ENJOY HALLOWEEN in MODERATION

Halloween can be such a fun time of year!  Between the creative costumes and the festive decorations, it’s hard not to feel like a kid in a candy store.  Enjoy the sweet treats, too, but in moderation.  Here are a few ways to get your mouth and body safely through this Halloween season.

* Know how much candy your child has collected and store it somewhere other than the child’s room.  Having it so close can be an irresistible temptation.

* Be a role model for your children by eating Halloween candy in moderation yourself.  To avoid temptation, but the candy that you plan to distribute at the last minute and get rid of any leftovers.

* Consider an exchange by allowing your child to pick out his favorites and then buy back his leftovers.  You might be surprised at what your child will give up in exchange for a trip to a favorite store or more time for a favorite activity.

* Eat treats with meals.  Saliva production increases during meals, flushing out food particles and helping to neutralize cavity-causing acids.

* Grab a piece of sugarless gum after meals.  certain sugarless gums have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance for scientifically proving that chewing the gum for 20 minutes after meals helps prevent tooth decay.

* Think of each chocolate bar as a reminder to follow the 1-2-3′s of good daily oral hygiene: Floss once a day, brush twice a day and eat three balanced meals a day.

You might also offer some alternatives to the trick-or-treaters who come to your door:  * Non-food treats, like stickers, temporary tattoos, little bottles of bubbles and small games, tiny decks of cards or crayons. (Check party supply stores)

              * Healthier snacks, such as small bags of pretzels, small boxes of cereal or sugar-free gum.

- kidshealth.org, www.ada.org

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT X-RAYS

Why do I need an x-ray? 

Dental x-rays take pictures of what is happening inside your teeth and gums – areas we can’t see without help.  This includes small areas of decay that might be between your teeth or under any fillings you might have, extra or impacted teeth, infection and fractures in your bones, gum disease and some kinds of tumors.  Finding these dental problems early makes it easier to treat and keeps your whole body healthy.

Will I feel anything?

Getting an x-ray won’t hurt and only takes a few minutes to complete.  In our office we use a heavy lead apron with a collar, to protect your body and thyroid.

How often should I get x-rays?

Generally, most adults and children will have 2-4 x-rays once every 12-18 months.  patients with a history of tooth decay or at high risk for developing tooth decay – for a variety of reasons – will have x-rays more frequently than patients without these risk factors.

Are dental x-rays safe?

The amount of radiation emitted during a dental x-ray is very low and there is minimal exposure when wearing the lead apron and collar.  Our office uses a digital system which further reduces exposure.  If you have any concerns, ask anyone in our office.

                                                                                                              -information courtesy of www.ada.org

DRY MOUTH

Reduced saliva flow that results in a dry mouth is a common problem among older adults.   Problems associated with dry mouth include a constant sore throat, burning sensation, difficulty swallowing or dry nasal passages.  Left untreated, dry mouth can damage your teeth.  Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive decay can occur.

Dry mouth is a potential side effect of numerous medications (prescribed and over-the-counter).  Among them are antihistamines, decongestants, painkillers, antidepressants, drugs for high blood pressure,  urinary incontinence and Parkinson’s disease.   Patients using oral inhalers for asthma often develop oral candidiasis, an oral fungal infection, and are encouraged to rinse their mouths with water after using the inhaler.

Methods to restore moisture can be as easy as sugar-free candy or gum to stimulate saliva flow.  Also, oral rinses can replace moisture with artificial saliva.  Please remember to keep a current medication list with you at all times.

AUTUMN… Back to school tips.

      The weather is getting cooler and leaves are already falling, which means school is back in session.  With school starting comes waking up early to pack the kids’ lunches.  Do they like what you pack for them?  Are they trading it away in the cafeteria?  Is it a healthy lunch?

GROCERY SHOPPING

      Consider bringing your children along when you go food shopping.  Having them pick out things they like will ensure that they are eating their lunches at noon.  Give them guidelines when they do the selecting.  Have them choose fresh fruit in the produce section, or even a vegetable to try.  Your example of eating healthy is the most positive lesson.

PACKING the LUNCH

      Use whole grain bread or whole wheat pita pockets instead of white bread for sandwiches.  When choosing deli meats, avoid ones with higher fat content like salami and bologna.  Instead, stick with lean or fat free cuts of turkey, roast beef or ham.  There are also alternatives to high fat and calorie peanut butter for the PBJ lovers, so read the labels.  Some natural spreads include almond butter.  Choose jams with half the sugar, or add banana slices.

      For sides, pack celery or carrot sticks with a small container of low fat salad dressing for dipping.  Low sodium pretzels or popcorn are good replacements for potato chips.  Be creative for dessert with graham crackers, oatmeal raisin cookies and of course,  fruit!

      Avoid packing soda pop or energy drinks.  Opt for 100% fruit juices, low fat or skim milk, or water.  Soda and sugary fruit drinks can damage teeth and cause cavities.

      For more information on healthy foods for lunch or on the go, visit www.ada/public/media/releases/0902_release07.asp

 

February

February is designated as Childrens’ Dental Health Month.  One of the goals of our local dental society has always been to have a dentist visit all the 3rd grade classrooms within the county.  I look forward to this and the great questions these kids ask.

My last 3rd grade visit this month made me re-think our preventive goals.  Most parents know that their children should brush twice daily and also about the value of sealants on back molars.  However, I’m really convinced that all children should have their teeth FLOSSED daily.  Parents can do this for their children until about age 8.  Also, kids are consuming way too much POP and JUICE.  Check the sugar and high fructose corn syrup content for yourself.  Let’s all try and keep these preventative ideas with us throughout the entire year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year everyone! Most of us look forward to a “new start” every January. I know I do. Some people want to change old habits into new, good ones. These can be things like spending more family time togetheror trying a new hobby. Individuals may want to improve their health through diet, exercise, or even quitting smoking. I would like to suggest a selfishly good habit; in these uncertain economic times, let’s preserve what we have. This means, in the dental business, really taking care of our teeth and gums. Most adults brush well enough,…we just need to floss more regularly. I always tell my patients that “the only thing flossing costs you is time”. We can all afford to give ourselves a little more time.

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