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Children's Dentistry Group, LLC | February 2012 |
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Greetings!
We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and that you and your families have had a great start to the New Year! As another year begins, we would like to reiterate the importance of bringing your child in for regular, preventive dental care, along with proper oral hygiene and diet at home. It is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), along with Drs. Herer and Patenio, that children visit the dentist every six months to ensure optimal dental health. By doing this, we can be a vital part of your child's health and well-being. |
Fluoride | |
Fluoride is a compound that contains the natural element fluorine. According to the AAPD, using fluoride on a routine basis can help prevent tooth decay. There are two different types of fluoride treatments: dietary and topical. Dietary fluoride is any sort of fluoride that is ingestedinto the body. Examples of this would be fluoridated water, fluoridated infant formula and fluoride tablets. Topical fluoride is not ingested; rather it is applied to the tooth enamel. Examples of this are fluoride rinses or prescription strength fluoride treatments, which are given by dental professionals. The Center for Disease Control, or CDC, is a big supporter of fluoride use. They performed a large research study and discovered the most effective and widely used approach in preventing tooth decay comes from fluoride use. There is another difference between the two types of fluoride. Dietary fluoride is most effective in children between 0 and 10 years of age. This type of fluoride aids in the formation of developing teeth. The fluoride, along with calcium and phosphorus, mineralize the tooth structure and make it more resistant to erosion. After the age of 10, dietary fluoride is not as beneficial because all the enamel on the permanent teeth has fully formed, even if they have not erupted yet. On the other hand, topical fluoride benefits the superficial surfaces of the teeth that are already in the mouth. The fluoride inhibits the loss of minerals from tooth enamel and can actually re-mineralize weakened tooth structure. According to the AAPD, topical fluoride also affects bacteria in the mouth and fights against acid formation that breaks down the tooth.
Both forms of fluoride are highly encouraged by Drs. Herer and Patenio, but it is extremely important to follow appropriate guidelines regarding fluoride use. For children ten years of age and younger, a dietary fluoride treatment is highly recommended, but it has to be closely monitored. We want to insure that levels are within theraputic guidelines. The State of Illinois' Department of Public Health has mandated community fluoridated water at .75 parts per million. For those with wells or water filter systems, Drs. Herer and Patenio can recommend the appropriate amount of dietary fluoride for your child. Fluoride tablets and other products of that nature are not recommended because this can lead to an overuse of the fluoride. In regards to topical fluoride, Drs. Herer and Patenio strongly recommend children receive a prescription strength fluoride treatment twice per year, each time they visit the dentist for their preventive care. In between visits, a fluoride rinse may be suggested for certain patients. This will be discussed with you and your child at their visit. Another form of a topical treatment is fluoridated toothpaste. Until your child learns how to spit properly, a smear of fluoridated toothpaste should be used and then wiped off the teeth to avoid ingestion. For older children, a pea-sized amount is recommended. Your child should use toothpaste approved by the American Dental Association and we strongly encourage parents dispense the toothpaste and supervise its use to prevent swallowing. |
From The Business Office... | |
It is to your advantage to familiarize yourself with your insurance benefits. Our business office works hard to help educate our parents on their individual policies for their children. It is best, as the subscriber, to contact your insurance carrier directly or your employer's human resource department and ask them for a dental benefit summary. Some specific benefits you will want to find out are; 1. How many times per year is fluoride covered? 2. Is Nitrous Oxide (Laughing Gas) a covered expense? 3. Are tooth colored fillings in back teeth covered or do they provide an "alternate benefit"? 4. If my child has two cleanings per year, which includes an exam each time, and then they have an emergency exam as well, will that be covered too?
We try our best to prevent billing "suprises", but it is always good to be proactive when it comes to your insurance benefits. If you ever have a question or concern about your statement or a treatment plan, please do not hesitate to contact the business office at (847) 726-0300. |
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Please Don't Be Bashful
If you have any questions regarding pediatric dental health, please feel free to contact us by phone: 847-726-0300 or by email: [email protected]. If you have a family member or friend with a child, please feel free to forward this newsletter to them.
Thank you!
Drs. Paul Herer, Melissa Patenio and the CDG Team |
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Children's Dentistry Group, LLC 195 South Rand Road, Suite 110 Lake Zurich, Illinois 60047 847-726-0300
www.ChildrensDentistryGroup.com |
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