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)

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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?

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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)

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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.

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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)

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Happy “Tooth-Day”!

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

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Have you ever been alarmed by sounds your child(ren) make(s) while sleeping?  Should you be concerned that your child is grinding their teeth during the day and/or at night?  These are on-goings that you should pay close attention to just to make sure that there’s not more going on.  It is common for children to grind their teeth, especially during sleep.  Tooth grinding, or bruxism, is most common when baby teeth begin to emerge and permanent teeth come in.  While it generally goes away, there are a few considerations you should be aware of.

Experts are not 100% sure what causes grinding, but professionals point fingers at a number of possible reasons.  Tension or anxiety, pain (from earaches or teething for example), or malocclusion (a dental term for when the teeth don’t line up just right) are just a few.  Some also suggest that breathing problems-from a stuffy nose or allergies may play a role.  Stress due to a new environment, divorce, changes at school, etc can influence a child to grind their teeth.  Bruxism may be caused by minor changes in inner ear pressure, similar to what’s experienced on an airplane.  Your child may also just be getting used to the sensation of having teeth in their mouth.  It’s common among babies who are getting their first teeth, beginning around 5 or 6 months of age.  It’s also common among children who are starting to get their permanent teeth, at around 6 years of age.  About 38% of children grind their teeth.  The average age of starting the habit is around 3 1/2 years, & the average of stopping is 6- though, of course, people of all ages grind their teeth.  Your child is a bit more likely to grind his/her teeth if they drool or talk in their sleep.  In most cases, teeth grinding sounds worse than it is.

The reason that I am mentioning all of these possible reasons for grinding, is so that you can mention it to your dentist & doctor so that they can take a closer look at your child’s overall health.  You should express additional concerns if:

• your child is having trouble sleeping or is waking frequently throughout the night
• jaw pain or soreness
• headaches
• tooth sensitivity or pain not associated with other dental issues

The majority of cases of pediatric bruxism do not require any treatment.  The good news is that most children outgrow bruxism.  However, being aware of the overall health & development of your child is the most important message I would like to convey today.  No matter what is going on, early intervention is always best approach.

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/366410119654985873/

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, feeling HOT, HOT, HOT this Miami Summer day!

At least here in sunny South Florida, the most common summer activity for kids is pool time!  What most parents don’t know is that swimming in the pool can have some surprising affects on their kids teeth.  Yellowish-brown stains can develop on teeth as a result of prolonged exposure to improperly balanced pool water.

Many times we are not responsible or in control of public swimming pools & what their PH levels are at, but if your kids swim in your own pool, it is your job to be aware if your pool levels are safe.  Using a simple pool PH meter can help keep your pool safe for you & your family.

If a pool’s water chemistry isn’t balanced, children & adults that swim in the pool for multiple hours a day are at risk of developing yellowish-brown staining on their teeth.  Most pools are maintained at a PH of 7.2-7.8.  However, if the pool’s PH rises above 7.8 then the pool’s water is alkaline.  The higer PH level in the pools causes salivary proteins to break down & combine with minerals in the mouth to form those unsightly stains.

In a recent study, researchers from NYU assessed a case in which a man had suffered rapid enamel loss & staining to his teeth in a very short time span of 5 months.  After looking into the circumstances of those 5 months, the researchers found that the damage to thte man’s teeth coincided with his implementation of a new fitness regimen that involved 90 minutes of swimming in his privately owned pool.  Further research revealed that the pool in question contained water that was improperly maintained.  It had an improper PH balance , & the researchers determined that the acidic water was responsible for the enamel loss & staining.

Fortunately the staining can be removed by keeping up with your routine dental care.  With the proper precautions, you will be able to enjoy your pool all summer long without subjecting your teeth to damage.  If you have a child that is a competitive swimmer & spending a lot of time in the water it would be a good idea to look at your child’s teeth from time to time to make sure you don’t notice any drastic changes in the enamel.

In addition to our interesting pool water effect on teeth, I wanted to share a cool product that I just came across while doing some research.  The product that I am about to share is by no means in place of ALWAYS keeping eyes on your children while they are swimming, but in the case of an accident or if your child(ren) are under the supervision of others, it is a very helpful tool that can save lives. Check it out!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/386676317984197579/

NEVER let anyone swim alone. Not intended as a replacement for diligent supervision.

You are alerted, so tragedy may be averted.  The iSWIMBAND is a wearable drowning detection device that provides an extra layer of protection in & around water.  A portable, simple-to-use safety system that works in pools, lakes, rivers, and at the beach that alerts when a swimmer has been submerged for too long or if a non-swimmer enters the water. This device can monitor up to 8 iSwimbands per device & up to 100 foot line-of-sight range.  There is also an iSwimband Swim Monitor App for IOS & Android Devices.  This free app alerts you if a child remains submerged for too long or if a toddler enters the water.

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 lovely summer day!

For those that are or try to be “health conscious” with you & your family’s diet, you will probably come across “Greek Yogurt” as a healthy substitute for many recipes.  Well, I’m here to inform you that Greek Yogurt is actually a dental super food!  This is especially great new with the rise in families making smarter choices for themselves & their children.  In addition to Greek Yogurt’s digestive health benefit, below are some ways eating Greek Yogurt will also help you with a healthy smile:

GREEK YOGURT HELPS FIGHT CAVITIES

The “good bacteria” in Greek Yogurt called probiotics are active cultures that are believed to slow the growth of cavity causing bacteria.  Keeping your gums healthy is crucial to your overall health because gum disease can put you at risk for a wide range of other health issues including heart disease.

GREEK YOGURT HELPS KEEP TEETH STRONG

Yogurt is high in calcium which helps to keep your teeth strong.  Calcium works by maintaining the density of your skeletal bones through years of deposit while your body is growing the most.  This is why it is an especially good benefit for children to eat yogurt.  Once permanent teeth appear, calcium continues to help prevent tooth decay by keeping enamel strong.

GREEK YOGURT HELPS FIGHT BAD BREATH

Bad breath is caused by a compound called hydrogen sulfide.  Researchers have discovered that one way to greatly reduce this compound is to eat six ounces of yogurt daily.  So another benefit of probiotics found in yogurt is that it helps keep smelly bacteria in check!

GREEK YOGURT HELPS FIGHT AN ACIDIC MOUTH

Cavity-causing bacteria love an acidic mouth.  Yogurt actually counters this by balancing your mouth’s PH levels & creating a less accommodating place for bacteria to grow & flourish.

The best yogurt for good oral health is plain & sugar free.  Greek Yogurts contain the most amount of probiotics.  If you or your kids crave a sweet addition to your yogurt, you can use a small amount of fresh fruit or natural sweetener.  Remember that even with a healthy diet comes the responsibility of good oral hygiene.  Don’t forget to brush & floss at least twice a day!  Below you will find some links with some great ways to incorporate Greek Yogurt into your diet & how to use Greek Yogurt in many of your favorite recipes in place of unhealthy ingredients.  Making “better & smarter” choices is a good start to a healthy lifestyle for you & your family!  Let’s work together to keep the Mouth Monsters away & live Monster-Free!

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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)