So Cal Holistic Happenings

Sometimes bedtime can be a really struggle, and a bottle might seem like an easy solution. Unfortunately, putting a baby to bed with a bottle of milk or juice does more harm than good, because the easier bedtime comes at the expense of the baby’s oral health. Keeping those baby teeth healthy is crucial so that the adult teeth will have a better chance of coming in straight. In previous blogs we've highlighted the importance of limiting carbohydrate intake to meals to prevent adult teeth decay.  This idea is just as important for children as it is for adults!  Good oral health starts at a  young age, and it’s important we do everything possible to prevent tooth decay from the moment those baby teeth emerge.  What Is Bottle Rot? Prolonged exposure to the sugars in milk or juice  erodes the enamel on a baby or toddler’s teeth , particularly the central incisors. If you’ve ever heard of the phrase “baby bottle tooth decay” or the more sinister-sounding “bottle rot,” this is

In 1981, the American Dental Association dedicated February to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.This national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, health care providers and others to promote the benefits of good oral health.  Last February our office offered a free community service in public health through an interactive dental presentation for Kindergarten- 3rd classrooms. We are thrilled to present a curriculum designed by Dr. Cindy tailored to provide students with fun, educational material for cavity prevention and oral health. Dr. Cindy is a home school mother who loves educating people, young or old. She has found that there is never an age limit on learning, even parents learn something new in our presentations! Inspired by the lack of children's dental education available, Dr.Cindy introduces the felt story board of "Charlie The Tooth", presenting the story o

B eyond good oral hygiene (brushing 2 minutes both in am & pm + flossing BEFORE the bedtime tooth-brushing), these 5 things can keep you decay free! * Xylitol is a natural sweetener that tastes similar to sugar.  6-10g/day can help prevent decay by fooling decay causing bacteria into thinking it is fruit sugar, and essentially starving the bacteria.  These bacteria also become less virulent with continued use over time.   *Water (and other carbohydrate-free beverages) should be your beverage of choice between meals. Enjoy your juices, milks, and even the occasional soda pop with your meal, when your teeth are already dirty.  If you are unable to brush your teeth after a meal, you should minimally rinse your mouth with water.  * Limit your frequency of eating to 3 meals a day plus 2-3 protein snacks like nuts and cheeses; these are anti- decay foods (nuts may be raw or roasted, but not honey - or sugar coasted). * Brush with baking soda and help the alkalinity of yo