Now that warm weather has arrived and children are spending more time outdoors, it’s a good time to warn them about accidents that could result in fractured teeth.

Share the following safety rules with your child.

• Remain seated on a swing.  Don’t jump from or walk under a moving swing.  Children often lose teeth from being hit in the mouth by a swing.
• Don’t run or push on the pool deck.  Always use a ladder to climb out of a swimming pool.  Each year many children hit their mouth on the concrete or tile edge of swimming pools, often damaging teeth.
• Leave the person drinking from a fountain alone until he or she is finished.  Hitting, pushing or throwing things could cause the person to hit their teeth on the metal faucet or edge of the fountain, possibly injuring them.
• Never trip or push anyone during outdoor games.  The person could lose their balance, fall and hit their mouth or teeth.
• If you have to ride your bicycle in the rain, be very careful.  Wet pavement is slippery and dangerous.  And always remember to wear a helmet.

Hopefully, your summer will be safe and healthy.  But should an accident occur, Shwedel Family and Cosmetic Dentistry will be there for you.  Just call us at 313-292-5590.  Even on weekends, one of our highly trained office staff is available to take your call and get you the dental care you need.  It is our goal to keep your smile beautiful and your mouth healthy.  For more dental health information visit our website www.shwedeldental.com. Enjoy your summer!

PatientFYI: When the days are long, the weather gets hot, and the kids are out of school, families tend to raid the refrigerator more often – for snacks and cold drinks.  In fact, studies have shown that people develop more tooth decay during the summer months than at any other time of the year.  So it’s even more important to have lots of sugar-free, nutritious foods and beverages on hand, because they’re better for your family’s teeth, as well as being low in calories and easy on the budget.Excellent choices for snacking are fresh fruits and vegetables – like berries, citrus, melon, peaches, grapes, slices of green or red peppers, or carrots and celery sticks.  Other good ideas include nuts, cheese, eggs, plain yogurt; crackers, bread sticks and popcorn.  Instead of ice cream or popsicles, try freezing unsweetened fruit juices. Or try combining peanut butter on apples slices, it’s delicious.

For beverages consider unsweetened ice tea or natural fruit juice, but not fruit drinks which are high in sugar.  The best cold drink, of course, is ice water… but don’t chew on the ice!

At Shwedel Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, it is our goal to make and keep your smile beautiful.  Should you have any questions about the latest ways to keep your mouth healthy or any other dental related topic, please contact us at 313-292-5590 or visit our website www.shwedeldental.com.  Have a great summer and we are looking forward to seeing you soon.

Dr. Shwedel: No longer are fluoride treatments just for children.  New research shows that everyone, regardless of age, can benefit from them.  Fluoride not only helps protect newly erupting teeth from decay, but mature teeth that present their own set of needs.  Such as exposed roots from gum recession or the margins where crowns & teeth meet or even the effects of dry mouth as a result of medication & decreased saliva. Most insurance companies feel only children need fluoride or at least only pay for children’s fluoride.  And that lack of coverage makes many people think adults don’t need or wouldn’t benefit from a fluoride treatment.  However, that is not the case.  At your next cleaning, ask your dental provider if fluoride would be right for you.

At Shwedel Dental, we are now strongly encouraging all our patients to have a fluoride treatment after having their teeth cleaned.  Should you have any questions about fluoride or any other dental related topic, including the latest ways to give a beautiful smile, please contact us at 313-292-5590.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

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MSNBC.com

When Rachel Sarah took her daughter in for her first dental checkup a few years ago, she got a surprise. Not only did her 24-month-old have two cavities in her baby teeth, the pediatric dentist suggested she might have “caught” them from her mom.“The dentist handed me this piece of paper that talked about saliva transfer,” said Sarah, a 37-year-old writer from San Francisco. “It said not to share cups or utensils or food and said, ‘No kissing your kid on the lips.’ I was shocked; I’d been taking a bite of food and then giving her a bite since she started eating. I told the dentist I’d never heard of this and he said these were new findings.”

As it turns out, studies about the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria from mom to baby have been published for 30 years. The primary culprit is Streptococcus mutans, a bacteria that can pass from person to person through the transfer of saliva, such as sharing utensils, blowing on food, and yes, even kissing that sweet little bundle of joy on the mouth.

According to a 2008 study in Pediatric Dentistry, “strong evidence demonstrated that mothers are a primary source of MS [mutans streptococci] colonization of their children; a few investigations showed other potential sources … notably fathers.”

“There have been many, many studies,” said Dr. Jane Soxman, a pediatric dentist from Allison Park, Pa. “It’s well-documented. You can’t blame it all on kissing a child on the lips — that’s one of several different factors that would have to be working together. But the main thing to know is that tooth decay is a bacterial infection and you can spread it from one person to another during the window of infectivity, which is during infancy and especially during the time of tooth eruption. That’s when the teeth are most vulnerable. It’s as if you had a bad cold and were kissing your child, you would spread the cold virus.”

Only parents (or caregivers) with active tooth decay can spread the Streptococcus mutans bacteria through the transfer of saliva. And Soxman stressed that the transmission of bacteria-laden saliva is just one piece of the puzzle. Tooth decay is caused by a combination of factors, including the transfer of infectious saliva, genetics, oral hygiene, and feeding practices, such as letting your baby constantly suck on a sippy cup full of juice or milk or other sugar-laden liquid. (Bacteria uses the sugar to produce acid, which breaks down enamel.) Baby teeth are particularly vulnerable to decay.

“When teeth first come into the mouth, when they first erupt, the enamel is very soft,” said Soxman. “They’re brand new virgin surfaces and are very susceptible.”

But the decay won’t just impact baby teeth. If the bacteria are allowed to thrive, Soxman said, they will colonize and stick around for years, attacking the permanent teeth when they come in.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents have their child evaluated by a dentist when the first tooth erupts, or no later than their first birthday.

Chew Xylitol gum
Luckily, there are preventative measures that can help kick the bacteria to the curb. A January 2010 study in the Journal of Dental Research found that the children of moms who chewed Xylitol gum (starting in the sixth month of pregnancy) “were significantly less likely to show MS colonization.”

“If a woman is decay-active, she should be chewing Xylitol in the third trimester so when the baby’s born, the chance of transmission of decay-causing bacteria will be reduced,” said Soxman. “She should also have her teeth cleaned thoroughly during the second and third trimester.”

Cutting back on saliva-transferring behaviors — such as utensil-sharing, toothbrush sharing, blowing on baby’s food, pre-chewing baby’s food and cleaning off the pacifier with your own mouth — will also help.

But some say that’s easier said than done.

“It’s one thing to tell parents who have active decay to be extra cautious, and it’s something to be aware of for the rest of us, but I don’t think I’d be able to completely eliminate those behaviors,” said Marcy Hogan, a 29-year-old stay-at-home mom from San Jose, Calif. “They’re very natural behaviors and actions. I don’t want to avoid kissing my son and I don’t know how I’d get around blowing on his food. Sometimes it’s too hot and kids are not very patient.”

Dr. Stephanie Su, a pediatric dentist and mother of two from Redmond, Wash., said she tries to stress preventative measures as much as possible since saliva transfer between parent and child is almost “unavoidable.”

“When you look at a lab test, yes, there’s transfer of bacteria, but in real life, you’re not going to be able prevent that. You can’t live in a bubble,” she said. “But you can maintain good hygiene practices and a good diet, and the parents can take care of their own oral health and focus on preventative care like flossing and dental checkups and chewing Xylitol gum if they’re at high risk for decay.”

Both dentists also point to a surefire workaround.

“You could do just about everything as long as you wipe that baby’s mouth out repeatedly with a clean wet cloth,” said Soxman. “I tell parents to wipe the baby’s mouth out as often as they change the diaper. Wipe the tongue, the teeth, and the cheeks from infancy on. Then the colonies of bacteria won’t be established.”

URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35989527/ns/health-oral_health/

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PatientFYI: Whether or not children receive regular dental care is strongly associated with their parents’ history of seeking dental care. A new report to appear in the journal Pediatrics, which has been released online, is the first to analyze the relationship between parents’ and children’s’ dental visits in a nationally representative sample.

“When parents don’t see the dentist, their children are much less likely to see the dentist,” says Inyang Isong, MD, MPH, of the MassGeneral Hospital for Children (MGHfC) Center for Child and Adolescent Health Policy, the study’s lead author. “It looks like strategies to promote oral health should focus on the whole family.” The result of this study is clear. To set the pattern of good dental care for their children, parents need to set the example of regular dental care for themselves. Parents, you’re children are watching!

Meet Dr. Sorkin!

Dr. Sorkin on Digital X-Rays: Introducing digital radiography, now available at our practice. With this new technology, a digital image is taken of your mouth and downloaded into our computer system, where it is immediately available. This method results in 75% less radiation than conventional X-rays. No more waiting for images to develop. And no more chemical waste to pollute the environment.

Central Jersey Dental on PatientFYI

Dr. Bodak on Children’s Dentistry: Your newborn baby already has teeth, although you can’t see them. They are sitting just below the gum line. These “baby teeth”, which give your infant a great smile and allow the pleasures of chewing food or speaking more clearly, also help guide the permanent teeth into place. How soon do you need to start caring for your infant’s teeth? Just as soon as you see them!

Start by gently cleaning your infant’s gums and tongue daily. Use a clean wet washcloth to remove excess bacteria and formula or food residue. This daily regimen will become comfortable for your baby and prepare him for dental exams later on. As you see the first teeth erupt, move on to a child’s extra soft toothbrush. Replace with a new toothbrush every few months. Use water (no toothpaste) on the toothbrush in the beginning. Children should not swallow toothpaste. Add toothpaste, pressed firmly into the bristles of the toothbrush, once they have mastered the “art of spitting.” As more teeth appear, the spaces between teeth will close and it is time to begin flossing. Make a game of it, moving the floss up and down between the teeth (not back and forth, like shining your shoes).

Don’t send your child to bed or a nap with a bottle or sippy cup. Sugars, found naturally in formula, milk, and juice can coat the teeth and lead to decay. Once children can assist with dressing, it is time to learn how to brush their own teeth. Make sure you know the right way to brush, and show her. Tell him about good oral health and why we want to take care of our teeth. Be a good role model – Make sure you brush daily after eating and floss! Children should be supervised until they can master the job themselves, usually about age 7.

Emphasize healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables. Your child’s developing body, including their teeth and gums, requires a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Limit sweets to mealtimes; try diluting fruit juices, and avoid sticky foods. Sugary foods, especially when eaten as snacks between meals, can lead to tooth decay. Sugar increases the growth of mouth bacteria. These bacteria produce acid that can damage the teeth and lead to cavities. Don’t forget about the tongue and gums! Check for signs of gingivitis such as swollen, red or bleeding gums, or bad breath. Healthy teeth and gums require a diet rich in calcium and Vitamins C and D. If your children are not getting enough in their diet, talk with your health care provider about vitamin supplements.

Schedule you child’s first preventive dental visit once the teeth have appeared, usually at about one year of age. Children’s dental care can be comfortable when they are familiar with the dentist and the dental examination. Please don’t wait for a toothache before visiting the dentist. Delaying dental treatment until there is pain may lead to lifelong dental avoidance and distress. Many adults with dental anxiety report unpleasant experiences at the dentist when they were young. You can avoid dental anxiety later on if you seek regular preventive care from a dentist who is calm, friendly, gentle and produces excellent results. Should your child see a pediatric dentist (pedodontist) or a family dentist? That depends on the dentist! It is the skill and manner of the dentist, as well as their experience and expertise, that will help shape your child’s attitude for years to come.

If you have a good relationship with your family dentist, and he or she is comfortable with children and experienced in all aspects of children’s dentistry, your family dentist may be an ideal choice. Seek out reviews and recommendations if you are insure, and make the first visit to the dentist a positive one. If you and your dentist are comfortable with this suggestion, consider bringing your young child with you to your next preventive dental visit. You are their best role model. When your toddler sees that your dental visits are pain-free, your child’s dental check-ups will be much less stressful. And if your own visits are not comfortable, consider changing dentists! If you and your child both feel relaxed, the experience will be a positive one. Your children will enjoy visiting their dentist and you will LOVE their smile!

Thanks Dr. Bodak!

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PatientFYI: You need a filling and you’re not exactly looking forward to it. But what you dread most isn’t the pain. Local anesthesia takes care of that. What you dread is the drill. Now there may be an alternative–Air Abrasion is the newest method of cleaning out tooth decay.

Find a Air Abrasion (Drill-Less) Dentist near you today!

No Drill Noise/Screeching

No Uncomfortable Vibration

Quick Treatments For Small Problems

The procedure is relatively simple and quick. Often, if a small cavity is found during a checkup, the dentist can fill it the same day in about 10 minutes using air abrasion.

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PatientFYI: A dental filling is a type of restorative dentistry treatment used to repair minimal tooth fractures, tooth decay or otherwise damaged surfaces of the teeth. Dental filling materials, which include composite, porcelain and silver amalgam, may be used to even out tooth surfaces for better biting or chewing.

Find a great Dentist near you today!

Don’t let Tooth Decay ruin your smile, Dental Fillings have many advantages:

Most Insurance Plans Cover

Natural Looking

Long-Lasting

If you have a cavity in a tooth, broken fillings, mercury fillings, or amalgam fillings, this type of dental filling is well worth discussing with your dentist. Mercury fillings or amalgam fillings can easily be removed and replaced with far more attractive colored fillings. These fillings actually strengthen your tooth beyond the level it had with the amalgam fillings.

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PatientFYI: Most decay isn’t evident to dentists until it is one-third the width of the tooth – by then it requires a large filling that can weaken tooth structure and possibly cause problems years later. But new technology allows dentists to beam a laser light onto teeth with a pen-like instrument, illuminating grooves where cavities the size of pinpricks may be forming.

Find a great Cavity Detection Dentist near you today!

Earlier Cavity Detection

Less-Intrusive Treatments

Lower-Cost Treatments

Better Long-Term Dental Health

If decay is allowed to progress, it not only can destroy tooth structure, it can enter the root of a tooth and cause an abscess. The advantage of treating cavities when they are just beginning is that repairs can leave most of the tooth structure intact. Small fillings minimize the prospect of complications, such having to eventually crown or replace teeth. And simple procedures are less expensive.

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