The Truth inside your Tooth!

Posted on November 8, 2016November 29, 2016 by casasmiles

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here…wishing you all well!:)

If you could potentially plan on helping you child’s health in the future by planning today, would you? If you have or are think of pre-planning for your child’s education, you can plan for their healthcare too! Quality of life is just as important as education. With the research, advancement, and potential benefits of banking stem cells from baby teeth, it is absolutely worth considering .

The Power of a Cell

For decades, doctors have harnessed the power of stem cells in order to treat cancer and genetic blood diseases using various therapy methods. Today over 1,700 clinical trials have been completed, or are under way, demonstrating their use in growing replacement tissues like bone, cartilage, muscles, and more.

As parents we hope that we never have to think about having our child undergoing medical therapy of any kind, but it is a comfort to know that you can play a vital role in helping them heal.

The idea that a simple cell can repair or replace damaged tissues is an incredible thing! Stem cells are pretty much building blocks of the human body that are capable of starting out as unspecialized cells that become specialized. Unlike regular cells, which only replicate to create more like itself, a stem cell is “pluripotent”- when it divides it can make any of 220 different cells in the body. It’s easy to see why scientists and doctors are so keen to spread public knowledge on the growing role of stem cells to treat disease, injury, and the deterioration of tissue. Stem cells have already proven to be a powerful and potent platform for developing treatments; type 1 diabetes, corneal damage, and neurological diseases like Parkinson’s, to name just a few.

The Real Results

Below are 2 real-life examples of heartfelt testimonials:

**The facts and testimonies below have been provided by **

A recent study in the Journal of Dental Research indicating stem cells from teeth may someday produce a cure for diabetes, offers renewed promise for her 15 year old daughter, Alexa. For Alexa and the nearly one million Americans afflicted with type 1 diabetes, Regenerative Medicine could mean a world of a difference.

“When I learned of the research being done around stem cells particularly in the area of diabetes, I was filled with hope for my daughter. As any parent of a child suffering from a chronic disease knows, hope sometimes comes from the most unlikely places, so it is important that we remain open to exploring promising, new discoveries like dental stem cells.” –Georgia Spiropoulos

Claudia is a mother of a 10 year old daughter, Gabriella, who was born with a congenital heart defect. Claudia learned of the defect while her daughter was in utero, and was so focused on delivering a healthy baby that by the time she thought to store her cord blood (a source for viable stem cells) it was too late. Years later, Claudia learned of the advanced research that shows dental pulp contains stem cells that could one day play a role in treating serious conditions like the one affecting her daughter.

“I felt like I’d been given a second chance to store Gabriella’s stem cells and hope that someday these stem cells can be used for her heart tissue regeneration. Medicine is changing, and I want Gabriella to be ready if future treatments are developed.” –Claudia Vigorito

Claudia has since banked 4 of her daughter’s teeth and feels empowered knowing she has taken action to be prepared for the future of stem cell therapy.

Casa Smiles Can Help!

THE “TOOTH” IS that teeth are a great source of stem cells for banking. The most obvious reason is how easy it is to collect a baby tooth that’s naturally falling out or a wisdom tooth being extracted; these teeth are going to come out, so why discard them when you can bank them? This is especially true when the process is simple!

Banking is a decision you make before your child’s teeth come out. Once the teeth are out, your dentist will use a Tooth Transport Kit to safely and securely send them to a laboratory, where the stem cells inside will be processed. The stem cells are frozen and stored in a cryopreservation facility, where they will be maintained until needed.

Casa Smiles is a proud participant of helping you preserve your child’s stem cells. Ask one of our Pediatric specialists and contact http://www.store-a-tooth.com/international-services#.WCI5fJMrKgQ to find out the details about Dental Stem Cell Banking today!

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, Instagram, Twitter , Yelp, Youtube, & Pinterest 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.

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

Sing Song, Brush Along!

Posted on November 1, 2016November 29, 2016 by casasmiles

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, hoping you all had a BOO-ti-ful Halloween!

In honor of today being National Brush day, I’m excited to share some of the best tooth brushing songs for kids that I came across (compliments of the ADA-American Dental Association).

What better way to get your kiddos to brush at least 2x a day than with some tunes. Most children respond to music in a very positive way. Songs can be easily used to learn with a modeling approach and to help with transitioning to non-preferred tasks–such as brushing! Below are some favorites I think both kids and parents will enjoy!

“Healthy Teeth, Healthy Me: Brushy Brush PSA” from Sesame Street

“This Is the Way We Brush Our Teeth” from Little Baby Bum

Set to the children’s nursery song, “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush”, this song emphasizes the importance of brushing twice a day with an easy-to-remember tune.

“Brush and Floss” from the American Dental Association

Dudley the Dinosaur and friends break down all the steps for good dental care in the ditty you’ll be singing all day long.

“Plants vs. Zombies & the ADA Present: Stop Zombie Mouth!”

Stop the Putrid Posse with this two-minute song that teaches kids of all ages about good dental care.

“Toothbrushing Song” from EZTales

Add some rockabilly flair to your family’s brushing routine.

“Brush Your Teeth” from KidsTV123

This pleasantly mellow song, combined with fun sound effects, can make brushing a fun and relaxing time for your little one.

“Kids Just Love to Brush” from Sesame Street

Any of these fun and catchy songs can be played on your iPad while you and your kiddos go brush in the bathroom! I hope you all enjoy jamming while you wash those mouth monsters away!:)

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

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

Tricks and Healthy Treats

Posted on October 25, 2016November 29, 2016 by casasmiles

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, wishing you a Boo-ti-ful day!:)

I really enjoy digging up some fun and healthy ideas for holiday NON-CANDY treats. Today I would like to share some of my finds. My favorite place to look for crafty and creative ideas is Pinterest. There are sooo many, but I chose a handful of my favorites to share with you today. It’s amazing how you can engage and entertain your kiddos with NON-CANDY tricks and treats. Be sure to check out this site as well, for more creative holiday alternatives. Make sure to click on the images to be directed to more detailed information and instructions about each fun treat.

Light up the way while you Trick or Treat with fun glow sticks! (Free Printable included in the link) Very cost effective treat bag stuffer that can be found at your local dollar store.

2. All kids love bubbles,…only these are Booo-bbles, LOL. Click the image below to access the free printable to attach to your bubbles. Again, very cost effective treat bag stuffer that can be found at your local dollar store.

3. The beauty of this clever idea is that it will keep the kids busy building instead of looking for sticky unhealthy treats after your spooky Halloween night!

4. Everyone can use some lip balm! Useful treat bag stuffer that can be used beyond the Halloween festivities.

5. Stuffed peppers look like mummies for Halloween!

6. Witches and healthy/scholastic broomsticks:)

I hope these really fun and affordable ideas help with having a healthy Halloween! I”m sure that somehow there will be some sticky treats that sneak into those treat bags, so with that in mind, help filter the candy by making the better choices to try to keep the Mouth Monsters away! Don’t let your little monsters go to sleep without brushing and flossing the Mouth Monsters away! May you and your family have a very safe and Happy Halloween:)

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

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

Avoiding Sticky Situations!

Posted on October 18, 2016December 8, 2016 by casasmiles

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here…wishing you all a lovely fall day!

The month of October is not just about Spooky Monsters, but also about keeping the Mouth Monsters away! In light of National Orthodontic Health Month, I would like to share some tips from The American Association of Orthodontists. Ironically, the months of October through December are probably the busiest months for Orthodontists because of the re-occurring broken brackets and issues related to eating the wrong things during all the holidays.

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) offers these five timely tips to protect braces, aligners and other orthodontic “appliances” you can give to your patients all while protecting teeth from decay:

Avoid sticky situations with your braces and aligners. Stay away from hard, sticky, crunchy or chewy candy and snacks. These include caramel, gummies, licorice, taffy, bubblegum (even the sugarless kind), jelly beans and soft drinks.
Say “BOO” to hard treats – including hard-shelled peanut candies, nuts or nut-filled candies, taco chips and popcorn (especially unpopped kernels). And whether undergoing orthodontic treatment or not, we advise that no one should ever chew ice.
Brush up! Sweets can cause cavities, which means brushing and flossing are more important than ever during the Halloween season. Orthodontic patients should be especially vigilant about brushing and flossing after consuming sugary or starchy foods.
Spooktacular news: Not all Halloween candy is off-limits! Good alternatives include soft chocolates, peanut butter cups or other melt-in-your-mouth varieties. The AAO even offers orthodontic-friendly recipes for Halloween on its website here.
Make a commitment to oral health. Deciding to avoid hard and chewy sweets before the Halloween season increases your rate of success – and reduces the likelihood that you’ll break braces.

The AAPD is always providing fun activities all year long! Click on the image below and find out what your candy personality is:)
Are you sweet as candy? Take our Halloween Candy Personality quiz to find out! Plus, get expert tricks to scare the Mouth Monsters away for healthy, happy smiles all year long.

You know your kiddos best…for those that feel that their kids will have a hard time making the smarter candy choices, stay tuned for this year’s non-candy treat ideas. With some creative and fun ideas, you can re-direct your little ones away from all the harmful sugar and toward some non-candy fun!

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

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

Breast Cancer Awareness and National Orthodontic Health Month:)

Posted on October 11, 2016December 8, 2016 by casasmiles

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, wearing pink in honor of all the Breast Cancer Survivors out there, including my mom:) Go Pink Warriors!!

The month of October is both National Orthodontic Health Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Casa Smiles is proud to bring awareness to both topics.

I’d like start today’s report with some Breast Cancer FACTS:

-Women who had gum disease or missing teeth were 11 times more likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer. Interestingly, 75% of American adults suffer from various forms of gum disease.
-1.3 Million women worldwide are diagnosed with breast cancer every year.
-Every 3 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the US.
-40% of those who had chemotherapy have oral symptoms, such as sore gums, cavities, mouth infections, and dry mouth.

If you or someone you know is undergoing treatment, here are some helpful Oral Health Tips during Breast Cancer Treatment:

Use a soft toothbrush or sponge brush
Rinse with alcohol-free mouthwash
Avoid dental treatments 1 week after Chemotherapy
Floss gently
Use a toothpaste or Gum with Xylitol

*Information about Facts and Tips gathered from The Breast Cancer Research Foundation Statistics, Cancer Prevention & Early Detection Facts & Figures, 2012, ACS, Breast Cancer Research & Treatment Journal, American Dental Hygienist Association, National Cancer Institute, and Total Health Magazine.

Casa Smiles is proud to Support Breast Cancer Awareness by donating 50% of sales of all PINK Sonicare toothbrushes to the Susan G. Komen foundation. Stop by and support Breast Cancer today:)

In honor of National Orthodontic Month here are some “Ortho-Friendly” spooky recipes: (click on each image for detailed instructions) *Recipes provided by the AAO*

National Orthodontic Health Month Recipes:

Delightfully Devilish Deviled Eggs Quirky Quesadillas

Mummy Pizza Biscuits Scary Skull & Ghastly Ghost Cookies

Spooky Spider Web Bean Dip

Stay tuned in the month of October for continued Breast Cancer support and for more Orthodontic Health information and tips. Don’t forget to call Casa Smiles and make an appointment for your complimentary Orthodontic consultation today. The AAO recommends that every child visit the Orthodontist by the age of 7.

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

I look forward to chatting with you all next week!

Your Friend,

Farah Flossit (Special Agent Flossit)

Let’s get Pik-ey

Posted on September 6, 2016December 8, 2016 by casasmiles

Happy “Tooth-Day”!

Farah Flossit here, wishing you well on this lovely day in September.

If you have a teen with braces, you know how much work it is to keep their teeth clean. Brackets and wires make flossing and keeping your teeth free from extra food particles very challenging. So today I would like to remind parents of a great solution that is very useful for those with braces and the whole family. Water flossing is perfect for anyone with braces, implants, those with crowns, bridges, and veneers.

Water flossing provides a unique combination of water pressure & pulsation to clean deep between teeth & below the gum line, removing harmful bacteria & debris that traditional brushing & flossing can’t reach. New pulse-modulation technology gives you customized water pulsation for the best possible cleaning. Water flossing provides maximum plaque removal & enhanced gum stimulation.

Reasons to Water Floss:

Easy. Just point the flosser tip between your teeth and along the gum line, and let it do all the work for you.
Fast. Water Flossing takes only a minute a day, making it easy to improve your oral health and enjoy the cleanest, freshest mouth possible.
Effective. Water flossing removes the plaque and debris lurking deep between teeth and below the gumline, where it’s hard to reach with traditional brushing and flossing.

When your little ones become a little bit independent with brushing & flossing, you can help them by getting them a Kids water flosser. The ones for kids are custom models with a small & simple design that makes flossing easy for children ages 6 & up. The one by Waterpik features an extra safe, kid-proof electrical design, and easy fingertip controls. It also includes a special Orthodontic tip.

At your visit to Casa Smiles make sure to ask our friendly front desk team about all of the Water flossing options we offer. Any clinical questions can be answered by our amazing Orthodontist or Pediatric Dentists.

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)