Alpharetta Children's Dentistry

Fun Fact Friday - Veteran's Day Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 15:50:00 +0000

We here at Alpharetta Children's Dentistry are very proud of all our Veterans and those brave men and women who still serve in our great military, including our very own Dr. Shirley! We send a big thank you for all you do to keep us safe!

Now on to our fun fact...

Did you ever wonder why Veteran's Day is November 11th? It all goes back to World War I. In 1918, American troops had worn out the German defenses. And on November 11, 1918 Germany agreed to a cease-fire. The armistice was signed at 5am, but went into effect six hours later. The "eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, the world knew peace once more". For the next 36 years, America remembered the heroes of the war on Novemember 11th as Armistice Day. But in 1954, Congress decided that the name didn't fit anymore. It was officially changed to Veteran's Day to reflect the service of all the Armed Forces from every American war. This year is extra special as Veteran's Day is on 11-11-11. So please remember and send thanks to all our retired and active service men and women today!

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 17:32:00 +0000

Trick or Treat! It's Fun Fact Friday!

With Halloween being on Monday, we thought it might be fun to find out where trick or treating originated...Well, it all started with an old Irish tradition. The Irish believed that on Halloween night the veil between our world and the spirit world was thin. On that night, ghosts could come back to visit their loved ones. But they also believed that some ghosts were unhappy and used Halloween to frighten people. The Irish people would put out bowls of milk and fruit on their doorstep. If the spirits were happy with their treats, they would go somewhere else to make their mischief. Everyone tried to stay inside on Halloween night where it was safe. But anyone who had to go out for some reason would wear a costume and a mask. If the costume was good enough it would confuse the spirits and they wouldn’t bother you. Over time these traditions changed. During the Middle Ages, teenagers and young adults took the place of the spirits. They would dress up and go door to door saying “trick-or-treat.” If they were given a treat, they went on to the next house. But if not, they played a trick on that person. These were harmless tricks and no one ever got hurt from them. Still, it was better to just give them a treat. When the Irish came to America during the Great Potato Famine, they brought the tradition of “trick-or-treat” with them. Soon everyone was joining in and who can blame them? What could be more fun than dressing up and going from house to house getting candy and treats?

(thanks to Kimber Krochmal for the info!)

FUN FACT FRIDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:38:00 +0000

Did you know that an adult shark can have up to 300 teeth in it's mouth at one time? They also have new teeth that are constantly being formed in the rows on their jaw. A shark loses and replaces their teeth every 8 days.

Talk about keeping the tooth fairy busy!

Are You Ready For Some Football?

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 19:02:00 +0000

The kids are back in school, the weather is finally cooling off, and the sounds of cheers fill the air. It’s fall, and in many houses that means football season! While we here at Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry LOVE football, we love healthy teeth even more! Keep your favorite ball player’s smile looking camera ready by making sure they use a mouthguard.

There are several different kinds of mouthguards out there: stock, boil and bite, and custom guards. Each mouthguard provides varying degrees of protection. Stock mouthguards are usually generic in size, can be bulky, and not necessarily effective. Boil and bite mouthguards generally offer a better fit and more protection because they are formed around the teeth. Just like the name suggest, you first dip the mouthguard in hot water to soften the material, then bite down to shape the mouthguard. These are the most commonly used mouthguards. Custom fit mouthguards are just that; they are made for the individual by a dental professional.

Football players aren’t the only ones who should use mouthguards. Contact sports such as ice hockey, and lacrosse are notorious for mouth injuries. Basketball isn't much better, 34% of those injuries are mouth related. Accidents can happen during any physical activity. We’ve seen all kinds of sports related mouth injuries from baseball to karate to cheerleading to skateboarding. Wearing a mouthguard doesn’t prevent all injuries, but it definitely makes a difference. They can limit the risk of mouth related injuries to the lips, tongue, and gums. Mouthguards can also protect against chipped and broken teeth, and even tooth loss.

Even with mouthguards, accidents happen. If your child gets hit in the mouth or bumps their teeth, check the following: (A) If a baby tooth is knocked out or displaced, call us as soon as possible. Do not try to place a baby tooth back in your child’s mouth. It may cause damage to the developing permanent tooth. (B) If your child knocks a permanent tooth out or displaced, call us or get to our office immediately. If possible, rinse the off the tooth with cool water. NEVER touch the root. Try to place the tooth back in the socket and hold it there with a clean cloth. If you can’t get the tooth back in the mouth, place it in milk, or water (when no milk is available). (C) If no teeth are knocked out, check for chipped teeth, and bruising or bleeding of the gums. If you notice any of these, call our office soon as you can. It may not be an emergency, but it is always a good idea to let us take a look! For more information, visit our website www.AlpharettaChildrensDentistry.com

Drop by our facebook page and tell us your favorite fall activity or your favorite football team! www.facebook.com/alpharettachildrensdentistry

Alpharetta Children's Dentistry Partners with Better World Books

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 16:21:00 +0000

Do you have books crowding your shelves? Looking for someone to take them off your hands? Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry announces a partnership with Better World Books to help raise funds for local libraries and Cooperative for Education, a non-profit organization which creates sustainable textbook, computer center, reading, and scholarship programs in Guatemala. Now located at both Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry locations, Better World Books will have their green drop off boxes conveniently located to donate your books with the promise that they will be used to positively impact someone else's life.

Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry is always looking for opportunities to give back and the book collection program from Better World Books was a natural fit with their other philanthropic initiatives. By partnering with Better World Books, Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry now provides an opportunity for the entire community to get involved.

“At Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry it’s about more than just teeth,” said Dr. Mac. “We love to give back and inspire whenever we can and this partnership with Better World Books allows us to transform something unwanted into something needed – used books into much needed funding.”

Donated books will be sold on the Better World Books website, with portions of the proceeds going to the Fulton and Forsyth County Library and Cooperative for Education. Books that cannot be sold by Better World Books will be responsibly recycled. To date, Better World Books has successfully re-used or recycled more than 55 million books and raised over $10 million in funding for local libraries and global literacy.

The bright green Better World Book drop boxes will be placed outside each Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry location and books can be dropped off at anytime.

FUN FACT FRIDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:49:00 +0000

Think it's a pain to brush all 32 of your teeth?! Next time you're brushing, think about our tiny snail friends who can have about 25,000 teeth. On their tongue!

Can you imagine having that many teeth on your tongue? That's one long tongue!

Don't Sport the Sports Drinks This Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:25:00 +0000

After a soccer game or long day outside in the yard, a sports drink is all you crave. While they are a great source for rehydration, drinking too much could be a bad thing for your teeth.

According to a 2009 study by the International Association for Dental Research, prolonged consumption of sports drinks – including Gatorade, Powerade, Vitamin Water and Propel Fit Water – can lead to excessive teeth erosion. And not just from the sugar content of these drinks, but also from their high acidity levels.
The study showed that sports drinks can cause significant staining of the teeth and soften a tooth’s enamel. When the enamel gets softened, bacteria can easily sneak through the weakened tooth shell and cause an infection. Sugar only helps encourage bacterial growth.

The best solution is to limit your child’s intake of sports drinks. But if it’s the only way to refuel your little one, then follow up each drink with a glass of water to rinse away the sugar. Also, according to Mark Wolff, DDS, chairman of the department of cardiology and comprehensive care at New York University College of Dentistry, wait at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth after consuming sports drinks. This will allow the tooth enamel to reharden before taking a tooth brush to them.

Of course water is always the best solution for hydration, but we sometimes can’t resist the sports drinks either. If you can’t get the sports drinks out of your child’s hand this summer, mention their increased intake to your dentist at your next visit. That way, if they do see any issues with the enamel they can recommend an acid-neutralizing toothpaste or give you some other great tips to help combat the problem!

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 18:59:00 +0000

In the summer it’s easy to run to the fridge for a soda when you’re thirsty or grab a Popsicle when you’re in need of snack. Free of their school lunchrooms and mom-packed lunches, kids often times will spend their summer taking full advantage of the unmanned refrigerator and the sweet snacks inside. However, giving kids this freedom can lead to a myriad of dental health issues, including unwanted cavities. This summer, stock your fridge with teeth friend foods and limit the sugary drinks, chips, breads and hard candies.

Here are just a few of the foods that promote healthy teeth and a big, bright smile:

Green Tea. Full of antioxidants that prevent plaque from adhering to your teeth, Green Tea also contains fluoride, which helps protect tooth enamel from decay.
Milk and Yogurt. Packed full to bone-strengthening calcium, milk and yogurt have a low acidity to minimize dental erosion.
Cheese. This tooth power food balances your mouth’s PH, rebuilds tooth enamel and kills bacteria that can cause cavities and gum disease.
Fruit. Fruits high in vitamin C, like apples, oranges and strawberries, keep gum tissue strong and healthy. Firm and crunchy fruits are also helpful since they typically contain more water to help naturally dilute their sugar content.
Meats and Eggs. Meats contain calcium and phosphorus, which are important helpers to replenishing minerals in the teeth stripped away by acidic foods and liquids.
Lots and Lots of Water. Water will help rinse away excess food residuals and sugar from liquids when brushing isn’t an option. It’s important to drink plenty of water during the day keeps you and your gums hydrated for the best smile possible!

Hit The Road Jack and Don’t Forget to Pack Your Toothbrush

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Mon, 30 May 2011 18:53:00 +0000

School’s out for the summer and whether you’re packing for your annual family vacation or to send your little one off to camp, don’t forget to pack the essentials: toothpaste and toothbrush! Just because you’re taking a break from it all, doesn’t mean you can take a break from dental hygiene!

To ensure your teeth stay healthy all summer long, here are a few tips from the dentists at Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry:

Pack an extra toothbrush and extra tube of your favorite toothpaste. It’s so easy to leave your toothpaste and toothbrush behind in a hotel room or mysteriously loose in the depths of your luggage, so keep an extra set on hand in case you can’t find a store to replace them.
Limit the time your toothbrush is kept in an airtight travel case. Toothbrush cases are great to ensure that your toothbrush doesn’t pick up germs or dirt while en route to your destination, but when you’re in one spot, keep your toothbrush out of its case. Keeping a wet toothbrush in an airtight case will allow bacteria to quickly grow, which will affect your brush and your health. Let your airbrush dry completely before stowing it away.
Drink lots of water. When on vacation (especially in the hot summer months!) it’s so easy to grab drinks from a can or bottle. But those sodas, sports drinks and teas are full of sugar that will simply cling to your teeth. Drinking plenty of water will ensure that any sugar floating around your teeth will be washed away.
Don’t forget to bring your pediatric dentist’s phone number with you. Before you leave, store our number in your cell phone or stash it in your kid’s bag. If something goes wrong miles from home, having the number handy will ensure that you can quickly seek advice to remedy the situation. If it’s something that requires a dentist, your pediatric dentist can recommend a colleague in the area.

Most importantly, have fun this summer! We can’t wait to hear about all of your adventures!

Toothbrush 101

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Mon, 23 May 2011 18:41:00 +0000

We’ve said goodbye to Spring Cleaning, but in the midst of all your major DIY home-cleaning projects there might have been one important item overlooked: your child’s toothbrush. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), you should replace your toothbrush every 3 months or sooner if the bristles become too frayed. Each tooth brusher is different, so depending on the frequency and pressure used by your child, you may have to replace their brush more frequently.

If you can’t remember the last time you replaced your toothbrush, pick up one for everyone in your family the next time you’re out shopping.

Here are a few things to look for when picking a new brush for your child:

Pick a children’s sized toothbrush with soft bristles that has earned the American Dental Association Seal of Approval.
Let your child pick out his or her own toothbrush. If they choose the color or image on their toothbrush themselves, the more likely they will want to brush twice a day.

To get the most out of your new toothbrush, the ADA recommends these following tips:

Do not share toothbrushes as it could increase the risk for infections through the sharing of germs.
Thoroughly rinse toothbrushes with tap water after brushing to remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. Also, store the brush upright to allow it to properly dry.
Do not routinely cover toothbrushes or store them in closed containers. A moist environment is more conducive to the growth of bacteria than the open air.

The dentists at Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry suggest buying several other toothbrushes to have on hand if ever your child loses his toothbrush or has a friend forget one when spending the night. This secret stash will also come in handy with all the surprise colds and other sicknesses that pop up throughout the year. After the sickness runs its course, make sure to swap out the germ-full brush with a brand new one!

Flossing 101

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Mon, 16 May 2011 18:47:00 +0000

Even though tooth brushing starts when your child’s first few teeth start emerging from the gums, flossing doesn’t need to become part of your child’s routine until the teeth come together and touch one another. Flossing can be a tricky activity for a little one’s hands, so when it does come time for flossing, help your child floss after they brush their teeth each night. It is important to floss at night, ridding your child’s mouth of residual food debris collected throughout the day, because during the 8 hours of sleep, bacteria is busy feasting on those food particles left on teeth. Since the flow of saliva in the mouth is slower at night, the only thing washing off these food particles is your brushing and flossing routine.

When it comes time to start flossing your child’s teeth, do so as you would your own. However, make sure to communicate each step of the process. Not only will it make them more at ease, but it will help them learn why it is so important to floss their teeth. Your child will also learn valuable flossing tips and tricks at each dental visit, so by the time they are 10 years old they will be able to floss all by themselves.

Picking out floss is similar to picking out a toothbrush for your child:

Choose a floss that has the American Dental Society’s Seal of Approval.
Pick out a flavor that appeals to your child so he or she will enjoy flossing each night!

If your child is having difficulty picking up traditional flossing techniques, consider using dental flossers. These disposable flossers have handles similar to a toothbrush and are available in children’s sizes (and can be found in grocery stores or pharmacies) to make flossing super easy.

Do you have any tips or tricks that you used to teach your child how to floss?

FUN FACT FRIDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Fri, 06 May 2011 18:54:00 +0000

Did you know that the average woman smiles 62 times a day, while men smile only 8 times a day. Kids laugh 400 times a day, while adults only 15.

This Sunday is Mother's Day, so help Mom show off her pearly whites and keep her smiling all weekend long! And while you're at, get Dad laughing, too!

Happy Mother's Day to all you Moms!

Keep Your Teeth Healthy All Summer Long

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Mon, 02 May 2011 18:45:00 +0000

Recently, Alpharetta Children's Dentistry shared tips on how to keep your kid's teeth healthy all summer long with Up In Cumming magazine. With Summer right around the corner, make sure you have a plan in place to keep your kids brushing, healthy and happy!

As a reminder to our patients, start booking your Summer appointments now. The few weeks after school lets out are our busiest, so snag your spot early. You can now book your appointment online!

Click on the article below to read the article in UiC's digital magazine.

FUN FACT FRIDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 23:53:00 +0000

Here's a fact straight from Buckingham Palace in honor of today's Royal Wedding! Did you know that Prince Charles has a personal toothpaste valet? His only job is to squeeze the toothpaste on to Prince Charles' toothbrush twice a day.

If you could choose your own personal toothpaste valet, who would it be?

An Apple a Day Keeps the Dentist Away

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Mon, 25 Apr 2011 23:36:00 +0000

An important aspect of dental health is maintaining a healthy and balanced diet: one that minimizes sugar and junk food and promotes lots of vitamin-packed fruits and veggies. Getting your child to eat the "healthy stuff" on their dinner plate is never easy, but one way to get kids excited about fruits and veggies is to get them actively involved in growing them.

Edible gardens have recently become popular backyard staples across Atlanta. Your local gardening center can help you easily establish your own raised garden bed in which you can start growing blueberries, lettuce, strawberries and other tasty produce items.

With beautiful weather in our weekend forecast, round up the kids and get to planting. As they continue to care for their crops (a great outdoor summer activity, we might add!), the more excited they will be to prepare and eat the fruits of their labor. Not only will you be keeping your kids active, but you will also be subtly inspiring a new, healthy lifestyle.

FUN FACT FRIDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 01:29:00 +0000

Did you know that the average American wastes 2 gallons a day just by leaving the water running while you brush your teeth?

In honor of Earth Day, pledge to turn the water off during the two minutes you scrub your teeth clean. If everyone in your house turned off the water while they brushed, how much water would you be saving?

Choose Chocolate Instead of Jelly Beans this Easter

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 21:40:00 +0000

In less than one week the Easter Bunny will arrive with an array of sweet treats to satisfy your little one's sweet tooth. As much as us Pediatric Dentists (and, more than likely, you parents, too) would love to swap out basket loot with non-sugary gifts, we know the chocolate, marshmallow Peeps and jelly beans are inevitable. Here are a few tips to keep your kid's teeth as healthy as possible during this candy-fueled holiday:

Keep candy snacking to a minimum. It's so easy to grab something sweet each time you walk by the basket, but put a limit on their intake, like just after dinner. That way you can rest assured that they will be brushing their teeth soon after.
Load up on chocolate instead of jelly beans and other gummy candy. We're serious! Gummy candies tend to be super sticky and can easily pull out fillings or get stuck deep down in the molars, but chocolate is much softer and will won't linger in the teeth after brushing.
Encourage your kids to drink a glass of water or milk (no sugar drinks -there's enough sugar in the candy!) with each candy-eating session. That way your kids will wash away some excess sugar when brushing might not be an option.
Don't forget to brush! Before your kids pass out in a sugary coma, make sure that they brush their teeth for the recommended full 2 minutes.

A very happy Easter to all our patients and their families!

FUN FACT FRIDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 01:03:00 +0000

Did you know that George Washington's dentures weren't made of wood like the history books claim? They were really made from walrus, hippopotamus and cows' teeth!

If you're going to follow in President Washington's footsteps and become a great political leader, make sure you don't follow his dental hygiene routine!

(George Washington also wants to remind you that Tax Day is upon us!)

FUN FACT FRIDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:54:00 +0000

Did you know that if you're left handed that you will chew your food with the teeth on the left side of your mouth? If you're right handed, you'll use your right teeth.

Don't believe us?! Check it out at the dinner table tonight. Then, try and eating your food with the wrong hand. Did you chewing on the wrong side of your mouth, too?

Play Ball!

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 23:17:00 +0000

Ahhh, Spring is in the air! While for some of you this means marathon cleaning sessions or afternoons spent gardening, those of you with little athletes know that Spring can only mean one thing: Braves baseball season is upon us!

This weekend the Braves return to Turner Field and we know a lot of our patients will be itching to get out there themselves to play. Did you know that an estimated 13-39% of all dental injuries are sports related? Whether your child is playing catch, shooting hoops or riding a bike, be cautious of any mouth injury that pay occur.

Help prevent sports-related injuries by insisting your child adhere to the proper safety gear as recommended by the sport. A helmet should be worn when bike riding or skateboarding and a mouth guard should be worn during high contact sports. It's been noted that the use of mouth guards among football players has prevented about 200,000 mouth injuries a year.
Keep your Pediatric Dentist's number handy. In the unfortunate event of an injury, call Alpharetta Children's Dentistry right away to confirm the best course of care. If you act quickly, often times you can avoid any permanent damage.
If you child does take a fall but seems to be okay, continue to check his teeth in the days following the event. Sometimes discoloration or a small chip will appear and you should notify your Pediatric Dentist right away.

FUN FACT FRIDAY

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 00:41:00 +0000

A brand new study shows that it's no longer necessary to brush your teeth. Instead, a new ice cream has been developed that kills the bacteria in your mouth and keeps teeth sparkly clean. The world's top dentists suggest eating this ice cream twice a day!

APRIL FOOL'S! You still have to brush your teeth and floss twice a day! It's the only way to keep your chompers pearly white!

Spring Break Travel Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Alpharetta Children's Dentistry) — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:14:00 +0000

Next week is Spring Break and we know you couldn’t be more excited! Finally, a week long break for all of our hard-work patients and their parents! Buzz around the office is that a lot of you (even some of the Dentists!) are going on vacation. While we totally want you to forget about the homework and all the studying, we don’t want you to forget about your teeth. So, here are a few teeth tips to keep you smiling in all your vacation pictures!

· Pack an extra tube of your kid’s favorite toothpaste along with an extra brush or two. It is so easy to leave them behind in a hotel room, so having a backup set will keep you from having to make a late night run to the pharmacy.

· Continue to brush twice a day! Just because you’re on vacation, it doesn’t mean your teeth are. With all the fabulous vacation meals and road trip snacks, it’s more important than ever that you keep your teeth sparkly clean.

· Program your Alpharetta Children’s Dentistry’s phone number into your cell phone. If there is any sort of dental emergency while you’re on the road, just give us a call. If we can’t help you over the phone, we’ll refer you to another Pediatric Dentist in your area.

Most importantly, HAVE FUN! We can’t wait to hear about all your adventures! We might even have some of our own to share!