Healthy Habits

Best and Worst Candy for Teeth

November 8th, 2022

It's after Halloween, and many of you ask, "What is the best and worst candy for our teeth?" We have put together a guide to some of the best and worst candies for teeth. No matter what candy you choose, it's always best to brush and floss after you or your child indulges in any sweet!
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The Best Candies

1. Dark chocolate is the best candy for your teeth by a wide margin. Dark chocolate is very low in sugar. Compounds in cocoa beans also have an antibacterial effect that fights plaque.

2. Sugarless gum and sugarless candies, such as candies with stevia or candies that diabetics consume. Sugar feeds bacteria and upsets the healthy ratios of pH and bacteria in the mouth, so a sugarless candy comes in as “second best” here.

3. Candy bars with nuts. Candy bars with a lot of nuts can break up the stickiness, and it’s the stickiness of a candy that increases chance of cavity, so having nuts (and the protein/fiber that nuts provide) can break up the “badness” of the sticky parts of the candy. Nuts can also break up some of the biofilm of the teeth.

The Worst Candies

1. Anything Sticky. As Dr. Applebaum says, "Anything that would get stuck to your shoe if you stepped on it is bad for your teeth." The stickier the candy, the worse it is — that’s Jujubes, Tootsie Rolls, etc. The effects of these sticky candies will linger because they stick around, increasing the chance for a cavity.

2. Lollipops & Hard Candies. Lollipops and hard candies last a long time compared to other candies. Frequency of exposure increases chance of harm to teeth – but if you throw it down the hatch and brush and floss right after, damage to (teeth only) can be minimal. Also the harder candies can crack a tooth when chewed (like Jolly Ranchers) which is NEVER a good thing.

3. Gummy worms, because they’re the most acidic and wears down the tooth enamel, which protects your teeth. This makes it easier for teeth to become chipped or broken. A lack of enamel can expose the nerves in your teeth, which are extremely sensitive to changes in temperature of the things you eat and drink.

Dental Checkups: Why You Should Never Brush Them Off

March 1st, 2022

Your teeth look and feel just fine, so what harm can there be in skipping one checkup? Plenty... and it's not just a free toothbrush and dental samples you'll miss! A lot can happen in just a short period of time, and the ramifications of canceling your semi-annual dental checkup can go beyond your oral health.

If you've ever doubted the necessity of regular visits, these reasons will have you running for the dentist's chair at least every six months!

Developing Decay and Disease

Practicing perfect hygiene can be difficult, and occasional slip-ups can happen to the most diligent of dental patients. But forgetting to brush or floss here or there, or overindulging in sugary snacks one too many times is all it takes to put you on the path to tooth decay and gum disease.

Seeing your dentist regularly for a professional cleaning and exam can help detect and remove hardened plaque buildup (otherwise known as "tartar") before it results in new cavities and gum disease. While timely preventative care should be of universal importance, frequent checkups are even more crucial to the oral health of children still learning about proper dental care, as well as to pregnant women who are at higher risk of gum disease.

Serious Non-Dental Health Issues

The state of your teeth and gums can tell far more about your overall wellbeing than you might think. In fact, the mere presence of periodontitis (severe gum disease) and/or tooth loss has been associated with other non-dental conditions.

Because dental exams also include an assessment of the head, face and neck, a checkup can detect larger concerns directly resulting from poor oral health. Facial muscle strain due to protruding teeth, or jaw disorders caused by bruxism (excessive tooth grinding) are just two examples of serious side effects that can progressively worsen over time if left unchecked. Oral cancer is another serious health threat that you might overlook without the experienced eyes of your dentist.

Significant Cost Savings in the Long Run

Not only does preventative care make sense from a health perspective, it makes a lot of financial sense as well. No one can deny that replacing a lost or cracked filling is much more cost-effective than a root canal or tooth replacement. Moreover, early detection of certain conditions — such as gum disease or weakened tooth enamel — makes it possible to reverse the problem in some situations, and avoid costly alternatives altogether.

Where regular dental checkups prove themselves to be even more invaluable is in detecting and treating larger diseases and health concerns. Safeguarding your body from the ravages of cancer and other aforementioned illnesses is worth the effort of going to a dental checkup every few months.

Making the Most of Each Checkup

Regular checkups every 6 months provide you with the opportunity for professional care and treatment specific to your dental situation. If you suffer from gum disease, you should aim to see your dentist for a professional cleaning every 3-4 months. From nutritional advice to cosmetic improvements and necessary surgical procedures, your dentist can help you navigate the more complex aspects of dental care to safeguard your oral health.


Sources:

Healthy smile, healthy you: The importance of oral health. (2011, May). Retrieved June 1, 2015 from https://www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/dentalhealth.html

The Importance of Regular Dental Visits. (n.d.). Retrieved June 1, 2015 from http://www.oralb.com/topics/importance-of-regular-dental-visits.aspx

Why Are Regular Dental Visits Important? (n.d.). Retrieved June 1, 2-15 from http://www.dentalcare.com/en-US/dental-education/patient-education/regular-english.aspx

The Greensboro Center for Pediatric Dentistry Presents Dental Health Month Presentations

February 17th, 2022

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This is the month schools across the country focus on raising awareness about the importance of good oral health. The Greensboro Center for Pediatric Dentistry is offering Dental Health Month presentations at preschools in the area throughout the month.

Cathy Vaughn, a dental assistant at The Greensboro Center for Pediatric Dentistry for almost 18 years, is one of the staff members who provides the dental health presentations. The presentations demonstrate what happens during a visit to the dentist and familiarize children with what dentists and dental assistants wear and the tools they use. During the presentations, Vaughn also shows children how to brush their teeth and discusses how to make healthy choices at home.

 

Drs. Marc Goldenberg, Kate M. Pierce and Matthew Applebaum have a combined 60 plus years of experience treating children in a fun, low stress environment.

“Dental Health Month is a great opportunity to educate children in our community. These early, positive dental experiences create the foundation for trusting doctor/patient relationships and a lifetime of good oral health. Children’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime, and a healthy smile is important to a child’s self-esteem. With proper care, a balanced diet and regular dental visits, their teeth can remain healthy and strong,” said Dr. Matthew Applebaum.

On Monday, February 21st at 10:30 AM, Dr. Kate M. Pierce will be at The Greensboro Children’s Museum for a member’s dental health presentation. Admission is free with museum membership. Schools or organizations interested in scheduling a dental health program, call Lauren Davis Gordon, Community Outreach Coordinator at 336.292.0411, extension 1011 or email community@greensboropediatricdentists.com.

 

Holiday Dental Tips

December 16th, 2021

We want to wish all our patients a happy holiday season!

To help everyone in your family keep a bright and healthy smile during this busy and party-filled time, here are some dental tips for everyone in your family to follow throughout the season:

#1 Be cautious of candy canes – Hard candy is everywhere during the holidays from candy canes to peppermints, but it can crack your teeth if you bite down wrong. It may be better to let candies dissolve to prevent any chipping or other damage. Be sure to brush thoroughly after eating candy of any kind.

#2 Stay clear of soda and juice – Holiday parties are rife with soda and sweet drinks. If you want something bubbly, try fizzy water rather than soda. Sometimes we drink what is easiest to grab. Try setting out a pitcher of water for a helpful reminder that it’s an option.

#3 Take more turkey – One holiday food that’s great for your teeth is turkey. It’s a great source of phosphorus and protein – both of which can help your body fight tooth decay and keep your teeth strong and healthy.

#4 Stock your stockings well – Christmas stockings are often chock full of sugary treats that can cause your children to get cavities. Instead ask Santa to consider eliminating candy altogether, stick to one sweet item and/or ask for a cool new toothbrush as part of the holiday loot.

#5 Dip into veggies – At holiday events, skip the trays of Christmas cookies and brownies and instead fill your plate with veggies. Broccoli and carrots are great treats for your teeth because they’re loaded with Vitamin A which strengthens your enamel.

#6 Carol while you clean – Optimal tooth brushing last about two minutes. Hum along a few verses of a holiday tune with while you help your child brush.  Likely your child will brush long enough to clean their teeth, gums and tongue, too!

#7 Don’t use your teeth as a tool – The holidays come with packages to open, tape to apply to presents and loads of other things you may be tempted to break open or cut with your teeth. Don’t do it! Using your teeth as a tool can cause chips and breaks.

#8 Fill up on fruit – Instead of piling on sugary desserts at your holiday meal, turn to fruit instead. If you’re having a big dinner or party, rather than prepping a number of cakes and pies, try sticking to one sweet dessert along with a big fruit plate.

#9 Say goodbye to grazing – At the holidays, we often have spreads of food left out all the time. Grazing all day can put your teeth at greater risk for decay. Instead of leaving out treats and snacks, only put out food for mealtimes and then stash the food away.

#10 Make the holiday meaningful – Holiday parties and meals can be so much fun, but it’s ok to take the focus off of food! Give your teeth a break and set up activities with your family like board and card games, craft projects or holiday movie marathons.

Here at GCPD we hope you have a safe, happy and healthy holiday and we can’t wait to see your bright smile in the coming New Year.

Happy Holidays!

 

No Crying Necessary: Simple Ways to Stop Thumb Sucking

November 16th, 2021

At first it was adorable, but now it has become worrisome. Starting to fear your child is addicted to thumb sucking? Push those worst-case scenarios and harsh weaning tactics from your mind. Here is the truth about the dental risks, when it is necessary to intervene, and effective ways to break the habit for good.

Long-Term Effects of Non-Nutritive Sucking

Prolonged sucking can ultimately lead to a number of oral issues: jaw misalignment, protrusion of the upper teeth, crookedness and/or bite problems.

Left unchecked, sucking can also alter the natural position of the jawbone and change the shape and sensitivity of the roof of the mouth, which can lead to a lisp over time.

While corrective action and regular dentist visits can save your little one from such dental trauma, timing can make a big difference in the experience for parent and child.

When Should Parent Intervene?

According to the American Dental Association, dental problems associated with thumb sucking typically occur with the arrival of permanent teeth. This means that if your child only has primary teeth, you can table extreme measures to curb the habit for now.

In fact, thumb sucking is a natural, self-soothing reflex for many babies and toddlers, and a wise (and non-traumatic) course of action may simply be to wait and see if your child outgrows the behavior over time.

If your child starts to lose baby teeth, however, and still sucks his or her thumb aggressively, you'll need to step in to prevent dental problems from emerging.

How to Put an End to the Thumb Sucking for Good

Just as there are different reasons that drive children to suck their thumbs, there are also a number of options to help stop it. Here are a few tried-and-true methods worth considering:

  1. Provide alternate means of comfort: if the habit seems born out of anxiety or stress, see if a well-timed hug or kiss, or offering a favorite toy does the trick
  2. Reward his or her efforts: enthusiastic praise, a sticker, or other special treat can be very motivating and make the process fun
  3. Use creative reminders: agree on a special signal to help discretely halt the behavior if you catch your child doing it in public, and try a bandage over the finger or a sock over the hand to deter thumb sucking at night
  4. Seek help from the dentist: a mouth guard or special coating for the thumb may ultimately be recommended depending on your child's dental situation

No matter which route you choose, keeping a positive approach and demeanor will go a long way in making the experience less stressful for both you and your child.

It could also be helpful to team up with your dentist to tackle the issue. A dental examination and professional guidance can help point you in the right direction depending on the severity of thumb sucking and your child's age. Schedule a consultation to share your concerns, and/or provide an update on the situation during your next appointment.


Sources:

Feature, H. (n.d.). Help Children Stop Thumbsucking: 9 Tips. Retrieved June 2, 2015, from http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/9-ways-to-wean-a-child-off-thumb-sucking

Thumbsucking. (2014). Retrieved June 2, 2015, from http://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/t/thumbsucking