Friday, October 31, 2014

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!
Don't forget to brush you teeth, kids!  We definitely do not want "Zombie Mouth."
If you need more ideas on encouraging your child to brush your child's teeth, don't forget to book an appointment with Safari Children's Dentist!  We are here to help!

Monday, September 1, 2014

Start Off The School Year Right!

Students miss more than 51 million school hours per year* because of dental problems or related conditions. Dental pain can distract students, cause their schoolwork to suffer or even lead to school absences.  Children and adolescents with healthy teeth have better attendance, are more attentive in class and tend to participate more fully in school-related activities.
To start the school year off on the right tooth, and prevent oral-health-related absences, teach your student to floss once a day and brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Beware of frequent snacking, as repeated exposure to sugary or starchy snacks can increase the risk for cavities. And most important, visit your pediatric dentist twice a year. Your pediatric dentist provides an ongoing oral health assessment and can help your student prevent cavities and school absences.
For more information on oral health for your student, please visit the brochure list

*U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Oral Health in America: A Report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, 2000.

Resource: http://www.mychildrensteeth.org/education/quicktips/

Monday, August 4, 2014

Toothsavers Brushing Game Trailer - iOS and Android

Sometimes kids forget to brush their teeth during the summer months because they don't have their daily routines.  Everyday is a different day!  Here is a great game you can download to remind your little ones why it is so important to fight those sugar bugs!  You can easily download this app on your smart phone.  If your child hasn't been the greatest at brushing his/her teeth for the past few months, please don't forget to give Safari Children's Dentist a call for their dental cleaning before school starts.  We have different flavor toothpastes for your child to choose from (chocolate, birthday cake, cotton candy, bubble gum and more).  By the way, if you kids are busy with summer camps and family vacations and you can't seem to fit in an appointment before school starts, we are also open on Saturdays!





Saturday, May 31, 2014

Let's try to stay cavity free!

 
It's almost the end of the school year.  At Safari Children's Dentistry, we understand that habits change once summer begins.  Please don't forget to maintain your dental routine!  Mom and Dad: Please don't forget to book your child's dental appointments.  If you try to time your child's dental cleaning during the summer and winter, your child may not have to miss school for their regular biannual dental checkups!
 

Saturday, May 10, 2014

FAQ: "My child grinds his/her teeth"

Here is a great article for WedMD.

Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

The problem of teeth grinding is not limited to adults. Approximately 15% to 33% of children grind their teeth. Children who grind their teeth tend to do so at two peak times -- when their baby teeth emerge and when their permanent teeth come in. Most children lose the teeth grinding habit after these two sets of teeth have come in more fully.
Most commonly, children grind their teeth during sleep rather than during waking hours. No one knows exactly why children grind their teeth but considerations include improperly aligned teeth or irregular contact between upper and lower teeth, illnesses and other medical conditions (such as nutritional deficiencies, pinworm, allergies, endocrine disorders), and psychological factors including anxiety and stress.
Grinding of the baby teeth rarely results in problems. However, teeth grinding can cause jaw pain, headaches, wear on the teeth, and TMD. Consult your dentist if your child's teeth look worn or if your child complains of tooth sensitivity or pain.
Specific tips to help a child stop grinding his or her teeth include:
  • Decrease your child's stress, especially just before bed.
     
  • Try massage and stretching exercises to relax the muscles.
  • Make sure your child's diet includes plenty of water. Dehydration may be linked to teeth grinding.
  • Ask your dentist to monitor your child's teeth if he or she is a grinder.
No intervention is usually required with preschool-age children. However, older children may need temporary crowns or other methods, such as a night guard, to prevent the grinding.