The United Way

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! To our T-Shirt Contest Winners

Our winner for grades K-2 goes to 2nd grader Jaimee Poteete of Mrs. Arnold's class!!





Our winner for grades 3-5 goes to 4th grader Noah Hafner of Mrs. Call's class!!

Halitosis - Bad Breath

Bad breath can be an embarrassing problem for children, as well as parents. Bad breath, or halitosis, can be a symptom of various conditions including: postnasal drip, dry mouth, dental problems, and sinusitis. Halitosis in children is often due to the decomposition of mucus secretions and debris which accumulate on the tongue, in the nose, and between the teeth.

A few causes of halitosis are dry mouth, build up on the back of the tounge, abcess or cavities, gingivitis, or oral fungal infection.

To diagnose your halitosis, you should see your dentist for an exam.

Some treatment includes brushing and flossing, including your tounge. In the case of dry mouth, rinse with water and drink lots of sugar free fluids. You should follow up with routiene hygeine visits with your dentist and see your physician regularly.

Canker Sores (Mouth Ulcers)

What are canker sores?
Canker sores are shallow, painful sores in the mouth. They are usually red or may sometimes have a white coating over them. You might get them on the inside of your lips, the insides of your cheeks, the base of your gums or under your tongue. Canker sores are different from fever blisters, which usually are on the outside of your lips or the corners of your mouth.

Anyone can get canker sores, but women and people in their teens and 20s get them more often. Canker sores may run in families, but they aren't contagious. Doctors don't know exactly what causes canker sores. Mouth injuries, stress, poor nutrition, food allergies and genetics are some of the things that may increase your chances of getting a canker sore.

There is no cure for canker sores, but they usually go away on their own in 7 to 10 days. For pain relief, you can try taking ibuprofen (two brand names: Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (one brand name: Tylenol). A number of over-the-counter medicines are available to relieve canker sore pain or to protect the sores from becoming irritated when you eat, drink or brush your teeth. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if one of these products might be right for you.

What can I do to prevent canker sores?
Unfortunately, doctors don't know of anything that prevents canker sores from forming. However, you may be able to reduce mouth irritation by avoiding things like chewing gum, and hard, crunchy or spicy foods. Brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush after meals and flossing every day will keep your mouth free of food that might trigger a canker sore. If you get canker sores often, or if they're very painful, talk to your family doctor.

Source & Citation
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.

Management of Aphthous Ulcers by DR McBride, M.D. (American Family Physician July 1, 2000, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20000701/149.html)

What Is A Cavity??

A cavity develops when a tooth decays or breaks down. It is a hole that can grow bigger and deeper over time. Cavities are also called dental caries, and if you have one it's important to get it repaired.

Plaque is the beginning of a cavity. It is a sticky, slimy substance made up mostly of the germs that cause tooth decay. The bacteria in your mouth make acids and when plaque clings to your teeth, the acids can eat away at the enamel.

If not taken care of, acids can continue to make their way through the enamel and the inside parts of your tooth can begin to decay. A cavity will eventually decay all the way inside a tooth, where the nerve endings are. Ouch!

Proper brushing and flossing are methods of prevention against cavities as well as regular dental check ups. Make sure you see your dentist at least every six months.

Source & Citation
http://kidshealth.org/kid/talk/qa/cavity.html

Creating Healthy Smiles T-Shirt Contest

EXPLORE YOUR CREATIVE SIDE with DPD!!!

During Children's Dental Health Month in February 2010,
Dickson Pediatric Dentistry is having a T-shirt designing contest.


There will be 2 judging categories: K-2nd grade and 3rd - 5th grade.

Contest Rules are as follows:
- Create a T-shirt design with a dental health message. Examples can include brushing, flossing, dental visits, tooth anatomy, nutritious foods, mouthguards in sports, etc.

- All entries must be on paper or poster board no larger than 11" x 17"

- Paint, marker, colored pencils, ink, mixed media/collage, pastel or computer generated are are all acceptable

- One entry per child

- Entries must be turned into Dickson Pediatric Dentietry by Thursday Feb. 25th, 2010

- One grand prize winner per age group

- Winner will be notified in March

Judging Categories:

K - 2nd Grade
3rd - 5th Grade

Winners will be chosen based on educational value and creativity of project.
Grand Prize winners will have their design printed on a t-shirt and one t-shirt printed for each member in their class. Winners will also get to choose a movie prize pack or gift card for Seven Flags.

The classroom with the Grand Prize Winner will also receive $100 gift card toward supplies for their classroom.

Fluoride - What is it?

What Is It?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that can help to prevent tooth decay by strengthening teeth. Experts say the best way to prevent tooth decay is to use several sources of fluoride.

Fluoride is found naturally in water sources in small but traceable amounts, and in certain foods such as meat, fish, eggs and tea. Fluoride also is added to water in some areas and to toothpastes, rinses and professional treatments. Prescription fluoride tablets are available for children who do not drink fluoridated water.

Fluoride strengthens teeth by helping to speed remineralization and disrupt the production of acids by bacteria. Fluoride can be incorporated into teeth in two ways. When children swallow fluoride in small doses (through food, supplements or fluoridated water), it enters the bloodstream and becomes incorporated in their developing permanent teeth, making it harder for acids to cause demineralization. Fluoride also can enter teeth directly in the mouth when it is applied at the dental office, when you brush with fluoride toothpaste or use a fluoride rinse and when fluoridated water washes over your teeth as you drink.

How safe is fluoride?

Using fluoride for the prevention and control of decay is proven to be both safe and effective. Nevertheless, products containing fluoride should be stored out of the reach of young children. Too much fluoride could cause fluorosis of developing permanent teeth. Fluorosis usually is mild, with tiny white specks or streaks that often are unnoticeable. In severe cases of fluorosis, the enamel may be pitted with brown discoloration. Development of fluorosis depends on the amount, duration and timing of excessive fluoride intake. The appearance of teeth affected by fluorosis can be greatly improved by a variety of treatments in esthetic dentistry.

Source & Citation
http://www.aapd.org/publications/brochures/floride.asp