Dickson Pediatric Dentistry

Pediactric Dentistry on the Tundra

2011-06-15T10:17:00.005-05:00

The following information is from an article out of the Pediatic Dentistry Today magazine. It is a continuation from a previous blog reguarding the importance of health and diet in New Zealand. This article focuses on children in Alaska. Prior to the mid 20th Century, Alaskan Natives had very low rates of dental decay due to the high protein diet and low fermentable carbohydrates. However, since the mid 20th century, more refined sugar and carbohydrates have been introduced into the communities. The following issues have contributed to high levels of untreated dental caries: dietary changes, lack of access to fluoridated public water, and limited access to dental providers. In these two instances, with Alaska & New Zealand, money is not the most important issue with children's dental health needs. In New Zealand, they had proper funding for children to have dental expenses taken care of. In Alaska, they have formed a health plan to specifically support prevention in order to improve the oral health of all Alaskans. The main issue is proper education, diet, and prevention precautions. Incorporating healthier drink and snack choices plays a large role in prevention. If schools and parents could adopt policies and restrictions of sodas and sugared beverages and foods, this would help children diminish dental issues. Healthy lifestyle choices is a large portion of what it takes to keep healthy teeth and gums for a lifetime.

PDT March 2011 Volume XLVII, Number 2

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

2011-04-07T15:06:00.005-05:00

Congratulations to our 2 winners for the Dental Health Month Poster Contest!!!

Justin

Dakota

Grand prize was a Gift Certificate to The Roxy Movie Theater

Children Stress Too!

2011-04-01T08:52:00.011-05:00

The following is an article written by Stefanie Ilgenfritz with the Wall Street Journal on how children become stressed and that we may misinterpret their stress. It is very important to know how daily life can be stressful to our little one's.

Wall Street Journal Blog
I wrote recently about new research that showed how stressed out we are. But there’s more. Our kids are often stressed, too—and we don’t always see it.

One of the most striking findings in the American Psychological Association’s annual survey Stress in America was the mismatch between what kids say they are stressed about, and what parents think their kids are stressed about. We may assume that our kids are worried about peer pressure, but this research suggests that’s not as big an issue for kids as we think. For instance, among parents of 13- to 17-year-olds, 20% said peer relationships were a source of stress for their kids. But just 11% of the kids said they worried about that.

What are kids really stressed about? The future. A big worry was whether their family will have enough money. Among kids 8 to 17 years old, 30% said they worried about family finances—though just 18% of parents thought that their kids were stressed about financial difficulties. And 29% of teenagers said they were worried about getting into a good college or what to do after high school, while just 5% of teens’ parents thought their kids were stressed about that.

“Parents pretty predictably underreport” the amount of stress in their children, said Katherine Nordal, a psychologist and executive director for the APA’s practice directorate, at a briefing on the research last week. The results are worrisome: Parents significantly underreported how likely their kids were to have headaches, difficulty sleeping and eating issues, compared with what the kids themselves reported. The study, conducted for the APA by Harris Interactive, surveyed 1,206 young people ages 8-17.

Dr. Nordal noted that a significant percentage of kids say they are comfortable talking with their parents about what’s on their minds, so perhaps the problem is that (stressed) parents aren’t carving out the time to sit down with them.

We’d all like to believe that our kids are fine and that we are successfully protecting them from stress. But kids are no fools, and when they see us worry, they worry too. It’s hard to sit down with a kid—at almost any age—and talk about what’s bothering them. But this research suggests that we need to do a better job of listening to them.

Readers, do you think that your own stress spills over onto your children? Do you talk with your kids about what’s stressing them out? And what advice do you have for coping with stress in the family?

http://blogs.wsj.com/juggle/2009/11/09/what-are-your-kids-so-stressed-about/?KEYWORDS=%22stress+of+children%22

New Zealand on Dental Health Issues

2011-04-01T08:16:00.004-05:00

There are well documented issues on children's dental health in different parts of the world. While there may be different cultures, types of food available, and different means of preparation, one thing holds true: it proves that we must get proper nutrition to stay healthy and strong. Please take a moment to check out the link below that describes how nutrition plays an important role in dental health issues with children in New Zealand.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10710408

Nutritional Health & Dental Issues

2011-04-01T07:50:00.003-05:00

Nutrition plays a very important role in a child's dental needs as well as their health and well being.

Choosing a Healthy Diet

Choosing a healthy diet may sound easy, however, fruits, milk, cereals, bread and some vegetables contain sugars and / or starches. Carbonated sodas, sweet fruit drinks and sugary snack foods should be limited.

You don’t have to avoid these foods, just keep in mind that you should eat a balanced diet, brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.

Healthy Tips

•Drink plenty of water
•Eat a variety of healthy foods from the five major food groups
•Cut down on snacking in between meals
•Limit snacks and drinks that are high in sugar
•Brush twice a day
•Floss Daily
•Visit your dentist for regular check ups

Dental Health Month

2011-02-15T11:53:00.000-06:00

February is Dental Health Month!!

2011-01-13T11:08:00.001-06:00

The United Way

2010-11-18T08:00:00.003-06:00

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! To our T-Shirt Contest Winners

2010-04-01T15:36:00.004-05:00

Our winner for grades K-2 goes to 2nd grader Jaimee Poteete of Mrs. Arnold's class!!

Our winner for grades 3-5 goes to 4th grader Noah Hafner of Mrs. Call's class!!

Halitosis - Bad Breath

2010-03-18T14:44:00.004-05:00

Bad breath can be an embarrassing problem for children, as well as parents. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a symptom of various conditions including: postnasal drip, dry mouth, dental problems, and sinusitis. Halitosis in children is often due to the decomposition of mucus secretions and debris which accumulate on the tongue, in the nose, and between the teeth.

A few causes of halitosis are dry mouth, build up on the back of the tounge, abcess or cavities, gingivitis, or oral fungal infection.

To diagnose your halitosis, you should see your dentist for an exam.

Some treatment includes brushing and flossing, including your tounge. In the case of dry mouth, rinse with water and drink lots of sugar free fluids. You should follow up with routiene hygeine visits with your dentist and see your physician regularly.

Canker Sores (Mouth Ulcers)

2010-02-16T12:07:00.008-06:00

What are canker sores?
Canker sores are shallow, painful sores in the mouth. They are usually red or may sometimes have a white coating over them. You might get them on the inside of your lips, the insides of your cheeks, the base of your gums or under your tongue. Canker sores are different from fever blisters, which usually are on the outside of your lips or the corners of your mouth.

Anyone can get canker sores, but women and people in their teens and 20s get them more often. Canker sores may run in families, but they aren't contagious. Doctors don't know exactly what causes canker sores. Mouth injuries, stress, poor nutrition, food allergies and genetics are some of the things that may increase your chances of getting a canker sore.

There is no cure for canker sores, but they usually go away on their own in 7 to 10 days. For pain relief, you can try taking ibuprofen (two brand names: Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol). A number of over-the-counter medicines are available to relieve canker sore pain or to protect the sores from becoming irritated when you eat, drink or brush your teeth. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if one of these products might be right for you.

What can I do to prevent canker sores?
Unfortunately, doctors don't know of anything that prevents canker sores from forming. However, you may be able to reduce mouth irritation by avoiding things like chewing gum, and hard, crunchy or spicy foods. Brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush after meals and flossing every day will keep your mouth free of food that might trigger a canker sore. If you get canker sores often, or if they're very painful, talk to your family doctor.

Source & Citation
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.

Management of Aphthous Ulcers by DR McBride, M.D. (American Family Physician July 1, 2000, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000701/149.html)

What Is A Cavity??

2010-02-04T15:36:00.006-06:00

A cavity develops when a tooth decays or breaks down. It is a hole that can grow bigger and deeper over time. Cavities are also called dental caries, and if you have one it's important to get it repaired.

Plaque is the beginning of a cavity. It is a sticky, slimy substance made up mostly of the germs that cause tooth decay. The bacteria in your mouth make acids and when plaque clings to your teeth, the acids can eat away at the enamel.

If not taken care of, acids can continue to make their way through the enamel and the inside parts of your tooth can begin to decay. A cavity will eventually decay all the way inside a tooth, where the nerve endings are. Ouch!

Proper brushing and flossing are methods of prevention against cavities as well as regular dental check ups. Make sure you see your dentist at least every six months.

Source & Citation
http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/cavity.html

Creating Healthy Smiles T-Shirt Contest

2010-01-19T16:17:00.012-06:00

EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVE SIDE with DPD!!!

During Children's Dental Health Month in February 2010,
Dickson Pediatric Dentistry is having a T-shirt designing contest.

There will be 2 judging categories: K-2nd grade and 3rd - 5th grade.

Contest Rules are as follows:
- Create a T-shirt design with a dental health message. Examples can include brushing, flossing, dental visits, tooth anatomy, nutritious foods, mouthguards in sports, etc.

- All entries must be on paper or poster board no larger than 11" x 17"

- Paint, marker, colored pencils, ink, mixed media/collage, pastel or computer generated are are all acceptable

- One entry per child

- Entries must be turned into Dickson Pediatric Dentietry by Thursday Feb. 25th, 2010

- One grand prize winner per age group

- Winner will be notified in March

Judging Categories:

K - 2nd Grade
3rd - 5th Grade

Winners will be chosen based on educational value and creativity of project.
Grand Prize winners will have their design printed on a t-shirt and one t-shirt printed for each member in their class. Winners will also get to choose a movie prize pack or gift card for Seven Flags.

The classroom with the Grand Prize Winner will also receive $100 gift card toward supplies for their classroom.

Fluoride - What is it?

2010-01-13T16:38:00.004-06:00

What Is It?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that can help to prevent tooth decay by strengthening teeth. Experts say the best way to prevent tooth decay is to use several sources of fluoride.

Fluoride is found naturally in water sources in small but traceable amounts, and in certain foods such as meat, fish, eggs and tea. Fluoride also is added to water in some areas and to toothpastes, rinses and professional treatments. Prescription fluoride tablets are available for children who do not drink fluoridated water.

Fluoride strengthens teeth by helping to speed remineralization and disrupt the production of acids by bacteria. Fluoride can be incorporated into teeth in two ways. When children swallow fluoride in small doses (through food, supplements or fluoridated water), it enters the bloodstream and becomes incorporated in their developing permanent teeth, making it harder for acids to cause demineralization. Fluoride also can enter teeth directly in the mouth when it is applied at the dental office, when you brush with fluoride toothpaste or use a fluoride rinse and when fluoridated water washes over your teeth as you drink.

How safe is fluoride?

Using fluoride for the prevention and control of decay is proven to be both safe and effective. Nevertheless, products containing fluoride should be stored out of the reach of young children. Too much fluoride could cause fluorosis of developing permanent teeth. Fluorosis usually is mild, with tiny white specks or streaks that often are unnoticeable. In severe cases of fluorosis, the enamel may be pitted with brown discoloration. Development of fluorosis depends on the amount, duration and timing of excessive fluoride intake. The appearance of teeth affected by fluorosis can be greatly improved by a variety of treatments in esthetic dentistry.

Source & Citation
http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/floride.asp

Brushing & Flossing

2009-10-28T16:04:00.004-05:00

It is very important to brush and floss everyday. Click on the website below if you would like to view animations on tooth eruption, brushing, & flossing.

ADA.org: Animations

Source & Citation: http://www.ada.org/public/games/animation/index.asp.

Eruption of Primary & Permanent Teeth

2009-09-15T15:41:00.004-05:00

At birth people usually have 20 primary (baby) teeth, which often erupt about six months of age. They are then shed at various times throughout childhood.

By age 21, all 32 of the permanent teeth have usually erupted.

Source & Citation:http://www.ada.org/public/topics/tooth_eruption.asp

Join the DPD Ortho Team

2009-09-02T15:34:00.006-05:00

A smile is a curve that sets everything straight.

Community Involvement

2009-08-26T14:46:00.004-05:00

Dickson Pediatric Dentistry donates cherry trees for lake

By D. Frank Smith

The Dickson Herald

Dr. John Stritikus and his associates stand next to a tree they planted Friday for Arbor Day. The tree is one of 15 plantedaround Luther Lake in Dickson to enhance the view and provide shade, Stritikus said.

Dickson Pediatric provides for Help Center

2009-08-26T10:42:00.004-05:00

The doctors and staff of Dickson Pediatric Dentistry recently gathered and delivered needed items to the Dickson County Help Center. Help Center officials said items in high demand are fans, air conditioners, dry beans, pasta, sauces, peanut butter, boxed dinners, and toiletries.

Posted in The Dickson Herald August 20, 2009

Baby Teeth vs Permanent Teeth

2009-06-24T10:59:00.009-05:00

When in question as to wether a tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth, here are a couple of indicators to help distinguish the two:

First there are small protrusions located on the top of permanent teeth called mamelons. These are very noticable when the permanent teeth first erupt as with the permanent tooth located on the right, and they will wear off in time with use as with the permanent tooth on the left.

Secondly, baby teeth are very white in color. In permanent teeth, they look a bit more amber or yellowish in color. This is a perfectly normal occurance.

Our Primary Focus

2009-04-16T16:10:00.002-05:00

Our main focus at Dickson Pediatric Dentistry is to ensure that your child has a positive dental experience. Our new office is completely “child friendly” with televisions above the exam chairs, video games in the waiting area, and treasure chests full of surprises. This inviting atmosphere, along with our cheerful and professional office staff, helps to provide a stress-free environment in which your child can thrive and grow into a well-adjusted dental patient.