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DEC/JAN/FEB 2022
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National Children’s Dental Health Month
HEALTHY HABITS START YOUNG!
of Pediatrics, you can start using fluoride toothpaste with your little ones at age 1. Because children will usually swallow most of the toothpaste you use to brush their teeth, only use a small amount, about the size of a grain of rice. Another thing to keep in mind is that sometimes, the fun toothpastes featuring the child’s favorite characters may not contain fluoride, which is a key ingredient. Speaking of fluoride, whether or not your home is on city or well water makes a difference. When a child’s permanent teeth are still developing, make sure they are still getting some type of systemic fluoride. Fluoride isn’t present in well water like it is in city water, so if you’re on well water, you’ll need to provide either fluoride chewable tablets or drops. This way, those little teeth will be less prone to cavities when their permanent teeth start coming in. When children are old enough, we recommend that the child brush their teeth themselves, and then either mom or dad can check to make sure they got all the spots. Sometimes, when they are young, their wrist won’t rotate as easily as an adult’s, or their mind may be preoccupied and not focused on brushing. At home, parents can keep an eye out for a few things in their child’s mouth. A dark spot that isn’t removed by brushing can be a cause for concern. Sometimes, children may fall and bruise a tooth, but if it doesn’t go away, something more serious is going on. Also, if you spot your child playing with a tooth repeatedly, this could be a sign it’s sensitive or it hurts, and they don’t have the words to tell you yet. If they avoid eating certain foods, this could also indicate something is wrong. I have two little kids at home and I’m constantly trying to get them in the habit of caring for their teeth correctly, and I know it isn’t always easy. Consistency and positive reinforcement is key. Healthy habits start young, and at Hagerstown Smiles, we are here to help in any way we can!
February is National Children's Dental Health Month and here at Hagerstown Smiles, we are passionate about the oral health of our young patients. When children come into the office, we help both the patient and their parents develop good oral care and routines at home at an early age to get a great start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. On average, we start seeing our young patients between 18 months and 3 years old for their first visit. The first time we have a child in our office, we welcome them for their “fun visit.” To help ease any anxiety about their first time in the dental chair, we take them on a little ride in the chair around the office. We also introduce them to all of the instruments we use, including the suction, Mr. Thirsty. We explain all of the sights and sounds of the dental office to remove the mystery and fear of the unknown. Our goal is to give children a positive experience so we don’t have anxious adults later on. Because we usually don’t start seeing patients until they are at least 18 months old, it is important for parents to get children into the habit of brushing their teeth both morning and night. According to the American Academy
–Dr. Brandy Behrens, DDS
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PUTTING THE ‘WISDOM’ BACK IN ‘WISDOM TEETH’
SCIENTISTS TOYWITH TEETH REGENERATION
Though they might have “wisdom” in their name, it might seem pretty unwise for our bodies to keep producing this third set of useless molars. However, centuries ago, our ancestors relied on wisdom teeth to gnaw through tough plants and meats. Today, we have meat tenderizers and knives to do the work for us, and wisdom teeth are regularly plucked from our mouths as they grow in.
protein production of Usag-1. In doing so, the ferrets who received the antibodies were able to grow more teeth than ferrets without Usag-1 antibodies. In other studies, like a 2014 Harvard study, lasers were used to activate gum tissue to stimulate tooth growth, much like in reptiles and sharks. If the laser technique can be improved and mass-produced, this could be a minimally invasive treatment option for tooth regeneration. While many more studies are required, the results are promising. Currently, dental implants and bridges serve to literally fill the gap left behind by missing or misaligned teeth. These procedures have become highly effective and provide patients with lasting, healthy smiles. However, if we could regenerate or grow new teeth, we could eliminate the need for these procedures. Right now, we’re still years away from the regrowth options. If you have missing or misaligned teeth, talk to your dental professional about your options. You may not have the ease or genealogical knowledge to grow a new set of pearly whites, but thanks to dental technology improvements, we can create a new smile that functions and looks just like the real thing. Now that’s wise!
Yet, some lucky humans don’t grow these “wisdom” teeth, and that evolution has scientists curious: What if humans could grow teeth to replace damaged or missing ones? Researchers have discovered that people who don’t grow wisdom teeth commonly have a gene labeled as Usag-1, or uterine sensitization- associated gene 1. (Real catchy.) This gene can control tissue growth, which means it can prohibit the generation of extra teeth by producing a protein that inhibits development.
In a recent test on ferrets — who surprisingly have human-like teeth — scientists used antibodies to limit the
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Coloring Contest! Name:
Draw us a picture about what you like most about coming to the dentist! Please complete and return via mail or drop off at the office by Feb. 28. Prize: $25 giftcard to Target and a homecare package.
CARING FOR YOUR CHILDREN’S TEETH YOUR CHILD’S TEETH COME FIRST
On Feb. 8, 1949, the American Dental Association (ADA) first celebrated National Children’s Dental Health. However, it didn’t become a commemoration that lasted a month until 1981. Now, over 40 years later, the dental health of children is still promoted and spotlighted in February. Tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood dental problem, and focusing on awareness of proper children’s dental health is paramount. For a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, oral habits must start early. As a parent or caregiver, prioritize your child’s visits to the dental office for regular checkups and cleanings at least twice a year. With every visit, your child will become more and more comfortable with the dentist.
In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, you can do a few things at home to make sure you’re keeping up with your child’s oral health. First, replace their toothbrush every 3–4 months. As the bristles get frayed, the effectiveness diminishes. To keep kids interested in brushing, you can even let them pick out their own toothbrush. When you get home and they use their toothbrush, check their brushing technique. Make sure they are getting all surfaces of their teeth, including the back of their last tooth. If they don't floss already, take the time to teach them how, making sure they are gentle on their gums. This month is the perfect time to pay special attention to the oral health of your children and make sure they have all the tools to properly care for their little mouths and teeth!
TAKE A BREAK
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INSIDE National Children’s Dental Health Month page 1 What if We Could Regenerate Our Teeth?! page 2
Caring for the Teeth of Our Little Ones page 3
Take a Break page 3
Why Do Your Ears Pop on Flights? page 4
AIRPLANE EARS
THE SCIENCE BEHIND YOUR EARS POPPING ON FLIGHTS
When it comes to flying on an airplane, you can avoid cramped legs by upgrading to first class or catch a view by picking the window seat. However, there’s no getting around your ears popping during takeoff and landing. Believe it or not, there is a scientific explanation behind this common annoyance. As you read this, you’re likely not on an airplane, and the air pressure on either side of your eardrums is equal. Air is currently passing right on through your eustachian tube, a narrow passage that leads from your middle ear cavity to your pharynx and allows for pressure to be equalized on each side of your
eardrums. When you’re in flight on an airplane, air pressure is not equal. During both ascent and descent, your eardrums stretch to try to adapt to the changes. In order to equalize the pressure, your eustachian tube needs to open and close. When it does, your ears pop! Usually, the ear popping is irritating but nothing more. However, in rare cases, the pressure can lead to ear pain and even loss in hearing, especially if your ears don’t pop. In this case, you may need to make an effort to get your eustachian tube to open by yawning, talking, or swallowing. Sucking on a piece of
candy, swallowing some water, or chewing gum may also help! One of the best things you can do is make sure you are not sleeping as the airplane takes off or lands because your eustachian tube isn’t able to open and close normally. If you commonly struggle with congestion or sore ears on flights, taking a nasal decongestant before you board may ensure that your eustachian tube is not blocked. If your hearing and ears do not return to normal shortly after the flight, be sure to schedule an appointment to see your health care professional as soon as possible.
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