Our Blog
Valentine’s Day and your teeth, from Pediatric Dental Partners
February 15th, 2012
Valentine’s Day was yesterday, and there is a lot of candy making the rounds this week. It’s once again time to remind all our patients to be extra careful when choosing those candies and treats!
All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth, as well as braces if you’re wearing them! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which is known to ruin enamel.
We recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Those who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, as well as at the gum line.
Has your child been filling out their Brushing Record? Remember to fill it out all this month, and return it at the end of February for a special reward!
All of us at Pediatric Dental Partners hope you had a great Valentine’s Day!
Quick tips for National Children’s Dental Health Month
February 8th, 2012
With February being National Children’s Dental Health Month, our team at Pediatric Dental Partners thought we’d share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.
• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush, using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.
• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and place between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.
• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.
• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these beverages create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. When drinking one of these beverages, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Rather, have a drink and then brush your teeth.
• Regular dental visits: You should visit us regularly (approximately every six months).
National Children’s Dental Health Month, now in its 62nd year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids’ oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Pediatric Dental Partners, please feel free to give us a call!
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!
January 30th, 2012
For the past 62 Februaries, the American Dental Association, or ADA, has sponsored National Children’s Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. National Children’s Dental Health Month began as a one-day event in 1941 in a Cleveland clinic. In 1981, however, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.
Each February, Drs. Crawford, Wallace, Backofen and Chidlow and thousands of dental professionals focus on the preventive oral care of America’s children. Drs. Crawford, Wallace, Backofen and Chidlow and our staff want you to remember developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Has your child visited Pediatric Dental Partners the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!
When you stop by Pediatric Dental Partners during the month of February, pick up a Brushing Record for your child. Fill out this simple form during the month and return it at the end of February and your child will receive a special reward. You can pick up your child’s Brushing Record at either our Shreveport or Bossier City office.
Softly brushing your way to clean teeth
January 25th, 2012
Just as there are so many different types of toothbrushes to choose from, each brush also has a different type of bristle! There are generally three different types of bristles; hard, medium, and soft. Our team at Pediatric Dental Partners always recommend that our patients use a soft bristled toothbrush.
Using a hard and medium bristled brush can actually harm your teeth and gums by stripping the enamel from the teeth and irritating the gums so that they become red and sore, and can even cause gum recession. If you do use a hard or medium bristled brush as a personal preference, we recommend using an electric toothbrush.
Soft bristles are much gentler on your teeth and gums, and while patients of all ages are recommended to use soft bristled brushes, they are particularly great for children.
Soft bristles, and even extra-soft bristles are every bit as effective when it comes to cleaning your teeth; in fact, if you currently use a hard or medium bristled brush, try a soft bristled brush next time you buy a toothbrush and we bet you won’t even notice a difference!
Happy brushing!