Welcome to the first issue of Roseman Dental’s Dental 360° 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 are a one stop shop for all your dental needs and offer dental care at a cost typically 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.
This month is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), a month-long national health observance started by the American Dental Association (ADA) that is dedicated to promoting the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others. This year’s NCDHM theme is “Water, Nature’s Drink” because this year marks 75 years of water fluoridation.
Water Fluoridation
Water Fluoridation is the addition of fluoride to drinking water to increase the natural fluoride level up to the recommended level that helps prevent cavities. Almost 75 percent of the U.S. population is served by fluoridated community water systems as of 2012. According to the ADA, more than 70 years of research has consistently shown that an optimal level of fluoride in community water is safe and effective and it prevents tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. Fluoride fights cavities by assisting in rebuilding (remineralizing) weakened tooth enamel and reverses early signs of tooth decay. Did you know that tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases in children? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than 25% of 2- to 5-year-olds have one or more cavities, half of kids 12- to 15-years old have one or more cavities and tooth decay affects two thirds of 16- to 19-year-olds. If you and your family drink tap water, bottled water with fluoride or use fluoride toothpaste, you are helping to prevent cavities. That’s simple to do, right?
There is some controversy over water fluoridation, but the ADA, the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the World Health Organization (WHO), among many other national and international organizations, endorse community water fluoridation. In addition, the CDC recognized fluoridation of water as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.
Too Much Fluoride?
Fluoride is safe and effective when used properly and in the correct doses. It is possible to get too much fluoride; however, typically children are the ones effected when they are exposed to excessive fluoride for an extended period when they are young. This is called dental fluorosis. Because water fluoridation is monitored in the United States, children can get dental fluorosis when they swallow too much fluoride toothpaste. To prevent this from happening, make sure to watch your children when they brush their teeth to ensure that they are spitting the toothpaste out instead of swallowing it.
As we make our way through February, work on teaching your kids the importance of having good oral health. This month’s issue of Dental 360° has articles that can assist you with making oral health fun for your family. If you’re looking for some fun activities centered around NCDHM, download the ADA’s set of activity sheets below.
If you are struggling to make ends meet, don’t sacrifice your oral health. Roseman Dental is offering a $250 Dental Care Voucher through the end of March for new and existing patients. Learn more about it here.
We hope you find Dental 360° helpful and informative. We look forward to connecting with you monthly.
Welcome to the first issue of Roseman Dental’s Dental 360° 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, orthodontists, orthodontic residents – 30 to be exact, and dental residents all focused on you and your family’s oral health. Roseman Dental has been serving its community since 2009 and is a one stop shop for all your dental needs.
This month is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM), a month-long national health observance started by the American Dental Association (ADA) that is dedicated to promoting the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others. This year’s NCDHM theme is “Water, Nature’s Drink” because this year marks 75 years of water fluoridation.
Water Fluoridation
Water Fluoridation is the addition of fluoride to drinking water to increase the natural fluoride level up to the recommended level that helps prevent cavities. Almost 75 percent of the U.S. population is served by fluoridated community water systems as of 2012. According to the ADA, more than 70 years of research has consistently shown that an optimal level of fluoride in community water is safe and effective and it prevents tooth decay by at least 25% in both children and adults. Fluoride fights cavities by assisting in rebuilding (remineralizing) weakened tooth enamel and reverses early signs of tooth decay. Did you know that tooth decay remains one of the most common diseases in children? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) more than 25% of 2- to 5-year-olds have one or more cavities, half of kids 12- to 15-years old have one or more cavities and tooth decay affects two thirds of 16- to 19-year-olds. If you and your family drink tap water, bottled water with fluoride or use fluoride toothpaste, you are helping to prevent cavities. That’s simple to do, right?
There is some controversy over water fluoridation, but the ADA, the United States Public Health Service (USPHS), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the World Health Organization (WHO), among many other national and international organizations, endorse community water fluoridation. In addition, the CDC recognized fluoridation of water as one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th century.
Too Much Fluoride?
Fluoride is safe and effective when used properly and in the correct doses. It is possible to get too much fluoride; however, typically children are the ones affected when they are exposed to excessive fluoride for an extended period when they are young. This is called dental fluorosis. Because water fluoridation is monitored in the United States, children can get dental fluorosis when they swallow too much fluoride toothpaste. To prevent this from happening, make sure to watch your children when they brush their teeth to ensure that they are spitting the toothpaste out instead of swallowing it.
As we make our way through February, work on teaching your children the importance of having good oral health. This month’s issue of Dental 360° has articles that can assist you with making oral health fun for your family. If you’re looking for some fun activities centered around NCDHM, download the ADA’s set of activity sheets below.
Roseman Dental is pleased to offer new and existing patients a voucher for dental care. The voucher can be used towards the cost of a comprehensive or periodic exam and necessary radiographs up to $119.00, and an additional $100.00 for needed dental care, for a total value up to $229.
The offer has been extended from Monday, February 7, 2022, through Monday, March 31, 2022. At Roseman Dental, your health is our #1 priority.
Oral health is central to your overall health. Oral health includes your teeth, mouth and surrounding craniofacial structures (skull & face). Having good oral health assists in improving your ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow, and make facial expressions to show feelings and emotions.
To keep up on your oral health you should be
Brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste
Drinking water with fluoride
Flossing daily
Eating a balanced diet
Limiting sweet snacks between meals
Staying away from sugary foods and drinks and try not to sip or eat on them all day. If you want a sugary food or drink, have one at mealtimes.
Visiting your dentist regularly
If good oral health is not maintained, you are at risk of things such as cavities and periodontal disease, both of which can impact your overall health.
Barriers to Good Oral Health
Limited access to and availability of dental services
Lack of awareness of the need for care
Cost
Fear of the dentist/dental procedures
With the voucher*, Roseman Dental hopes to eliminate the cost barrier for you and your family. Let’s make 2022 a year dedicated to our oral and overall health.
Often times, parents wonder when they should start taking their child to the dentist. It is in fact sooner than you may think! You cannot be too early to start your child with their oral hygiene care routine. The American Association of Pediatric Dentists recommends that parents establish a dental home for their child by the time the first tooth erupts or by their first birthday. The dentist can examine your child’s teeth and ensure there are no concerns early on.
Why are Baby Teeth Important if They’re Just Going to Fall Out?
Indeed, the baby teeth or primary teeth are going to be lost. Parents ask, “So then why is it so important to take my 1 year old to the dentist?” Baby teeth are so important because they are replaced by permanent teeth. This is why it is crucial to maintain the health of the baby teeth so they are able to save space for the teeth replacing them. Poor oral hygiene such as not brushing or not using fluoridated toothpaste sufficiently can lead to decay in teeth which can potentially give rise to infections or even spread to new adult teeth which are erupting just below.
A common oral health risk for infants is the baby bottle. When your child consumes sugary liquid, the bacteria in their mouth start to flourish and cause decay which can break down their teeth. To avoid this, as a safer option you may give them a bottle of water before they sleep or you may use a wet washcloth to wipe their gums and teeth if they must absolutely have milk at night.
Oral Health Tips You Need to Know
We recommend the following tips to ensure that your child is on their way to a healthy mouth and healthy life:
Visit the dentist routinely at least every 6 months
Use about a grain size of fluoridated toothpaste for baby teeth as teeth start to erupt. For kids ages 2-6, you can use a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste and ensure that they are not swallowing it
Lay your child down facing away from you with their head between your legs and begin flossing as early as their teeth begin to touch
Use a damp washcloth to wipe teeth and gums after any food or drink for infants
Avoid an excess of sugary drinks or snacks between meals because this can increase the chances of cavities forming
Keep them hydrated – water not only helps to rinse away sugars that can cause cavities, but also provides a natural source of fluoride for their teeth!
Tiny teeth are just as important as big teeth. Contact Roseman Dental today if your little one is in need of a dentist.
Tanisha Khurana DMD Candidate Class of 2023
Roseman University College of Dental Medicine
ASDA Chapter Fundraising Chair
Pediatric Club Outreach Coordinator
