Summer is in full swing, and most of the kiddos have a more relaxed schedule during the sunny days of summer. While this is a great time of year to rest and recharge, don’t let their dental routine fall by the wayside. Whether it is a promise to floss daily, or a quest to brush 2 minutes twice a day, most people find that these goals are lost in the fun and chaos that this season brings. This doesn’t have to be the case and we want each child’s next checkup to be a great one!
Cavities never take the summer off! Dental disease, including cavities and gum disease, is one of the most prevalent health conditions in the United States. A study completed by the CDC estimates that 23.7% of adults and 16.2% of children have some form of dental cavities and 47.21% of adults can be classified as having some level of periodontal disease. These conditions have been linked to poor nutrition, increased oral pain/discomfort and higher levels of inflammation throughout the body.
The American Dental Association recommends that each person visit their oral healthcare provider biannually for a check-up, cleaning, radiographs, and if necessary, treatment. This ensures that any dental issues will be caught in their early stages and that the education you receive from the dental team will be reinforced on a regular basis.
The ADA also recommends that in between visits you do your share to ensure that your next checkup will be a great one. Everyone (including kids) should be brushing their teeth twice daily and flossing once a day to clean those hard-to-reach areas between the teeth. Fluoride rinses are also a great tool, but you should consult with your own dentist prior to using them.
There is also a lot you can do to minimize dental disease by simply looking at the food in your refrigerator and the habits that you have in regard to its consumption. Most people are unaware of the large role diet plays in creating dental cavities; but it does. Anything that contains simple sugars in their composition can cause a cavity if left on the tooth surface for an extended period of time. In addition, the frequency with which you consume these foods can also impact your dental health. The frequent assault of simple sugars, ie. constant snacking, can literally bathe your teeth in sugar all day long and never give the oral cavity a chance to recover. So next time your little one snacks on some Goldfish and juice at the beach, talk about their choices and have them think about how their hygiene is going to be “top notch” to remove those cavity causing foods when they get home.
The Team at Atlantic Pediatric Dentistry hopes that the remainder of your summer days be sunny, and we look forward to seeing your smile!
Atlantic Pediatric Dentistry provides specialized dentistry for children and adolescents in a warm, caring, and "child-friendly" environment.
We focus on creating healthy habits for life and encourage parents to participate in their child's dental care with our "open door" policy.
Our office uses the latest technology to best treat our patients, and both doctors are certified in Solea laser dentistry, so decay can be treated without the drilling and shots associated with traditional dentistry.
Dr. Matt Safari & Dr. Sally Guerrasio look forward to meeting your family.
Call 732-842-1155 today to schedule an appointment for your kids with Atlantic Pediatric Dentistry. Make sure to tell them that you saw it on Macaroni Kid.
