Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, thanking you all for chiming in & being a part of the Casa Smiles Blog audience.

Often times we forget to go out of our way & step out of our comfort zone by reminding ourselves to say “Thank You” more often.  Saying nice things to others can start a chain reaction.  Happiness & Kindness are contagious:)  Children, especially, learn through example.  Lets be good role models for our children & say Please & Thank You often.

In today’s Special Report, I would like to say Please to all of you.  Please allow me to show you how you can say Thank You to your teeth & your smile.  Your mouth is a gateway to overall good health.  One’s smile is the first thing most people will notice when they meet you & a healthy set of teeth will keep you looking good.  Your teeth are the first stage in eating & digestion, so it’s important to show your gratitude.

Here are just a few ways to say ‘THANK YOU”  to your teeth:

OUT WITH THE OLD

Replace your brush & give your mouth a fresh start.  As soon as you see signs of wear & bending bristles, be nice to your teeth & gums & get a new toothbrush.  If you are seeing that your toothbrush is wearing way too often, you may be brushing too hard.  Be gentle with your teeth & gums & gently use a soft bristled toothbrush.

LET THE MUSIC PLAY, WHILE YOU BRUSH AWAY

Listening to a song while you brush is a great way to ensure you are brushing long enough.  The bonus is that music is a chance to dance & fills your soul.  It’s important to brush at least for 2 mins twice a day.  Check out 2min2x.com; this website has great videos & songs that last exactly 2 mins & are a great way to encourage longer brushing times.

JUST ADD WATER

One of the easiest & most effective ways to care for your teeth & say Thank You is to drink more water.  Staying hydrated not only helps your overall health, but water can wash away food trapped in your teeth after meals, it can help balance the acidity of your mouth & reduce the amount of plaque-causing bacteria. Additionally, because bad breath is often caused by having a dry mouth, drinking plenty of water can help your breath smell better too!

TAKE A TRIP

Take your teeth on a fun trip to the dentist (Casa Smiles)!  The best way to say Thank You to your teeth & keep a healthy & beautiful looking smile is to be consistent with your preventative care.  Make sure to visit the dentist every 6 months for a routine cleaning & exam.  This will avoid potential problems from arising.  Regular dental visits will help keep those difficult to reach areas clean.  If a problem should arise, you will also be in time to take action with the recommended treatment.  Taking your child(ren) on a trip to the dentist will make dental care a familiar & comfortable experience that your kiddos will look forward to, especially if you are creating good oral hygiene habits & maintaining a healthy mouth & smile.  And, of course, if you are visiting Casa Smiles, it will always be a fun trip to remember!

So parents, Please take my advice & use these simple ways for you & your kids to say Thank You to your teeth!

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)

 

 

 

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, wishing you well on this fine day:)

Today’s special report & a continuation of last week’s mouth monster fighting post.  Most pediatric dentists (Casa Smiles) recommend oral rinses for children as a supplement to regular dental care.  The regular use of post-brush, anti-cavity, & fluoride oral rinses has been clinically proven to help reduce cavities up to 40% more than brushing alone.  Alcohol & sugar-free formulations make pre-brush & post-brush oral rinses a safe & healthy means of introducing younger children to the idea & practice of gargling & spitting.

As a mouth monster fighting Super Agent, I want to stress the additional  benefits of children’s oral rinses:

• The beneficial properties of some oral rinses are delivered throughout the mouth, which compensates for a child’s lack of dexterity or inability to reach all areas of their mouth via brushing alone.
• Oral rinses are especially good for children who wear braces, because the rinse can treat hard-to-reach areas of the mouth that a toothbrush or floss can’t.
• Some post-brush oral rinses for children have a magnetizing effect, attracting & tinting the food particles & germs that brushing alone may leave behind.  When your child spits the particles out, there is visual proof left in the sink of a thorough cleaning.
• An anti-cavity fluoride post-brush rinse will help fortify & protect against enamel wear & spots (decalcification spots) on teeth, which are common in children who wear braces.
• Some oral rinses soothe mouth irritations.

Some oral rinses for children feature pre-measured dispensers to ensure that children are using the recommended amount .  Others also have child safety caps & tamper-resistant bands on the caps.  Many manufacturers of children’s pre-brush & post-brush oral rinses offer educational tools such as interactive, child-friendly websites with fun facts, games & trivia quizzes, as well as parent incentives that include product coupons & college savings fund programs. Oral rinses for children come in child-friendly flavors such as bubble gum, cinnamon, berry, peppermint, & orange twist.

Children’s oral rinse products are sold at your neighborhood supermarkets, drug stores, Target, Walmart, etc. & the average cost is about $4-$5.  The most popular kinds of children’s oral rinses can contain fluoride for cavity prevention. Among the most common are Oral-B Anti-Cavity Rinse, ACT for Kids; all of these have earned the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance.

Before you implement rinsing into your child’s oral hygiene routine, please consult your dentist.  When teaching your child how to rinse for the first time, explain the oral rinsing process so your child will know what to expect.  For example, when first using a pre-brush tint rinse, tell your child that it alters the color of the teeth & not to get worried or scared.  Explain that it’s only a temporary change to show where the plaque is “hidden” for easy removal.  Rinse right alongside your child the first few times for reassurance.

With children, it’s important to keep them motivated!  So, below you will find free printables to help you keep your kiddos interested in brushing, flossing & rinsing (if they are ready for rinse).

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/337347828314200013/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/337347828314200007/

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)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/192740059025008783/

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, wishing you well & hoping your back to school routine is settling in!

As a Mouth Monster Fighting Special Agent, I like to help parents instill & maintain good & consistent oral hygiene habits for healthy teeth from an early age.  As with most children, if it isn’t fun or if it does not taste good, it will become a task they will try to avoid or get out of doing.  In the past, I have stressed the importance of brushing & flossing, but “rinsing” is also an important & helpful component to add to your oral hygiene regiment.

Oral rinses are usually not recommended for children under the age of six because oral rinses are not meant to be swallowed & with some small children there is a risk that they will swallow the rinse instead of spitting it out.  If your child is under the age of six & you as their parent feel they may be ready to use a rinse, consult with your dentist before giving your child any kind of oral rinse.

Now that I have outlined the age perameters & safety concerns, there are some general categories I’d like to go over with respect to oral rinses:

• Pre-brush
• Post-brush
• Anti-cavity fluoride

PRE-BRUSH CHILDREN’S ORAL RINSES

Pre-brush oral rinses for children tint the teeth (usually a blue color) so that the child can pay special attention to the areas that need to be brushed more thoroughly.  This type of oral rinse is gentle enough for daily use, but is recommended for use immediately before brushing in the morning & evening.  Pre-brush oral rinses are not formulated to prevent or reduce plaque or gingivitis.  The purpose of this type of rinse is mainly for awareness & to help children clean their teeth better & for the right amount of time.  This type of rinse is a great tool to reinforce positive behavior & good oral habits by giving the child a sense of accomplishment for brushing their teeth well.  Once the child establishes a healthy & consistent brushing routine it may not be necessary to continue a Pre-brush rinse.

POST-BRUSH CHILDREN’S ORAL RINSES

The purpose of post-brush oral rinses for children is to prevent cavities, kill germs that cause bad breath & to protect teeth against plaque formation & stains.  The recommended use is twice a day after brushing & flossing.

ANTI-CAVITY CHILDREN’S ORAL RINSES

Anti-cavity fluoride rinses are recommended for children six & older who are still perfecting proper oral hygiene habits.  Most post-brush rinses are anti-cavity fluoride formulas to help protect teeth & gums.

The regular use of post-brush anti-cavity fluoride oral rinses has been clinically proven to help reduce cavities up to 40% more than brushing alone.  Alcohol & sugar free formulas make pre-brush & post-brush oral rinses a safe & healthy way of introducing younger children to the idea & practice of gargling & spitting.

Unlike many adult therapeutic oral rinses, oral rinses for children DO NOT contain prescription ingredients or concentrations.  Antimicrobial rinses with ingredients such as chlorhexidine gluconate are NOT RECOMMENDED for children under the age of 18, since their clinical effectiveness & safety  have not been determined for this age group.

Stay tuned for part 2 of my Oral Rinse report next “Tooth-Day” where I will be discussing additional benefits , special features, actual product information for children’s oral rinses.

As with most of my special reports, I would like to highlight the importance of Regular Dental Checkups.  Children’s pre-brush & post-brush rinses are intended for ages six & older to COMPLIMENT, not replace brushing & flossing.  Visiting your dentist every 6 months & brushing & flossing at least twice daily is imperative for maintaining a healthy smile:)

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)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/45528646209935316/

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here,…hoping you are having a lovely day:)

Today’s special report is to inform you all about what the most recent research has to say regarding the “HPV vaccine” preventing CANCER.  Most of you will be visiting your child’s primary care physician before back to school to get your blue & white forms filled out, so it would be an ideal time to ask if, why, & when you child(ren) should be getting the HPV vaccine.  Below is just a brief summery that may spark an interest in asking your child’s doctor more about this topic.

According to the (CDC) Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the number of 13-17 year old boys & girls in the U.S. receiving the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has increased for the second year in a row, but about half of all U.S. adolescents still haven’t received it.

“HPV vaccine prevents cancer,” stated Anne Schuchat, MD, in a CDC release.  Dr. Schuchat is the assistant surgeon general & director of CDC’s National Center for Immunization & Respiratory Diseases.

About 27,000 women & men in the U.S. are diagnosed with a cancer caused by HPV infection annually.  HPV vaccination could prevent most of theses cancers from developing, the report authors noted (Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report, July 31, 2015, Vol. 64:29, pp. 784-792).  The CDC recommends the vaccine for girls & boys at 11 to 12 years.

The CDC analyzed data on more than 20,800 U.S. adolescents through the 2014 National Immunization Survey-Teen.  The latest estimates show that 60% of adolescent girls & 42% of adolescent boys have received one or more doses of HPV vaccine.  This was an increase of 3% for girls & 8% for boys from the 2013 survey.

“The large increases in these diverse parts of the country show us it is possible to do much better at protecting our nation’s youth from cancers caused by HPV infections,” Dr. Schuchat stated.  “We are missing crucial opportunities to protect the next generation from cancers caused by HPV.”

Here at Casa Smiles we care about the well-being of all of our patients, but because we are Pediatric Dentists, we feel the need to highlight how HPV-realated oral cancers are growing in the U.S. & receiving the vaccine may prevent HPV associated throat cancers.

According to Debbie Saslow, PhD, American Cancer Society director of breast and gynecologic cancer, this is preliminary, but very promising evidence that HPV vaccines might prevent most oral HPV infections, and may also have a significant impact on the prevalence of throat cancer.

Saslow said, “HPV, and particularly HPV-16, is responsible for an increasing proportion of throat cancers. If the vaccine does indeed prevent HPV-associated throat cancers, then it will have a significant impact. HPV-16 is now responsible for over half of all throat cancers, with some estimates at around 70%.”

The data from the new study would still be considered preliminary, according to Saslow, because of the small number of oral HPV infections even in the control group, and the relatively short length of time the women were followed. In addition, the study included only women, while more men get HPV-linked throat cancer.  Citation: Reduced Prevalence of Oral Human Papillomavirus (HPV) 4 Years after Bivalent HPV Vaccination in a Randomized Clinical Trial in Costa Rica. Published online July 17, 2013 in PLOS One. First author: Rolando Herrero, PhD, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.er.

Today, I have just provided some basic information with respect to the HPV vaccine, so we encourage you all (Moms & Dads) to find out more from your child’s pediatrician.  Ask questions & learn more about why you should be giving your child this vaccine & how it could prevent many types of cancers from developing.

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)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/338755203195180523/

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, wishing you well on this great day!

The information from today’s special report is coming directly to you from the ADA (American Dental Association).  Is tasting ice cream or sipping hot coffee sometimes painful for you?  If so, you may have sensitive teeth.

WHAT CAUSES SENSITIVITY?

• Tooth Decay
• Fractured Teeth
• Worn Fillings
• Gum Disease
• Worn Tooth Enamel
• Exposed Tooth Root (caused by aggressive tooth brushing, receding gums, or gum disease)

In healthy teeth, a layer of enamel protects the crowns of your teeth-the part above the gum line.  Under the gum line a layer called cementum protects the tooth root.  Underneath both the enamel & the cementum is dentin.  Dentin is less dense than enamel & cementum, & contains microscopic tubules (small hollow tubes or canals).  When dentin loses its protective covering of enamel or cementum these tubules allow heat & cold or acidic or sticky foods to reach the nerves & cells inside the tooth.  Dentin may also be exposed when gums recede.  The result can be hypersensitivity that may cause discomfort when you chew, drink hot or cold liquids, or when you breath through your mouth.  Something else that may also cause sensitivity is teeth whitening strips (caution leaving them on for too long).  You may want to consult your dentist before deciding to use any kind of whitening product to make sure the treatment is right for you.

HOW TO TREAT SENSITIVITY?

Depending on the cause of your sensitivity, your dentist may recommend one or more of the following possible treatments:

• Desensitizing toothpaste.  This contains compounds that help block transmission of sensation from the tooth surface to the nerve, & usually requires several applications before the sensitivity is reduced.  (If the first brand you try is not effective, continue to try another brand as all the toothpastes are not “one size fits all”; it may take some time to find the one that works best for you.)
• Fluoride gel.  An in-office technique which strengthens tooth enamel & reduces the transmission of sensations.
• A crown, inlay, or bonding.  These may be used to correct a flaw or decay that results in sensitivity.
• Root canal.  If sensitivity is severe & persistent & cannot be treated by other means, your dentist may recommend this treatment to eliminate the problem.

Proper oral hygiene is the key to preventing sensitive-tooth pain & just imperative for you overall health.  With the proper treatment, your sensitivity should at the very least improve over time.

Below you will find a link to a video about sensitive teeth courtesy of the American Dental Association & mouthhealthy.org.

http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth?

channelId=e82b698bd26c4c2ebbe98c84cc7b9b49&channelListId&mediaId=e3919ab7c2374c528f821e1c9c08d419

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)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/450289662720057682/

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, hoping you are enjoying the tail end of your summer break!

In today’s Special Report I will be providing my SUPER MOMS, DADS, & caregivers with the knowledge you will need to be as prepared as you can be for common dental emergencies.  If an injury happens on the playground, in school, or at home, having an established relationship with you child’s dentist (Casa Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics) along with keeping up with regular check ups & cleanings, is the first & best way to be prepared.  This way, you will have someone to call that can provide you with guidance, care & support.

 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/438608451181514511/

With all emergencies, remaining calm & immediate attention is imperative.  Below I will outline what action you can take in the case of some common situations where you can prevent a  bad situation from getting worse.  Taking the right action can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth.

ALL DENTAL EMERGENCIES:

• Contact your dentist ASAP

IF A BABY TOOTH IS KNOCKED OUT:

• Contact your child’s dentist as soon as possible.  Acting fast can lessen discomfort & prevent infection
• Rinse the mouth with warm water & apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
• Rather than looking for the baby tooth (that should not be placed back), spend time comforting your child

IF A PERMANENT TOOTH IS KNOCKED OUT:

• Find the tooth & DO NOT touch the root
• Rinse the tooth GENTLY in cool water (do not scrub it or use soap)
• Replace the tooth in the socket, if possible, and hold it in place with a clean piece of gauze or washcloth.  If putting the tooth back in the socket isn’t an option, place the tooth in a clean cup with milk or saliva.
• Go to the dentist IMMEDIATELY!

IF A TOOTH IS CHIPPED OR DAMAGED:

• Contact the dentist immediately
• Rinse the mouth with warm water & apply a cold compress to reduce any swelling & to prevent infection
• Find any tooth fragments.  Rinse in cool water & place in a clean cup with milk or saliva & take them with you to the dentist.

If your incident is a more complicated injury or accident, call for emergency services or call the dentist while you are in route to the hospital.  Knowing what to do first in unexpected situations is half the battle.  Always be strong for your child(ren) & give he/she the reassurance needed to calmly take the appropriate action to make your emergency situation better & not worse.  There are some simple precautions you can take to avoid some accidents or injuries to teeth such as:  wearing a mouth guard when participating in sports or recreational activities (refer to one of our previous blog posts to learn more about mouth guards  http://www.casasmiles.com/monster-free-movement-special-agent-flossit/), avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels & hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth, & use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.

Ultimately, I hope you never have to put into practice today’s knowledge, but at least now you know what to do if your child or someone around you needs to act fast & appropriately!

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)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/567805465497358912/