In case you missed it, Dr. Radin was recently featured in the February 2014 issue of Yardley Life magazine.  

In recognition of February being designated as "National Children's Dental Health Month," Dr. Radin discussed "6 Hidden Cavity Culprits."

To read the feature story, please click here.

Lastly, you may recall we had sent out a notice asking for parents of small children who were treated for cavities to volunteer to be interviewed for a news story we're working on. We wish to thank all of the parents who contacted us and were willing to share their experience.  We are still in talks with a local news station and will keep you posted, but wanted to share our gratitude and appreciation for your support in wanting to help us spread the word about cavity prevention.  

Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

Kids can develop bad breath just as easily as adults. Bacteria form on food particles that are left in the mouth after eating, and children may not do a thorough job getting rid of these particles. The good news is that most cases of bad breath are easy to cure, especially once you know the cause. 

Poor Dental Hygiene

The most common reason for bad breath in children is poor dental hygiene, according to the WebMD website. Children who do not properly brush or floss their teeth and tongues are more likely to experience bad breath, resulting from bacteria feeding on stagnant saliva and food particles in their mouths. Food particles can get trapped in the crevices of the tonsils of children who do not brush their teeth at least twice a day. Otherwise known as tonsillar stones, this condition is another reason for foul breath in children.

Mouth-Breathing

Mouth-breathing is the act of inhaling and exhaling through the mouth versus the nose. Children who mouth-breathe may experience dry mouth--an environment conducive to the growth and propagation of the bacteria that causes bad breath. Children may breathe through their mouth as a result of colds, sore throats, sinus infections, allergies, enlarged tonsils or nasal passage blockages. Children prone to thumb-sucking may also experience dry mouth and bad breath.

Tooth Decay and Gum Disease

Tooth decay or gum disease can also be a reason for bad breath in children. In addition to brushing and flossing, studies have shown that sugarless yogurt is an effective remedy for bad breath, tooth decay and gum disease.

Seasonal Allergies

Bad breath may indicate the onset of seasonal allergies. Allergies may cause mucus discharge to collect on the back of your child's tongue (postnasal drip). This layer of mucus provides a protective blanket under which the bacteria that cause bad breath can hide.  Other symptoms associated with seasonal allergies include dry cough, which gets worse at night, a runny nose or itchy eyes.

Nasal Blockage

It is not uncommon for children to shove something--typically a pea, corn kernel, or a lima bean--up into his nose. A foreign body left in the nasal passage can rot or cause a surrounding infection. In this instance, the putrid smell will predominantly come from your child's nose and not his mouth. If you suspect your little tyke shoved a foreign object up his nose, contact your child's pediatrician for further advice.  Do not try to fish out the object without the supervision of a medical professional. 

Source: Ehow

Photo credit: Free Digital Photos, "Child Lying On Bed" by David Castillo Dominici

As tempting as it may be to treat a child's cold in the same way you treat your own, children are not little adults. When children are sick, they don't always have the same symptoms as adults and they need to be given special considerations. However, in order to properly treat your child's cold, it's important to take into account their specific symptoms. To make your child more comfortable you can dispense pain or fever reliever, moisturizing nose drops, decongestants or other medications as needed based on symptoms.

Children under the age of 2 should never be given over the counter cough or cold medicine. Children 2 and older should be given these medications using the utmost care. Be sure to use the measuring instruments that are provided with the medication-usually a special spoon or cup for proper dosage measurements. When you do give your child cough and cold mediation, be sure to give them medicine that treats only the symptoms they are experiencing and is specifically intended for children.

If your child does not have a cough, the medicine you give them should not contain a cough suppressant. If your child does not have a fever, the cold medication should not contain a pain reliever. It is very important to be very diligent about dispensing cold medicine to children. It is better to treat your child's symptoms one at a time to avoid overmedicating them. You should also check with your child's doctor to get dosage information based on your child's weight and age.

Aspirin should never be given to children under the age of 12. Aspirin should also never be given to children and teens during any viral illnesses. Giving aspirin to children or teenagers with a cold or other viral illness can increase the risk of developing Reye syndrome, a rare but serious condition that can be fatal.

Running a humidifier in your child's room will help relieve congestion and keep the nasal passages moisturized. You can also turn on the shower and take your child into a steamy bathroom for several minutes every few hours. It will help open up your congestion.

When your child is suffering from a cold it is important to force fluids. Water is the best fluid for your child to drink and a small amount of juice. Sodas should not be given and no more than about half of your child's fluids should be replaced with electrolyte drinks.

The most important "treatment" for children with a cold is ensuring they get plenty of rest. Give your child plenty of opportunities for naps and limit his activity level to quiet, low-key activities.

Source: Yahoo

Photo credit: Free Digital Photos, "Sick Boy Blowing His Nose" by David Castillo Dominici

Congratulations to Dr. Radin for being chosen for the THIRD time in a row in Philadelphia Magazine's "Top Dentist" poll!  Winners are chosen by their peers every two years.  

Dr. Radin has previously won this designation in both 2010 and 2012, and was also named Best Dentist for 2013 in the Bucks County Courier Times annual readers' poll.