February is Children's Dental Health Month!

Starting your child out with good habits and dental care will help to ensure that they have the best chance for a healthy mouth that will last a lifetime. 

When Should My Child First See the Dentist?

Baby teeth have an important role and beginning to care for your child’s teeth before they erupt should not be overlooked.  The first tooth may appear at around 6 months and as soon as it starts to erupt it is at risk for decay.  This is why the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that your child have their first visit to the dentist within 6 months of the first tooth coming in (erupting), or by about 12 months of age. By the time your child reaches his third birthday they will have all 20 of their primary teeth.

The First Dental Happy Visit

At Holistic Family Dentistry we recommend you schedule a pediatric dentistry  “Happy Visit” to acquaint your child with our staff.  They will meet our dentist,  take a ride in the chair, meet "Mr. Thirsty,"  get their teeth checked and begin to establish a level of comfort with the dentist's office. 

The first dental visit  is for young children and is a brief visit. Some children may be anxious, and it may take more than one “Happy Visit” before they are comfortable. In order to prepare for this visit there are a few things to consider:

 

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Dental trauma is defined as injury to the teeth, periodontium (gums and the other structures that keep your teeth in place), and the accompanying oral soft tissue structures like the tongue and lips.

Dental trauma is very common, especially among the school-aged population.  Beyond the initial injury, significant problems such as chewing food can create long-term issues.  While not all dental traumas require emergency dental care, following up with your dentist is recommended to ensure proper healing will occur.  Further, prevention and understanding how to handle a dental trauma situation can greatly improve outcomes of these common and preventable incidents.

Unfortunately, one third of preschoolers, one fourth of school children and one third of adults have suffered from dental trauma in their lives (1).  The reasons for dental trauma in children are numerous and include falls from bike riding, running, general falls, sports participation at younger ages including soccer, football, baseball and swimming, ADHD, epilepsy and hearing/vision impairment.

Sports are a large contributor to dental injuries (2) and are to blame for the majority of dental trauma. Children can fall or run into each other as they tend to run enthusiastically, without fully developed coordination, or not paying attention to their surroundings.  Winning the race to the soccer ball takes priority over noticing that six other children are attempting the same thing.

Protect the Teeth from Dental Trauma

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The health of the mouth is intricately connected to the overall health of the body.

Recent studies show that plaque in the mouth from periodontal disease may increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. There is a lot of information about the gut microbiome, but the oral microbiome greatly influences the GI tract as well as systemic health.  The mouth can be a reservoir for healthy as well as unhealthy bacteria.   The immune system in the mouth is similar to the small intestine.  The tonsils help determine if the bacteria that enters the mouth is good or bad.

As a dental hygienist in a holistic & biological dentistry practice, part of the preventive dental appointment may include a sample of the bacteria in your mouth which you can see on the microscope. Any areas of concern can then be evaluated by the dentist and monitored.  We are able to check your mouth for the types of bacteria that can cause inflammation and give you suggestions on changing your dental routine if needed.

What's in Your Mouth?

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When should I call the dentist? 

At Holistic Family Dentistry at National Integrated Health Associates, we get this question all the time, so we thought it would be a good idea to tell you what constitutes a “dental emergency.”

Emergency Dental Services in Washington, D.C.

Toothache: Call your dentist as soon as possible.

Loose or knocked out tooth: If you have a tooth that is loose or out of alignment, you should call your dentist for an emergency appointment right away. A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency that requires urgent attention.

Broken, chipped or cracked tooth: If a tooth is chipped and doesn’t hurt, this usually does not constitute a dental emergency and you may be able to wait a few days to see a dentist, but call immediately. However, it is important to be careful while chewing so as not to chip it more. A cracked or fractured tooth is a serious issue constituting a dental emergency; call your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment.

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Most dental appointments are scheduled, preventive and planned but sometimes a dental emergency occurs and a dentist must be seen right away. If you have tooth pain, tissue swelling, a cracked tooth, a broken filling  – please act fast and contact a dentist.

Catering to the emergency dental patient requires commitment to convenience, compassion, a degree of comprehensive services and the ability to accommodate and listen.

Does it make a difference if the dentist is a traditional or biological or holistic dentist?

Well, it may – and here’s why.

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Oral Cancer....Not Just for Smokers

More than 43,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year.  According to the National Cancer Institute, oral cancer is more common than leukemia, skin melanoma, and cancers of the brain, liver, bone, thyroid, ovaries, and cervix.  It is a major cause of disfigurement and death in the United States.

Oral cancer  includes cancers found in the mouth, and on the tongue, lips, throat, parts of the nose, and larynx.  Seventy five percent of these cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol use but anyone can get oral cancer. Also, human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant risk factor for the development of cancers in the tonsils and the back of the throat.

Your mouth is one of your body’s most important early warning systems.

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Why would anyone want to remove mercury amalgam fillings from their mouth?

The short answer is: your health may depend on it.

Our health is under assault. Measured by any statistic - there is more cancer, diabetes, brain deterioration (Alzheimer’s etc.), autoimmune disease, chronic pain, joint disease, fatigue, Lyme Disease… than ever before. And itseems to be getting worse.

Why? One reason is because we as a population are overwhelmed by so many toxins in our environment that may affect our neuroimmune system. Mercury in amalgam fillings, heavy metals in food, chemicals in water and personal care products and modern computer technology has created an environment for modern living that is not natural. Can the body handle it all?  The long term affects of living in a "toxic soup" are not yet known, but we can take measures to protect ourselves and our children. 

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Heart disease is the #1 killer in the United States. Cardiovascular disease, or CVD, accounts for one in three deaths in the United States. It is a multi-factorial disease and there are many risk factors which contribute to heart disease including obesity, high blood pressure, smoking, lack of exercise, genetics, periodontal disease and other dental issues.

Biological dentists are conventionally trained and holistically oriented – and the dentists at NIHA assess the mouth in such a way that considers the condition of the mouth as it relates to the overall health of the body and disease prevention, such as diabetes and heart disease.

Specifically, early signs of gum inflammation may be risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. 

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Dental Implants:  An Important Development

Teeth are critical for overall health, not just for aesthetics.   Teeth structure and alignment affect the nervous system, digestive system, immune system, structural alignment and so much more.

Teeth can be lost due to infection, decay, accident, orthodontics, a disrupted bite or even for aesthetic reasons.

Missing teeth that are not replaced can  negatively affect the overall bite, which in turn can affect structural alignment of the jaw and even our sleep.  Without replacing the missing tooth the neighboring teeth will move into that space, altering the way your teeth come together. That altered bite can change jaw alignment, blood flow to the brain as well as alter the nervous system function of the head and neck. Most of these missing teeth should be replaced to restore the bite for long term health and body  alignment.

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