Dental Health

Keeping your child’s teeth in the best possible condition will help them maintain optimum oral health for the rest of their lives. When brushing and flossing isn’t enough, we may suggest placing a dental sealant on your child’s teeth. Children who have dental sealants can decrease their chance of tooth decay by 60%! Sealants are a safe, effective way to ensure your child’s dental health for years to come.

Dental sealants work by providing a protective shield over the tiny grooves and depressions found on the chewing surfaces of the back teeth or molars. While brushing and flossing is still essential even if your child has a sealant, this coating will help vulnerable areas from tooth decay by "sealing out" plaque and food.

If we think a sealant would be a good option for your child, a simple office visit is all it takes. One of our friendly dental hygienists or assistants will thoroughly clean your child’s teeth before applying the white or clear liquid-plastic material to the tooth’s surface. Sealants can protect teeth from decay for up to ten years, but they need to be checked for chipping or wearing at your child’s regular checkups with Dr. Rick Nichols.

Valentine’s Day was yesterday, and there is a lot of candy making the rounds this week. It’s once again time to remind all our patients to be extra careful when choosing those candies and treats!

All candy, soft or hard, sticky or chewy, can cause cavities. However, hard and sticky candies are extra bad for teeth because they can break teeth and fillings.

We recommend softer treats, such as soft chocolate or peanut butter cups, or melt-in-your-mouth foods. Dr. Nichols also encourages kids to make candy a special treat, not something to have a lot of at one time, or very often. Those who indulge should make sure they brush and floss between teeth, as well as at the gum line, immediately afterwards.

All of us at Just for Kids Pediatric Dentistry hope you had a great Valentine’s Day!

For the past 62 Februaries, the American Dental Association, or ADA, has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. National Children's Dental Health Month began as a one-day event in 1941 in a Cleveland clinic. In 1981, however, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Each February, Dr. Rick Nichols and thousands of dental professionals focus on the preventive oral care of America's children. Dr. Nichols and our staff want you to remember developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Has your child visited Just for Kids Pediatric Dentistry the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

With February being National Children's Dental Health Month, our team at Just for Kids thought we'd share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush, using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.

• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and place between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.

• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.

• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these beverages create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. When drinking one of these beverages, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Rather, have a drink and then brush your teeth.

• Regular dental visits: You should visit us regularly (approximately every six months).

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 62nd year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your child’s mouth healthy, or about your child’s treatment with Just for Kids Pediatric Dentistry, please feel free to give us a call!

We all know that eating a healthy, nutrient rich diet can keep our bodies healthy. But, did you also know that the foods you eat can affect your mouth by building healthier teeth and gums, and also by helping prevent tooth decay and gum disease? According to an article from Everyday Health, "A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and unsaturated fats will benefit your overall oral health — and there are a few standout foods and nutrients that can really boost it." Those standout items include:

Calcium: Consuming dairy products builds strong bones and teeth, and calcium is vital in childhood and through the teen years -- when the teeth are being formed. The American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). In fact, calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Vitamin C: According to the article, "The body needs vitamin C to repair connective tissue and help the body fight off infection." The chances of gingivitis, the mildest form of gum disease, can be significantly lowered with the regular consumption of vitamin C. Everyday Health recommends eating one piece of citrus fruit (oranges, grapefruits, tangerines) or a kiwi daily will help you meet the RDA for vitamin C.

Water: "Drinking plenty of water benefits teeth as it helps rinse away both bacteria and the remnants of food that bacteria turns into plaque. Tap water is better for teeth than bottled because it contains fluoride, which prevents tooth decay."

Remember to brush and floss after each meal, or at least rinse your mouth with water. It is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, and visit the dentist at least twice a year for regular checkups. If you have any questions, we encourage you to visit the article or ask us at Just for Kids Pediatric Dentistry.

Have a great week!

Are you looking to keep your child's teeth healthy in 2012? Dr. Rick Nichols and our team at Just for Kids Pediatric Dentistry are here to help you with that goal! We recently found a great article from Everyday Health that suggests 11 bad habits for kids' teeth and we wanted to share them with you! The bad habits that they suggest include:

• Avoiding the dentist
• Middle of the night breastfeeding
• Sucking a baby bottle at night
• Sipping on sippy cups all day
• Swallowing toothpaste
• Thumb-sucking with big-kid teeth
• Giving pacifiers to preschoolers
• Biting pencils
• Nail biting
• Drinking sugary sodas

Eliminating these bad habits can not only reduce cavities, but can also help your child form healthy dental habits early. To read more about why these habits are bad for your child, we encourage you to visit the article. If you have any questions, feel free to ask Dr. Nichols at your next appointment, or ask us on Facebook!

Does your child drink a lot of apple juice? If so, it might be time to cut back! Our team at Just for Kids Pediatric Dentistry recently read an article from Everyday Health about the issues with apple juice and your child's health.

In a recent study from Consumer Reports, "researchers tested 88 samples and found that nine of them from five brands — Apple & Eve, Great Value, Mott’s, Walgreens, and Welch’s — had “unsafe” levels of arsenic up to 27 parts per billion (ppb), well above the federal standard of 10 ppb. Great Value, Walgreen’s, and Welch’s also had elevated levels of lead, as did America’s Choice, Gerber, Gold Emblem, Joe’s Kids, Minute Maid, and Seneca."

But, that isn't the only harmful thing about too much juice. According to the article, "the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) warns that kids who drink a lot of juice are more prone to diarrhea, cavities, malnourishment, and obesity. And that’s true even of brands that don’t have elevated arsenic levels. The real villain, experts say, is sugar, which sounds far less menacing but is every bit as damaging to your child’s health...But it’s not just what they’re putting in their bodies that causes problems; it’s what they’re not putting in, too, Marshall says. 'When kids drink a lot of juice or soda, they're drinking less milk and may not be getting enough calcium and other nutrients in their diet.'"

That doesn't mean juice should be completely eliminated from your child's diet...just cut back. The better alternative for kids is low-fat milk or water. Juice should be saved for a special treat. One hundred percent juices are better for your child than juice drinks or cocktails because they have more naturally occuring ingredients. You can also cut the juice fifty percent with water to cut down the calories and sugar.

If you have any questions, we encourage you to check out the article or ask Dr. Nichols at your next appointment!

Everybody is jumping on the electric toothbrush bandwagon in recent years, with many experts in the dental field claiming electric toothbrushes provide superior dental care. It’s true that electric toothbrushes are recommended for those who can’t do a good job brushing manually or who have arthritis or other conditions. But manual toothbrushes do have some advantages, according to an article we recently found including:

• Cost. While electric toothbrushes may be expensive for many people, manual toothbrushes are both inexpensive and accessible.

• Less pressure on your teeth & gums. While we can feel the amount of pressure we’re using as we grasp our manual toothbrush, we can’t feel the pressure nearly as well with an electric toothbrush. Placing too much pressure on our teeth can wear away at the tooth enamel, which causes pain, sensitivity, as well as an increased risk of tooth decay.

• Simple to pack. Manual toothbrushes are easy to carry around for those business or family trips. People are less likely to let their good dental care habits lapse on vacation with a toothbrush that they can easily bring along!

• Better for kids. Learning at a young age how to properly use a manual toothbrush helps children get a feel for how to properly take care of their oral hygiene.

Electric toothbrushes, on the other hand, are more effective in removing plaque and are considered a better alternative to maintaining gum health. Remember, whether you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush, Dr. Rick Nichols and our team encourage you to choose one with soft bristles and be sure to change the bristles on the electric brush when they become worn down. We also encourage you to replace your toothbrush every three months, when the bristles are no longer straight and firm or after you recover from a cold.

Give us a call at Just for Kids Pediatric Dentistry if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook!

Happy brushing

Did you know that a single toothbrush can carry as many as 10 million germs and bacteria!? Our team at Just for Kids Pediatric Dentistry recently read an interesting article about toothbrush care that we thought you would enjoy.

The article from Everyday Health stated that even though a toothbrush can carry that many germs and bacteria, it is usually not a threat to your teeth. It is, however, important to properly care for your toothbrush. Some toothbrush tips that the article suggests are:

• Rinse your toothbrush in tap water, and let it air dry so that germs can’t survive.

• Store your toothbrush in an upright position.

• If you’re concerned about your dental care, you can soak your toothbrush in alcohol, mouthwash, a solution of half water and half hydrogen peroxide, or dip it in boiling water for about 5 to 10 seconds to kill the germs.

• The American Dental Association recommends getting a new toothbrush or brush head every 3 months.

• Check your child’s toothbrush regularly for frayed bristles, as they typically need to be replaced more frequently.

We encourage you to visit the article for more helpful toothbrush tips. If you have any questions about toothbrushes or your child's dental care, ask Dr. Nichols at your next appointment or leave us a comment on Facebook!

At Dr. Rick Nichols office, we offer Just For Kids, a .4% Stannous Fluoride Brush-on Gel. It provides excellent protection for children who are prone to cavities, or children who currently have cavities. This type of fluoride has been proven in many studies to be effective in preventing decay. It is available in three great tasting flavors, and your children will actually look forward to brushing their teeth!

Here are some tips for proper brushing, rinsing, and flossing:

- You are the most important element in guiding your children to great lifelong dental health habits. Make sure to supervise your children as they brush and rinse, until they are able to properly do it themselves. This usually occurs between the ages of 6 and 8. Supervise your children at least twice daily: after breakfast and prior to bedtime.

- Bring your child into our office shortly after his or her first tooth appears. It is important to see the dentist every two years, no matter what your age!

- Floss daily between any of your children's teeth that come in contact with adjacent teeth. Continue flossing daily until your children are able to effectively floss themselves.

- Make sure toothpaste, rinses, and gels (like Just For Kids) is not swallowed by your children. Teach them how to spit excess toothpaste out of their mouths. If necessary, use a washcloth or gauze to remove any excess.

- Only use soft-bristled toothbrushes and small, circular brush strokes while brushing your children's teeth. Additionally, discard and replace your child's toothbrush at the start of an illness to prevent re-contamination. Discard and replace again when your child is feeling better.

For more oral health tips or to learn more about Just For Kids, visit our website or give our office a call. Happy brushing!

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Dr. Rick Nichols wants to remind you that vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge, remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth,” but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Raw Vegetables (broccoli, celery, carrots, etc)
• Bread
• Pretzels (low salt)
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc)
• Sliced meat

If you would like more advice about how you can prevent cavities, give Just For Kids Pediatric Dentistry a call or ask Dr. Nichols during your next appointment.

Dr. Rick Nichols wants to know: Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Results of the study also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call.

Dr. Rick Nichols will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller mouths and hands. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles can harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, do not use fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, you do need to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up