With Summer comes the warm weather that we've all been waiting for.  And with warm weather comes sports like baseball, lacrosse and softball.   All of these sports are capable of causing dental injuries.  From chipped or broken teeth, root damage, lip and cheek injuries or a fractured jaw.  The American Dental Association estimated that nearly one third of all dental injuries are sports related.  The use of a mouth guard can decrease these injuries immensely.  Although baseball and softball aren't contact sports that require mouth guard use like lacrosse or football, the chance of being hit with a ball or bat is possible.  Many pitchers are now required to wear mouth guards because of the risk of getting a line drive to the face or head.  Mouth guards can also and should be used for children who have braces or other orthodontic appliances.  There are many different types of mouth guards:  custom or stock being the main two.  

If you aren't sure which is best for your child, feel  free to contact our office and we will be more than willing to help. 

Another thing to keep in mind with warmer weather is that children like to get outside and play.  This means bike rides, skateboards or scooters.  So be sure whatever your child is doing that they are protected with the proper gear especially helmets. 

Lately, there has been a lot of confusion about fluoride use and health safety.  Unfortunately, cavities are the most common long-term health problem that affects children.  When used properly fluoride is a very effective preventive measure.  It is an important part of your child's dental health because it helps return minerals to the teeth in order to keep them strong and healthy.  Fluoride helps prevent your teeth from breaking down by affecting the ability of bacteria in your mouth from breaking down sugar to produce acid.  This acid then breaks down teeth by removing minerals from the tooth.  With enough minerals lost, cavities form.  Fluoride helps attract minerals to the teeth.  

One of the most common arguments is that fluoride shouldn't be in our drinking water.  The fact is that fluoride actually occurs naturally in water, though rarely at the optimal level to protect teeth.  The issue is the amount of fluoride in water.   There are proven benefits for public health benefits for public health that come from having the optimal level of fluoride in water.  The two beneficial effects of fluoridated water is that it helps prevent tooth decay and contributes to healthy bones.  The amount of fluoride put into the water differs from community to community.  Tests are run to determine the appropriate amount to add that will provide the benefit of reducing cavities while avoiding developing fluorosis.  For example, in colder areas more fluoride is added to the water as its inhabitants are likely to drink less water.  But it hotter areas, less fluoride is added to the water as its inhabitants are likely to drink more water because of the heat.  

This often leads to people wondering why they need fluoride treatments for their children at the dentist when they are already consuming it at home.  The reason is that the fluoride that is being consumed in drinking water is a systemic fluoride, which means it's helping to strengthen the child's developing teeth.  The fluoride that is applied every 6 months at the dentist is a topical fluoride which is applied to help protect the enamel on your child's teeth that are already in their mouth to prevent cavities.  Continued use of fluoride throughout the years prevents teeth from breaking down and allows for teeth to absorb minerals that continue to keep them strong and healthy.  

Many people believe that fluoridation is a 'freedom of choice' issue, and they should be able to choose whether or not it's in their water.  Fluoridation is a public health measure that benefits everyone.  It exists naturally in virtually all water supplies, so it isn't a question of choosing, but a question of assuring that people receive the optimal amount to prevent tooth decay.  Maintaining and optimal amount of fluoride in water is based on the principle that decisions about public health should be based on what is healthy for the entire community and on what is backed by scientific evidence.  Studies have proven that in areas where fluoridation is rare more fillings, root canals and extractions are needed.  

Many parents often ask if they should be giving their child fluoride supplements.  The answer to that is if you have well water or water that is not fluoridated in the community that you live in, than yes.  If you do have fluoridated water in your community and that is the water you use in your home, than no.  Also, using a fluoridated toothpaste is very important to use even on younger children.  Children should be getting less than a pea sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste on their toothbrush.  

Of course, just like anything else, too much of a good thing can have negative side effects.  So it is important that if you have fluoridated tap water, and use fluoridated toothpaste at home that you aren't giving your child extra fluoride supplements.  If you have any further questions about fluoride benefits or any concerns or questions regarding fluoride use, please feel free to contact our office.  The CDG team cares about everyone's opinion and feelings on this matter, but want to ensure that every one of our patients know we recommend a fluoride treatment and are more than happy to educate parents and patients on ADA and CDC standards.  

Summer usually carries the more relaxed mentality for the majority of us.  Lounging around and enjoying the weather is a time many of us long for after the long cold winter.  Here at CDG, we want to make sure that parents don't get too relaxed about their child's hygiene.  Sleeping in late and not brushing, or staying up late and not brushing are not good habits to get into.  Be sure to stay on top of your child's hygiene routine throughout the summer months, so that starting the school year isn't more chaotic than it needs to be. 

  Summer is a busy time for everyone, including us here at CDG!  With kids being out of school, it is a good time to schedule their appointments.  Be sure to contact our office and schedule before our appointment times fill up!