Happy “Tooth-Day”!!

Farah Flossit here,…reporting & wishing you well:)

The words we use to communicate can be very powerful!  Using the right words to help our children understand can help & even change the outlook of any challenging or uncertain situation.   Using kid-friendly words to substitute dental terminology can provide an effective sense of understanding.  For example, saying “tooth counting” instead of  “examination” can be a more nurturing way to create a positive attitude toward an essential part of a child’s dental visit.  Explaining that the dentist helps keep their teeth happy & healthy, will help them feel at ease.  Tell your kids that we will be very gentle when we look in their mouths to “count & tickle” their teeth.  After all, going to the dentist should be fun, not scary or intimidating, especially here at Casa Smiles http://www.casasmiles.com/, a FUN & FRIENDLY  dental office!  So let’s avoid using big & intimidating words like needle, shot, drill or pull when discussing their visit to the dentist.  When you are chatting with your child about their next visit to the dentist, it is really important to let him or her know what to expect.  Depending on the reason for your next visit, below you will find alternate words that can empower you to help your child see their next visit a positive one.

*USE*                                                                                      *INSTEAD OF*

TEETH COUNTING                                                             EXAMINATION
TOOTH PICTURE                                                                 X-RAY
TICKLING TEETH                                                                CLEANING
MR. THIRSTY                                                                        SUCTION  
TOOTH VITAMINS                                                               FLUORIDE
SUGAR BUGS                                                                         CAVITIES
MAGIC AIR/ICE CREAM AIR                                            NITROUS OXIDE
WHITE PLAY-DOH                                                               FILLINGS
WIGGLE A TOOTH                                                               EXTRACTION
MS. PIGGY’S NOSE                                                               NITROUS MASK
TOOTH SHOWER                                                                 WATER RINSE
CAMERA                                                                                  X-RAY UNIT
SLEEPY GEL                                                                           TOPICAL ANESTHETIC

Use your child’s likes & preferences to help them become more interested in their dental health.  Does your little girl like Frozen?  Does you little guy like super heroes? Is Monsters Inc. a household favorite? Let them identify with the characters they love!

 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/387450374168862621/

 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/364228688590167238/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/542754192565177288/

I would love to hear if any of you moms & dads use any other “fun” or “positive” terminology with your little ones to help them understand & love going to the dentist.  Here is a link to a “happy video” you can share with your kids about the dentist & brushing https://www.pinterest.com/pin/453526624950000824/.  Together we can encourage our kids to have a bright & enthusiastic outlook on dental care for years to come  In today’s discussion, we are using this “word power” concept to facilitate an enjoyable visit to the denist, but carefully choosing the right words to create a positive & relaxing mind set can be helpful in our everyday lives.  Helping those around us feel calm & comfortable, promotes happiness & eliminates anxiety.  Joy & smiles are contagious, so spread kindness by using the power of positive words & keep smiling:)

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,…I hope everyone had a blessed weekend with family & friends!

For those that did not know, APRIL is Autism Awareness Month!  The Casa Smiles Family http://www.casasmiles.com/pediatric-dentistry/ not only supports & welcomes children with Autism, but we take a lot of pride in providing the best services to all children; typical or with any special needs.  Today I would like to encourage everyone you know to try to become aware of what Autism is & how your awareness can make a big difference (visit https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/facts-about-autism?gclid=CMHv-s6t5MQCFdgNgQod66QA1A to learn more). 

“If you have met one child or person with Autism, you have only met one child or person with Autism”!   Every person with Autism is completely different from the next; there are no 2 alike.  This is why it takes some very special people, like our Dentists here at Casa Smiles http://www.casasmiles.com/about-us/dr-abreu-hernandez-dmd/, to offer something as important as “dental health” to a community that is often misunderstood. 

There is usually a great amount of anxiety involved for parents & children when planning a visit to the dentist.  For some children with Autism, oral health habits can be challenging.  Often times, there are sensory challenges for patients with Autism.  Some may not like how the brush feels on their gums & others may not like the sound of the suction.  The reason I mention these small facts is because they may be big factors in making your dental visit a success.  Moms & Dads, when you call to make your appointment, let us know how we can ease any anxieties.  Schedule appointments at the patient’s “best” times of the day.  If we need to accommodate having your child here when we are not so busy, we will!:)

I would like to remind parents about some things that they can do to prepare for a visit to Casa Smiles http://www.casasmiles.com/about-us/.  Prior to the visit, you can try role playing, books, pictures, videos, or even some fun dental apps.  Many children with Autism are very visual; showing your child a video or pictures of what they can expect will be very helpful.  You can start by showing your child one of our recent posts about what to expect when visiting our office http://www.casasmiles.com/casa-smiles-fun-house/.  For a visual schedule for a dentist visit go to https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/documents/dentalguide.pdf.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/27654985188134039/
Fun for Role-Playing:)

Through a grant from Delta Dental of Minnesota, “The My Healthy Smile” app was developed.  It helps to teach children about good oral health & to ease anxieties around dental visits.  The app offers 11 audio & visual social scripts to show children what to expect at the dentist & how to have good oral care at home.  Topics include: having your teeth cleaned, taking x-rays & getting fillings, losing a tooth, brushing & healthy eating.

 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/232568768228438956/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/238972323947851208/
Great book for your little book worms!

The emphasis of your outing to see the dentist should be to have a “fun experience” & after all, we are a very “fun dental office”.  The goal for a first visit should be for it to be “fun” & for the patient to become familiar with the office, the process, the Doctor, & the team members.  Our hearts are big enough for all children:) Together, lets open our minds, embrace our differences, & become aware of what makes us all unique & different!

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 Reporting:)

“Tooth-Day’s” report is all about happy “fillings” & not the tooth kind.  There are so many ways to keep the mouth monsters http://mouthmonsters.mychildrensteeth.org/ away for all the holidays!  Leave it to me & I’ll take all the leg work out & lead you straight to “how to” make your Easter, “Egg-static”!

Hoppy Easter from
Casa Smiles Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics
http://www.casasmiles.com/

This weekend is Easter Sunday.  For those who observe this holiday, you know that there are usually a lot of “goodies” involved.  “Tooth” be told, we all love holiday treats, but as parents, it is important to control the things that we can.  We know that aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. will probably show up with lots of chocolate bunnies, eggs, jelly beans, & even sticky peeps, but you can make some smarter choices at home that your kiddos may even like better than candy.  How? you ask, this is where Agent Flossit comes to the rescue!  There may still be enough time to share these good ideas with family & friends you may be seeing at your Easter gathering. There are no “eggs-cuses” because I am giving you all the resources you need to make your Easter baskets & family gatherings healthy & fun!

Just because we are trying to by-pass the candy & chocolate overload, it doesn’t mean that you can’t start your morning off with a holiday inspired breakfast!  Below you will find a cute way to make your pancakes bunny-licious! As long as you all brush, no fuss:)

 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/277393658275081716/

When prepping your Easter eggs & basket, consider what you child really likes:  cars, trains, play dough, bubbles, crafts, legos, nail polish, etc.  Now-a-days it is really easy to find minis of all your favorite characters that can actually fit in the Easter eggs & best of all, that fit into a reasonable budget.  You can also hide clues in the eggs to hunt for the next surprise.   If your big kiddos like to receive some “bunny money” in their eggs, you can see a fun way to fold your bills into Easter shaped $.  Below is a link to a great resource that will give you some fun ideas for every age group.  Dollar Tree http://www.dollartree.com/toys/629/index.cat is definitely a great budget friendly place you can visit for all your holiday “fillers” & event décor.

 https://www.pinterest.com/pin/51791464441302289/

http://www.dollartree.com/toys/629/index.cat

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/63191200997802298/

Depending on how crafty you are, there are quite a few DIY’s you can do for smart Easter snacks & creative activities.  You can put some gold fish or Annie’s bunnies in carrot shaped bags or cover a mini surprise with play dough in the shape of an egg & wrap it in a clear cellophane.  Another good use for those carrot shaped baggies is to fill them with play dough for a fun-filled squeeze activity. Take a look below at some of my fun finds!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/43487952624228090/ 

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/149181806381026293/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/211880357443336584/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/137148751128711436/

If you are hosting an Easter Sunday gathering, I’d like to give you some simple & pretty ideas you can do to decorate for the occasion.  You can use some egg shaped or bunny shaped crayons to decorate & they will have a two-fold purpose; if you use a paper table cloth the kids can use them to draw on the tables (below you can find where to buy these fun & crafty decorations).  Another great idea is to put a small vase inside of a much larger one, where you would fill the small one with fresh spring flowers & then fill the large one with some simple colored eggs.  For some visually pleasing eats, you can also use your favorite egg salad recipe & fill easy baked crescent rolls with the egg salad & then garnish with some parsley to complete the look–pretty & delicious!  Family gathering are always a good time to document those happy moments with your loved ones.  A nice idea is to find a nice spot for some photo booth fun; a nicely shaded area is the ideal place.  Below you will find a cool find for all your Easter photo fun!

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/190980840424697633/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/278238083201043745/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/132363676523832465/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/260082947204973291/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/64457838391095240/

Moms & dads, hop to it & happy & fun “filling”!  I hope all of my suggestions help you all have a cavity-free & fun-filled Easter weekend!  It’s still important to have good oral hygiene habits, so to keep it in the holiday spirit, below you will find a fun way to get your kiddos to floss after all the Easter festivities.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/382876405791770067/

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” & Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

http://www.cdafoundation.org/

Greetings from me, Farah Flossit!  I hope you are having a lucky day:)

If you are currently carrying your LUCKY CHARM, I have some very helpful & important information about your oral health during your pregnancy & how it directly impacts your baby.  As an expecting mommy, you are already anticipating a lot of changes in your body & keeping your teeth & gums healthy & clean is probably the last thing you were thinking might be important in your baby’s health.  Well, I am going to go over the changes you can expect with respect to your teeth & gums & how you can prevent passing on dental caries from you (mommy) to baby.

WHAT CHANGES CAN YOU EXPECT?

Physiologic changes during pregnancy may result in noticeable changes in the oral cavity.  Some changes you may experience include pregnancy gingivitis, benign oral gingival lesions, tooth mobility, tooth erosion, dental caries, & periodontitis.  An increased inflammatory response to dental plaque during pregnancy causes the gingivae to swell and bleed more easily in most women. Pregnancy gingivitis typically peaks during the third trimester.  Women who have gingivitis before pregnancy are more prone to exacerbation during pregnancy.  Ligaments & bone that support the teeth may also temporarily loosen during pregnancy, which results in increased tooth mobility.  There is normally not any tooth loss unless other complications are present.  Erosion of tooth enamel may be more common because of increased exposure to gastric acid from vomiting due to morning sickness or gastric reflux during late pregnancy.  Pregnancy may also result in dental caries due to the increased acidity in the mouth, greater intake of sugary snacks & drinks (if you are having “cravings”), & decreased attention to prenatal oral health maintenance.  I am reassuring you pregos that these changes to your gums & teeth during pregnancy are normal, but it leads me to reinforce the importance of up-keeping good oral health habits.

So, if you are still wondering why your oral health affects your baby, I’m about to share something most expecting moms never thought possible.  There is something called VERTICAL & HORIZONTAL TRANSMISSION, which is what I’m trying to help all my mommy’s-to-be avoid with some helpful tips.  VERTICAL TRANSMISSION happens from parent to child.  The term refers to transmission of infection from one generation to the next by saliva, milk or through the placenta.  So the healthier your mouth & gums are, the healthier your baby’s gums & teeth will be.  If you get an infection in your gums, you may transfer that infection to your little one.  Minimizing the number of cariogenic bacteria in pregnant mothers may prevent the onset of colonization of these bacteria in their infants.  Once your baby is born, you need to also be concerned with HORIZONTAL TRANSMISSION.  Examples of this is when parents clean pacifiers by putting them in their mouths before giving it back to the baby or sharing spoons.  In a nut shell, mothers are the main source of transmission of dental caries to their children.  The most common etiological factors in childhood caries are prolonged use of a bottle with high sugar containing milk, juice or liquid, & intake of high caries risk diet.  Preventing caries in your little one starts even before their first tooth; it starts when you (mom) are pregnant!

Below is a visual chart for your Oral Health Care during & after pregnancy:

  

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”!

Special Agent Farah Flossit here:)

Great day to all of my friends & followers!  So, for today’s discussion,….BRACE YOURSELF (hint-hint)!!!!  I wanted to show some extra love to our Ortho side here at Casa Smiles http://www.casasmiles.com/orthodontics/ with our fabulous orthodontist Dr. Iwanowski  http://www.casasmiles.com/about-us/dr-iwanowski-dmd/.

If you have invested your time & money in wearing braces, you should know how great it feels to have achieved a beautiful smile & higher self-esteem. So, let’s “Get It Straight”!  It is soooo important to follow through with your recommended treatment & wear your retainers once you remove your braces.  Don’t you want to keep your amazing smile & continue to feel confident when you are taking selfies, giving a presentation at work or school, or just chatting with friends? The TLC you gave your mouth while you had your braces on should not come to an end when you get them off.   At that point, you can gladly say “RE-TAIN-ER”!! If you are saying this, it’s because you have actually graduated and are now qualified to wear RETAINERS; the most important factor in “RETAINING” your winning smile & keeping your teeth straight.  I want to help give you the knowledge you need to understand retainers, what they are, why they are imperative, what types exist, & how to care for them.

WHAT ARE RETANERS? 

Retainers are custom-made devices, usually made of wires or clear plastic, that hold teeth in position after surgery or any method of realigning teeth.  They are most often used before or after braces to keep teeth in position while assisting the adjustment of the surrounding gums to changes in the bone.  Retainers should be worn immediately after your braces are removed.  Initially for about 6 months they should be worn all the time, except when eating food & then you can gradually decrease your retainer time to only at night.

WHY ARE THEY IMPERATIVE?

If you don’t wear your retainers, the teeth which you straightened with your braces will try to go back to their original position & you will go back to having misaligned teeth:(  If you end up in this situation, (which you won’t because you are going to take Farah Flossit’s advise, right?) braces will have to be re-applied & you will have to repeat your treatment.  If you fail to wear your retainer for a short time, it may not fit properly anymore.  If this happens, you need to let your orthodontist know right away.  In order to solve this type of problem, you will probably need a new retainer in order stay on the “brace-less” path.

She’s cute, but with today’s report, you won’t have to worry about this awkward moment. LOL

WHAT TYPES OF RETAINERS ARE THERE?

HAWLEY RETAINER:

The HAWLEY retainer is the best-known type of retainer, which includes a metal wire that typically surrounds the 6 anterior teeth & keeps them in place.  It was named after its inventor, Dr. Charles Hawley.  The Hawley bow, or labial wire, incorporates 2 omega loops for adjustment.  It is anchored in an acrylic arch that sits in the palate (roof of the mouth).  The advantage of this type of retainer is that the metal wires can be adjusted to finish treatment & continue minor movement of the anterior teeth as needed.

Mike from Monsters University wears his Hawley:)

Vacuum-formed ESSIX Retainer (VFR):

Another common type is the vacuum formed retainer (VFR).  This is a polypylene or polyvinylchloride (PVC) material, typically .020″ or .030″ thick.  Essix (invented by Dr. John Sheridan) and Zendura are the brand names commonly associated with this retainer.  This clear or transparent retainer fits over the entire arch of teeth or only from canine to canine (clip-on retainer) and is produced from a mold.  It is similar in appearance to Invisalign trays (which I will discuss in great detail in a future post).  The retainer is virtually invisible & clear when worn.  When eating, the retainer is removed to allow natural consumption and to avoid crushing of the VFR.

Most removable retainers are supplied with a retainer case for protection.  During the first few days of retainer use, many people experience extra saliva in their mouth.  This is natural & is due to the presence of a new object inside the mouth & consequent stimulation of the salivary glands.  Below you will find some of the cool cases you get here at Casa Smiles http://www.casasmiles.com/orthodontics/ when you are ready for your RE-TAIN-ER.

FIXED RETAINERS:

A fixed retainer typically consists of a passive wire bonded to the tongue-side of the incisors.  Unlike the previously mentioned retainer types, fixed retainers cannot be removed by the patient.  Some doctors prescribe fixed retainers regularly, especially where active orthodontic treatments have affected great changes in the bite & there is a high risk for reversal of these changes.  While the device is usually required until a year after wisdom teeth have been extracted it is often kept in place for life.  Fixed retainers may lead to tartar build-up or gingivitis due to the difficulty of flossing while wearing retainers.  As with braces, patients often must use floss threaders to pass dental floss through the small space between the retainer & the teeth.

FIXED RETAINER

HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR & RETAINERS:

Below you will find a helpful link to tips on how to clean your retainers:)

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/179440366377544259/

I will leave you all with an informative video directly from the AAO https://www.aaoinfo.org/ to watch & enjoy!  https://vimeo.com/43949875

Thank you for tuning in & I hope you have a great “Tooth-Day”!

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)