Kids Dentistree

March 2nd: National Reading Day!

2012-03-02T08:59:00.003-05:00

With today being National Reading Day, we thought we'd share some fun books for kids about going to the dentist! It never hurts to warm your little ones up to a trip to the dentist with a fun book helping them understand what the dentist is and what they can expect!

Buy it here.

A fun introduction to teeth! Buy it here.

Buy it here.

Do you have any books about going to the dentist?

Help Your Child Maintain Healthy Pearly Whites!

2012-02-27T11:57:00.001-05:00

With Children's Dental Health Month coming to a close, we wanted to get one more post in and share some more tips for helping your children maintain a happy and healthy smile and establish great oral care habits that will benefit them for a lifetime!

Many pediatric dentists agree that it can be difficult to enforce the rules of proper dental hygiene for children under 5. They often have trouble brushing their teeth properly, and they don't have a clear understanding of the effects that too many sugary foods can have on the health of their little teeth. With this in mind, it is important to to implement the following tips in order to help your child maintain healthy pearly whites!

Don’t allow your little one to nibble on fruit snacks or raisins all day long.

We know that raisins and fruit snacks of all kinds are an especially popular and convenient snack for kids. When nibbling on sugary snacks, your child's teeth are constantly in contact with sugar. Instead, limit sugary snacks by establishing a kind of routine. For example, offer them a sweet treat 3 times per day, at given hours. It's best to limit the amount of time they spend sipping on juice, too. If you allow enough time to pass between eating sweets and drinking sugary beverages, the mouth has enough time to become acid free. In between meals, try giving your child water to drink and limit the sugary beverages to meal-times -- or even better, only once a day as a treat!

Brushing the teeth of small kids can be an extremely challenging task.

However, you as a parent need to brush as many teeth as you can at a time while your child is willing to keep their mouth open. If you can't get them all at once, that's ok! You don't want to make brushing time a bad experience. Come back later and brush the rest of the teeth when your child is willing to open their mouth again. For babies, use a soft damp cloth or gauze to clean the inside of their mouth, their baby teeth and the gums.

An easy and comfortable method of brushing your child’s teeth is to stand behind them when brushing.

This will give you enough dexterity, because you are in the same position as you are when brushing your own teeth.

When children brush their teeth, try having them spit the toothpaste, but not to rinse.

If they rinse with water, the effect of the fluoride will be minimized. Try not to rinse so the teeth can stay in contact as long as possible with the fluoride from the toothpaste.

Before bedtime, give them water.

Once your child has brushed their teeth in the evening, stay away from offering them anything but water to take to bed with them. The best thing to do, is to fill the bottle or cup with plain water.

Have any questions? Let us know and we'd be happy to help you answer them!

Referral Source: Dental Health Magazine

What to do with leftover Valentine candy!

2012-02-15T11:11:00.001-05:00

Valentine Candy Bark

16 oz. (1 lb) Semisweet chocolate chips
2 c. chopped Valentine candy or any kind

Line a small rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside. Make sure it is the right size for your freezer.
In a heatproof bowl over simmer water melt the chocolate chips until completely liquid. Pour onto the aluminum foil lined pan and spread with a spatula until 1/8″ thick.
Scatter on the chopped candies and nuts. Place pan in the freezer until chocolate is completely solid. Break into bite-size pieces and serve.

Want to save yourself and kids from eating them? Deliver them! Put the Valentine's Bark in cellophane bags (or Ziplocs work just fine, too!) wrap a ribbon around the top and take some to the teachers, the babysitter, the coaches, the bus driver, neighbors, etc!

More Edible Ideas

Baking Bites has instructions on how to melt chopped up chocolate. If you have extra individually wrapped plain milk or dark chocolates (like Hersey Kisses or Dove hearts), you can melt them and make chocolate-covered strawberries, bananas or pretzels.
Sweetly Serendipity has a recipe for Candy Bar Brownies. Any candy bars can be chopped up and put into these from-scratch brownies.
Bake at 350 makes Conversation Heart Candy Bark with those leftover “you rock” and other hearts.

Non-Edible Ideas

GeekDad has a microwave experiment that allows you to measure the speed of light with chocolate that has melted in the microwave. Educational.
Grab the Basics says to think ahead to St. Patrick’s Day to use up your leftover conversation candy hearts. They suggest spray painting them all green and then using them to create shamrock decorations.
eHow suggests that you shellac those conversation hearts and use them as decorations in ornamental vases, much like you would marbles.

Sources:
http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/blogs/ideas-for-leftover-valentines-day-candy http://blogs.babble.com/family-kitchen/2012/02/15/leftover-valentine-candy-bark/

Kid's Dentistree Valentine Poems!

2012-02-10T12:01:00.000-05:00

WINNER:

*SUGAR FREE*
The Dentist just checked my teeth no cavities hooray!!
But O no tomorrow is Valentines Day
I am just so handsome and cute mom and dad say O shoot
With all the Valentines you will have this year
It will be right back to the dentist, I fear!
With all the sugary & chocolate hearts, my little teeth might fall apart
Mom and dad say "no we cant let this be all the treats this Valentines Day will be sugar free!"
Because the dentist just might have a heart attack
If all your little teeth start turning black.

- Camren from Kid's Dentistree Outer Loop

KID'S DENTISTRY FOR ME!

Kids Dentestry is the best.

I think better then the rest.

They keep my teeth clean.

They are also not mean.

WHY KID'S DENTISTREE IS GREAT

I am writing a poem to tell you how great I think you are.
I wanted to think of a really good rhyme,
But in between brushing and flossing my teeth I didn’t have the time.
I want you to know I think you are cool.
Plus when I come for a visit I get to leave early from school.

-Kid's Dentistree Middletown Patients

KID'S DENTISTREE

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Kid’s Denistree,
I love you!

- Kid's Dentistree New Albany Patient

KID'S DENTISTREE AND ME

Kid’s Dentistree, Kids Dentistree how great can you be.

You make my teeth white and bright for everyone to see.

I come to the office nervous and scared as any child would be

but you hold my hand with a smile.

Then let me know it will only take a little while.

Kid’s Dentistree, Kid’s Dentistree when I come to your office I know I will be fine.

Cause when it’s all over I get a prize every time.

- Kid's Dentistree New Albany Patient

LIKE CANDY

Oh Kid's Dentistree
You make my son's teeth so shiny
He eats a box of chocolates
Gets cavities.

Oh Kid's Dentistree
How we need you this Valentines Day
I look in his mouth all I think is
Oh Kids' Dentistree.

JUST ANOTHER PRETTY SMILES

Kid’s Dentistree,
oh how I love thee
My smile was broken,
but then you awoken
Me to the light of my new pearly whites.

Kid’s Dentistree,
Oh how you love me
To help my teeth and bite
So that I might
Have the most beautiful smile of my life.

Kid’s Dentistree
Oh how i love thee
With my head held high
My smile lights up the night sky.
Now my teeth are beautiful, clean and bright!

- Kid's Dentistree Middletown Patient

ROSES

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Sugar free candy is sweet
and so is the staff at
Kid's Dentistree!!
With smiles on their faces,
they wait on each kid,
to give them bright shining
and sparkling clean teeth.

5 EASY STEPS

You have to brush your teeth at least twice a day,
'Cause if you don’t you will get a tooth decay.
Just follow these 5 easy steps and your teeth will shine, and when you smile you will feel just fine!
The toothbrush is where the toothpaste goes. Brush on top, in the middle and the bottom row.
Next you rinse your mouth all clean, Then you floss the spaces between. Last but not least, the mouthwash you swish. Don’t forget to spit, spit, spit!

- Kid's Dentistree Outer Loop Patient

A POEM FOR OUR PATIENTS

We are so lucky at Kid’s Dentistree

To have such cute little patients who fill us with glee.

We love ALL of your smiles

And your stories are great

We love your little imaginations

They always make our days.

We care about you and your sweet little smiles

We want to always make sure that your visit is worthwhile.

We love helping you clean out those little “sugar bugs”

And we love it even more when you leave us with big hugs.

In Jeffersonville, New Albany, the Outer Loop and Middletown

We just love it when we’re able to turn your frown upside down!

Being your dentist is such a joy for us

And we thank you so much for trusting in us.

Until next time, don’t forget to brush, brush, brush!

Cold Sores and Your Children

2012-01-05T11:27:00.000-05:00

Cold Sore More Prevalent in the Winter

Cold and flu season is in full force during the winter months which is one explanation for the outbreak in cold sores. However, many people don't realize that exposure to cold temperatures can re-activate the virus that causes cold sores. Therefore, with cold temperatures on top of cold and flu season, there is an increased prevalence of cold sore outbreaks in the winter.

Cold Sores & Illness: When your child has a fever, infection or other illnesses, their immune system will be compromised. Your child's immune system is not as strong as that of an adult whose body has had time to produce certain antibodies and immune responses. Therefore, just like many other illnesses, your child is more prone to get a cold sore when their immune system is weakened by illness. Cold sore outbreaks are more common in children during periods of illness than they are in adults.(1)

Cold Sores & Chapped Lips: If the air in your house is dry, the temperatures are cold outside, or your child does not drink enough fluids, their lips may chap. Chapped lips are another cause of cold sores in kids and adults. If you find your child gets chapped lips on a recurring basis, look into a lip balm or a product like Super Lysine+ Coldstick to reduce chapping and the risk of cold sores.(1)

Can Parents Pass Along Cold Sores to their Children?
Yes. Cold sores are usually transmitted by direct contact with oral secretions. Think, sharing a drink, utensils, chapstick, kisses, etc.

If Child Gets Cold Sore, Don't Panic

If your child develops a cold sore, don't panic. About 20% of children between the ages of 5 and 18 get cold sores. A cold sore is simply a physical manifestation of the Herpes Simplex Virus (Type 1). Herpes Simplex Virus, or HSV1, is a virus from the Herpesviridae family. Although other species of Herpes can cause chicken pox, shingles, encaphilitis and other illnesses, there is no need to worry that a cold sore is a precursor to other illnesses in your child. The Herpes Simplex Virus 1, though incurable, will at worst only manifest into more cold sore outbreaks in the future. (1)

Something you might try*: Little Lips: Super Lysine Cream. Little Lips Super Lysine is an all natural cold sore treatment for kids (and adults!). It has a natural berry flavor that kids will love and it can help heal your child's cold sore faster. Where to buy: The Vitamin Shoppe (4600 Shelbyville Road) or online. *Kid's Dentistree was not compensated and does not endorse this product by writing this suggestion.

Sources:
(1) http://www.quantumhealth.com/news/kids_cold_sores.html

MEET THE DENTIST! DR. HAMAN-SMITH!

2011-12-21T12:57:00.000-05:00

Dr. Haman-Smith and her husband with their precious girls, Evelyn Martine and Maddie Rae.

MEET DR. HAMAN-SMITH FROM OUR NEW ALBANY OFFICE!

Doctor’s Full Name:
Dr. Danielle M. Haman-Smith

Hometown:
Bowling Green, KY

Undergraduate College:
University of Louisville

Dental School:
University of Louisville Dental School

Dental Specialties:
1 year fellowship with Underwood and Lee (special needs adults) and 2 year residency at Riley Hospital for Children (pediatric dentistry certificate and masters degree)

Family:
Husband Dr. James Smith, 3 ½ yr old Evelyn Martine and 15 mo old Madelyn Rae (Maddie)

Pets:
Mia (King Charles Cavalier Spaniel) she is an absolute love bug and is great with the girls.

Favorite Toothpaste:
Colgate Total

Manual or Power Brush?
MANUAL- soft bristle every morning
POWER- Sonicare nightly
Glide floss

Favorite Food:
Sushi and anything chocolate

Favorite Vacation Spot:
Hilton Head Island, it is a great family oriented vacation spot without the commercialism, and we also love going to Barren River Lake during the summer weekends. We are all water lovers.

Favorite Hobbies:
Swimming in the summer, playing and learning with my girls, running and working out, reading books, U of L Cardinal games, hanging out with my team outside of work and of course last but definitely not least date nights with my hubby.

Funniest/Most Memorable and/or Most Interesting Moment Experienced in Dentistry:
We have a wonderful lovable special needs patient that we see and he is always bringing us beautiful drawings and now that it is Christmas time he calls 20 min before his appt to remind us to turn on Christmas music. While he is in the office he sings to us and makes everyone smile. He is quite a character and we just love him.

Fun Christmas Craft Ideas!

2011-12-19T12:07:00.000-05:00

With the kids out of school for Christmas Break, we know that sends some parents into a scramble to find things to keep their children occupied and busy throughout the holidays. We have gathered some fun craft ideas from various sources that will help to entertain your children this week -- and add some more decorations to your home, too!

Ice Cream Cones Turned Christmas Trees!

This is a very fun and inexpensive activity that is a change-up from the usual gingerbread house.

Snowman Cookies!

Sugar cookies, decorated with icing and a jumbo marshmallow for the Snowman's head.

Pom Pom Ornaments!

Elmer's glue, pom poms, cardboard from a cereal box!

Reindeer Cookies!

Cookie of your choice, pretzels for the antlers and M&Ms for the eyes and nose!

Felt Finger Puppets!

All you need is felt, scissors and glue!

Cup Cozies!

You only need felt, scissors and glue for this one, too!

Bottle Cap Magnets!

Magnets are inexpensive at any craft store or Wal*Mart. Simple glue them to the back of bottle caps, decorate the inside, and there you have festive magnets for your fridge!

Photo credits: http://blog.amyatlas.com/2010/12/christmas-guest-dessert-feature-2/, http://www.tipjunkie.com/activities-for-kids-christmas/, http://urbancomfort.typepad.com/urban_nest/every-days-a-holiday/page/2/

Stocking Stuffer Ideas!

2011-12-14T11:46:00.000-05:00

It would never hurt to add a new toothbrush, some kid-friendly flossers or toothpaste to your kids' stockings this year! We've picked out some fun dental goodies you might be interested in!

Tooth Tunes

www.hasbrotoyshop.com
Each brush plays two-minute sound bytes of kids' favorite songs, like Wake Up by Hilary Duff orWe're All in This Together from High School Musical -- the music even gets louder as your kid brushes harder.
$9.99

Plip Clips

http://www.sillydillytotspot.com/sl-bho102.html
Kids will love feeding their brushes back into the mouths of these animal-shaped Plip Clips. The heads suction onto bathroom mirrors and grip toothbrushes until kids are ready for them.
$5.50 for set of 5

Dentek Glow in the Dark Fun Flossers

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Dentek-Fun-Wild-Fruit-Flossers-48-ct/10312780
Teaching your child to floss may be tricky, but these easy-to-grip handles (designed for little hands) may help your child get the hang of it. Best of all, the fluoride-coated floss has a yummy fruity flavor and the handles glow in the dark.
$1.98 for 48 flossers.

Dr. Fresh Firefly MouthSwoosh, Anti-Cavity Fluoride Rinse, Blazin' Bubble Gum

www.drugstore.com
This pink, bubblegum-flavored fluoride rinse has a special cap that blinks for 30 seconds -- the recommended time for effective swishing.
$4.49

Sonicare Kids

Specifically designed to help kids build healthy brushing habits for life. With its kid-friendly features and clinically proven results, Sonicare For Kids helps parents teach their children to brush—supporting the transition from brushing together to independent brushing.
Amazon.com $49.99

Colgate Junior Toothpaste

Your kids will love the sparkly surprise in this minty star-studded toothpaste, formulated with Colgate's cavity protection formula and fluoride.
$2.99 at drugstores nationwide

Crest Kids Spin Brush

Crest's colorful SpinBrushes come in a variety of characters and shapes -- from Spider-Man and Holly Hobbie to ice cream cones and fire trucks -- and according to a company-conducted survey, kids brushed 38 percent longer with Crest SpinBrushes than with manual toothbrushes.
$4.99 at drugstores nationwide

Crest Kids Sesame Street Toothbrush

Its soft bristles are designed to gently clean small teeth and fight plaque and cavities, and the handle provides easy maneuverability for little hands, so your child will learn to love to brush.

Colgate Kids Strawberry Flavor Fluoride Toothpaste

$3.32 at Wal*Mart

Fisher Price Sing With Me Step Stool

Post Credits: http://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/health/teething/7-cool-dental-tools

MEET THE DENTIST! DR. UNDERWOOD - Middletown

2011-12-06T10:00:00.000-05:00

Meet Dr. Kelly! Pictured above with her husband Jason, one of her Springer Spaniels and a friend!

Doctor's Full Name:
Kelly Wittig Underwood

Hometown:
Louisville, KY

Undergraduate College:
University of Louisville

Dental School:
University of Louisville School of Dentistry

Dental Specialties:
AEGD completed at University Hospital in Cincinnati, OH

Family:
Husband Jason and baby girl due in May '12!

Pets:
2 Springer Spaniels Chuck & Tanner

Favorite Toothpaste:
Crest

Manual or Power Brush?
Manual - Crest Extra Soft -- Power- Sonicare -- and, Love Glide deep clean floss!

Favorite Food:
Sushi

Favorite Vacation Spot:
Charleston, SC - beach and a fun city!

Favorite Hobbies:
Playing tennis, going to movies with friends, shopping for the new baby

Funniest/Most Memorable and/or Most Interesting Moment Experienced in Dentistry:
My most memorable moment was when a child wrote a story about his great visit at our office complete with illustrations and a marshmallow he thought looked like a tooth!

MEET THE DENTIST! DR. HANSFORD

2011-12-05T11:00:00.001-05:00

Dr. Kim with her husband John and 5 year old son Beckett.

MEET DR. KIM FROM OUR MIDDLETOWN OFFICE!

Doctor’s Full Name:

Kimberly Sue Hansford, D.M.D.

Hometown:

Somerset, KY

Undergraduate College:

University of Kentucky

Dental School:

University of Louisville then Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center for post graduate residency

Dental Specialties:

Pediatric Dentistry

Family:

John W. Kim, MD a pediatrician at Louisville Pediatric Specialists

Beckett our 5 year old son

Pets:

Just Fish – named Mommy, Daddy, Beckett, Brown Bear and Maxine

Favorite Toothpaste:

Crest Whitening 3D ...always been a Colgate girl but am moving into Crest Territory these days.

Arm & Hammer Whitening is the best! Love Natural Dentist Kid's Toothpaste

Manual or Power Brush?

1) MANUAL: Colgate 360

2) POWER: Sonicaire and Sonicaire Kids for my little guy

Favorite Food:

I love pizza but my son is allergic to cheese so I have to get it on the sly. However I make a mean vegan pizza now. I love my veggies!

Favorite Vacation Spot:

Paris of course! My husband and I have traveled all over the world from Ecuador to Australia but have slowed down since our son was born. He is a natural little traveler too though and has seen a good bit of the US from Maine to California.

Favorite Hobbies:

I love spending time with my family, reading, cooking Korean food, hiking in the great outdoors and I’m kind of a farm geek although I do not have one.

Funniest/Most Memorable and/or Most Interesting Moment Experienced in Dentistry:

I taught at the University of Louisvlle School of Dentistry for 7 years. I loved the relationships I built there and enjoyed sharing those things that I am passionate about including special needs patients with handicaps. One of my former students came to me recently and shared that he and his wife (also my student) have a 2 year old little boy with Down Syndrome. He said he and his wife shared remembering my lecture on Down Syndrome in dental school and how I told them they were my favorite patients and how happy and joyful and pure spirited they are. He said that he and his wife appreciated me planting that thought in their mind all those years ago because having their son with special needs has been the most joyous blessing of their lives. Wow! Touched me to the core.

'Tis the Season of...the cold & flu!

2011-11-30T11:18:00.000-05:00

As the season changes from Fall to Winter, the prevalence of the common cold, strep throat and the flu seems to increase dramatically, and especially for our little ones.

We hate seeing such a sad face! Read these tips below & keep those little faces smiling!

TIPS TO AVOID GETTING SICK THIS SEASON

Stop the Nail Biting & Keep Hands Out of Mouths

Have a nail biter? Nail biting in one word is: unsanitary. Your fingers are pretty much involved in almost everything you do. Even with frequent hand-washing, your fingers are still dirty. Your fingernails are almost twice as dirty as your fingers. Since fingernails are not the easiest places in the world to clean, there's all manner of germs and bacteria underneath there-- germs you really don't want in your mouth. And when you bite your nails, you are inviting these germs into your mouth. Plus, bitten nails can be jagged, and may cut the gums, allowing these undesirable germs to easily access your bloodstream.The two "germiest" places on your body are generally your hands/fingernails and your mouth. So it's pretty easy to see why putting these two together in the form of nail biting is not desirable.

Enforce Hand Washing!

Good hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses, from the common cold to more serious illnesses such as meningitis, bronchiolitis, influenza, hepatitis A, and most types of infectious diarrhea.
Establish Hand Washing Rules

Before and after eating
After using the bathroom
After touching pets and animals
Before and after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives
After blowing one's nose, coughing, or sneezing
After being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dog, etc.)

Eat Lots of Fruits and Veggies and Good Fats

Eating well keeps your body in balance and increases your immune functions helping you fight the sicknesses before they effect you!

Stay Active

Staying active helps circulate the blood, pumping germ-fighting cells through the body and washing away toxins.

Get Good Sleep

To remain healthy, you must be getting enough sleep. Plain & simple. Shoot for 8 hours a night - but children tend to need 10+ hours per night!

Get a New Toothbrush!

If you or your children do come down with the common cold, strep throat, or the flu, be sure to throw away all toothbrushes in the house and get new fresh ones! Brushes should be changed at the onset of an illness and again after recovery.

Post Credits: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/thomas-p-connelly-dds/mouth-health-the-dish-on_b_574866.html - http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/hand_washing.html - http://www.dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/ddhright.aspx?id=6494

Musical Instruments and Germs

2011-11-29T10:22:00.000-05:00

Woodwind and brass players beware—the same horn that creates melodic tones might also be harboring a darker note—bacteria and fungi that risk a musician’s health.

In a recent study, researchers worked with a small-town high school band to examine the microbial flora in woodwind and brass instruments and their potential to transmit diseases.

They cultured 13 previously played instruments, including two clarinets, two oboes, two saxophones, two mellophones, two trombones, two trumpets and one cornet. Six instruments had been played within a week of testing and the other seven had not been played for more than one month.

Scientists looked for germs in a total of 117 distinct testing sites, including mouthpieces and reeds, internal chambers and cases of the instruments and found more than 400 bacteria, 19 yeasts and 58 molds that could risk a musician’s health.

“Parents may not realize that the mold in their child’s instrument could contribute to the development of asthma,” said Dr. R. Thomas Glass, lead author of the study in the March/April issue of General Dentistry. He recommends musicians use cleaning cloths and solutions made for musical instruments and not to share their instruments with others.

Researchers said harmful contaminants were found in instruments whether they were played recently or not. Though the reeds or mouthpieces were consistently more contaminated, the midpoints and bells had enough microorganisms to expose the musicians to toxins and produce disease. Even instrument cases were contaminated.

Researchers say the results indicate that woodwind instruments were more heavily contaminated than brass instruments; reeds were significantly more contaminated that mouthpieces and clarinets were more contaminated than any other instruments.

Post Credit: ©2010 American Dental Association. All rights reserved.

Meet the Dentist! - Dr. Lipoff

2011-11-28T10:21:00.000-05:00

Dr. Jay with his mom and on the mound playing for the
Federal League Baseball - Sun Devils in Miami, FL.

Meet Dr. Lipoff from our Jeffersonville office!

Doctor's Full Name:

Jason Adam Lipoff

Hometown:

Northbrook, Illinois

Undergraduate College:

Univeristy of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Dental School:

Nova Southeastern University

Dental Specialties:

Pediatric Dentistry

Family:

Sister - Michelle, 41 yrs old, HS History Teacher, Married, two kids (Josh 4, Becca 7)

Dad - Dennis, 69 yrs old, Psychologist

Mom - Doris, 68 yrs old, Retired Spanish and French Teacher (And, Dr. Lipoff forgot to mention that he speaks Spanish, too!)

Pets:

Dog, Brussels Griffon named Abigail, 4 yrs old, love of my life.

Favorite Toothpaste:

Colgate

Manual or Power Brush?

Power

Favorite Food:

Breakfast!!

Favorite Vacation Spot:

Miami, of course!! My other home!

Favorite Hobbies:

Baseball, Running, Teach Group Fitness (Boot Camp, Spinning)

Funnest/Most Memorable and/or Most Interesting Moment Experienced in Dentistry:

After completing an exam on my new 4 yr old patient named Chloe, she looks up at me and says, "You're a good looking doctor!" A 4 yr old made me blush. Too cute.

Anything else you think would be fun for our patients and fans to know about you:

Have been playing baseball since the age of 5 and still play competitively in Miami.
Doesn't like to be called doctor because that sounds too adult; I'm a kid at heart.
Afraid of cowboys.
A real life giraffe has been on my birthday list since I've been 5 years old. I might just have to move to Africa to make that dream come true.

Meet the Dentist! Dr. Abrams

2011-11-22T10:00:00.002-05:00

Meet Dr. Melanie Abrams!

Doctor's Name:

Melanie Renee Abrams

Hometown:

Louisville, KY

Undergraduate College:

Georgetown College and Bellarmine University

Dental School:

University of Louisville

Dental Specialties:

GPR

Family:

Husband, Greg; 4 year old daughter, Alyssa; 1 year old son, Derek.

Pets:

A bulldog named Lola.

Favorite Toothpaste:

Crest & Colgate! And, I love ACT fluoride rinse!

Favorite Food:

Hot fudge cake!

Favorite Vacation Spot:

Any place warm!

Favorite Hobbies:

Family time, reading, volleyball

Funniest/Most Memorable and/or Most Interesting Moment Experienced in Dentistry:

I love when my patients (kids) bring me a picture they have drawn or a letter. Those are treasures to me and make my job so rewarding and fun!

Meet the Dentist! - Dr. Lubbe

2011-11-21T10:30:00.001-05:00

Meet Dr. Lubbe at Kid's Dentistree Outer Loop!

Full Name: David P. Lubbe, D.M.D.

Hometown : Madison, Indiana

Undergraduate College : Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH

Dental School: University of Kentucky School of Dentistry

Dental Specialties : Saint Christopher’s Hospital for Children - Philadelphia, PA

Family : Wife, Karen; Daughters, Kassie and Elizabeth; Sons, Tim, Doug, Steve, Andrew; Stepson, John Nicholas Griffith.

Pets: Dog, an Airdale named Slugger.

Manual or Power Brush: Power

Favorite Food: Graeter's Ice Cream - Rasberry chocolate chip

Favorite Vacation Spot:  I love the mountains of Western United States.

Favorite Hobbies :  Motorcycling, snow and water skiing, racket ball, shooting.

Funniest/Most Memorable and/or Most Interesting Moment Experienced in Dentistry:
When I received a free case of denture chewing gum and a fellow dentist and I had a contest to see who could get the most gum in their mouth

Anything else you'd like for your patients to know about you!
I love all my patients and staff at Kids Dentistry.  I also enjoy playing practical jokes on Dr. Mel.

Sugars and Starches and Your Child's Teeth

2011-11-16T12:10:00.000-05:00

A diet high in certain kinds of carbohydrates, such as sugar and starches, may place your child at extra risk for tooth decay.

Q: How do I make my children’s diet safe for their teeth?
A: First, be sure they have a balanced diet. Then, check how frequently they eat foods with sugar or starch in them. Foods with starch include breads, crackers, pasta and snacks, such as pretzels and potato chips. When checking for sugar, look beyond the sugar bowl and candy dish. A variety of foods contain one or more types of sugar, and all types of sugars can promote dental decay. Fruits, a few vegetables, and most milk products have at least one type of sugar.

Sugar can be found in many processed foods, even some that do not taste sweet. For example, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich not only has sugar in the jelly, but may have sugar added to the peanut butter. Sugar is also added to such condiments as ketchup and salad dressings.

Q: Should my child give up all foods with sugar or starch?
A: Certainly not! Many provide nutrients your child needs. You simply need to select and serve them wisely.

A food with sugar or starch is safer for teeth if it is eaten with a meal, not as a snack.
Sticky foods, such as dried fruit or toffee, are not easily washed away from the teeth by saliva, water or milk. Therefore, they have more cavity-causing potential than foods more rapidly cleared from the teeth.

Post credits: http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/snacking.asp

Halloween Trail Mix

2011-10-25T09:22:00.000-04:00

2 cups old fashioned oats

1 cup coconut

1 cup whole almonds

1/4 cup flax seeds

1/3 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup honey

1/4 cup canola or olive oil

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/4 tsp cinnamon

3/4 tsp salt

1 1/2 cup cheerios

1 2/3 cup dried apricots, chopped

2/3 cup dark chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

In a medium bowl, combine the oats, coconut, honey, oil, sugar, and salt. Stir until well coated. Add the flax and sunflower seeds. Mix well. Spread mixture out on a large baking sheet. Bake for 35 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes.

Remove the oat mixture from the oven and allow to completely cool. In a large bowl, stir in cheerios, apricots, and chocolate chips. Store in an airtight container.

ENJOY!

Post Credits: http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2009/09/homemade-trail-mix.html

Fun Halloween Treats For Kids That Substitute Candy!

2011-10-18T11:53:00.001-04:00

Halloween doesn't have to be all about candy! Here are some fun non-candy treat ideas that kids can have fun with! If you have any other fun ideas, please share with us and comment on our post!

Play-Doh - Mini Glow In The Dark Rubber Duckies - Halloween Pencil Top Erasers - Glow Stick - Bracelets - Halloween Balloons - Spooky Silly Bands - Vampire Fangs

Share your non-candy treat ideas with us!

YES! It exists!

2011-10-14T12:02:00.000-04:00

If you're looking for a substitute for your kids for the regular sugar-loaded candy bar, look no further! SUGAR-FREE CHOCOLATE does exist! Your body and teeth will thank you!

There are other sugar-free candies, too, that are not chocolate (i.e. Jolly Ranchers). Most candy aisles have their sugar-free candy selection in one spot, and they are usually in smaller, hanging bags.

Check out the candy aisle during your next trip to the grocery and try some of the sugar-free kind! We think it does a near perfect job satisfying that sweet tooth! ;)

Also, at our offices we have a Halloween Candy Count contest going on. If your little one can guess the number of sugar-free candy pieces in the jar, they'll win the jar & a Free Open Play pass to Kazoing!

Take Part in our first Sweet Swap!

2011-10-12T10:31:00.000-04:00

TV Junk Food Ads Make Kids Crave Sweet Treats!

2011-10-03T12:04:00.001-04:00

There has been considerable debate over whether exposure to food advertising affects incidence rates of childhood obesity. While the positive correlation between the hours of television viewed, body mass index, and obesity incidence has been documented, the exact mechanisms through which this occurs are still being investigated. Recently, there has been an increase in calls to ban junk food advertisements aimed at children as these ads have been found (findings published in Pediatrics) to increase children's appetites for sweet and high-fat foods. While these types of foods are not only unhealthy for our children's growing bodies, they are unhealthy for their growing teeth!

It has been estimated that the average child currently views more than 40,000 commercials on television each year
More than 50 percent of television advertisements directed at children promote foods and beverages such as candy, convenience foods, snack foods, sugar sweetened beverages and sweetened breakfast cereals that are high in calories, fat, and sugar and low in fiber and nutrient density. (http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/child_obesity/)

Below is part of the Article "Television ads for junk food really do make children hungry for those treats, especially if they watch a lot of television, according to a study" from Reuters.com

Reporting by Amy Norton at Reuters Health; editing by Elaine Lies

In tests with 6- to 13-year olds, researchers led by Emma Boyland of the University of Liverpool in the UK found that a DVD featuring commercials for fast food and junk food seemed to [enhance] children's appetites for sweet and high-fat [food.]

The children involved in the research reported a greater desire for sweet and fatty foods after viewing the junk-food ads compared to days when they watched commercials for toys.

This was especially true for children who usually watched a lot of TV in their everyday lives, with "a lot" defined by the researchers as over 21 hours a week. But researchers said the effects of the food ads were modest, making only a small difference in the average number of food items the children said they wanted "right now."

On average, kids wanted more high-carb, high-fat foods after watching food commercials. In real life, as well, a lot of other factors would be at work, including parents' willingness to buy those foods, which makes it impossible to fully and experimentally study the effect of ads and childhood obesity.

"This study confirms the cumulative, sustained effect of food marketing on TV: the more children watch TV, the more susceptible they are to advertising," said Lori Dorfman, who directs the Berkeley Media Studies Group in California and has studied food marketing to children.

"This might not be so bad if food marketers put their best foods forward, but they don't," Dorfman, who did not take part in the study, told Reuters Health by email.

Dorfman noted that children now watch TV on their computers and mobile gadgets as well as at home on TV, which can add up to a lot of hours. Dorfman said that parents should limit TV time, but added that they need help. "It's simply not fair to expect parents alone to counter the $2 billion food companies spend each year targeting their kids with fun, irresistible ads for sugary, high-fat, salty foods," she added.

What Other Countries are Doing to Regulate "Junk Food" Advertising Towards Children

United Kingdom: Children's Food Bill

In November 2006, the Office of Communication announced that it would ban television advertisements for junk food before, during and after television programming aimed at ages 16 and under in the United Kingdom.

Sweden: All advertisements aimed at children 12 and under is banned, including fast food ads.
Malaysia: Fast food advertising during children's television was banned in 2007

Do you think the U.S. should take stronger initiatives to regulate "junk food" ads targeted at children?

Post credits:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/28/us-junkfood-tv-idUSTRE75R04H20110628

http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/child_obesity/

McDonald's Adds Apple Slices in Every Happy Meal

2011-09-28T10:53:00.002-04:00

What is McDonalds doing to help our little ones and you become healthier?

By the beginning of 2012, McDonald's will be adding apples to all its Happy Meals and they have launched a nutrition-focused mobile phone app as part of a broader health push. Hooray! McDonald's is introducing these healthy innovations as a reaction to consumers' and regulators' continual blame for health issues regarding childhood obesity, diabetes, heart disease, etc.

McDonald's new program:

McDonald's pledged to reduce sugars (happier teeth!), saturated fats and calories through "varied portion sizes, reformulations and innovations" by 2020. By 2015, it will reduce sodium by 15 percent.

In July, McDonald's introduced a new mobile app where you can "build your meal" & see all individual nutrition facts and totals for your desired meal. Among the nutritional info the new app provides, you can also find the McDonald's closest to you and see career opportunities.
McDonald's USA president Jan Fields and other executives went on a "listening tour" in August to hear suggestions from parents and nutrition experts. The chain will also launch a new online forum for parents.

McDonald's has been working on it's healthy reputation and hip perception by offering free wi-fi access and adding smoothies and oatmeal to their menus. However, a small McDonald's strawberry banana smoothie still has 44g of sugar! Yikes.

For Happy Meals, U.S. customers can already choose between apples or fries. But only about 11 percent of customers were ordering apples, the restaurant said. So by the beginning of next year, McDonald's will instead include a half-order of apples and a half-order of fries. Customers can get all fries or all apples if they ask.

Why Kid's Dentistree Loves Apples!

The mildly acidic nature and astringent quality of apples, combined with their rough, fiber-rich flesh, makes them the ideal food for cleansing and brightening teeth!
Crunchy foods, including apples, celery and carrots (not potato chips!), act like little toothbrushes when you chew them!

Post Credits: Associate Press 2011 http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/EMIHC251/24479/8895/1406985.html?d=dmtICNNews
Prevention.com

The Scoop From the 2011 Toothfairy Poll

2011-09-27T13:13:00.001-04:00

Tooth Fairy giving is steadily increasing, according to Delta Dental of Minnesota’s annual Tooth Fairy Poll. Nationally the average is $2.52, which is an 18 percent increase over last year’s average of $2.13. In Minnesota, children receive an average of $2.01 per tooth – it increased slightly (2.6 percent) from last year’s average of $1.96.

“This year’s Tooth Fairy Poll average reflects the stable increase we’re seeing in other areas of the economy,” said Ann Johnson, director of community affairs for Delta Dental of Minnesota. “For example, the Dow Jones Industrial Average increased 17.2 percent during the same time period. The Tooth Fairy may be another indicator that the economy is on pace for a steady recovery.”

We asked a new question on this year’s Tooth Fairy Poll: “After you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, should you rinse your mouth?” Approximately 64 percent answered yes. “This response is interesting because it’s not correct,” said Johnson. “It’s a common misconception. We should spit out any remaining toothpaste, but we should NOT rinse our mouths with water after brushing our teeth, because the remaining fluoride toothpaste helps protect the teeth against tooth decay.”

OTHER NEWS FROM THE TOOTH FAIRY POLL

Tooth Fairy Gift Amounts – The Tooth Fairy’s monetary “gifts” ranged from one penny to one hundred dollars.
First Dental Visit - Survey-takers report that 70% of 2 to 3-year-olds are visiting the dentist for the first time. “When we collect the data from Tooth Fairy Poll each year, we see a shift toward earlier dental visits,” said Johnson. “That is great news because all professional dental organizations recommend that a child be seen by a dentist as soon as his or her first tooth erupts, but at least no later than the child’s first birthday.”
Regular Dental Exams- About 90% of parents surveyed state their children receive a dental exam every six months. “The frequency of dental visits should be determined by the child’s dentist, based on an assessment of the child’s unique oral health needs,” said Johnson. “This process ensures that each child receives the most appropriate dental care.”
Sweets and Snacks - The poll continues to show children are consuming fewer sugary drinks and/or treats. More than 65% of parents surveyed indicated their children consume an average of one to two sugar drinks and/or treats per day.
Brushing Habits - Kids seem to be working hard at brushing those choppers. According to the poll, 55% of parents report that their children brush their teeth in the morning, and 60% of children brush at night, while only 2.2%brush at noon.
Economics and the Tooth Fairy – When asked if the state of the economy was impacting Tooth Fairy giving, 90% of respondents said “no”.

Get more Tooth Fairy rates, statistics, oral health information and Tooth Fairy customs from around the world by visiting http://www.theofficialtoothfairypoll.com.

Post credit.

Be the healthy example for your kids!

2011-09-26T12:29:00.001-04:00

While dental cavities are one of the most prevalent, chronic diseases of children in the U.S., more than half of children still don't visit the dentist on an annual basis. Here are some hard facts from the study "Association Between Parents' and Children’s Use of Oral Health Services":

Children were more likely to have visited a dentist in the previous 12 months when their parents also had a dental visit.
Of 6,107 child-parent pairs, 77 % of children and 64 % of parents had a dental visit in the previous 12 months.
Among parents who had seen a dentist, 85 % of their children also had a dental visit.
Among parents who had not seen a dentist, 62 % of their children had a dental visit.
Children whose dental care was deferred due to cost were more likely to have parents whose dental care was deferred for the same reason.

Based on these research findings, if parents go to the dentist, children most likely will, too! And that makes for one happy, healthy, and smiling family! Call us today and we'll get your little one scheduled for a FUN visit at Kid's Dentistree!

Post credits: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/If-Parent-Visit-The-Dentist-Children-Probably-Will-Too.aspx

Can't give up the paci? Tried-And-True Weaning Tips!

2011-09-19T11:49:00.000-04:00

Q: My 17-month-old daughter still uses a pacifier. I want to wean her off of it but I was told not to, because it can help with teething. Is there any truth to this? I always thought using a paci for too long would ruin her teeth. Also, will the longer I let her use it make it that much harder to wean her off of it?

A: While pacifier use can get a child's mind off of teething pain, it's not beneficial to the process of teething itself. The act of sucking is very soothing for an infant, and it increases saliva production, which serves as a natural antiseptic that is good for oral hygiene. Despite these supposed benefits, extended pacifier use can, more likely than not, cause dental problems. The extra pressure exerted during sucking can cause dental malalignment (known as an open bite). Overbites are more common with thumbsucking than with pacifier use, but the risk is still there. And it is true that the longer you let her use it, the harder it will be to wean her off of it later.

Tried-and-True Weaning Tips:

Get her mind off of it. Identify what situations trigger your child's desire for the pacifier -- many toddlers love to suck on something when they're upset. Also, examine your own reactions to your baby when she is upset. Do you find yourself reaching for a pacifier instead of reaching for her? Next time she needs soothing, try offering Mommy-comfort rather than paci-comfort. Think of this as an opportunity to deepen your bond with her, since she'll be spending a lot more time in your arms and on your lap.

Teach her other self-soothing techniques. In addition to being her human pacifier for a while, teach her ways to self-soothe (aside from thumbsucking, of course!). When she's upset or anxious, distract her with a fun play activity. Give her a cuddly doll or other transitional object to help her make the switch from the rubber pacifier to a more suitable soother.
Trade it in. One paci-ditching trick that has worked for several of my patients is to take your child and pacifier to a toy store and let your child pick out a new toy or stuffed animal that will act as a substitute. At the checkout counter, "trade in" the pacifier for the toy. There are many experienced toy store clerks who are used to this little trick and willing to play along!

Use peer pressure. Surround her with non-pacifier-using playmates to help her get the idea that pacifiers are not needed.

If you try these tricks and she resists to such an extent that she becomes a sadder child, take stock of the situation. She simply may not be ready to give the paci up, and that's fine for the short-term. If you conclude that your infant still needs her favorite pacifier for a few more months, go ahead and oblige, using these precautions:

Above all, always try other ways of comforting her first.
Don't dip the pacifier in honey or any sugary solution that could damage her teeth.
Let her use the pacifier for only short periods of time, and when you feel she particularly needs it.
Gradually shorten the frequency and length of time she's "plugged in" to the pacifier.
Rest assured that whether it's now or later, your child will outgrow the need for her silicon soother!

Dr. William Sears - Parenting.com
Post Credits.

Congrats Savannah!

2011-09-14T14:13:00.001-04:00

Savannah Bennett is the winner of the Kid's Dentistree *What Makes You Smile?* Drawing Contest! Congratulations Savannah!

WHAT MAKES SAVANNAH SMILE?

Savannah is so happy and has a big smile when she dresses up and plays Woody and Jessie from Toy Story with her little brother! She also loves to draw dinosaurs for her little brother because that's what makes him smile! What a sweet big sister!

We loved all the many colors that Savannah used in her drawing and her great attention to detail! How about Woody and Jessie? We think they're great! :)

Thanks so much to everyone that sent us a drawing! They were all so beautiful! What makes our little patients smile? Playing with friends, playing outside, and lots more! Thanks so much for sharing with us what makes you smile! You make us smile every day!

Be sure to check back soon for our next contest and a chance to win!

SEPTEMBER CONTEST: CLICK LINK ABOVE

2011-08-30T14:27:00.000-04:00

Snoring Among Children

2011-08-29T11:56:00.001-04:00

12% of children snore habitually. Studies have shown that 1% to 3% of preschool children who snore have ‘obstructive sleep apnea’ (OSA). OSA can be found in children of all ages but is most common in two to six year olds. The airway obstruction in OSA can disrupt sleep and cause oxygen deprivation.

The consequences of the affected children laboring and compensating to increase the airflow are many. The facial development and tooth alignment may be affected. The concomitant mouth breathing can predispose the children to a dry mouth, tooth decay, and gum irritation. The children may also exhibit poor school performance due to excessive daytime sleepiness, hyperactivity, aggressive behavior, and social withdrawal. Whereas adults with OSA are prone to sleep arousal without complete awakening, children may suffer from hours of partial airway obstruction without sleep arousal. Children that snore often do not get enough sleep.

Some leading causative factors for OSA in children are enlarged tonsils and adenoids, craniofacial anomalies, and obesity. Children with Down’s Syndrome are at high risk. However, not all children with enlarged tonsils or adenoids, or craniofacial anomalies, or obesity, or Down’s Syndrome, are necessarily affected.

Parents describe OSA episodes as labored breathing with no airflow followed by gasping or choking. Breathing is usually normal while the child is awake. A special test called a polysomnograph can help diagnose OSA. Treatments include the removal of the tonsils and adenoids; continuous positive airway pressure treatment; weight loss for obese patients; special mouth devices to reposition the tongue and/or the lower jaw (adults mostly); and surgery on the uvula, tonsils, palate, and pharynx (adults mostly).

Early diagnosis and treatment can avoid needless suffering. Parents who are unsure if their children are affected by this problem should speak to their pediatrician.

Post credits: http://www.pittsfordpediatricdentistry.com/dental_topics.htm#Beyond_Snoring

Vending Machines in Schools

2011-08-24T12:50:00.000-04:00

Have you ever checked to see if your child's school has a vending machine? And, if so, what it's stocked with? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes that targeted marketing (towards kids) and easy access to sweetened foods and beverages by children and young adults may increase the amount and frequency of their consumption, which, in turn, may contribute to an increase in cavities risk and a negative influence on overall nutrition and health.

If kids drink a lot of sweetened and/or carbonated beverages, and consume refined carbs, that are at a much higher risk for the initiation and progression of tooth decay and cavities.

Why are vending machines the problem?

They provide ready access to highly-refined carbs, especially soft drinks (sodas, fruit juices, and sports drinks)
Vending machine items with limited nutritional value are "competitive foods", resulting in snack options that are considered to be of poor nutritional quality - often times, sugar, sugar, sugar!
A significant increase in number of cavities has been reported for kids who attended schools that had vending machines.
13% of children ages 2-10 had diets high in consumption of carbonated soft-drinks, and these children had a significantly higher dental cavity experience

Many soft-drinks in vending machines have significant amounts of caffeine which, if consumed regularly, may lead to increased or habitual use (meaning more acid and sugar on the teeth!).

What we suggest:

Check your child's school out and see if they have a vending machine and what kinds of snacks and drinks are in it.
How are kids able to purchase from the vending machines? Some schools have ID cards that parents can put money on, others are the standard cash-only. If re-loadable ID cards apply to you, set a strict limit on your child's card, limiting the number refined carbs and soft drinks they can have a week.
Talk to your kids about the negative effects these foods and drinks can have not only just on their teeth, but their overall health, too! The types of foods and drinks in vending machines have also had an effect on childhood obesity.

The good news?

The AAPD is supporting an ongoing effort to increase the healthy choices available in vending machines by replacing sugar-sweetened drinks with bottled water, candy bars with nutrition bars, and potato chips with dried fruits and nuts!

Gotta Grinder? 6 Q + As on Little Grinders

2011-08-22T12:15:00.004-04:00

1. Why do kids grind their teeth? Does the answer change depending on the age of the child?

Children exhibit teeth grinding very commonly. We see it in children younger than 7-8 years old often. A lot of children will stop grinding once their six-year permanent molars erupt. Their permanent teeth bite begins to establish itself once those molars erupt.

Prior to this, children's bites are very flexible and subject to changes as they grow. Occasionally, children will exhibit an abnormal bite causing them to grind because of the placement of their teeth.

2. Could it be stress-related? Do children grind their teeth for some of the same reasons adults might grind their teeth?
More common is stress related grinding in students of middle school age and high school when (final exams and other) major testing occurs. This is the stress more common to this age group.

3. What should parents do if their child is grinding his or her teeth?
If the child is still very young with baby teeth still present, nothing needs to be done as we do not want to affect their growth. If the child is older, intervention may be necessary. The plan is to protect the permanent teeth while not negatively affecting their normal growth.

4. What should they look out for? When should parents worry?
Their dentist will notice and track wear patterns and recommend treatment when appropriate.

5. How common is teeth-grinding?

It is very common in children less than 7 years of age. There are adults that do this so not all children outgrow grinding. According to some studies, there is also a correlation between children grinding their teeth and those children that have sleeping disorders.

6. Any other tips for parents who are concerned about their children's teeth-grinding issue?

Our major concern is that permanent teeth are not affected and normal growth is allowed to occur. Many children do this and this does not mean that they are stressed, rather sometimes this is a natural expression of frustration until their vocabulary increases and they can verbally express their frustrations. In most cases this is a subconscious response and will change with age and growth.

Post credits: Link from AAPD.com

Is it TEETHING TIME?

2011-08-16T11:15:00.000-04:00

Your baby is teething when his or her first set of teeth, called primary teeth, break through the gums.


PRIMARY TEETH

An infant's first teeth are called baby teeth or primary teeth. They usually start to come in (erupt) between 6 months and 12 months of age. A total of 20 primary teeth erupt by about 3 years of age. Children begin to lose their primary teeth between the ages of 6 and 11 years. They are replaced by secondary, or permanent teeth.

When Does Teething Typically Start?

Usually beings around 6 months of age.
It's normal for teething to start at any time between 3- 12 months.
By the time your child is about 3, he/she will have all 20 primary teeth.
The lower front teeth usually come in first.
Upper front teeth usually come in 1 to 2 months after the lower front teeth.

Symptoms of Teething

Soreness and swelling in the gums will make for a fussy baby
These symptoms will begin about 3-5 days before the tooth shows, and they disappear as soon as the tooth breaks the skin.
Babies may bite on their fingers or toys to help relieve the pressure
May refuse to eat and drink because their mouths hurt
Excessive drooling, which can cause a rash on the chin, face, or chest.

Keeping Your Little One Comfortable While Teething

Give your baby a mild pain reliever that is labeled for his or her specific age. For example, acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil) may help relieve your baby's discomfort. Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20, because it has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious disease.
Use a clean finger (or cold teething ring) to gently rub your baby's gum for about 2 minutes at a time. Many babies find this soothing, although they may protest at first.
Provide safe objects for your baby to chew on, such as teething rings.

Post Credits: WebMD

The Brushing Battle

2011-07-29T10:30:00.000-04:00

The Brushing Battle

Is it a constant battle between you and your little one to brush their teeth? Nobody wants to have this battle in the morning OR right before bed, so these little tools may help. As a parent, the brushing battle is a battle that you have to win.Think of it this way, if you get your children to care for their teeth as they should, they will have a healthy mouth and that means no money out of your pocket! Healthy mouth = money saver! Using poetry and songs is, perhaps, a little unconventional, but sometimes, you have to be. Whatever works, right? Print them out in large font and attach to the bathroom mirror. Hopefully, you'll soon have a professional brusher and a battle-free toothbrush time!

Brushing

(to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star")

Here's my toothpaste
Here's my brush
I won't hurry, I won't rush.
Working hard to keep teeth clean
Front and back and in between
When I brush for quite a while
I will have a happy smile.

The Toothbrush Song

(to the tune of "Row,Row, Row Your Boat")

Brush, brush, brush your teeth
Brush them everyday.
We put toothpaste on our brush
To help stop tooth decay.

Floss, floss, floss your teeth.
Floss them every day!
Using the string to clean between
Keeps the plaque away!

Clean, clean, clean your teeth.
Clean them every day!
Your teeth will sparkle for years to come
In the most beautiful way!

Brush, brush, brush your teeth.
Brush them every day!
Happy, healthy teeth you'll have
If it's done this way.

Can you see my teeth? Poem

Can you see my teeth?
I use them to chew.
I chew things like carrots
so my teeth stay like new!

Can you see my teeth?
I use them to bite.
I bite things like apples
so my teeth will stay white!

Can you see my teeth?
I use them to speak.
I say “t” and “f”
every day of the week!

Can you see my teeth?
I use them to smile.
I brush until my grin
is as wide as a mile!

We hope these come in handy! We want your little one to have the happiest mouth and most beautiful smile! It's worth the extra push! :) Have a wonderful weekend!

post credits: www.canteach.ca & www.moderndentalmarketing.com