Monday, December 31, 2012
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!
Wishing all my Friends & Family a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year! For those on the road tonight, please be safe!!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
It's National Bicarbinate of Soda Day
Bet you don’t know what today is! It’s National Bicarbonate of Soda Day…a perfect time for celebrating the many useful things you can do with a humble box of baking soda (besides baking!)…like keeping your flowers, your breath or your kitty’s litter box fresh…or relieving skin irritations…or removing stains…or eliminating odors. Check out these sites for many more uses!
http://www.care2.com/ greenliving/ 51-fantastic-uses-for-baking-so da.html
http://lifehackery.com/2008/ 07/22/home-4/
http://www.care2.com/
http://lifehackery.com/2008/
Friday, December 28, 2012
Did You Know?
Did you know?
The saliva that regularly washes away decaying food diminishes as you sleep causing bad breath! Try drinking a glass of water before bed to help.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
The Kiss Of A Dental Assistant
http://www.drbicuspid.com/index.aspx?sec=sup&sub=hyg&pag=dis&ItemID=312243
What a surprise, the sailor actually kissed a dental assistant, not a nurse!
What a surprise, the sailor actually kissed a dental assistant, not a nurse!
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Using Listerine Can Cure Toe Fungus
Dr. Kathie Allen - Cosmetic and Restorative Dentistry, Venice Florida
How to Cure Toenail Fungus With Listerine
Listerine makes your mouth healthy, eliminates bad breath and makes your teeth look sparkly white. Did you know that it has other great properties as well? The mouthwash formula contains a strong antiseptic that actually cures and prevents different types of fungal problems.
Original Formula |
TIPS & WARNINGS:
Use the original formula of Listerine rather than one with artificial color or flavor. The newer versions contain products that slow down the ingredients that help with toe fungus.
Avoid putting on socks for a while after drying off the Listerine. Toe fungus is aggravated by cool and dark places like your socks and you'll be negating the effects of the mouthwash
WHY DO CHILDREN HAVE BAD BREATH?
Often we assume that because children are so young, they do not suffer from the same dental ailments that adults do. In reality, whether baby teeth or permanent teeth, children are still susceptible to the same dental problems that adults are. Because of this, a child with bad breath is a very real possibility. In order to understand what would cause a child to have bad breath, we need to examine what causes bad breath.
Bad Breath Causes
The condition of having bad breath is more formally called HALITOSIS This condition is a result of poor oral hygiene and can indicate that there are problems, such as cavities, in the mouth. In addition to poor oral hygiene, bad breath can be created or made worse by the types of foods that are ingested, especially if these foods are not followed up by a thorough teeth cleaning. This is especially true in children who tend to dedicate less time to brushing their teeth after meals and snacks.
Bad Breath and Oral Hygiene
Bad breath results when there is a buildup of old food in the teeth. In this case, the food particles can be brushed away to leave the teeth clean, and thus freshen the breath. When brushing, it is important to also brush the tongue where food residue, and bacteria, can remain, thus affecting the smell of the breath.
When these food particles are left on the teeth (for example, when the teeth are not brushed after eating), these particles can attract bacteria that lives to feed on the particles left on the teeth. This bacteria then cause plaque buildup, a mixture of food particles and bacteria. If left untreated, plaque works to eat away at the enamel of the teeth, causing tooth decay. Think of the decay of leaves or other vegetation, and imagine the smell. Over time, the decay starts to take on a very bad smell. The same happens in the mouth, thus causing bad breath. So, in order to treat the bad breath, the tooth decay needs to be cleaned up and any holes in the teeth need to be sealed.
Foods that Contribute to Bad Breath
Any and all foods have the potential to cause bad breath, especially when they are not rinsed from the mouth after consumption. However, even when teeth and tongue are brushed, bad breath can still result from certain foods. This is because food is broken down in the mouth (through chewing and saliva), then digested and absorbed into the bloodstream. Blood travels through the lungs, where it carries oxygen to vital areas of the body, which also means that you’re breathing out air from your lungs that has come in contact with this digested food. Thus, the smell comes out through your breath. This is true even if mouthwash, breath mints, brushing, and flossing are used. Very prominently smelling foods, like garlic and onion are often huge offenders of long-lasting bad breath because they come so prominently through the blood stream and into the air we exhale. Children, like adults are susceptible to both this, and poor oral hygiene bad breath
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
Saturday, December 1, 2012
CAN I PULL MY CHILD'S TOOTH?
Cheese! |
Whether to pulls a child’s loose tooth out or not is really up to the discretion of both parent and child. Some children are reluctant to have a parent get anywhere near a loose tooth, while others are eager to have the tooth pulled and out of their mouth. This is especially true in cases where the tooth has been hanging there by a thread for a week or more. However, before deciding on whether to pull a loose tooth out or not, there are some things to consider.
To Pull or Not to Pull
Losing one’s teeth is a rather big deal for a child. Many children love to compare tooth loss stories and show off their gummy smiles. For a child, this indicates the first real change from childhood into a more grown up stage of life. While parents may be sad for the loss of their little baby (in terms of age, of course, they’ll always be your baby!) the child often feels exceedingly excited about the change. Because of this, dental professionals encourage parents to allow their child to pull any loose teeth. Not only does this give the child control over when the teeth come out, but it allows for pain control (which is extremely important).
Look Ma, I lost my tooth. |
My New Grown-Up Teeth |
If the child insists that the parent pull the tooth, there is a right way to do it. Don’t tie a string to it and slam the door shut, don’t even simply grab the tooth and yank it. Instead, use a tissue and grab hold of the tooth. Once you have a nice hold on it, slowly twist the tooth. This will ease the child into it, and give them a chance to protest if the pain is too great. It will also ease the tooth into working its way out. Twist until the tooth falls out. If it doesn’t come fairly easily, you may want to give it another day or two
Slowly Twist The Tooth. |
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Chronic Periodontitis (Gum Disease) Linked to Psoriais
Chronic Periodontitis Linked to Psoriasis
According to a new study, people with chronic periodontitis have a slightly higher risk of developing psoriasis, a common skin ailment characterized by skin redness and irritation. The results, published online in the British Journal of Dermatology, also show that the treatment of chronic periodontitis limited the risk of subsequent psoriasis, but did not eliminate it entirely.Based out of Taipei Medical University in Taiwan, researchers Joseph J. Keller, MD, MDH, and Herng-Ching Lin, PhD, analyzed a group of more than 230,000 people using a Taiwanese national health system database. The cohort study included one group of 115,365 subjects with chronic periodontitis, and 115,365 participants without chronic periodontitis. Each group was monitored over a 5-year period. Among the subjects with chronic periodontitis, 1,082 developed psoriasis, while 706 of the control group were diagnosed with psoriasis, which works out to 1.9 in 1,000 people vs 1.2 in 1,000 people in the control group.
Prior to this investigation, little research had been conducted on the possible association between chronic periodontitis and psoriasis. While the results do not demonstrate a causal relationship, they do suggest that periodontal disease may be a risk factor for psoriasis. This study did not control for factors that could have affected results, such as cigarette smoking, leading Keller and Lin to suggest that additional research is warranted.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Dental Mobile App- We are now Live On Apple!
NEW DENTAL MOBILE APP-Now Live On Appple! It's Free
Here is the link to download our app on your I-Phone
https://itunes.apple.com/app/dr.-kathie-allen/id570208830?mt=8.
You may also visit our website @ www. drkathie.net and scan the QR Code or by searching for Dr Kathie Allen in the app store.
Check it out, Very Cool! Share this with your friends & family. Your feedback is appreciated.
Thanks, Dr. Kathie
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Our New Dental Mobile App, It's Free!
: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.oneboxapps.drkathieallen&feature=nav_result
Presently we are only live on Droids, I-phones coming soon. Thanks again for your support. Your feedback is welcomed.
Dr. Kathie
Common Symptoms,Risk Factors & Diagnosis Of Oral Cancer
Cancer is
defined as the uncontrollable growth of cells that invade and cause damage to
surrounding tissue. Oral cancer appears
as a growth or sore in the mouth that does not go away. Oral cancer, which
includes cancers of the lips, tongue,
cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and
pharynx (throat), can be life threatening if not diagnosed and treated early.
What
Are the Symptoms of Oral Cancer?
The
most common symptoms of oral cancer include:
- Swellings/thickenings, lumps or bumps,
rough spots/crusts/or eroded areas on the lips, gums, or other areas
inside the mouth
- The development of velvety white, red,
or speckled (white and red) patches in the mouth
- Unexplained bleeding in the mouth
- Unexplained numbness, loss of feeling,
or pain/tenderness
in any area of the face, mouth, or neck
- Persistent sores on the face, neck, or
mouth that bleed easily and do not heal within 2 weeks
- A soreness or feeling that something
is caught in the back of the throat
- Difficulty chewing or swallowing,
speaking, or moving the jaw or tongue
- Hoarseness, chronic sore
throat, or change in voice
- Ear pain
- A change in the way your teeth
or dentures fit
together
- Dramatic weight loss
If you notice any
of these changes, contact your dentist or health care professional immediately.
Who Gets Oral Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society,
men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer as women, and men who are
over age 50 face the greatest risk. It's estimated that over 35,000 people in
the U.S. received a diagnosis of oral cancer in 2008.
Risk factors for the development of oral cancer
include:
- Smoking . Cigarette,
cigar, or pipe smokers are six times more likely than nonsmokers to
develop oral cancers.
- Smokeless tobacco users. Users of dip, snuff, or chewing
tobacco products are 50 times more likely to develop cancers of the cheek,
gums, and lining of the lips.
- Excessive consumption of
alcohol. Oral cancers are about six times more
common in drinkers than in nondrinkers.
- Family history of
cancer.
- Excessive sun exposure, especially at a young age.
It is important to
note that over 25% of all oral cancers occur in people who do not smoke and who
only drink alcohol occasionally.
What
Is the Outlook for People With Oral Cancer?
The overall 1-year
survival rate for patients with all stages of oral cavity and pharynx cancers
is 81%. The 5- and 10-year survival rates are 56% and 41%, respectively.
How
Is Oral Cancer Diagnosed?
As part of your routine dental exam, your
dentist will conduct an oral cancer screening exam. More specifically, your
dentist will feel for any lumps or irregular tissue changes in your neck, head,
face, and oral cavity. When examining your mouth, your dentist will look for
any sores or discolored tissue as well as check for any signs and symptoms
mentioned above.
Your dentist may perform an
oral brush biopsy if
he or she sees tissue in your mouth that looks suspicious. This test is
painless and involves taking a small sample of the tissue and analyzing it for
abnormal cells. Alternatively, if the tissue looks more suspicious, your
dentist may recommend a scalpel biopsy. This procedure usually requires local
anesthesia
Saturday, November 17, 2012
A Cup Of Green Tea a Day May Keep The Dentist Away
THE GIST:
- People aged 40-64 who drank one cup of green tea a day were less likely to lose teeth.
- Drinking unsweetened coffee had no effect on keeping teeth.
- Antimicrobial molecules called catechins may account for green tea's benefits.
A cup of green tea a day may keep the dentist away.
That's the finding of new research published in Preventive Medicine. The findings show that drinking at least one cup of green tea a day increases the odds of keeping your teeth as you age.
The researchers suspect that antimicrobial molecules called catechins present in green tea and in lesser amounts in oolong tea provide the benefit. But be careful if you like your tea with sugar: sweetener may negate the effect, the team found.
"Green tea may have bacteriocidal effects, which would affect teeth, but only if you drink it without sugar," said Alfredo Morabia, of Columbia University in New York and editor of Preventive Medicine, who wrote an editorial accompanying the new research.
"They also reported that drinking sweet coffee was actually deleterious," he added. "Coffee alone had no problem, but sweet coffee would actually make you lose your teeth."
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Happy Veteran's Day!
Happy Veterans Day to all of our veterans who has given us our freedom!!
THANK YOU to all thoses Men & Women who have served our country!
Friday, November 9, 2012
Fissured Tongue, No Worries
If you have fissures in your tongue, it's
likely no cause for concern. In fact, certain types of grooves or cracks are
considered simply a variation of a normal tongue. Sometimes called a plicated
or scrotal tongue, this condition is often harmless. However, it's rarely a
good idea to diagnose yourself. So, if you have any concerns, set your mind at
ease by discussing this with your doctor or oral specialist.
Characteristics of Fissured Tongue
These are the characteristics of a fissured tongue:
- Cracks,
grooves, or clefts appear on the top and sides of the tongue.
- These
fissures only affect your tongue.
- Fissures
on the tongue vary in depth, but they may be as deep as 6 millimeters.
- Grooves
may connect with other grooves, separating the tongue into small lobes or
sections.
Unless debris builds up in these fissures, you are unlikely
to have any symptoms.
Fissures may first appear during childhood. However,
fissures are more common in adults. And, just as wrinkles can
deepen with age, fissures can also become more pronounced as you get older. If
you have regular dental exams, your dentist has no doubt spotted the fissures
on your tongue. This is how most fissures are found.
Conditions Associated With Fissured Tongue
About 2% to 5% of the U.S. population has a fissured tongue.
A fissured tongue may affect men slightly more often than women.
Because a fissured tongue can cluster in families, it may be
genetically inherited. Although other causes of fissured tongue are unknown, it
may appear along with other conditions such as these:
- Geographic
tongue, also known as benign
migratory glossitis (BMG). This benign condition
often shows up along with fissured tongue. It may cause no symptoms other
than sensitivity to hot and spicy foods.
- Melkersson-Rosenthal
syndrome. This is a rare condition. It not only causes a fissured
tongue, but also lip or facial swelling and paralysis in the face (Bell's
palsy) that may come and go.
- Down
syndrome . Fissured tongue occurs in as many as
eight out of 10 children with the chromosomal disorder Down syndrome.
Treatment of Fissured Tongue
If a fissured tongue causes any symptoms, your dentist may
encourage you to brush your tongue. This may help remove debris that has built
up in deep fissures, causing irritation.
Take Care Of Your Tongue:
Tackle bad breath every time you brush-take time to scrape your tongue. Your tongue plays host to the bacteria that helps cause bad breath, so using a tongue cleaner can help reduce odor-causing compounds.
Incorporate Cleaning Your Tongue As Part Of Your Oral Hygiene Routine |
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Kids - 2 Minutes 2x/day!
For healthy smiles, in addition to a diet low in sugars, help your kid's brush their teeth for just 4 minutes / day to reduce cavities & overall health!
Friday, October 26, 2012
Nutrition & Healthy Teeth
Experts agree that children need food from all the major
food groups to grow properly and stay healthy. Too many carbohydrates, both
sugars (for example, from cake, cookies, candies, milk, and other sugary foods
and beverages) and savory foods and starches (for example, pretzels and potato
chips) can cause tooth decay. How long carbohydrates remain on the teeth is the
main culprit that leads to tooth decay.
Tips for selecting and eating foods that are more healthful
to your child's teeth:
- Keep
lots of fruits
and vegetables in your house -- to offer as "healthy
snacks" -- instead of carbohydrates.Choose fruits and
vegetables that contain a high volume of water, such as pears, melons,
celery, and cucumbers. Limit bananas and raisins as these contain
concentrated sugar or brush immediately after these fruits are eaten.
- Serve
cheese with lunch or as a snack.Cheese, especially cheddar, Monterey
Jack, Swiss, and other aged cheeses help to trigger the flow of saliva,
which helps wash food particles away from teeth.
- Avoid
sticky, chewy foods. Raisins, dried figs, granola bars, oatmeal
or peanut butter cookies, jelly beans, caramel, honey, molasses, and syrup
stick to teeth making it difficult for saliva to wash away. If your child
consumes these types of products, have him or her brush their teeth
immediately after eating.
- Serve
sugary treats with meals, not as snacks. If you plan to give your
child any sweets, give them as desserts immediately following the meal.
There's usually an increased amount of saliva in the mouth around
mealtime, making it easier to wash food away from teeth. The mealtime
beverage also helps to wash away food particles on teeth.
- Get
your children in the habit of eating as few snacks as possible. The
frequency of snacking is far more important than the quantity consumed.
Time between meals allows saliva to wash away food particles that bacteria
would otherwise feast on. Frequent snacking, without brushing immediately
afterwards, provides constant fuel to feed bacteria, which leads to plaque
development and tooth decay. Try to limit snacks as much as possible and
to no more than one or two a day. Brush teeth immediately after consuming
the snack if possible.
- Avoid
sugary foods that linger on the teeth. Lollipops, hard
candies, coughdrops,
and mints all contribute to tooth decay because they continuously coat the
teeth with sugar.
- Buy
foods that are sugar-free or unsweetened.
- Never
put your baby to bed with a bottle filled with milk, formula, juice, or
soda. If your baby needs a bottle at bedtime, fill it with plain
water.
- Offer
your child plain water instead of juice or soda. Juices, sodas,
and even milk contain sugar. Water does not harm the teeth and aids in
washing away any food particles that may be clinging to teeth.
- Include
good sources of calcium in your child's diet to
build strong teeth.Good sources include milk, broccoli, and yogurt.
Other tips:
- If
your child chews gum, encourage him or her to choose xylitol-sweetened or
sugar-free gum. Xylitol has been shown to reduce the amount of bacteria in
the mouth and the chewing action helps increase the flow of saliva.
- Use
fluoride and brush and floss your child's teeth. The best way to prevent
tooth decay is to use a fluoride toothpaste every day. The fluoride seeps
inside the tooth to reverse early decay. Brush your child's teeth at least
twice a day and after each meal or snack if possible. If brushing between
meals is not possible, at least rinse the mouth with water several times.
Floss your child's teeth at least once a day to help remove particles
between teeth and below the gum line.
- Be
sure to brush your child's teeth after giving him or her medicine.
Medicines such as cough syrups contain sugar that bacteria in the mouth
use to make acids. These acids can eat away at the enamel -- the
protective top layer of the tooth.
- Visit
the dentist regularly. Your child should make his or her first visit to
the dentist by the age of 1 or within six months of the first tooth
breaking through the gums. Getting regular dental check ups will also help
catch any developing dental problems early.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
If You Fear The Dentist, You Are Not Alone!
If you fear going
to the dentist, you are not alone. Between 9% and 20% of Americans avoid going
to the dentist because of anxiety or fear.
Indeed, it is a universal phenomenon.
Dental phobia is a
more serious condition than anxiety. It leaves people panic-stricken and
terrified. People with dental phobia have an awareness that the fear is totally
irrational, but are unable to do much about it. They exhibit classic avoidance
behavior; that is, they will do everything possible to avoid going to the
dentist. People with dental phobia usually go to the dentist only when forced
to do so by extreme pain. Pathologic
anxiety or phobia may require psychiatric consultation in some cases.
Other signs of
dental phobia include:
- Trouble sleeping the night before the
dental exam
- Feelings of nervousness that escalate
while in the dental office waiting room
- Crying or feeling physically ill at
the very thought of visiting the dentist
- Intense uneasiness at the thought of,
or actually when, objects are placed in your mouth during the dental
treatment or suddenly feeling like it is difficult to breathe
Fortunately, there
are ways to get people with dental anxiety and dental phobia to the dentist.
What Causes
Dental Phobia and Anxiety?
There are many
reasons why some people have dental phobia and anxiety. Some of the common
reasons include:
- Fear of pain. Fear of pain is a very common
reason for avoiding the dentist. This fear usually stems from an early
dental experience that was unpleasant or painful or from dental "pain
and horror" stories told by others. Thanks to the many advances in
dentistry made over the years, most of today's dental procedures are
considerably less painful or even pain-free.
- Fear of injections or fear the
injection won't work. Many
people are terrified of needles, especially when inserted into their
mouth. Beyond this fear, others fear that the anesthesia hasn't yet taken
effect or wasn't a large enough dose to eliminate any pain before the
dental procedure begins.
- Fear of anesthetic side effects. Some people fear the potential
side effects of anesthesia such as dizziness,
feeling faint, or nausea.
Others don't like the numbness or "fat lip" associated with
local anesthetics.
- Feelings of helplessness and loss of
control. It's
common for people to feel these emotions considering the situation --
sitting in a dental chair with your mouth wide open, unable to see what's
going on.
- Embarrassment and loss of personal
space. Many
people feel uncomfortable about the physical closeness of the dentist or
hygienist to their face. Others may feel self-conscious about the
appearance of their teeth or possible mouth odors.
The key to coping with
dental anxiety is to discuss your fears with your dentist. Once your dentist
knows what your fears are, he or she will be better able to work with you to
determine the best ways to make you less anxious and more comfortable. If your
dentist doesn't take your fear seriously, find another dentist.
If lack of control is one
of your main stressors, actively participating in a discussion with your
dentist about your treatment can ease your tension. Ask your dentist to explain
what's happening at every stage of the procedure. This way you can mentally
prepare for what's to come. Another helpful strategy is to establish a signal
-- such as raising your hand -- when you want the dentist to immediately stop.
Use this signal whenever you are uncomfortable, need to rinse your mouth, or
simply need to catch your
Saturday, October 20, 2012
A Perfect Body Or A Perfect Smile?
A perfect body or a perfect smile?
by Dental Tribune America
MADISON, Wis., USA: Consumers say they would pay to fix their teeth before they would pay for weight loss help, according to new research from the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD). The findings are good news for cosmetic dentists — they suggest that the demand for cosmetic dentistry is stronger than ever.
RELATED TOPICS
Cosmetic dentistry revenues stable, growth expected in some categoriesCanadian dentist elected president of AACDNearly half (45 percent) of Americans think a person’s smile can defy aging’s effects while eyes come in a distant second (34 percent). In comparison, very few adults find the following features less likely to age well:
- Body shape (10 percent)
- Hair (6 percent)
- Legs (5 percent)
“A great smile is always in style, and these results prove it,” said AACD President Dr. Ron Goodlin. “Cosmetic dental professionals can rest assured that their services will always be needed.”
The AACD’s research was completed through a survey with Kelton Global in recognition of Healthy Aging Month, which takes place in September. Kelton Global polled 1,018 American adults ages 18 and over questioning them about their attitudes related to aging and beauty.
The AACD Smile Survey was conducted between August 17 and August 23, 2012 among 1,018 nationally representative Americans ages 18 and over, using an email invitation and an online survey. Margin of error = +/- 3.1 percent.
(Source: AACD)
Friday, October 19, 2012
Could Your Toothbrush Be Making You Sick?
The Ugly Truth About Your Toothbrush
Your toothbrush may be nastier than you think. Find out when
to ditch it
Do you know what's lurking on your toothbrush?
Your toothbrush is loaded with germs, say researchers at
England's University of Manchester. They've found that one uncovered toothbrush
can harbor more than 100 million bacteria, including E. coli bacteria,
which can cause diarrhea, and staphylococci ("staph") bacteria that
cause skin infections
But don't panic. Your mouth wasn't exactly sterile to begin
with.
Mouthful of Bacteria
The bottom line is, there are hundreds of
microorganisms in our mouths every day. Problems only start when there is an
unhealthy balance of bacteria in the mouth.
It's important to remember that plaque -- the stuff
you're removing from your teeth -- is bacteria, So
you're putting bacteria on your toothbrush every time you brush your
teeth.
Could Your Toothbrush Be Making You Sick?
Probably not. Regardless of how many bacteria live in your
mouth, or have gotten in there via your toothbrush, your body's natural
defenses make it highly unlikely that you're going to catch an infection simply
from brushing your teeth.
Fortunately, the human body is usually able to defend
itself from bacteria, So we aren't aware of any real
evidence that sitting the toothbrush in your bathroom in the toothbrush holder
is causing any real damage or harm. We don't know that the bacteria on there
are translating into infections.
Still, you should exercise some common sense about storing
your toothbrush, including how close it is to the toilet.
Don't Brush Where You Flush
Most bathrooms are small. And in many homes, the toilet is
pretty close to the bathroom sink where you keep your toothbrush.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Consequences & Treatment Of Thumb Sucking
Effects of Thumb Sucking!
Many infants and young children calm themselves by sucking their thumbs. While most children will stop on their own between ages 3 and 6, some continue past the age of 4 or 5. Prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to serious dental and speech problems. By using lots of love, encouragement, and a few simple steps, you can help your child succeed in breaking the thumb-sucking habit.
At home, treatment includes:
Parents setting rules and providing distractions. It may help to limit the times and places that your child is allowed to suck his or her thumb and to put away blankets or other items your child associates with thumb-sucking.
Putting gloves on your child's hands or wrapping the thumb with an adhesive bandage or a cloth may help remind your child not to suck the thumb.
Offering praise and rewards for not thumb-sucking may also help your child break the habit. For example, put stickers on a calendar each day that your child doesn't suck his or her thumb. After an agreed-upon number of days, have a celebration for your child.
Don't shame or punish your child for thumb-sucking. This will only lower your child's self-esteem.
If home treatment doesn't work and you are concerned or feel frustrated about your child's thumb-sucking, talk with your child's doctor. There may be other treatment options, such as behavioral therapy, thumb devices, or devices for the mouth. But remember that thumb-sucking usually isn't a problem in children at preschool age or younger. Most children will stop on their own if you give them time.
Many infants and young children calm themselves by sucking their thumbs. While most children will stop on their own between ages 3 and 6, some continue past the age of 4 or 5. Prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to serious dental and speech problems. By using lots of love, encouragement, and a few simple steps, you can help your child succeed in breaking the thumb-sucking habit.
How is problem thumb-sucking treated?
Simple home treatment measures stop most children from sucking their thumbs. But if your child is older than 5, start with a visit to your child's doctor.At home, treatment includes:
Parents setting rules and providing distractions. It may help to limit the times and places that your child is allowed to suck his or her thumb and to put away blankets or other items your child associates with thumb-sucking.
Putting gloves on your child's hands or wrapping the thumb with an adhesive bandage or a cloth may help remind your child not to suck the thumb.
Offering praise and rewards for not thumb-sucking may also help your child break the habit. For example, put stickers on a calendar each day that your child doesn't suck his or her thumb. After an agreed-upon number of days, have a celebration for your child.
Don't shame or punish your child for thumb-sucking. This will only lower your child's self-esteem.
If home treatment doesn't work and you are concerned or feel frustrated about your child's thumb-sucking, talk with your child's doctor. There may be other treatment options, such as behavioral therapy, thumb devices, or devices for the mouth. But remember that thumb-sucking usually isn't a problem in children at preschool age or younger. Most children will stop on their own if you give them time.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
The Importance of Teeth Cleanings
A recent study linked frequent teeth cleanings to a 24% lower risk of heart attack and 13% lower risk of stroke. The theory: Bacteria in your mouth may inflame blood vessels and cause plaque to form, which can lead to blockages and, in time, heart attack and stroke.
GO TIGERS!
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