The Most Confusing Aisle in the Store?

If you have been shopping for toothpaste lately, you know that it can be very confusing.

Unlike the old days when the choices were few, these days it seems that there are way too many options! Whitening toothpastes, tartar control, paste or gel, gum health, desensitizing, – which is best? This is a question we get asked all the time. Sometimes it seems like the best thing to do would be to forget the labels and buy whatever is on sale!!

The fact is – buying a particular type or brand of toothpaste is usually not as important as the way you brush and how often you do so. But in any case, here is a quick run-down.

Tartar control toothpaste:  Tartar is calcified plaque which naturally forms and can wreak havoc on your teeth and gums. While tartar control toothpaste has been shown to reduce the formation of new deposits, it can’t remove current ones and does nothing to prevent these formations where they are the most dangerous – underneath the gum line.

Paste vs. gel: No significant difference here; it’s more of a personal preference.

Desensitizing toothpaste:  These pastes have ingredients in them which block the small tube-like channels that connect to the nerve tissue inside of your teeth. If you have exposed roots due to gum recession or teeth that are generally sensitive to hot and cold, this may be a good solution for you. But please be patient – it takes 4 to 6 weeks for the magic to kick in.

Whitening pastes:  The abrasiveness of these products may reduce surface stains, but they do little to treat the actual yellowing of teeth from the inside. The good news is that most teeth can be whitened with the right treatment. Be sure to ask us what the proper whitening method is for you.

“Gum Care” toothpaste: Studies have shown these to be questionable at best, and they may not be as valuable as standard toothpastes in preventing cavities.

Expensive or bargain brand? The good news here is that price doesn’t seem to be related to effectiveness when choosing a toothpaste. As a matter of fact, recently Consumer Reports magazine rated an expensive paste near the bottom of their list with bargain basement Ultra-Brite near the top in several categories!

So which brand should I use?

Most studies are fairly inconclusive on this one. Your best bet is always a brand that contains fluoride and has the American Dental Association seal of approval. And if that brand happens to be on sale – all the better!!

In the end, the most important thing is to brush often (morning, night-time, and after every meal), use a soft brush, try to reach every surface of every tooth, and spend two minutes doing so. And, don't forget to floss! Make time for that at least once a day.

The proper technique is important as well, and we will be glad to demonstrate this to you at your next visit to KiDDS Dental! If you have any more questions or would like to set up a visit, please give us a call at 509-891-7070. We are here to help you!

Did you know that we are now on Facebook? Please “like” our page at www.facebook.com/KiDDS.Dental for great dental health tips, contests, and great special announcements! Visit our website at www.GrowUpSmiling.com.

Do YOU Brush Your Teeth Correctly?

Hey Mom and Dad!  Do You Brush Your Teeth Correctly?  Probably Not!

Almost everybody brushes their teeth, but only one in ten people are doing it effectively!  And, if you aren't doing it right, how are you going to teach your children?

Don’t worry!! Your friends at KiDDS Dental are here to help you. So sit back and open wide as we present….

The Top Eight Toothbrushing Tips!

1.     Size Matters!

Many people use a large toothbrush head thinking “the bigger the better.” But you can brush just as effectively if not more so with a smaller brush, especially if you have to strain your mouth to use a larger one.

According to dental consumer advisor Dr. Richard Price, "the more comfortable it is in your mouth and your hand, then the more likely you will use it and use it properly." 

2.     It’s Good To Be A Softy!

It would seem to make sense that firmer bristles would clean your teeth better, but many times they just wind up damaging your sensitive gum tissue. The American Dental Association recommends a soft-bristled brush and we agree!

3.     Don’t Do A Rush Job!

While most people spend fifteen seconds or so per round of brushing, a full two minutes is best. And to make sure you don’t play favorites, divide your mouth into four sections (upper right, lower right, etc..) and spend thirty seconds on each.

Some electric toothbrushes actually have timers, but you don’t need to be so fancy. Find a thirty second song and sing it to yourself for each mouth quarter. Or multitask by watching TV until the full two minutes is up.

4.     What’s Your Angle?

While we typically picture toothbrushing to be a horizontal affair, that leaves out many important tooth surfaces, including the crucial area where the tooth meets the gum line. Aim your bristles at a forty-five degree angle and make sure they gently dip below the outer surface of your gums. This can get very tricky, and we recommend that you have one of the fantastic members of our dental hygiene team give you a full demonstration!

5.     It’s An Inside Job!

The inner surfaces of the teeth are often overlooked, but just because they hide from daylight doesn’t mean you should neglect them! Take the time to brush all tooth surfaces, inside and out. Oh – don’t forget your tongue either!

6.     Rinse-a-rama!

After you brush, loose bacteria are floating around in your mouth having a big old party. It’s time to finish them up with a rinse of mouthwash or even water. They’re on your toothbrush too, so it’s always a good idea to run that under the sink for a few seconds when you finish!

7.     Forced Retirement

Many people get nostalgic over their old toothbrushes, but keeping them for too long is a big mistake!! Frayed bristles can’t clean correctly, and even worse – they harbor all kinds of nasty germs. The American Dental Association suggests changing your toothbrush every three to four months – but we think that may even be too long of an interval for many. When in doubt – toss it out!

8.     And There’s One More Thing…..

Even though we are discussing toothbrushing, it just wouldn’t be complete without mentioning those tooth surfaces between your teeth – the ones that can’t be reached with a brush. Yes, that’s right – we all need to floss!! Daily flossing prevents cavities and helps to keep your gums in good shape.

At KiDDS Dental, we want you to be a good example, with strong healthy teeth and gums, fresh breath and a beautiful smile!  When you are at your child's appointment, ask any of your questions about keeping your and your children's teeth and gums nice and clean.  We are here for you!  Call us at 509-891-7070 to schedule your child's appointment today!

Our Latest No Cavity Club Winner!

Congratulations to Bryson!  He's our latest KiDDS No Cavity Club winner.  Bryson won a portrait session and a free 8" by 10" from Roessler Photograpahy and a $25 gift card.

Websites for Preschoolers

We've had a request for oral health related activities to do with young children.  Here's a quick list of websites with ideas . . .

Here's some fun activities for preschool children.

Here's a list of books for children about dental health.

I Love Brushing My Teeth!  A two minute song to encourage brushing properly and for the right amount of time.

Dental Games for kids of all ages!

The Happiest Place on Earth

For many years now, a certain theme park in central California has laid claim to the title "The Happiest Place on Earth".  For much of this destination's existence, this title has certainly been deserved.  In 2007, though, a new company emerged that now challenges the theme park's previously uncontested claims. 

For the last four and a half years the owner and president of KiDDS Dental, Dr. Jared Evans, and the rest of our team have been building our pediatric practice into a "dental destination".  Located in the vibrant, beautiful community of Liberty Lake, we boast a friendly and skilled team of professionals, a state-of-the-art facility and a patient base that is fiercely loyal.  Families visit from the all over the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene metropolitan area and beyond, regularly traveling up to an hour or even longer for their bi-annual trip to the dentist.  Patients and their families enjoy visits to our family-centered, fun facility for the quality of care and the quality of relationships.  Parents say they love that they are a part of our family.  Children who are crying as they leave are not in pain.  They are sad that they no longer get to enjoy our play area, video games, crane machine full of toys, big screen television in the reception area and individual televisions at each dental chair.  Going to the dentist can be fun, and it is at KiDDS Dental.

So, we think it's about time that we claimed the title that is rightfully ours.  Our first step is to request a cease and desist order against any organizations that boast our deserved title.  To do so, we'll need to submit a petition with the signatures and comments of those who agree that KiDDS Dental is indeed The Happiest Place on Earth.  Please sign our petition by commenting here on our blog or on our Facebook page.  Please share this request with your friends and challenge them to find out for themselves how happy our place truly is.

Beware of Valentine's Day!

Beware Of Valentine’s Day!

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and you may be getting ready for some big fat kisses to come your way.

So even though at KiDDS Dental we’re concerned about cavities, gum disease, bad breath and lots of saliva, we won’t use this month’s blog entry to gross you out about kissing. But we will tell you some interesting facts that you can tell your loved ones right after they smack one on you!!

Anthropologists have argued for years about the origin of kissing. Many now believe that it has evolved from the time when mothers chewed food for their babies and then went mouth to mouth at feeding time. (Well, okay – we might gross you out a little bit!) This action became so comforting to babies that the habit continued even after they could chew for themselves, and then developed into a sign of affection.

Nowadays kisses aren’t just about romantic love. Of course parents kiss their children. Worshippers often kiss religious artifacts. Some people kiss the ground when exiting an airplane. And who doesn’t want to have a “boo boo” kissed when they get a bruise?

But February 14^th is a day for the romantic kind of kiss, and if you are craving one, there may be a scientific reason. While this action can promote a psychological response of warmth and affection, it also causes your brain to secrete some important and productive chemicals, such as:

·         Oxytocin, which helps people develop feelings of attachment, devotion and affection for one another

·         Dopamine, which plays a role in the brain's processing of emotions, pleasure and pain

·         Serotonin, which affects a person's mood and feelings

·         Adrenaline, which increases heart rate and plays a role in your body's fight-or-flight response

But along with that, when you kiss, hundreds or even millions of bacterial colonies can be spread from one person to another. And let’s face it – no one wants to kiss a person who has poor oral hygiene, bad breath, or just a generally yucky mouth. So let’s start with the basics:

·         Make sure you brush at least twice a day with a soft toothbrush and fluoridated toothpaste.

·         Floss once per day – if you have trouble flossing or are not sure how, please ask! We’ll be glad to show you the ropes.

·         Avoid sugary and acid-laden foods such as soft drinks, sports drinks, and candy. (Okay - we won’t tell anyone if you have a tiny bit of candy on Valentine’s Day!)

·         Eat a well balanced diet including lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits and vegetables, nuts and fiber.

·         If you need to slip in a piece of gum or breath mint, make sure it contains Xylitol, which has been proven to reduce tooth decay.

·         Drink plenty of water! This helps to rinse away food particles, and staying hydrated is good for fresh clean breath.

·         See you dentist on a regular basis and call immediately if you suspect there are any problems with your oral condition.

Here at KiDDS Dental, we want you to have a kissable February 14^th and a lifetime of excellent dental health. If you have any questions or need to set up an appointment, please give us a call at 509-891-7070. We are here for you!

The Power of the Pacifier. . .

I’m regularly questioned by concerned parents about pacifier use.  Some of them approach me with a shamed expression, clearly embarrassed about the situation they are in.  As a dentist, I understand these parents’ concern.   Others openly profess their love for their child’s fixation and assign pet names , such as “bubba,” “ginky,” “jar jar” or “pluggerdoodle,” to the one item they claim protects their sanity.  As a father, I understand this affection.  I often respond to both types of parents with the sentiment  “there is a time for everything . . . even the binky.  But, once that time has passed, move on. ”

I completely support the use of a pacifier by infants.   The action of rhythmic sucking optimizes an infant’s breathing and heart rate.  This explains why pacifiers are recommended to help prevent SIDS.  The use of a pacifier soothes a newborn.  In hospital nurseries, infants cry significantly less if they are given a pacifier between feedings.  Muscular movements of the digestive tract work most efficiently when a baby is sucking.  Sucking on a pacifier helps to re-regulate intestinal rhythms in babies with colic or digestive difficulties. 

 There is a point, though, when too much of a good thing spells trouble.  Children who have continued a sucking habit beyond infancy are regularly affected with crooked teeth, misaligned jaws and even speech impediments.   Problems with prolonged sucking can appear beyond the mouth, too.  One study has shown that children who did not use a pacifier had nearly one third less occurrence of ear infections.  Prolonged sucking habits can also affect a child’s interaction with others.  Children with a pacifier in their mouths can’t talk and for children who are shy, the pacifier creates an excuse to avoid expressing themselves.  This can stunt a child’s emotional and social growth.

So when is the right time to give up the binky?  Not during infancy.  There are both physical and psychological reasons to encourage the use of a pacifier through and beyond a baby’s first year.  Once a child has reached preschool age, however, there is no benefit to sucking.  Parents of children this age who haven’t given up the habit already should take measures to stop the habit before Kindergarten, especially if there are protruding, crooked teeth or their child’s lips are flaring and are difficult to close.  Another sign of an excessive habit is the continuation of sucking vigorously throughout the night.  If a sucking habit continues into a child’s school years, it is unlikely that the effects can be fixed without the help of an orthodontist.

There are steps that a parent can take at all stages of their child’s development.  Introducing the pacifier in the right way, early in life, sets up a child for successful weaning later in life.  Parents of infants should not offer a pacifier unless their baby is fussing.  When a child is fussing, they should first spend a moment to evaluate if something other than a pacifier might solve the problem.   To discover the underlying difficulty and then address it teaches even the youngest infant to deal with distress by problem-solving instead of mouth-filling.  Once a child has reached the status of toddler, a parent can introduce limits to the availability of a pacifier.  Offering a pacifier only at naptimes and at bedtime is one way to start the weaning process.  If a toddler seeks out his pacifier at other times, a parent can present distractions to help him engage in other, healthy activities.  As a toddler matures and starts to hone his reasoning and negotiating skills his parent can reinforce his lack of pacifier use with praise and rewards.   A parent can also foster an excitement about the process by introducing ceremonies to usher the child to a more mature and “grown up” phase of life.

Resolve now to determine what you, as a parent, should do to help your child move away from the use of a pacifier.  In the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, our office will be inviting the Pacifier Fairy to help encourage children at whatever stage they are in.  Children who visit KiDDS Dental during the event can meet the fairy, hear her read stories about other children who have stopped a sucking habit, and leave their pacifier on the Binky Tree in exchange for a gift.  Even if a child isn’t ready to let go of his binky, it is an opportunity for parents to introduce the idea of weaning and to expose the child to others who have succeeded.   It’s a positive experience where we emphasize the excitement of growing up.   

Call 509-891-7070 for more information or to sign up for the event.

This article was published in the January issue of Northwest Kids Magazine.

You Say You Want a Resolution?

Happy New Year!  How are your resolutions coming along?  If you are like most people, this list probably includes: go to the gym, lose weight, take tango lessons, call your mother more often, etc. . . But, let's face it -- EVERYONE has those resolutions, and they are all usually broken by the end of January.

So, let's shake it up a little this year and try ten "Dental Resolutions."  Get the whole family involved!  These resolutions are not only easy to keep, but can lead to a lifetime of excellent health.  Here they are!

1. CHANGE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH.  Most people hang on to their toothbrushes as if they have sentimental value.  The fact is, you should replace your brush every two  months or so.  If the bristles don't look almost brand new, chances are your teeth aren't being cleaned well and your toothbrush is harboring lots of yucky bacteria.
2. FLOSS EVERY DAY.  Flossing every day helps to prevent gum disease.  Not only can you keep your teeth for a lifetime, your chances of heart disease and other illnesses which are linked to unhealthy gums will significantly decrease.  If you have trouble flossing or are not sure how to do it, don't be embarrassed!  Our fantastic team will be glad to show you how.
3. WEAR YOUR SEATBELT.  We all know that seatbelts save lives, but even in a minor accident teeth can be shattered or damaged if your body is flung forward.  So buckle up and save your smile!
4. USE A MOUTHGUARD.  Dental damage from sports is extremely common and just about always preventable.  There's a reason everyone in the NFL wears a mouthguard, and it's not to scare their opponents.  Give us a call and we will fit you, your kids and their entire team with custom mouthguards.
5. GET RID OF SODAS AND SPORTS DRINKS.  We all need to hydrate, but we don't need excess sugar and artificial chemicals. These drinks are bad for your body and pull an all out assult on your pearly-whites.  Switching to water will not only be a big boost to your overall health, it will save you money as well!
6. TEETH ARE FOR CHEWING, BITING, AND SMILING.  Please don't use your teeth to open bottles, packages, or anything else. 
7. SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYE TEETH.  As if cancer, heart disease, emphysema, pregnancy issues and a host of chronic illnesses aren't enough reason to stop smoking, please be aware that this nasty habit stains your teeth, increases the risk of gum disease, and makes your breath smell like the monkey cage at the zoo.  Not only does it effect you, but it hurts your loved ones who have to endure the second hand smoke.  There are so many reasons to quit smoking so please make this the year.
8. BUT THEY ARE GOOD FOR YOU!  The battle cry of mothers all over the world is true for your oral health as well.  Yes, eating your veggies, fruits, legumes and nuts not only increases your overall health, it boosts your immunity which is great for your teeth and gums.  Added benefit:  crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery help clean plaque from teeth and freshen breath.
9. WHITEN YOUR SMILE.  There is no question that a nice smile increases your confidence and makes you more attractive to others.  There are so many easy and inexpensive ways to make your smile the best that it can be.  Give us a call or stop on in and we will be glad to show you how.
10. DON'T PUT OFF YOUR DENTAL VISITS.  We know that visiting the dentist may not be at the top of your "things to do" list for the New Year, but by visiting on a regular basis you can prevent huge (and expensive) dental problems from ever occurring.  It's a small investment with a big payoff -- a better smile, increased overall health, beautiful teeth and gums for life, fresh clean breath, and so much more.  Did you know that our hygienist sees adult patients?  Send her an e-mail at BeckyN@GrowUpSmiling.com today and get 2012 off to a great start!