Summer Safety: Watch Your Mouth!

Summer Safety: Watch Your Mouth!

With school almost out and great weather ahead, summer is a time when most kids get out and play—whether it’s in the water, on a bicycle, or out on a sports field. Unfortunately, with many summer activities, there is a higher risk of facial injury. Many dentists see an increase in facial trauma that leads to tooth loss or other damage, simply due to the increase in outdoor and sports activities.

Here are a few of the most common summer activities that could put your teeth at risk, and suggestions for ways you can prevent injury this season.

Playing Contact Sports

Whether you prefer to take the field for a game of soccer, hit the courts for a quick game of basketball, or play baseball, softball, or football this season, contact sports can be dangerous. This is especially true in sports like baseball, softball, and soccer, where mouth guards and facemasks are not mandatory, or in pick-up games that you’re just playing for fun with friends, since you often don’t wear the same protective gear as you would when you’re playing in an official game or league.

The Academy of General Dentistry estimates that about 1 in 3 facial injuries are sports-related, but mouth guards prevent more than 200,000 injuries every year, so they should be a critical part of your sports uniform, even for casual games. This is especially true if you have braces or other orthodontic work, which can cause mouth cuts, jaw injuries, and other damage to your teeth.

You can buy stock mouth guards “off the shelf” that are standard sizes, although they provide limited protection because they are not customized specifically for you. A better option is the mouth-formed guards that you boil and bite to fit to your mouth, or a custom mouth protector that you get from your dentist. The latter is the best option because it is made specifically for your mouth, but it is also the most expensive option. In some cases, a custom-fit mouth guard from your dentist may be covered by dental insurance, so check with your provider to find out.

Activities on Wheels

There are plenty of fun ways to get out on a set of wheels during the summer—including skateboards, roller skates, rollerblades, bicycles, motorcycle, dirt bikes, and more. Unfortunately these activities also pose a risk for injuries that range from head trauma to broken bones, cuts and scrapes, and facial trauma, including broken or damaged teeth, missing teeth, and mouth cuts, to name a few.

If you’re planning an activity on wheels, use caution to avoid crashing. Try to stay away from busy roads or highways, always wear a helmet and other protective gear (including mouth guards), and for particularly dangerous activities such as motorcycles, BMX/bike stunts, mountain biking on technical trails, or dirt bikes, consider a helmet that includes a face guard.

Summer is a great time to be outside, and if you take proper precautions to protect your face, jaw, mouth, and teeth, you can have a lot of fun without the pain and suffering from facial trauma. Talk to your dentist today to find out the best way to protect yourself during your favorite summer activities.

Dental 360° – Utah February Issue

Dental 360° – Utah February Issue

We are back from taking a break during the busy holiday season and are excited to be with you in 2023! In this February issue of Dental 360°, you’ll learn about what to expect at your child’s first dental visit. You’ll also read about National Children’s Dental Health Month as well as the impact we are having in our local community here in Utah through our Give Kids a Smile® event. We are excited to continue to share about our dental offer that started February 6 that’s making all our patients smile!

Roseman Dental’s Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, dental residents and students, and dental assistants and hygienists all focused on you and your family’s oral health. We offer comprehensive care, are a one-stop shop for all your dental needs and offer dental care at a cost up to 50% lower than what you would find at a traditional dental office. Roseman Dental has been serving its community since 2011 and we look forward to continuing to serve you and your family.

We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you each month.

Dental 360° February Articles

National Children’s Dental Health Month
First Dental Visit for Your Lil’ One: What to Expect?
Give Kids a Smile® provides estimated $462,600 in dental care to hundreds of Salt Lake City Area children
Smile, your dental offer is waiting

 

Dental 360° – Nevada February Issue

Dental 360° – Nevada February Issue

We are back from taking a break during the busy holiday season and are excited to be with you in 2023! In this February issue of Dental 360°, you’ll learn about what to expect at your child’s first dental visit and how oral health is tied to overall heart health. You’ll also read about National Children’s Dental Health Month as well as the impact we are having in the community surrounding our South Jordan, UT location through our Give Kids a Smile® event. We are also very excited to announce that we are now offering same-day crowns!

Roseman Dental & Orthodontics’ Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, orthodontists, orthodontic residents – 30 to be exact, and dental residents all focused on you and your family’s oral health. Roseman Dental & Orthodontics has been serving its community since 2009 and is a comprehensive, one-stop shop for all your dental needs including dental, pediatric, orthodontic and craniofacial cleft lip & palate treatment.

We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you each month.

 

Dental 360° Winter Articles

National Children’s Dental Health Month
First Dental Visit for Your Lil’ One: What to Expect?
Pediatric Dental Health Month: How Oral Health Ties to Overall Heart Health
Give Kids a Smile® provides estimated $462,600 in dental care to hundreds of Salt Lake City Area children

 

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National Children’s Dental Health Month

National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), a month dedicated to promoting the importance of dental health in children.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), NCDHM began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 3, 1941. The ADA held the first national observance of Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. The single day observance became a week-long event in 1955. In 1981, the program was extended to a month-long observance known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month. Since 1941, the observance has grown from a two-city event into a nationwide program. NCDHM messages reach thousands of people in communities across the country and at numerous armed services bases.

The theme for this year’s NCDHM is “Brush, Floss, Smile.” It is so important to develop good habits at an early age. Taking your children to the dentist every six months assists children in getting a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. To get started on teaching your children good oral hygiene habits, take a look at the below “Healthy Smile Tips.” For ways to prepare for your very first dental visit with your child, click here.

  • Brush your teeth 2x/day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Clean between your teeth daily.
  • Eat healthy foods and limit sugary beverages.
  • See your dentist at least twice a year.

Dental health in children is key to their overall health and success in school and in life. We are dedicated to helping your children learn the importance of oral health and to make it fun. In honor of this month, below you will find some activities you can do at home with your children that are focused on teaching about dental health.

 

Fun Activity Sheets for Children (English)

Hojas de Actividades Divertidas para Niños (Español)

Additional Activity Sheets (English/Spanish)

For more information, or for reduced-cost, compassionate dental care for the entire family, schedule an appointment by calling 801-878-1200 (UT) or 702-968-5222 (NV).

First Dental Visit for your Lil’ One: What to Expect?

First Dental Visit for your Lil’ One: What to Expect?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends all children be seen by a dentist no later than 12 months of age.  Because baby teeth are vital for proper nutrition intake for the many years to come, it is important to have them evaluated periodically starting from a young age.  Building an early rapport with the dental team also allows children to have the opportunity to get used to the dental setting so that if any treatment needs arise in the future, they would have already developed a sense of comfort and familiarity with the dentist and staff.

The first dental visit for an infant usually comprises of a thorough visual exam and fluoride gel application.  We check to see if the appropriate numbers of teeth are present, how well those teeth are being brushed, presence of anomalies and pathology, and of course any presence of dental cavities.  Your pediatric dentist will discuss and demonstrate how to properly maintain your baby’s oral hygiene and give you recommendations on food items to avoid in preventing the formation of tooth decay.  This appointment is also a great opportunity to bring up any issues and questions you may have that are specific to your child, some of which may include: thumb sucking, pacifier use, weaning of breast milk/bottle, and teething symptoms.  Some children may have a lip or tongue tie which can also be evaluated and treated during this early visit.

Most infants and young toddlers are unable to sit by themselves in the dental chair so the dentist may use the lap- to-lap technique to perform a proper examination.  This is done with the parent and the dentist sitting across from each other, knees touching.  Your child will sit on you facing your direction so you can talk to your baby and offer words of fun and excitement.  You will then gently lean your child back so that his/her head is lying on top of the dentist’s lap.  While the dentist is checking all the teeth and painting on fluoride gel, you may be asked to hold your baby’s hands for stabilization and continue to talk to and comfort your child.  You will also be able to see very clearly what the dentist is doing and showing you.  It is normal and expected for young children to be a little frightened and nervous for their first dental visit.  In this gentle, non-threatening position, your child stays in close proximity to you at all times and anxiety is thus minimized.

For exceptionally independent toddlers and older children that show an interest in further participation, a professional cleaning can also be performed by the dental hygienist during the same appointment.  This process is very similar to dental cleaning for adults except children usually don’t have as much plaque and tartar build-up so the duration is usually much shorter in time.  Your child can either lie down in the dental chair or you can even have your child lay on top of you to make the experience more comforting.  We often spend a significant amount of time showing kids the different instruments we use, using analogies and examples in a playful manner that are easy to understand for them.  Some kids don’t like lying down all the way so we have them sit up or recline only partially.  We make our best effort in making these early cleaning visit easy and fun for young children.

Depending on your child’s specific dental anatomy and development, the dentist may also want to take between two to four x-rays to diagnose potential problems such as decay or developmental anomalies.

Before making that first appointment, make sure to do some research so you can find the right doctor for your child.  Most infants and toddlers will receive a more positive experience with a pediatric dentist who is specifically experienced in communicating with children in a comfortable manner and is well-trained in diagnosing and treating a comprehensive array of oral issues.

Because everybody has a different personality, it is important to take your child to the dentist for the first time with an open mind.  Be emotionally and verbally supportive to your little one but do allow the dental professionals to communicate with your child in their own ways.  Try to stay calm and positive even if your toddler refuses to do what is being asked of them at the moment or becomes upset.  With age and maturity, most children eventually love going in for their dental check-ups.  Just remember to bring your camera so you can keep memories of these fun early experiences!

Author: Dr. Alice Chen, Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

Dental 360° – Nevada Winter Issue

Dental 360° – Nevada Winter Issue

The holidays are here! In this Winter issue of Dental 360°, you’ll learn about the pros and cons of teeth whitening, find out how to tell the difference between a sinus infection and tooth pain, gain insight into the dangers of “button” batteries, and learn why cheaper & convenient isn’t always better when it comes to your teeth. We are also very excited to announce that starting in February we will be offering same-day crowns!

Roseman Dental & Orthodontics’ Dental 360° is a monthly e-newsletter. Each month you’ll receive a panoramic view of dental health. Dental health is key to your overall health and here at Roseman Dental & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to improving not only your mouth, but your whole self. At our clinic we have an excellent team of licensed dentists, orthodontists, orthodontic residents – 30 to be exact, and dental residents all focused on you and your family’s oral health. Roseman Dental & Orthodontics has been serving its community since 2009 and is a comprehensive, one-stop shop for all your dental needs including dental, orthodontic and craniofacial cleft lip & palate treatment.

We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you each month.

Dental 360° Winter Articles

Teeth Whitening: The Pros & Cons
Can A Sinus Infection Lead to Tooth Pain?
The Dangers of “Button” Batteries
Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Aligners – Why Cheaper & Convenient Isn’t Always Better, Especially When it Comes to Your Teeth
Same-Day Crowns (CAD/CAM)

 

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