Did you know Apples can clean your teeth when a toothbrush isn’t handy?

We've all heard the expression "an apple a day keeps the doctor away." But perhaps that should be changed to dentist. In addition to being good for your health, apples are also quite good for your teeth. In fact, if you find yourself without a toothbrush, an apple can fill in nicely.

Apples actually act like toothbrushes because of their fiber-rich flesh. This works like a scrub on not only your teeth, but your tongue and gums as well. An apple can also help remove food particles that are hiding out between your teeth and sticking to your gums.

As well as cleaning your teeth, because they are mildly acidic and slightly astringent, apples can also help get rid of plaque and stains. On top of that, apples can freshen breath. Is there nothing this super fruit can't do? The next time you have an after lunch meeting and forgot your toothbrush, head down to the cafeteria and grab an apple instead.

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What if My Product Isn't ADA-Approved?

The American Dentistry Association seal of approval is awarded to consumer oral hygiene products that meet ADA-defined standards. The seal is intended to help consumers make informed choices about the products they use.

Products that are ADA-approved have undergone extensive testing for safety and efficacy, to ensure that any claims made about them are factually correct. Companies that submit products for assessment have to submit ingredient lists and data from laboratory studies and clinical trials that support the product claims, and show that the product is being made using good manufacturing practices. Each product is assessed by around 100 consultants, from a variety of scientific disciplines relevant to oral health and hygiene. Once a product has been approved, the packaging is required to display the ADA seal.

So is it okay to use products that are not ADA-approved? If a product hasn't been approved, that doesn't automatically mean it's unsafe or ineffective—but using ADA-approved products takes the guesswork out of choosing and using effective products. For example, if an ADA-approved toothpaste claims to be effective at preventing tooth decay, the presence of the seal means you can be sure it's a valid claim. Many Crest, Aim, Listerine and Tom products are ADA approved, just to name a few.

Radiation Risks? The Truth about Dental X-Rays

Often, a family trip to the dentist will feature the use of an x-ray camera. The dental hygienists will cover you or your children with a heavy apron and make you chomp on some bitewings, while the camera moves and clicks around you. Of course, the images produced by the x-rays have a purpose: cavities, jawbone degradation, and other oral health issues are made easily visible, allowing the dentist to address these issues directly. However, x-rays are a form of radiation, and some people are concerned with that exposing someone to dental x-rays will cause cancer. These concerns are especially strong for parents taking their children to the dentist.

X-rays are a type of ionizing radiation, and ionizing radiation has been shown to cause cancer. Ionizing radiation, upon passing through the body, strip electrons from the atoms this energy passes. The resulting protons, known as free radicals, then can damage the cells of the body. While these cells return to normal most of the time, on rare occasions the cells will heal with some abnormalities. These abnormal cells, consequently, can grow into cancer. From this alone, people believe that dental x-rays will cause cancer.

However, you’re always exposed to ionizing radiation. On average, your body is exposed to 3.1 millisieverts (mSv) of natural radiation alone per year. At .005 mSv, the radiation you receive from the aforementioned dental x-ray is less than 1.6% of your daily background radiation exposure. You are exposed to the same level of radiation just from sunlight each day. Additionally, each x-ray is an individual dose rather than constant exposure, which is another factor in the cancer risks of radiation exposure. X-rays only increase the odds of dying of cancer by 1 in 2,000; compare this to the natural 1 in 5 chance you have of dying of cancer.

Moreover, there are precautions in place for younger patients to help minimize their exposure. Technically, children do have a higher risk of developing cancer from radiation than adults, so dentists make up for it with stricter safety measures. Lead aprons are almost ubiquitous, but many doctors will also reduce the amount of radiation emitted by the camera when taking x-ray images of pediatric patients. The same precautions can be given to pregnant women, as fetuses are assumed to be just as vulnerable as children. Your children could be receiving special considerations regarding radiation exposure risks already.

Ultimately, the benefits of detecting an oral health issue as early as possible far outweighs the negligible cancer risk. Not only are healthy teeth and gums alone something worth keeping, but many recent studies have shown connections between oral health and overall bodily health as well. Being able to detect and address these issues is paramount to your health and your children’s health. So, the next time your dentist readies the bitewings and camera, don’t be afraid. The benefits are high, the risk is low, and the dentist is likely being extra careful with your children anyways.

Peach Smiles: PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTH BY PEACH SMILES, LAWRENC...

Peach Smiles: PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTH BY PEACH SMILES, LAWRENC...: PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTH DENTAL VISITS For most women,  routine dental visits are safe during pregnancy,  but be sure to let y...

PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTH BY PEACH SMILES, LAWRENCEVILLE DENTIST

PREGNANCY AND ORAL HEALTH

DENTAL VISITS

For most women, routine dental visits are safe during pregnancy, but be sure to let your dental office know what stage of pregnancy you are in when you make your appointment. Tell your dentist of any change in the medications you take or if you have received any special advice from your physician. If you have a high-risk pregnancy or you have some other medical condition, your dentist and your physician may recommend that treatment be postponed.

CHANGES IN YOUR MOUTH

During pregnancy some women may find they are prone to pregnancy gingivitis—a mild form of gum disease that causes gums to be red, tender and sore. You can prevent gingivitis by keeping your teeth clean. Your dentist may recommend more frequent cleanings to help control gingivitis. If you notice any changes in your mouth during pregnancy, see your dentist. If gingivitis is not treated, it can lead to more serious gum disease.

DIET DURING PREGNANCY

Did you know that your baby’s teeth will begin to develop between the third and sixth months? That’s why you need a sufficient quantity of nutrients—especially vitamins A, C, and D, protein, calcium and phosphorous. While it’s normal for pregnant woman to have the desire to eat more, frequent snacking can be an invitation to tooth decay.  When you do snack, choose foods that are low in sugar and nutritious for you and your baby such as raw fruits and vegetables, yogurt, or cheese, and make sure to follow your physician’s advice regarding diet.

X-RAYS DURING PREGNANCY

Dental X-rays are sometimes necessary if you suffer a dental emergency or need a dental problem diagnosed. Your dentist or hygienist will cover you with a leaded apron that minimizes exposure to the abdomen. Your dental office will also whenever possible cover your throat with a leaded thyroid collar to protect the thyroid from radiation.

MORNING SICKNESS AND DENTAL EROSION

Feeling queasy? Did you know that the acids from your stomach while throwing up can cause serious damage to your teeth? Do not brush your teeth right after you have thrown up.  If you have morning sickness and are vomiting frequently, try rinsing with a teaspoon of baking soda mixed with water to stop stomach acid from attacking your teeth.

AFTER CHILD BIRTH

Continue taking care of your mouth and your baby’s mouth, too. Although newborns usually have no visible teeth, most baby teeth begin to appear generally about six months after birth. Begin cleaning your baby’s mouth during the first few days after birth by wiping the gums with a clean, moist gauze pad or washcloth. As soon as teeth appear, decay can occur.

 If you have any questions about Pregnancy and Oral Health or to make an appointment to see us, Call us at 770-609-6620 or visit us at WWW. PEACHSMILES.COM for Valuable Coupons and Specials. Our prices are 40 % Off Regular Prices. Call us before noon and we will see you the Same Day. We accept most insurances. We are conveniently located on Sugarloaf Parkway next to HWY 316. PEACH SMILES provides Affordable dental care with outstanding customer service to patients in Lawrenceville, Lilburn, Duluth, Suwanee and surrounding areas.

OFFICE ADDRESS

4825 Sugarloaf Parkway, Suite A

Lawrenceville, GA 30044

info@peachsmiles.com

770-609-6620

www.peachsmiles.com

5 THINGS PARENTS CAN DO TO MAKE THEIR CHILDREN MORE COMFORTABLE GOING TO THE DENTIST

By PEACH SMILES

AFFORDABLE LAWRENCEVILLE DENTIST

Parent’s, it is very important that you instill good dental habits to your children. Routine dental visits are no exception, these appointments are important to their maintenance of our health.

We understand that a trip to the dentist every six months can be trivial to adults, but children can see things in a different light.  It may be scary for the little ones who don’t remember the last visit or get confused that they are seeing their pediatrician. They even are intimidated by the unfamiliarity if they have only been to the dentist once or twice.

As documented by the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, the leading “cause of childhood illness results from tooth decay”. Studies show that nearly 16 million children in the United States have tooth decay that has been treated by a dentist.  Overall health and all phases of life, not only teeth are affected by tooth decay and oral problems that started at a young age.

Making your child go to the dentist can be challenging for any parent.  Especially if their siblings or friends at school had a negative or unsettling experience.  Even if you are unaware of how your child is going to react when it comes to dental checkups, be prepared.  Here are five things our dentists at Peach Smiles recommend you can do to help them have a positive experience and actually look forward to their visit.

1.   BE HONEST AND ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR FEELINGS

If it not a checkup and they are visiting because they need dental work, be honest. I know it would be easier to just wait for the dentist to explain how the cavities are treated.  However, mom or dad can use words they understand or are nonthreatening to them.

If your child is scared, ask them to tell what they are scared about specifically. Listen and acknowledge how they are feeling and let them know you understand.  Answer all of their questions, then tell them about your positive experiences that you or a younger family member (sibling) has had. 

Let them know it will be okay and that although they might be scared, they will feel much better after the appointment.

2.   TELL THEM ABOUT WHAT THEY CAN EXPECT TO HAPPEN

Fear usually comes from not knowing what is going to happen at the appointment.  When you make the appointment ask the office staff to go over the steps of the procedure so you can explain it to your child. Going on our dental website can be very beneficial. It can also help them to remember the office and staff.   This will help them visually see what will happen at their appointment.  The morning of the appointment as you brush your child’s teeth, let them know that the dentist will be doing a similar type of thing at the appointment.  The more positive input they hear, the calmer they will be about the appointment.

3.   MAKE IT AN EXCITING TRIP

The website is an excellent tool for creating excitement, make it a fun story, this will create some enthusiasm and spark some curiosity.  Let them know that the Dentist has a play area and prizes for them.  Make going to the dentist an adventure and they are the leader of the adventure.  Use encouraging and reassuring language when talking about the going to the dentist; make it a positive not a negative.

4.   DENTIST ARE “GOOD GUYS” NOT “BAD GUYS”:  Let them know that the dentist care for the teeth like Superman cares for the people of Gotham City.  The dentist wants to take care of his teeth and protect them from the Sugar Bugs so they will be healthy all of his life.  Explain that going to the dental checkups, along with brushing and flossing help his teeth grow up to be great and tough.  Just like Superman.  According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, your child should visit the dentist twice a year.  When your child starts getting his/her baby teeth usually around the age of 1, is when your child should have the first dental visit.  The next appointment will be scheduled twice a year after the first visit.

5.   BE THERE WITH YOUR CHILD:  Remember how important it was to have your mom or dad there when you were unsure about something?  Being there physically during your child’s dental checkup can reassure the feeling of confidence and safety.  Especially if your child suffers from separation anxiety if he is not with you or daddy.  Make sure you let the office know when you schedule the appointment that you intend to stay with your child during the entire appointment.  Make sure this is okay with the dentist and will not interfere with other patients.  Then let your child know that you will be there with them for the entire visit.

If you have any questions about dental health, please call Peach Smiles, Lawrenceville dentist at 770-609-6620. You can also check us at our website www.peachsmiles.com