Moooooove over gum disease, from Pediatric Dental Partners!

Drs. Crawford, Wallace, Backofen, and Chidlow want to know: Is dairy in your regular diet? If not, it should be! Our team at Pediatric Dental Partners recently came across a 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP). The study results showed that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, can actually lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease). Study results also showed that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease.

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese helps fight cavities. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal.

Eating dairy is not only healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, and remember with each bite, you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call!

Pediatric Dentistry, setting the record straight about sun safety!

There's nothing like a hot summer day! Now that the heat wave is sweeping through Shreveport and Bossier City, our team at Pediatric Dental Partners thought that we would share a few sun safety tips with you, courtesy of KidsHealth. Although vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium, there can be serious health affects if you aren't prepared for the heat. That's why our doctors here at Pediatric Dental Partners want to help keep you informed about sun safety!

Sun Safety 101: What to know about UVA, VVB, and UVC rays

1. UVA rays- These rays make of the majority of sun exposure, and can contribute to skin cancer, skin aging, and wrinkling.

2. UVB rays- Known for causing sunburns, cataracts, and immune system damage, these powerful rays are linked with Melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer).

3. UVC rays- Lucky for you, these rays are shielded by the ozone layer and don't reach earth!

To protect yourself from these harmful rays, try to avoid the sun between 10am to 4pm, when it is the most prominent! If you do choose to spend time in the sun, remember to cover up, apply generous amounts of SPF 15 or higher sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours, stay hydrated, and use protective eyewear! Also, remember to check your child's medications for sun sensitivity.

Have a fun & safe week,

- Your friends at Pediatric Dental Partners

Government sites your child should check out this summer, from Pediatric Dental Partners

It may be summer in Bossier City and Shreveport, LA, but that doesn't mean that your child's learning should take a break. Summer reading can be vital to the vocabulary and critical thinking skills of your child. That's why Pediatric Dental Partners and our team thought that we would point your child towards a few helpful websites that will help keep their minds sharp this summer, courtesy of our friends at More4Kids.

Here are 12 helpful websites that we think your child will love! Let us know what you think or if you have any great government websites to share!

Happy learning,

The team at Pediatric Dental Partners

Your friend, fluoride!

Our team at Pediatric Dental Partners knows that you want to protect your pearly whites during orthodontic treatment. Brushing teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and protecting your mouth and appliances from damage are all ways of taking care of your mouth. Did you know that there is another, often forgotten, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!