. For instance, Dracula needs breath spray to protect him from garlic odors & the Loch Ness Monster keeps getting covered in water. Users can X-ray to find dental problems hidden behind plaque-filled teeth that need to be brushed & treated. Of course, it may be wise to explain that the dentist does not use a bomb to remove teeth & that extractions do not have eyes. Monster Mouth DDS is a colorful, fanciful & even educational app that will keep kids engaged & entertained. Modes can be set to hard or easy.

Tiny Dentist

This low-cost, hands-on app allows kids to perform dental procedures including fillings, X-rays, tooth whitening, extractions, tackling bad breath, brushing and more on fun cartoon characters. Parents appreciate that this is simple but the design is vivid enough to capture their little ones’ attention. Recommended for kids age 3 & older.

Kids’ Dental Health Lite/Kids Dental Health

Kids’s Dental Health is an app that’s also an interactive book. Readers choose a character & can read that character’s story on their own or opt to have the story read to them. It is colorfully illustrated & does a good job teaching kids about the hows & whys behind brushing, flossing, healthy eating & visiting the dentist in an understandable way. The lite version includes only the story, while the full version allows access to 4 educational games.

Remember to keep finding new & fun ways for your kids to practice good oral hygiene! I will continue to share fun finds & ideas to help promote healthy family living!

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

In the meantime, you can follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/casasmilespediatricdentistryandorthodontics?pnref=lhc. Instagram http://instagram.com/casasmiles/, Twitter https://twitter.com/casa_smiles, Yelp http://www.yelp.com/biz/casa-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-and-orthodontics-coral-gables & Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/casasmiles/ to hear all about our daily news! You can always call or email us with any questions, concerns, to make an appointment, or for a complimentary Ortho Consultation http://www.casasmiles.com/contact-us/.

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

Green Tea = Happy Teeth

Posted on January 5, 2016 by casasmiles

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, wishing you & your loved ones a very HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!:)

After suggesting some New Year Resolutions & Dental-utions, today I’d like to suggest just one more healthy choice that can also be good for your teeth.

(c) Julia_Ch www.fotosearch.com

Previous research has shown weight loss, heart health, & cancer prevention to be among the potential benefits of drinking green tea. A study that examined the dental health of 940 men found that those who regularly drank green tea had better oral health than those who didn’t. Men between the ages of 49 & 59 were examined on 3 indicators–(1. periodontal pocket depth, 2. attachment loss of gum tissue, & 3. bleeding on probing of the gum tissues) of gum disease & researchers found that for every cup of green tea consumed per day, a decreased in all 3 indicators occurred.

The presence of the antioxidant catechin in green tea may be responsible for its beneficial effect on periodontal health, researchers said. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the gums & bones supporting the teeth; green tea & the catechin it contains may help promote periodontal health by interfering with the body’s inflammatory response to periodontal bacteria.

“Any new study which brings dental healthcare into the spotlight is a step in the right direction,” said Dr. Nigel Carter, chief executive of the British Dental Health Foundation. “Like any study of a relatively small number of people we can never be certain of the results–but because tea is relatively cheap & easily available, we must take notice of studies of this type, & we at the foundation will continue to watch & report on this & similar stories.”

Proper nutrition means eating a well-balanced diet so that your body can get the nutrients needed for good health & wellness. If your diet is low in the nutrients your body needs, your mouth may have more difficult time resisting infection. With this in mind, remember that your dental health directly affects your overall health and visa-versa.

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

(c) Kakigori www.fotosearch.com

NEW YEAR’S DENTAL-UTION

Posted on December 29, 2015December 29, 2015 by casasmiles

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, today I would like to encourage all my readers to start the New Year with a big healthy smile & fresh breath!! To continue this all through 2016, it is important to add your Oral Hygiene Habits to your resolution list, or should we say DENTAL-UTION! LOL

My suggestions with respect to any RESOLUTIONS, is to say them as affirmations so that you WILL it so! Resolutions are not only for adults, they are also great for children. It is a great way to show children how important it is to make positive changes in ones life. You acknowledge room for improvement & you can use the start of the new year as a great place to begin. Below are some suggestions for you & your children to carry into the New Year.

I WILL brush & floss regularly. Commit to brushing your teeth 2x a day for 2 minutes at a time. Use simple & fun tools like your favorite songs, timers, or mobile apps to keep track of time. Pledge to start flossing once a week & increase to once a day.
I WILL have a dental home. If you aren’t already part of the Casa Smiles family, then don’t hesitate to call us & make your first appointment for your children. Establishing a relationship with your dental home & scheduling your routine cleanings & exams is essential in accomplishing your goal of a healthy smile. It is recommended to visit your dentist at lease every 6 months for an exam & cleaning.
I WILL eat healthy meals & snacks. Good nutrition is an important aspect in maintaining good dental health. Poor nutrition can affect the entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common oral disorders, including gum (periodontal) disease. Antioxidants & other nutrients found in fruits, vegetables, legumes & nuts improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria & inflammation, helping to protect your teeth & gums. In addition, crisp fruits & raw vegetables like apples, carrots, & celery help clean plaque from teeth & freshen breath.
I WILL take it easy on the sweets. Limit the consumption of sugary snacks. If you do splurge, make sure to brush & floss shortly there after to keep the mouth monsters away!
I WILL protect my children’s mouth during contact sports by providing them with a mouthguard to wear. Wearing a mouthguard can prevent chipped, fractured or displaced jaws, TMJ trauma, & lacerations to the lips & mouth that can result from the edges of the teeth.
I WILL buy new toothbrushes for the whole family. Change your toothbrush every 3-6 months, depending on what type of brush you use. If you have been sick, it is also a good idea to replace your toothbrush as soon as possible. A new toothbrush helps to ensure that your brushing sessions are more effective overall.
I WILL not partake in bullying. If you see someone being bullied, do not encourage the bullies or watch along with everyone else. Tell the bullies to stop or go & inform an adult of what’s going on. As a parent, if your child tells you about any other child being bullied or if you suspect that your child is doing the bullying, take action! Bullying not only happens with children, but among adults as well. If you are witness to bullying by a child or adult, take part in making it STOP!
I WILL clean up & put my toys away. Help your little ones create tidy habits to help out at home. Encourage them to clean up after themselves & give mom & dad a much deserved break.
I WILL show those I love appreciation. Whether it is a quick PLEASE & THANK YOU to mom, dad, or children, or giving Grandma a call more often, find ways to show those you love that you care & appreciate them.
I WILL give back to my community. Lending a hand & volunteering in the community or through a charity is a great way to give back & help others who are struggling or less fortunate. Make it a point this year to sacrifice some of your time to make another’s life that much brighter.
I WILL read Farah Flossit’s Blog every “Tooth-Day” so that you can learn more every week about dental health & news for you & your family!:)

Feel free to add more to this list of resolutions. The ones I have suggested above are just some that I think are reasonable goals that any family can benefit from. Any or all of these can help your overall health & smile. Making others smile is also very good for your soul. May you & your loved ones have a great New Year! I hope to provide you with more interesting & useful information in 2016!

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next year!

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

Anatomy of the Mouth: Part 2

Posted on December 22, 2015December 22, 2015 by casasmiles

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, wishing you all a cheerful time of year.

Last week my entire report consisted of facts about the tongue & its functions. But there is a lot more to the anatomy of the mouth than just that. Our mouths are made up of numerous components that work together so that we can breathe, speak, eat & digest food. When you come to understand the parts of the mouth, their functions, & how all the components can affect your general health, you will appreciate the significance of oral care much more.

To sum up last week’s post, the tongue is a powerful muscle that facilitates chewing, swallowing, speaking, & tasting food. If you missed last week’s report & you’d like to learn all the facts about the tongue, visit http://casasmiles.com/anatomy-of-the-mouth-part-1/.

© Fotosearch.com

Lips & Cheeks

Your lips & cheeks are made up of muscles that not only give you the ability to pucker up for a kiss, but also help shape your facial expressions-both happy & sad. Lips let air into your mouth for breathing & together with cheeks, help you speak. They also keep food & saliva in your mouth while chewing. Ultimately, these strong muscles guide your teeth in their proper positions.

Teeth, Gums & Alveolar Bone

Your teeth have a hard enamel crown along with roots that anchor them in your jaw bone. The alveolar bone surrounds the roots to stabilize the teeth in your mouth, while gum tissue also holds the teeth in place & protects the roots from decay. The main function of your teeth is to tear & chew food so it can properly undergo digestion, but teeth also give your face its shape & help you pronounce certain sounds (& aesthetically, they make for beautiful smiles).

Salivary Glands

You have 6 salivary glands that produce the clear liquid known as saliva. Made up of mostly water, saliva also contains substances that break down food to begin the digestive process. In addition, saliva moistens your mouth so that you can easily speak, chew & swallow. It also repeatedly washes bacteria from your teeth & gums to help prevent cavities & gum disease. The minerals & proteins found in saliva play a vital role in protecting the enamel of your teeth from tooth decay, & your body produces about two to four pints of saliva a day, according to Healthline.

Temporomandibular Joint

Your ability to open & close your mouth, move your lower jaw forward & side to side, as well as chew, speak, & swallow is all thanks to the temporomandibular joints. These two joints, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), are located on both sides of your head & work together with your jaw bone, facial muscles & ligaments. Any disruption in the synchronization of this pair-like arthritis or grinding your teeth-can result in facial pain, difficulty in chewing & other hindrances to normal jaw movement.

HOW TO KEEP YOUR MOUTH & SMILE, HAPPY & HEALTHY

Now that you know how all the parts of your mouth play a part in the basic functions of talking, chewing, swallowing, breathing, digestion, & facial expressions, you can appreciate how important your daily oral hygiene habits are. Brushing at least twice a day for 2 minutes & flossing will keep your smile bright. To keep your taste buds sharp, brush your tongue regularly as well. Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash (if your dentist recommends it) can also reduce the amount of bacteria in your mouth at any one time & fight bad breath germs. In addition, scheduling your routine dental appointment for cleaning & exams will help keep the mouth monsters away!

http://mouthmonsters.mychildrensteeth.org/5-minutes-with-tooth-d-k-secrets-of-cavity-causers/

Keeping all the parts of your mouth in good working order won’t just ensure good dental health, but a healthy body too!

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

Anatomy of the Mouth: Part 1

Posted on December 15, 2015December 17, 2015 by casasmiles

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, sending you all good vibes!:)

We rarely consider the anatomy of our mouths. I came across some interesting facts about the human tongue! This prompted me to dig a little deeper & really gather some detailed information regarding what parts make up our mouths & what the function is. Today my report will just cover information about the Human tongue because it really plays a big part of what goes on in the mouth.

Tongue Facts:

The average tongue is 4 inches long. The tongue consists of two parts: anterior and posterior. The anterior tongue is mostly visible & about two-thirds of the tongue’s total length. The posterior tongue sits near the back of the throat & measures the other third in length.

Your tongue aids in digestion & mouth cleaning. According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI), the tongue initiates digestions by transferring food during mastication (the chewing process) & subsequently swallowing. It’s attached to the floor of the mouth by a fold known as the frenulum. The tip of the tongue, known as the apex, isn’t directly attached to the mouth floor, thus allowing it to reach the upper parts of the mouth for cleaning & speech.

You have 3,000 to 10,000 taste buds. Can you believe that the tongue has 3,000 to 10,000 taste buds? (www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/humanbody/tongue.html). Your tongue plays a crucial role in taste, & your sense of taste is governed by the tongue via the taste buds on the upper surface. These taste buds house the taste receptors, which register the different flavors in your food.

Tongues know 5 taste types. Five categories make up your taste perception: sweet, sour bitter, salty, & savory. Saliva is needed to moisten food before a tongue’s taste receptors can recognize it.

Bacteria on your tongue can cause bad breath. That taste doesn’t always go away at night. According to the American Breath Specialists, as many as 60 million people in the United States suffer from chronic bad breath, or halitosis. And as Jordan D. Davis, DDS (www.dentistryiq.com/articles/2014/04/a-deeper-look-into-tongue-cleaning.html) states, it can develop from bacteria collecting on the tongue. In order to negate this accumulation, soft-bristled toothbrushes like the Colgate 360 Sensitive Pro-Relief not only go easy on your teeth’s enamel, but contain a tongue cleaner on back of the brush head to scrape away bacteria.

Your tongue has eight muscles. The four intrinsic muscles aren’t attached to any bones, allowing the tongue to change shape. The four extrinsic muscles, however, are attached to bone, & allow your tongue to move in different directions, facilitating speech.

The tip of your tongue is very sensitive. According to the NCBI this allows it to perform 2 functions. First, it determines the “mechanical characteristic” of food. This is why a fish bone, for example, feels much larger than it actually is. Secondly, after you swallow a mouthful of food, your tongue searches the entire mouth for the remaining portions of the chewed pieces.

It can produce more than 90 words per minute. People rely on the tongue’s extreme agility & flexibility to speak. It works in conjunction with the lips & teeth to turn sounds from your vocal cords into syllables & words.

Tongues have defense cells. Your tongue has defense cells that comprise the lingual tonsil, as noted by the NCBI. Located in the back of the mouth at the tongue’s base, it is part of the lymphatic tonsillar ring. The palatine tonsils & the adenoids work with the lingual tonsil to guard the body against germs that enter through your mouth.

Tongues can grow bacteria nests. When most people think of their oral health, they focus on brushing, flossing & using mouthwash. But in many ways, the health of your tongue is just as important as that of your teeth. A tongue that doesn’t nest bacteria is key to preventing serious conditions such as gum disease & tooth decay, as well as lesser ailments such as bad breath. Though small in size, the human tongue is big on importance. It plays crucial roles in helping us taste, eat, digest, & speak. Now, that’s nothing to stick your tongue out at!

In light of today’s topic, below you will find some fun Holiday tongue twisters!:)

HOLIDAY TONGUE TWISTERS:

Ten tiny tin trains toot ten times
Seven Santas sang silly songs
Santa’s seven sleighs slid sideways
Tiny Tim trims tall trees with tinsel
Santa’s sleigh slides on slick snow
Bobby brings bright bells
Silly smelly snowman slips and slides
How many deer would a reindeer reign if a reindeer could reigh deer?
Running reindeer romp round red wreaths
Santa Clause’s cloak closes tightly
Santa sang seven songs
Kris Kringle climbs Christmas chimneys
Chilly chipper children cheerfully chant
Rudolph runs rings ’round Rover
Eleven elves licked eleven little licorice lollipops
Santa’s sleigh glides in the sky
Santa stuffs Stephie’s striped stocking
There’s chimney soot on Santa’s suit
Comet cuddles cute Christmas kittens carefully
Kris Kringle clapped crisply
Santa’s short suit shrunk
Eight elves eagerly ate everything
Crazy kids clamor candy canes and Christmas cookies

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

NAUGHTY OR NICE?

Posted on December 8, 2015 by casasmiles

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, spreading good cheer:)

I’m sure you little ones at home are working hard at making the NICE list, but here at Casa Smiles we are checking our list twice to see who’s been Naughty & who’s been Nice~to your teeth & smiles!

So my job is to remind all moms & dads how to help your munchkins keep up with good oral hygiene during the Holidays. Together you can all make good choices as a family. Below you will find the most important tips to keep in mind during the Holidays & into the New Year courtesy of the AAPD.

During the Holidays we tend to eat a lot of goodies, but we also go out of our way to diet so that we can indulge at the Holiday feasts & celebrations. Below I have provided (courtesy of Delta Dental) important facts about dieting & how doing so can affect the health of your smile:)

During you countdown to Christmas, it may be a good idea to help your little ones write Santa a letter to remind them how important it is to stay on the NICE LIST. below I have provided a link to a free printable letter you can send to the North Pole. This is always a nice family activity you can all do together during this magical time of year!

Thank you for tuning in on today’s Happy “Tooth-Day’s” report!

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)