Healthy Smile Series: 5 ways to protect your child's teeth in their first year

In the first year of life, babies are growing and developing at a rapid pace. One of those things that you will see a dramatic change in is their teeth. So how do you keep those pearly whites healthy while they’re still young? Follow these five guidelines:

Cut Down on Juice  

Juice contains a lot of natural and often added sugars, which can encourage an environment for decay. Avoid giving juice to your child before 6 months of age, and keep it to 4-5 ounces of juice maximum daily.

Watch Out for “Baby Bottle Decay”

Baby bottle decay occurs when sugary, sweet liquids are exposed to a child’s teeth over a prolonged time, causing plaque to build up and ultimately the decaying of the teeth. You can avoid this by avoiding sweet drinks as well as cleaning the teeth or massaging the gums in areas without teeth daily.

Skip the Sticky Snacks

There are some foods out today that are geared towards children that contain sticky gums and fillers. Although tasty, these treats can get stuck around the teeth especially if the teeth are not being properly cleaned regularly, causing decay and long term negative effects. The best answer? Skip these snacks all together and try snacks that clean the teeth instead such as apples.

Encourage Bottle-Free Sleeping

During sleep, saliva production reduces, giving bacteria easier access to your baby’s teeth. Instead of letting your baby fall asleep with a bottle filled with milk or juice in it, fill it with water to reduce the harmful effects of sitting bacteria. However, the best possible solution is of course to eliminate all together your baby falling asleep with a bottle in their mouth.

Schedule Their First Appointment

Schedule your child's first dental appointment between the ages of 2 to 3 unless there is a problem with your child's teeth prior to this age. By this time, he or she typically has multiple teeth which will need preventative care and attention to maintain a healthy mouth as they continue to grow. Plus, your doctor can make sure that there aren’t any other underlying issues that will cause problems for your child in the long run. Bringing your child with you to your appointment prior to this age will help familiarize them with the dental office.

Healthy Smile Series: Why children should brush their teeth

Sugar is the enemy of healthy chompers; brushing gets rid of it

Mornings used to be pretty hectic in the Bennett household. Kids had to be woken up. Dogs had to be let out. Breakfast had to be eaten. And last but not least, teeth had to be brushed. Getting all of this done with two kids, three dogs and only two parents was very tricky. But somehow we managed. And now that our kids are older, things have gotten a lot easier.

Today we’re going to focus on one of the most annoying things parents ask you to do: brush your teeth. Although it only takes a couple of minutes twice a day, brushing your teeth is an awful, rotten, unfair, boring, ridiculous waste of time. Just kidding. Brushing your teeth is an important part of personal hygiene that even animals take care of — at least the ones that have teeth.

Animals don’t use toothbrushes, of course, but they chew and gnaw on objects to keep their teeth clean.

The main thing that separates humans from animals in the dental realm is sugar. If we didn’t have sugar in our diet, we would have much less tooth decay. Why? Because sugar is the enemy of healthy teeth. Here’s why: Our bodies are filled with bacteria. Most of these microscopic organisms are harmless. However, as far as teeth are concerned, the story is a little different. Like larger animals (us, for example) bacteria produce waste products after they consume (eat) nutrients. Among the waste products produced by mouth bacteria are acids that can damage tooth enamel. (Enamel is an extremely strong material that makes up the outside of your teeth.) These acids are too mild for you to feel, but that doesn’t mean they’re not there.

Because the bacteria in your mouth love “sweets,” they will gorge themselves on any sugar that coats your teeth. The acids they leave behind create pits in your enamel like a prospector digging for gold.

Once tiny pits have formed in the tooth enamel, additional acids make them deeper and deeper. Eventually, bacteria invade the inside of the tooth, causing decay. In reality, tooth decay is like having an infection in your teeth.

You do not have to eat candy to have sugar in your mouth. Bread and other starchy foods are digested (broken down) into a type of sugar by saliva. These sugars are just as appealing to mouth bacteria as a Snickers. (If you chew a cracker and keep it in your mouth for a moment before swallowing it, you will notice that it’s a little sweet. This proves that saliva turns starch into sugar.) So go ahead and brush your teeth. The time you waste having to do this horrible chore will be made back with easier dental visits, whiter teeth and less annoying parents. 
reference: HOWARD J. BENNETT 

Bennett is a Washington pediatrician. His website is howardjbennett.com.

Healthy Smile Series: What is America's greatest addiction ??

In the fight against childhood obesity, it’s time to scrutinize the effects of glucose
America has been dealing with addiction for decades, but studies are finding some of the most addictive substances we encounter often are in our children’s lunchboxes. 

COOKIE ADDICTION 

Every parent has inevitably witnessed the rise and fall of energy within their child with the consumption of candy and sweets. When the brain is washed in glucose, it works faster, harder and in hyper-drive. However, most parents don’t realize the brain habituates itself, or becomes accustomed to elevated levels of blood sugar. Once the brain has experienced a certain high, or surge in energy from elevated blood sugar, it becomes acclimated and physiologically demands extra glucose from that point forward. 

Unfortunately, there are no options for going cold turkey. Once acclimated to elevated levels of glucose, the brain will not function properly without them. When not given its glucose-fix, the brain becomes fuzzy, lethargic, demotivated and slow to learn. In addition, excess cortisol — the primary stress hormone — is released, which encourages mood swings, weight gain, fatigue and cravings for more carbohydrates. Many adults experience these feelings around 10 a.m. or 3 p.m., when they are “coming down” from a meal. At those two points in the day, many adults reach for a doughnut or a coke, anything to maintain mental productivity. 

DRUGS ON EVERY CORNER 

Unlike the stereotype of hooded men in back alleys, foods that spike blood sugar are available in the open, with advertising on every street corner and on countless websites. Refined carbohydrates, containing sugars and often low-fat logos, plead to our on the- go nature and are easy to grab when getting gas. They break down quickly in our bodies, skyrocket our blood sugar and wash the brain in glucose. Examples of common on-the-go foods include: granola bars, muffins, bagels, cookies, most breakfast cereals, instant oatmeal, rice cakes, soda, sports drinks, candy bars, puddings and fruit snacks. How many of the listed foods appear in your child’s lunchbox?

We are addicting them to glucose before they can make decisions for themselves. As busy parents, we want to feed them as healthfully as possible with minimal mess and preparation. There is no glucose dealer here, just individuals with responsibilities pulling them in multiple directions. 

PANCAKE REHAB 

Similar to smoking cessation, glucose addiction is not a battle to be won overnight. The brain has habituated to sugar for years, making the habit a physiological necessity. Small choices instituted every day can help to slowly acclimate the brain to less sugar. For on-the-go families with budgets and deadlines, we recommend: 

• Fruit: The portable snack that offers natural sugar, fiber and nutrients. 

• String cheese: Kids love them, they will never affect blood sugar, and they’re a good source of protein.

• Yogurt: Although some yogurts have a lot of sugar in them, they still offer a better option than muffins because of their serving of dairy and protein content. They can also be frozen to make a healthy treat or utilitarian ice pack.

• Roasted nuts: Peanuts, cashews, almonds, all offer healthy fats and give you a “full” feeling.

• Chocolate (preferably dark): If you’re going to eat a sweet, at least enjoy one packed with antioxidants! Chocolate has a high fat content, which slows down sugar molecules in the digestive process.

• Whole grains: Snacks labelled whole grain are great choices among carbohydrates.

Studies have shown some of the most addictive substances can be found in children’s lunchboxes. Eating excess amounts of glucose, found in foods such as doughnuts, makes your brain demand extra sugar from that point forward and causes your brain to malfunction if it doesn't receive more.

Reference: Alliance for Health 

Dental Care and Pregnancy

 

Every dentist knows that it is important for expectant mothers to take good care of their teeth and  gum disease (gingivitis) — which can affect the health of your developing baby. Pregnancy gingivitis usually occurs during the first trimester. Symptoms of pregnancy gingivitis are usually bleeding, swollen, red and tender gums during pregnancy. Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that increase your risk of developing pregnancy gingivitis.

Good oral health during pregnancy could also be important to your baby.  Some researchers have suggested that the serious stage of gum disease, periodontitis, could cause premature birth and low birth weight.

These tips can help you maintain good oral health during pregnancy:

• Continue regular check ups and cleanings with your dentist.
• Brush your teeth properly at least twice a day to remove plaque.
• Floss your teeth daily. Flossing removes food from in between the teeth.
• Use an antimicrobial mouth rinse. Antimicrobial mouth rinses can help prevent gingivitis.
• Brush your tongue daily to help remove bacteria.
• Eat nutritious meals and healthy snack.
  
  
  
  
  
  

Brought to you by the office of Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S. 

Nutrition for good dental health

 

As you know, a balanced, nutritious diet is essential to healthy living. Poor nutrition can lead to all kinds of health issues, including oral health problems such as gum disease and cavities. In fact, studies show that people who have lost teeth or wear dentures don't eat as many fruits or vegetables and tend to have less nutritious diets overall. 

Your mouth is your body’s initial point of contact with the nutrients you consume. So naturally, what you put in your mouth impacts not only your general health but also the health of your teeth and gums. In fact, if your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your oral health. Did you know that certain foods can put you at risk for cavities and other oral health problems?

According to MyPlate, a website from the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, an agency of U.S. Department of Agriculture, a balanced diet should include:

·                                 Fruits and vegetables. Combined these should be half of what you eat every day.

·                                 Grains. Make sure at least half of the grains you eat are whole grains, such as oatmeal, whole wheat bread and brown rice.

·                                 Dairy. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy foods.

·                                 Lean proteins. Make lean protein choices, such as lean beef, skinless poultry and fish. Try and vary your protein choices to include eggs, beans, peas and legumes, too. Eat at least 8 oz. of seafood a week.

Reference: Healthy Mouth, American Dental Association

Listen to your mouth

Most people have heard it is important to brush and floss. However, people might not realize poor oral health can indicate current or future health problems.  

HEALTH IMPACT OF GUM DISEASE 

Studies have shown people with gum disease are at higher riskto develop heart disease and have more difficulty controlling blood sugars. 

LINK BETWEEN ORAL HEALTH, DIABETES? 

People with diabetes have a higher risk for developing infections, including gum disease. They also have issues with wound healing, so an infected gum or decayed tooth can contribute to a larger issue if not properly treated.


WHAT ABOUT CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE? 

While some studies have shown people with poor oral healthare at higher risk for heart disease, there still is research to be done in this area. My advice to patients is it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

 

WHAT ABOUT PREGNANT WOMEN? 

Hormone changes that occur during pregnancy can increase therisk of gum disease and can affect the health of a developing fetus. It’s best to avoid dental treatments during the first trimester and second half of the third trimester, so you should see the dentist before getting pregnant.

Good oral hygiene includes brushing twice daily, regular flossing and dental check-ups and cleanings. Quitting smoking also can have a big impact on oral health.

If you have questions about your oral health, talk to your physician, who can provide answers and help you find a good dentist and dental team. 

Schedule a dental appointment. 

 Reference: 

By Dr. Hilary Schmid Metro Health 

Family Practice, Metro Health Cedar Springs

Grand Rapids Press 

Staying safe this Halloween

Are your little ghosts and goblins heading out for trick or- treating? Check out these tips from the American Red Cross to ensure their safety: 

1. Make sure costumes and shoes fit well to avoid falls, and though they might be excited, make sure your trick-or-treaters don’t run. 

2. Never let your child go trick-or-treating alone. 

3. Teach them rules of the road: Stay out of streets and only cross at corners or crosswalks. 

4. Remind them to be aware of lit candles, especially with billowy costumes. 

5. When they get home, check through their bags for open packages or choking hazards. 

6. If you are not going out with your kids, make sure you know the route they will take and send them with a flashlight. 

7. Only visit homes with lit porches, and remind your trick-or-treaters never to enter a stranger’s house.

Once the kids return with their bounty, it’s time to provide some healthier snacks to prevent a candy bonanza.

Try these tasty recipes:

ZOMBIE FINGER SANDWICHES 

Ingredients: 

•Whole wheat bread 

•Thinly sliced bananas 

•Cream cheese, softened 

•Almond slices (sliced to look like nails) 

Steps: Spread cream cheese over slice of bread, top with bananas and cover with another slice of bread.

Remove crust and cut bread into “fingers.” Cut the tip of each into a point. Place a small amount of cream cheese on the back of an almond slice and place at the end of the pointed finger. Serve to your hungry horde. 

MONSTER MOUTHS 

Ingredients: 

•Green apples  

•Peanut butter 

•Almond slivers 

Steps: Cut apples in half and discard the core. Cut each half in half again. Then, cut each quarter into wedges, using a crinkle cutter.

Spread peanut butter along the wide edge of a slice and top it with another, aligning the crinkled edges.

Insert almond slivers as fangs and serve.

reference: Metro Health ~ Grand Rapids Press  ~ American Red Cross


If your little Trick or Treater receives too much candy come to our

HALLOWEEN CANDY BUY BACK

Our dental office is holding our fourth annual Halloween Candy buy back. 

The tooth fairy will be giving  $ 1 for every pound of candy that is donated Monday, November 4th  3 - 6:00 pm.

The candy collected will be sent to the troops in the Middle East through the Operation Gratitude program.

Every child turning in their Halloween candy will receive a new toothbrush and other treats.

For more info visit our website.

  Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S.
  5011 Plainfield Avenue NE   
  Grand Rapids MI 49525-1050
  

Here’s how children can earn gold medal smiles

 

February is National Children’s Dental Health month, and the local members of the West Michigan District Dental Society remind parents they can help make their children’s smiles last a lifetime. “Get a Gold Medal Smile” is the theme for this month’s celebration.

“Children’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and a healthy smile is important to a child’s self-esteem. With proper care, a balanced diet and regular dental visits, their teeth can remain healthy and strong,” said Dr. Tyler Wolf, president of the West Michigan District Dental Society. 

Age 1 dental visit important 

Your children can get that gold medal smile by following some basic guidelines, including a visit to the dentist by the first birthday.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association recommend that children should visit the dentist when their first tooth comes in, or by the first birthday. By starting at an early age, your dentist can help prevent problems and teach good dental habits that will last a lifetime. 

Babies and bottles 

Baby teeth are very important for chewing, speaking and appearance.

One serious form of children’s tooth decay can happen when the bottle is filled with sweetened liquids, such as milk, formula, juice or soda pop, especially during bedtime or naps. If you must give your baby a bottle as a comforter at naptime or bedtime, make sure it contains only water.

To prevent decay, wipe your baby’s gums with a clean gauze pad after feedings. As soon as the first tooth comes in, begin brushing with a little water and continue to clean the gums that remain toothless. 

Teething discomfort 

As baby teeth begin to come in through the gums, some babies become fussy, sleepless and irritable.

Diarrhea, rashes and a fever are not normal for a teething baby, so call your physician if you notice these symptoms.

If your baby has sore or tender gums as a result of teething, try gently rubbing their gums with a clean finger, a small, cool spoon or a moist gauze pad, all of which can be soothing. A clean teething ring for your child to chew on may also help.

The Food and Drug Administration recommends that benzocaine products not be used for children younger than 2, except under the advice and supervision of a health care p rofessional.

Benzocaine is an over-thecounter anesthetic, usually under the product names Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel and Orabase.

Benzocaine has been associated with a rare but serious — and sometimes fatal — condition called methemoglobinemia, a disorder in whic h the amount of oxygen carried through the blood stream is greatly reduced. 

Seal out decay 

As your child’s permanent teeth come in, talk to your dentist about having dental sealants applied to protect teeth from decay. A dental sealant is a clear material that is applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth, where decay most often occurs. The sealant acts as a barrier, protecting teeth from bacteria and the acid that attacks enamel. 

Snacking and tooth decay 

Today, Americans are consuming foods and drinks high in sugar and starches more often and in larger portions than ever before.

The average teenage boy in the U.S. drinks 81 gallons of soda pop each year. A steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin teeth, especially for those who snack throughout the day.

When sugar is eaten over and over again in large, often hidden amounts, the harmful effect on teeth can be dramatic. Sugar on teeth provides food for bacteria, which produce acid. The acid in turn eats away the enamel on teeth and causes decay. 

Risk reduction 

Here are some tips to reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay: Consume sugary foods and drinks with meals. Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.

Limit between-meal snacks.

Try to offer nutritious food. Monitor beverage consumption. Rather than soda pop all day, children also should choose water and low-fat milk.

Help your children develop good brushing and flossing habits.

Schedule regular, preventive dental visits. 

Brought to you by the 600 members of the West Michigan District Dental Society in Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Mecosta and Montcalm counties. West Michigan District Dental Society dentists also are members of the Michigan Dental Association.

 

More than dental care; we believe in your overall health

We believe that when you come to us, you are trusting us with your health.

 

For us, health is not only about the mouth it's about your whole body and what is going on in your body. We take time to explore all of this, starting with a blood pressure check and oral cancer screening. 

 

A good number of patients have thanked us for finding undiagnosed hypertension that they then followed up with their primary care physicians. Finding suspicious changes in the mouth, head and neck has also alerted patients to go for further diagnostic testing. Since our patients often see us more than their physicians, we consider it time well used and part of our comprehensive caring.

We believe that you have a right to know what is going on in your body and that teaching involves more than just telling. It would be easier and quicker to just do the exam and tell you what you need. That`s what the great majority of dentist offices do, so anything else feels different. Our process of co-discovery takes more time and involves you in exploring and really understanding what`s going on in your body. That understanding gives you better knowledge for making decisions for your care.

 

Schedule your evaluation. 

 

~ Olivia