Happy “Tooth-Day!”

Farah Flossit here, sending you warm greetings!

We often discuss a lot about little ones, but today I thought I’d provide some tips to parents about their teens & how to help them maintain good oral health.  As parents you feel good that your children become independent, but teens sometimes fall off the wagon when it comes to taking care of their oral health.  In light of this, I’d like to give you some easy ways to keep them motivated.

1. Fresh Supplies–A new toothbrush is always nice to find when you go brush your teeth.  Periodically supply your teen with a new toothbrush.  Ideally, provide them with this treat at a time you know that they might “skip” out on brushing.  In addition, keep plenty of toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash handy so that there are no excuses when it comes to asking them if they brushed, rinsed, and flossed.
2. Schedule the Orthodontic Consultation–It is recommended that by age 7 you take your child for a consultation with the Orthodontist.  One of the many nice things about Casa Smile Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is that we offer both dentistry & orthodontics.  So, when your child is ready, the dentist will refer you directly to our orthodontist.  In addition, the consultation is COMPLIMENTARY!  As your children grow, so do their facial bones & muscles and it is important to seek the right guidance to your teen’s specific  needs.  There are many options with respect to obtaining a perfect & most importantly healthy smile.  A nice smile boosts self confidence:)
3. Make Healthy Choices for THEM–There are a lot of things that you cannot control about your teens, but you buy the food they eat, so if you buy junk food, that’s what they will consume.  Keep your fridge and pantry stocked with healthy snacks.  When they are hungry, they will raid the kitchen & eat what is available to them.
4. Boost Their Confidence— Teens are concerned about how they look and you can benefit from playing to their vanity.  Take advantage & tell them how attractive a healthy smile can be.  Explain that caring for their teeth is caring about how they look.  Fresh breath & a nice smile will encourage them to maintain good oral habits.
5. Mouthguard Awareness–Many teens are very active.  Make it a point to have a mouthguard made or purchase one for your active teen.  This is a topic you can discuss with your orthodontist to make the right choice for your teen.
6. Make & Take–It’s still your job to MAKE their regular check up & cleaning appointment and TAKE them!  This way you make sure to consult with the dentist yourself to get a full status report on their oral health.

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 all well!

Summer is fast approaching & vacation from work or school does not mean you can take a vacation from your dental health.  As a matter of fact, when vacation is on the horizon, it is easy to step out of your schedules & routines.  Today I’d like to share a few pointers on how to keep you smile healthy when traveling or on vacation.

1. Visit the Dentist before you depart.  You should not put off your visit to the dentist for your check up and cleaning.  Planning ahead is half the battle.  As soon as you have your travel dates, make your appointment so that you don’t have to rush.  Doing this will help prevent any dental issues from ruining your family trip by detecting any issues that need to be treated before you leave.  Summertime is a busy time for Dental Offices, so call ahead to get your preferred time & date.
2. Put together a dental travel kit.  Now-a-days you can find almost anything in travel size.  A trip to the store for this can actually be pretty fun!  Don’t forget to pack travel-sized mouthwash, floss, and of course a toothbrush.  It’s always a good idea to bring an extra disposable toothbrush just in case.
3. Toothbrush Care.  It is extremely important to keep your toothbrush covered.  Extra handling, luggage, & hotel bathrooms provide bacteria extra an opportunity to find its way into your bristles & into your mouth.  There are anti-bacterial covers, but ideally, you should take a packaged one that you can dispose of later (unless you have a great travel kit for your Sonicare).  Closed covers give a warm, damp place for bacteria to grow, so let your brush dry before you cover it up.  In addition, make sure you place your toothbrush far away from the toilet–you don’t want it to fall in or have any bacteria get close when flushing.
4. Be mindful of your diet.  I’m sure you will all eat more sugary drinks, snacks, & deserts while on your vacation, but when you can, pack some healthy snacks for the family.  You can still make some healthy choices in between those “cheat” meals & extra treats.  And always keep your oral hygiene habits in place by brushing & flossing at least 2x day!

I hope today’s report gets you looking forward to some good times this summer with your friends & family. Planning can be fun and can also help keep your family have a healthy smile all year round. 

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

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!  More travel tips to follow throughout the summer:)

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 ALL MOMS a very Happy Mother’s Day this weekend!

As moms we are always trying to make the best decisions for our children.  In light of that, I’m here (as a MOM), to re-assure you that having chosen a Pediatric Dentist for your child is the right decision.  Sure, a general dentist can probably “get it done”, but our children are way more special than that.  There is a reason why dentists choose to “specialize” in different areas.  The reason the specialty for “Pediatric Dentistry” exists is because children have specific needs for their oral care.  I’d like to go over just a few reasons why choosing a “Pediatric Dentist” is the best choice & in turn, makes you a Great MOM:

1. Specializing in Children’s Teeth—Pediatric dentists have been specifically trained to treat children’s developing teeth.  They are also knowledgeable enough to guide parents & caregivers during the stages of development.  They know the unique problems children may face, such as cavities and gum problems.  In addition, most Pediatric Dentists are qualified to handle special cases that may need to be addressed in a hospital setting under general anesthesia.  Lastly, pediatric specialists have experience dealing with frightened children & can help your child feel at ease & comfortable.
2. Smaller Child-Friendly Equiptment–While there’s nothing wrong with using standard-sized dental equipment on children, it’s nice that pediatric dental offices use samller equipment designed for a child’s mouth.  Additionally, many pediatric dentists help ease your child into dental exams by introducing one piece of equipment at a time.  This can help children get used to complex & often “scary-looking” tools without overwhelming them.
3. Inviting & Child-Friendly Environment–For those that have actually visited Casa Smiles, you know that we go above & beyond in this department.  Not only is our office clean, pretty, & fun, but our team is also ready to greet you & your kiddos with a smile.  We have iPads for children to play with in our welcoming area along with a TV playing Disney favorites.  Then as you move on to our comfy exam chairs, you can put on your own headphones & choose a movie to watch during your visit.  Moms & dads get to listen to music playing in the office & get to enjoy coffee, tea, water, or even hot chocolate in our refreshment area.  As if that was not enough, when your child is all done our hygienists gift your kiddos stickers.  Finally. on your way out, our Casa Smiles guests get to pick a prize from the Treasure Box.  We also make sure moms & dads leave with a token of our appreciation, such as chap stick, hand sanitizer, or another seasonal gift.
4. Focus on Preventative Care–Pediatric dentists also focus on prevention of dental problems to ensure a lifetime of good dental health.  Pediatric specialists can give you advice & teach you about developing healthy habits, like 2x a day brushing & flossing.  A pediatric dentist will also have the latest information on preventative treatments as they pertain specifically to children.

We feel blessed that you have chosen Casa Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics as your dental home for your children.  If you ever have any questions or concerns about your child’s oral health, don’t hesitate to ask.  Way to go MOMS, you made the right choice & have gifted your children 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)

 

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, hoping you all have a sweet day:)

We have discussed Sugar in the past & know that sugar invites Mouth Monsters.  Sugar acts like an acid, dissolving the enamel on teeth.  Each time you eat a snack containing sugar, the resulting acid attack can last up to 20 minutes.  The natually-occurring bacteria in the mouth uses sugar as energy to multiply & stick themselves to the surface of a tooth.  Over time, this turns into plaque & continues to eat away at the tooth’s enamel.  Tiny holes will eventually be made in the enamel & become the home for Mouth Monsters–CAVITIES!  If left untreated, CAVITIES will continue to grow!

I recently visited healthyteeth.org & found some very useful information to help us understand how much SUGAR is TOO MUCH.

 HOW MUCH SUGAR SHOULD WE CONSUME EACH DAY?

*You can avoid the damaging effects of sugar by brushing and flossing your teeth two to three times a day and limiting the amount of sugary foods and snacks you eat and drink.

We don’t always have time to read labels or really know how much sugar certain foods really contain.  In order to put some of what is in the chart above into perspective, below you will find a list of common foods that you & your family may consume & how much sugar they contain.  This is important because you want to be able to translate your individual food items consumed throughout your day, into what your total sugar intake should really be for the ENTIRE day.

 

 

  

 

What I have provided above is just a general guide to help you monitor your sugar intake.  I suggest you ask your Doctor or Pediatrician for specific needs you or your child may have.  Not only is Sugar intake an important thing to be mindful of for the health of your teeth, but also for your overall health.  As always, I recommend that good oral habits along with exercise & a healthy diet is what makes you an overall healthy person.  Feeling good makes us smile & a healthy smile is what I hope to help you all achieve & maintain:)

Although we are coming to the end of April & Autism Awareness Month, I hope you all continue to spread awareness & acceptance for Auesome individuals.  

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 all a magical day!

Last week we chatted about the different types of teeth & what their jobs are, so this week I thought it would be important to learn about the different parts of a tooth.  As you may already know, I am a big fan of Pinterst.  Below is a diagram (that I found on Pinterest) that shows us the different parts of a tooth.  Not only is it a nice diagram, but it is also a great crafty learning activity you can do with your kids to make learning FUN! Don’t forget to click on the image so that you can read more about creating your own Play-Doh tooth!

 

A tooth is made up of 2 main parts:  1.  The CROWN   2.  The ROOT

The crown is what you see when you smile or open your mouth. It’s the part that sits above your gum line.

The root is below the gumline. It makes up about 2/3rds of the tooth’s total length.

Within the 2 main parts lies the ENAMEL:  The enamel is the durable, white covering that protects the tooth from the wear & tear of chewing.

DID YOU KNOW?  The enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in you body!

Next up is DENTIN:  Dentin supports the enamel on your teeth. It’s a yellow bone-like material that is softer than enamel & carries some of the nerve fibers that signal you when something is wrong inside your tooth.

In the center we have the PULP:  The pulp as mentioned is the center of the tooth.  It’s a soft tissue that contains blood & lymph vessels, & nerves.  The pulp is how the tooth receives nourishment & transmits signals to your brain.

Lastly, we have the ROOT:  Cementum is what covers most of the root of the tooth.  It helps to attache the tooth to the bones in your Jaw.  A cushioning layer called the periodontal Ligament sits between the cementum & the jawbone; it helps connect the two.

As we continue to light it up BLUE, in April for Autism Awareness Month, the information above was presented with Autism in mind.  Play-doh is great for fine motor skills & also sensory play.  In addition, one can present the visual diagram & build it together to learn the parts of a tooth in a Fun way.  

Joke of the day:  What do explorers call it when they go searching for fossil teeth?—-A molar expedition!  LOL

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, hoping you are all doing a job well done:)

We all have jobs.  If you are a child, your job is to be a student, sibling, or a good teammate on a sports team.  If you are an adult, you have many jobs, a nurse, a mom, a dad, etc.  What we don’t usually consider is that each type of tooth we have, has a specific job.  They don’t all have the same shape & purpose.  So, today I want to shed some light on what each type of tooth does.  This is great information you can share with your kiddos. This will help them understand that if you they don’t have healthy workers in their mouths, their teeth can’t  do a good job!

Fist it’s important to identify the 4 different types of teeth  1.  INCISORS  2.  CANINES  3.  PREMOLARS  4.  MOLARS

 

Now we can talk about the function or job each type of tooth has.  Teeth help you chew on your food, making it easier to digest. Each type of tooth has a slightly different shape & performs a different job.

• INCISORS.  Incisors are the eight teeth in the front & center of your mouth (4 on the top & 4 on the bottom).  These are the teeth that you use to take bites of your food.  Incisors are usually the first teeth to erupt, at around 6 months of age for your first set of teeth, & between 6 & 8 years of age for your adult set.
• CANINES.  Your four canines are the next type of teeth to develop.  These are the sharpest teeth and are used for ripping & tearing food apart.  Primary canines generally appear between 16 & 20 months of age with the upper canines coming in just ahead of the lower canines.  In permanent teeth, the order is reversed.  Lower canines erupt around age 9 with the upper arriving between 11 & 12 years of age.
• PREMOLARS.  Premolars, or also known as bicuspids, are used for chewing & grinding food.  You have 4 premolars on each side of your mouth, 2 not the upper & 2 on the lower jaw.  The first premolars appear around age 10 and the second premolars arrive a year later.
• MOLARS.  Primary molars are also used for chewing & grinding food.  These appear between 12 & 15 months of age.  These molars, also known as deciduous molars. are replaced by the first & second permanent premolars (4 upper & 4 lower).  The permanent molars do not replace, but come in behind the primary teeth.  The first molars erupt around 6 years of age (before the primary molars fall out) while the second molars come in between 11 & 13 years of age.
• THIRD MOLARS.  Third molars are commonly known as wisdom teeth.  These are the last  teeth to develop & do not typically erupt until age 18-20, and some people never develop third molars at all.  For those who do, these molars may cause crowding & need to be removed.

Much like if you are out sick from school or you are not able to go to your place of work, you can do your job.  Therefore, the same way you need to take care of your bodies & stay healthy by taking vitamins, exercising & eating right, it is just as important to keep your teeth healthy so that they can do their job!  It’s your job to brush your teeth, floss, eat healthy foods, & visit the dentist every 6 months for your checkups & cleanings!   Just remember that a healthy mouth makes for a healthy body and a pretty smile!

To continue to support & bring awareness to Autism for “Autism Awareness Month”, check out some tips for helping your “Ausome” friend, family, or patient visit the dentist!

HELPFUL TIPS FOR AUSOME FRIENDS:

1.  Many children like counting.  This is a great way to getting the job done.  Have the child count with you as they get one side of their mouth cleaned or as the dentist counts how many teeth they have.
2. Bring a stress ball, silly putty, or play dough.  The use of this helps with anxiety & stimming.
3. Bring a weighted vest or blanket for a sense of security or to help with sensory overload.
4. Use head phones to block out some of the distracting noises that one can hear at the dentist.  At Casa Smiles, we have headphones where children can pick from a wide selection of their favorite movies & shows.

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)