Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, lighting it up BLUE for Autism Awareness Month (APRIL).

Today I’m going to briefly chat about Autism Awareness & how we in the Pediatric Dental field can give mom’s & dads of children with special needs some good finds to help their children with their visits to the dentist.  In addition, I’m going to share some great information about teething, brought to us by the AAPD.

As many of you may or may not know, Autism consists of a “spectrum”.  This means that if you have met 1 child with Autism, you have really just met 1 child with Autism because all children on the Spectrum are very different.  Some have difficulty with Sensory Integration, some are non-verbal, others are very verbal, etc., but all are very special & unique.  Below I’d like to share with you some resources where you can get helpful visuals to help your children prepare for their visit to the dentist.  Most children with Autism like to know what to expect.  So, if you can show them what they will be experiencing before it actually happens, that always helps.

I found the youtube video below on Pinterest & I feel it is a wonderful tool!

<iframe width=”640″ height=”360″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/s_n1aZy1NV8?feature=player_embedded” frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen></iframe>

If your child enjoys reading, below is a great low-budget item you must have.  Click on the image to take you to the link.

PECS are a very effective way to help non-verbal children with Autism to understand; it’s giving the child a visual schedule–step by step.  Don’t forget to click on the image for the link.

Below is a link to “free printables” related to your child’s dental visit & oral hygiene.

With April being “Autism Awareness Month”, I encourage all families to accept & embrace families that live with Autism.  Wear blue & spread awareness.  Stay tuned, as I will continue to post more resources throughout the month in honor of Autism Awareness.

For those parents embarking in the teething stages, here’s some useful information: (Courtesy of the AAPD)

Teething: As Told By A Baby Tooth

All parents know teething can be a stressful and trying time filled with sleepless nights. Here are five things parents need to know to navigate the teething landscape, straight from the source – the little tooth that can be a big pain for babies, parents and caregivers alike!

1. You can expect me to show up around the time your little one is 6 – 8 months old. But please have patience! Sometimes I need a little more time, and will arise around 12 – 14 months of age.

2. You will know when I’m about to arrive because your little one might be irritable and attempting to chew on hard objects. I usually show up first in the bottom jaw with a buddy, then my friends, the two top teeth, show up next!

3. The best way to help me introduce myself to your little one is to use a teething ring or gently rub your child’s gums with a cool, wet washcloth with a clean finger.

4. Once I’ve arrived, it’s time to start brushing each morning and night and begin flossing once I’m touching another tooth. This will typically happen around or after age 2. You should supervise brushing until your little one is 7 or 8 years old. Most children will master flossing by age 10.

5. After I appear, it’s time to visit the pediatric dentist! He’ll be able to tell you how to take care of my baby teeth friends and me once we all arrive. Part of keeping us healthy means being prepared for any emergencies – be sure to place this guide on your fridge with your pediatric dentist’s contact information in case I’m knocked out or chipped!

If your little one’s baby teeth have already arrived, but haven’t been introduced to a pediatric dentist yet, remember it’s never too late! Visit Casa Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics for all you Dental needs.

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 a fun-filled day:)

Most of us have heard of or even used “laughing gas” at the dentist.  Many parents are hesitant or even fearful to have their children use Nitrous Oxide (AKA-Laughing Gas). Because there are these common concerns & feelings of  uncertainty, today’s report will be focused on the use of N2O & why it is a safe option when needed.

While most parents hope that their children will love going to the dentist, there are some children that feel anxious, fearful, or have special needs.  Casa Smiles does their very best to make every child’s experience a great one, but as Pediatric Dentists, we have a lot of experience with all types of children & we are ready to accommodate each individual patient as needed.  A safe go-to is Nitrous.  We want to make your child feel special & relaxed.

Nitrous Oxide is a blend of 2 gases–Oxygen & Nitrous Oxide.  A fitted mask is placed over the nose and the patient breaths normally.  The child will smell a faint, sweet aroma & experience a sense of relaxation.  If your child is sensitive to sights, sounds, or sensations of dental treatment, N2O can be very helpful.  Nitrous is considered to be very safe–the safest sedative in dentistry.  It has a rapid onset, is well tolerated, it’s reversible, can be adjusted in various concentrations, & is non-allergic.  The patient remains fully conscious & capable of responding to questions/requests.  At the end of the treatment, any effects will be eliminated in a short period of time & has no lingering effects.  We at Casa Smiles realize that not all children are the same.  The use of Nitrous  may not be effective for some children, but it may ease feelings of anxiety in some patients & get them through their dental treatments.

We encourage parents to ask questions & clear up any uncertainties that they may have.  After all, we both want the best for your child!  I hope the information provided today was helpful & informative.

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 a beautiful start to Spring.

This Sunday is Easter:)  For those that are familiar with the Easter Bunny & for those that celebrate Easter, we know all to well that he has some big front teeth.  This year, share with your little ones how important it is to take good care of their teeth, just like the Easter Bunny.  So in the spirit of promoting good oral hygiene by means of the Easter Bunny, let’s celebrate in a Non-Candy way!

Spring is the time of year where we start to go outside for fun activities.  Kick off your Easter Sunday with a basket full things your kiddos can use for Fun outdoor activities.  Here are some that your kids may like:

• Children’s Gardening Kit w/seeds
• Hoola Hoops
• Insect Catcher Kit
• Jump Ropes
• Kites
• Flip Flops/Sandals
• Sunglasses
• Swimsuits
• Water Toys-squirt guns, water balloons, slip & slide
• Sidewalk Chalk
• Family Cornhole set
• Bubbles

In addition to outdoor activities crafts are always a great way to do something creative as a family.  Here are some crafty items you can include:

• Coloring Books
• Disposable Camera
• Legos
• Playdough
• Stickers
• Puzzles
• Markers
• Erasers
• Paint Pallet

Some other good additions to this year’s basket:

• A new toothbrush
• Character bandaids
• Healthy Snacks
• Nailpolish
• Chapstick
• Yo-Yo
• Balloons
• Cookie Cutters
• Books

Here are a few Pinterest finds that I’d like to share:

This is such a cute alternative to the typical basket, that may not fit all of this year’s goodies!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/185914290846011034/

Here are some extra special Egg Decorating ideas:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/185914290846011128/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/185914290846011136/

Here’s also a great addition for your really little ones by MAM:

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/185914290846011124/

I hope your Easter Sunday is filled with Fun, Love, Laughter, & 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, wishing you a FRESH day”)

Today I am excited to chat about another great Philips product.  Fresh breath is important for everyone in the family.

Philips offers a great BreathRx Starter kit.  The price is under $25 & it’s only 3 steps.  The kit includes an 8oz. rinse, a 4oz. whitening toothpaste, a 2oz. tongue spray, & 2-tongue cleaners.  This is everything you need to destroy odor-causing bacteria from the teeth, tongue, & mouth, & neutralize odors for lasting fresh breath.

So 3 Easy Steps:

Step 1: Brush away odor-causing plaque with BreathRx Whitening toothpaste.

Step 2: Get to the bacteria that hides within the uneven surface of your tongue with the BreathRx tongue spray and tongue cleaner. The active ingredient in the spray kills bad breath bacteria on contact and neutralizes odors. The flexible tongue cleaner gently removes bacteria build-up from the tongue.

Step 3: Rinse away the remaining germs and debris with the BreathRx antibacterial mouth rinse.

What I truly love about all of the Philips products is that you can add them into your already established routine in conjunction with their other products.  The integration of their products simply improves your Oral Health & your smile.  If you already use a Sonicare (either Adult or Child) it is so simple to add this into your Oral Health habits. Sonicare products are not only reasonably priced, but also very easy to find at Casa Smiles or your local Target, Walmart, Walgreens, or even on-line.  I hope you all really give it a try & enjoy that extra confidence when having to have a conversation in close proximity or when you are hugging someone you love!

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, excited to share why Philips is the best choice for your children, but first, I’d like to fill you all in on the Final Score for Mouth Madness.

Final Score: Pediatric Dentists Help Defeat the Full Lineup of Mouth Monsters (This report is brought to you courtesy of the AAPD).

Healthy little teeth ended up in first place at the conclusion of the National Children’s Dental Health Month Tournament of Tooth Care. Each little champion brought a unique skill, and they all worked together to take on the Mouth Monsters with ease. According to their coach, the Pediatric Dentist, the fun isn’t over yet – brushing and flossing practice starts again tomorrow, and the team’s next 6-month checkup is already scheduled for late 2016.

Mouth Madness fans can keep up with the action by following the AAPD on Facebook and Twitter.

Interactive fun for better brushing (The detailed information about this product has been provided by philipsoralhealthcare.com)

As you all may know, I am a huge advocate for motivating our little ones with the resources we now have available to us.  We live in a world of technology & we should embrace it & use it in positive ways.  If using an APP that will help motivate your children to brush their teeth & create Good Oral Habits, the GO FOR IT!

Using Philips Sonicare for Kids is a FUN way to inspire better brushers.  It can be a challenge for parents to get their children to brush regularly & effectively.  The new Philips Sonicare for Kids is designed to help kids develop a healthy habit that will last a lifetime.

There is just so much that this tooth brush offers that I am just blown away!

PERSONAL BRUSHING COACH

• Children will navigate the app with the help of their oral health training partner “Sparkly”
• Through a series of fun, educational games, children learn proper brushing techniques & are encouraged to brush longer.

REAL-TIME GUIDANCE

• “Sparkly” training partner’s mouth acts as a visual brushing guide, teaching children to thoroughly brush each quadrant of the mouth
• Equipped with Bluetooth wireless technology, the handle tells the app how long the child is brushing:  children gradually build the habit of brushing independently for two minutes, two times a day

TRAINING & TRACKING

• Children receive rewards & badges to keep them motivated, including gifts to keep their “Sparkly” training partner happy & healthy
• A separate dashboard in the app allows parents to monitor their child’s performance & progress as well as set up custom milestones & incentives

Aside from the amazing attributes mentioned above.  It is a cool looking tooth brush that gives your kiddos the option of picking stickers to go on their really COOL & FUN brush.  Because of the technology that Sonicare offers in their products, keeping up with the technique of how your children should be brushing becomes less stressful for parents knowing that the toothbrush is doing most of the work for them.

Bottom line–kid preferred, parent approved!

Today we are only scratching the surface with what Philips has to offer your entire family.  I will continue to inform you about the benefits of using these great tools to create a healthier & brighter smile for you & your loved ones! You can pick up your new Philips Sonicare for kids at Casa Smiles!

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)