January 21st, 2016
While most parents understand the benefits of having a pediatrician for their child instead of simply a general doctor, it’s not often clean why a pediatric dentist is just as necessary and preferable over a general dentist. Choosing a pediatric dentist will ensure that the development is going as it should, along with establishing good dental habits that will last a lifetime.
What sets us apart?
Pediatric Dentists only treat children and have 2 additional years of specialized education to earn our title. From kid-friendly office designs to our unique communication style, our area of expertise offers the best care for your child.
Our goal as a pediatric dental office is to help all children feel good about visiting the dentist and teach them how to care for their teeth. We’ll even set up a “friendly visit” to help alleviate any fears your child may have. Pleasant visits to the dental office establish trust and confidence in your child that will set a precedent for dental visits later on.
Pediatric dentists also have special training in helping children with special needs. We encourage you to reach out to us about your child's unique situation.
What about teens?
Adolescents require special attention too. In addition to orthodontic needs that are best addressed in the teen years, decaying or poorly situated teeth can make them more self-conscious. As teens take on more responsibility for their own diet, and as they adjust to busy schedules we often see a tendency to eat more unhealthy snack foods that can become a major part of their diet. We provide a positive approach to restoring and guiding teeth, and teaching preventive dental health care throughout the teenage years.
Our ultimate goal is to make our dental practice a comfortable and inviting place. We hope you’ll let us show you how we accomplish that!
January 15th, 2015
More teenagers have tried Electronic Cigarettes than adults, with statistics showing as many as 10% of high school students having tried the latest trend in smoking compared with only 2.7% of adults. E-cig use has exploded in the past few years, and many people claim to have stopped smoking traditional cigarettes because of them. While many users also believe e-cigarettes to be safer than regular cigarettes, no definitive studies have proven that they are a safe alternative.
When looking at e-cigarettes and oral health, especially in relation to teenagers, it’s important to remember that an e-cigarette is still primarily a nicotine delivery device and there’s little debate as to the effects of nicotine on the body.
What is nicotine?
Nicotine is a stimulant that, when inhaled, is absorbed by the lungs into the blood stream and passed within seconds to the brain. As a drug, nicotine works by both stimulating the user through low doses and relaxing the user in higher concentrations. As evidenced by the large number of people addicted to tobacco products, nicotine is seen as one of the most addictive drugs available. Interestingly, nicotine has a history of use as an insecticide but isn't commonly used today because of it's danger to animals and people.
How does nicotine harm oral health?
Nicotine is a chemical compound known for it's vasoconstrictor properties, which means that it works by narrowing blood vessels and reducing blood flow throughout the body. When blood flow is frequently reduced to the gums, there is a dramatic increase in the likelihood of periodontal (gum) disease. Less blood delivered to the gums means less oxygen and fewer nutrients. This can result in symptoms such as bleeding gums, redness, bad breath and even tooth loss.
Better than cigarettes?
The truth is, no one is completely sure about the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes which can make them a particular concern for adolescents. Many teenagers are smoking e-cigarettes because they feel they are safe or cool. Regardless of how it’s delivered, however, nicotine is still a highly addictive drug that should be avoided by everyone, especially growing teens. With few laws banning their use among young people, it’s important to educate your children about the potential hazards of this growing trend.
