Pediatric Dental Partners congratulates the recent graduates of our Thumb Sucking Program

Our doctors and team at Pediatric Dental Partners would like to recognize all of the super star graduates of our Thumb Sucking Program.

Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. Children begin our Thumb Sucking program ideally before getting their permanent teeth and braces, with the goal of them breaking the thumb sucking habit.

In the program, a Hygienist gives the child words of encouragement and helps the child work through breaking the habit. The Hygienist calls the child every night for the first week, and then a couple of times each week for the following four weeks. All graduates of the Thumb Sucking Program are given a certificate, balloons, a gift card to Target, prizes, and a waiting room celebration.

If you've got a thumb-sucker in the house, give us a call today and we can help assess the situation, and determine if our Thumb Sucking Program is right for your child.

Preparing for Cold and Flu Season, from Pediatric Dental Partners

Fall is upon us, and with it comes the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, our doctors will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope these tips help! Feel free to call us at Pediatric Dental Partners if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook.

A day to honor America’s veterans

Have you thanked a veteran lately? November 11 is Veterans Day - the perfect holiday for thanking and honoring our country’s military. In celebration of Veterans Day, our team at Pediatric Dental Partners would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, this national holiday, and our country’s history!

• There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.
• The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777
• Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values- red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth
• Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump
• Veterans Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.
• When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).
• There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania
• The VA healthcare system now has 171 medical centers, 126 nursing home care units, and 35 live-in care facilities
• President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day
• Take a Veteran to School Day is a program that was developed by HISTORY in 2007 to connect students and veterans.
• Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veterans Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served and currently serve our country.

The Harlem Globetrotters make an appearance at Pediatric Dental Partners!

Bossier City and Shreveport dentists Dr. Crawford, Dr. Wallace, Dr. Backofen, and Dr. Chidlow and our team enjoy meeting the unique dental needs of our young patients and their families in a friendly, fun and exciting atmosphere. Each year, both of our practices coordinate to plan festive group Halloween costumes to wear at the office. Our team at the Shreveport showed our Harlem spirit this year as the Harlem Globetrotters, while our Bossier City office dressed as Barbie dolls.

Our doctors and team at Pediatric Dental Partners would like to know, did you dress up for Halloween this year? We would love to hear about your Halloween costume! We also encourage all of our patients to "like" the Pediatric Dental Partners Facebook page, so that you can view the complete photo album from our Halloween celebration, and received the most updated information about our practice.