A Minute With The Mahadeo Movement- Floss Tips for Children

Visit any of these links to view a short (it’s only “A Minute”!) video with tips and tricks to help you and your oral health! 

My Amazon Author Page

My Facebook Fan Page

My YouTube Page

Please see below for written copy:

Hi!  Welcome to A Minute With the Mahadeo Movement.  I am Elizabeth Mahadeo, Registered Dental Hygienist, Author and Your Healthy Life Leader!

Today we are focusing on floss tips for children.  Getting our children to floss their teeth daily is a challenge, so how do we help them achieve healthy teeth and gums?

1.        Floss together every day so your children know it’s part of the daily routine.

2.       It’s ok if they aren’t doing it perfectly.  It takes time and practice to perfect their technique.

3.       If stringy floss is hard to use, get a floss-aid.  Proper technique with stringy floss is ideal, but using floss-sticks or floss-wand (etc.) is better than not doing it at all.

4.       Learn the proper flossing technique yourself, from your dental health care provider, so you can help your child.

5.       Make it fun!  Flossing has to be done so give lots of positive praise.

We all want the best for our kids and don’t want to see them in pain, so tough love now with flossing will make a difference.  Let’s empower our children to Make Their Smile Go A Mile!

To get a written copy of this video please visit emahadeo.wordpress.com

“If there is anything half so much fun as being alive, I’d like to know what it is.”

~Frederick Buechner

This quote inexplicably resonates with me.  It is, therefore, with these words in mind, that I write to you today.

It is with mixed emotions that I am making the decision to post less frequently for the remainder of the year.  I am choosing to do this because I treasure being a wife and mother and feel the priorities of my family outweighing my personal priorities right now.  I love blogging and will continue to have an online presence but expect to hear from me just one or two times a month until such time as I have a little more personal time.

In the meantime, consider this idea, “If there is anything half so much as fun as being alive, I’d like to know what it is.”

With that said, I am open to contributions of any nature and love having guest bloggers post from time to time.  If you have content you’d like to contribute please contact me for submission guidelines at:  themahadeomovement@hotmail.com

Child Oral Health Part III Pregnancy and Infant Oral Health

The third segment of our series with Dr. Sean Childers concludes with how expecting parents can start giving the best to their children- even before they are born.

Pregnancy and Infant Oral Health

What many people do not realize is that Infant Oral Health Care begins long before your child is born. A pregnant woman’s overall systemic and oral health have huge effects on her developing fetus and it’s future health! Pregnancy-associated hormonal changes can lead to a Pregnancy Gingivitis which is most prevalent in the 2^nd trimester and peaks in the 8^th month of pregnancy. This is often accompanied by increased levels of more periodontally-destructive forms of bacteria and exacerbated by poor oral hygiene, increased snacking, and high-carbohydrate intake. This in turn can lead to a severe Pregnancy Periodontitis (inflamed gums, deep pockets, bone loss, loose teeth). Periodontal Disease during pregnancy (through the release of prostaglandins) has been scientifically linked to adverse outcomes such as preterm and/or low-birth-weight babies and preeclampsia.

Furthermore, toxemia related to dental abscesses has been shown to cause hearing loss and other birth defects in the unborn child. Lastly, don’t forget that Dental Caries is an infectious disease whose mode of transmission is, by and large, vertically from the mother/primary caregiver to the infant soon after birth.

What can I, the Pregnant Mother do?

1) Seek Dental Treatment: keep in mind that the higher the levels of maternal MS (Mutans Streptococci – primary cavity causing bugs), the greater the risk to the infant. It is therefore of the highest priority that as much dental disease as possible be eliminated from the expectant mother’s oral cavity prior to her child’s birth. The earlier the transmission of MS to the infant or child, the higher the risk of developing ECC (Early Childhood Caries)- the more destructive form of the disease. Yes, dental treatment can be safely accomplished during pregnancy and is highly recommended by the AAPD as the risks (to your child) of leaving periodontal disease or dental caries in your mouth far outweigh the risks of treatment. Contact your Pediatric Dentist for more info on the ideal treatment times during pregnancy

2) Hygiene Appointments: the first comprehensive hygiene appointment should ideally be completed at the time that you first decide to get pregnant. Otherwise, as soon as possible after conception. It is imperative that your hygienist eliminate any contributing factors (plaque, calculus, etc) to periodontal disease. A second hygiene appointment is strongly recommended in the third trimester if home care is still inadequate or there are on-going periodontal problems

3)Oral Home Care: the dentist and hygienist can only do so much. It is up to you, the expectant mother, to also do her part. After review of current oral hygiene practices, you must establish (for yourself and your baby) adequate home care. This involves twice daily brushing with an ADA approved fluoridated toothpaste, and flossing. It is also strongly recommended by the AAPD that expectant mothers get into the habit of chewing gum that contains Xylitol - a non-cariogenic (cavity causing) sugar substitute that has been scientifically proven to be antimicrobial (especially towards MS), reduce plaque formation, and inhibit enamel demineralization

4) There are many other do’s and don’ts concerning the pregnant woman which directly concern her developing unborn child. As life is a team approach, it is important that you also consult, and receive guidance from, your Family MD or Pediatrician as well.

Dr. Sean Childers
BSc, DMD, MSc, FRCD(C)
Family & Cosmetic Dentist, Board Certified in Pediatric Dentistry 

First earning an Advanced Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology (with Honours), Dr. Childers then obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (with Distinction) from the University of Saskatchewan in 1996. After practicing in a busy Family & Emergency Dental office for several years, he realized his passion and talent for treating children. This lead to a part-time teaching position as a Faculty Lecturer and Clinical Instructor back at the University. In 1999, he went on to complete a three-year Masters of Science degree in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Toronto, combined with a three-year Residency program at the world-renowned Hospital for Sick Children. In 2002, Dr. Childers successfully became Board-Certified in Pediatric Dentistry and was admitted as a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists Canada.Dr. Childers enjoys practicing both Family & Cosmetic, as well as Pediatric dentistry. His specialized training and experience in treating infants, children, adolescents and special needs patients allows him to provide optimal care to all his patients. Dr. Childers is passionate about other specialized fields of dentistry such as Orthodontics and Oral Surgery, and has pursued additional extensive training in these areas. He completed an intensive externship in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Center, where he honed his surgical skills, particularly with regards to the removal of wisdom teeth. He has also had advanced training in the lastest and most up-to-date orthodontic therapies, such as the Damon System and Invisalign. Dr. Childers prides himself in empathizing and working with children and adults who experience varying degrees of dental anxiety and understands that a little compassion goes a long way.

Related articles

• Child Oral Health Part I- Guest Post with Dr. Sean Childers (emahadeo.wordpress.com)

Compassion Being the Motivator

Although it is Oral Health Month in Canada and I had planned on blogging about that today, Monday’s tragic news has been on my mind and I feel it necessary to make an amendment to my blog plan and write about the thoughts closer to my mind and heart.  As a kid I stood on the side of the street cheering on my Dad, a marathon runner.  My Dad has run Boston, and I have celebrated this special race with and through him a few times, but especially when he ran the 100th anniversary a few years ago.  I can’t think of a better reason to get up early while it’s still dark out, peer anxiously down the street awaiting that familiar stride, than to be cheering on those dedicated runners.  The participants and spectators of the Boston Marathon this week were doing what so many of us do, have done, and will continue to do… Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families of the Boston Bombings.

Things happen in our world that are shocking, scary, unimaginable and unbearable.  Acts of immeasurable violence towards our own human race can torment the minds of the innocent, and haunt those who are directly affected.  In times of grief, such as this week as we mourn the tragic events which now tarnish the great Boston Marathon, my character is challenged.  Events of this caliber hurt me deep inside.  I question the motives of the world we live in and wonder how good can possibly ever conquer evil… But there is only one way to turn when feelings of despair creep in, and despite the sadness we observe in ourselves and in others, we do live in a world where good overcomes bad.  As we agonize over the sadness and struggles we strengthen the resolve of our character to defend the good and strive for better in our world.  In the name of those who have been targeted by tragedy, it is up to the innocent bystanders to take a compassionate, positive stand to be the good in the world.

Compassion is a word I take quite seriously.  It is a word I use to describe how I care about the people of our world, their health care in particular.  Compassion is something that can propel us forward.  It motivated me to write my first two books, Teddy Visits the Dentist and Teddy Gets a Filling.  Compassion motivates me to write this blog, to keep enthusiastically editing my third book, Teddy Talks Prevention, A Compassionate Guide to a Peaceful, Positive Visit To The Dentist, and to hang in there while learning to be a success in the intimidating world of book marketing.

Compassion is described as an awareness of the suffering of another accompanied by the wish to relieve it.  We need compassion now.  We all need to receive it, we all need to give it.  Don’t wait for tomorrow, or the next big tragedy.  Be compassionate of those around you, even of the small stuff.  Let the woman with one item go ahead of you in the grocery line, bake some cookies for the family next door when their Dad is called into work on his day off.  Let compassion be contagious, let it motivate you.

Related articles

• Bombings – From Boston To Baghdad (bigcircumstance.com)
• Five Certainties Following the Boston Marathon Bombings (bostonmamas.com)

Child Oral Health Part II

Here we are with Dr. Sean Childers for Part II of his informative article on what you need to know about your child’s mouth!

 

In North America, 40-50% of children have dental caries (tooth decay) by the time they reach kindergarten. Early Childhood Caries (severe form) can begin soon after the eruption of the first teeth and progresses rapidly. Early detection and intervention is critical! Of even more importance is the Prevention of this disease in the first place.

 

What’s so important about Primary (Baby) Teeth anyways?

The answer to that is many things. 1) They are used to chew food which is not only important for proper digestion/nutrition (and therefore your child’s overall health and development), but the physical act of chewing helps in the proper development of the craniofacial complex -bones, muscles, soft tissues of the face; 2) they maintain space in the dental arches for the permanent teeth to grow into – premature loss can lead to space loss and crowding issues which will then require orthodontic therapies (eg. braces) to correct; 3) they aid in the learning and development of speech; 4) they give your child a nice appearance and smile which is important for their social acceptance and psychological development; 5) Early Childhood Caries is an Infectious Disease that if left untreated can (and will) cause your child significant pain, suffering and can quickly spread to the permanent teeth as soon as they begin to erupt (first permanent molars erupt around age six).

It is important to stress that the primary cuspids and molars are not lost until your child reaches their early teens! Untreated abscessed primary teeth can also severely damage the permanent teeth developing below them.

Is Dental Caries ‘preventable’ and if so, how?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) encourages you to discuss both in-office, as well as at-home strategies with your Pediatric Dentist. Some strategies may include: 1)  For the mother, father, siblings and primary caregiver – regular and timely dental care in conjunction with good oral hygiene strategies to decrease the transmission of cavity-causing bacteria to infants/children; 2) minimizing saliva-sharing activities (like sharing utensils, etc) between the infant/child and his family/cohorts; 3) begin brushing with a soft age-appropriate toothbrush and a “smear” of “fluoridated toothpaste” at the time of eruption of the first primary tooth; 4) Establish a ‘Dental Home’ by your child‘s first birthday – this is the key to prevention and will allow regular check-ups, cleanings, fluoride treatments, etc; 5) Avoid cavity-promoting feeding behaviors – although both the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the AAPD acknowledge that “breast-feeding ensures the best possible health and psychosocial outcomes for the infant”, both organizations “discourage extended or excessive frequency (demand feeding) after the eruption of the first teeth”. Also, avoid putting your child to nap or bed with a bottle containing any fermentable carbohydrates (milk, formulas, juices, sodas). Extended use of a sippy (no-spill) cup is also strongly discouraged unless water is the only ingredient.

For more information on both professional and at-home strategies, you can contact your Pediatric Dentist. A Caries Risk Assessment will be used to give you a better idea of what risk level your child is at for developing Early Childhood Caries or any other oral problems. High-risk children will be identified, the transmission and cause of dental caries will be discussed (including feeding and dietary habits that promote the disease), and strategies for prevention (such as proper oral hygiene, preventive dental appointments and fluoride management) will be implemented.

 

Dr. Sean Childers
BSc, DMD, MSc, FRCD(C)
Family & Cosmetic Dentist, Board Ceritfied in Pediatric Dentistry

First earning an Advanced Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology (with Honours), Dr. Childers then obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (with Distinction) from the University of Saskatchewan in 1996. After practicing in a busy Family & Emergency Dental office for several years, he realized his passion and talent for treating children. This lead to a part-time teaching position as a Faculty Lecturer and Clinical Instructor back at the University. In 1999, he went on to complete a three-year Masters of Science degree in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Toronto, combined with a three-year Residency program at the world-renowned Hospital for Sick Children. In 2002, Dr. Childers successfully became Board-Certified in Pediatric Dentistry and was admitted as a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists Canada.Dr. Childers enjoys practicing both Family & Cosmetic, as well as Pediatric dentistry. His specialized training and experience in treating infants, children, adolescents and special needs patients allows him to provide optimal care to all his patients. Dr. Childers is passionate about other specialized fields of dentistry such as Orthodontics and Oral Surgery, and has pursued additional extensive training in these areas. He completed an intensive externship in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Center, where he honed his surgical skills, particularly with regards to the removal of wisdom teeth. He has also had advanced training in the lastest and most up-to-date orthodontic therapies, such as the Damon System and Invisalign. Dr. Childers prides himself in empathizing and working with children and adults who experience varying degrees of dental anxiety and understands that a little compassion goes a long way.

 

A Minute with the Mahadeo Movement- Tooth Brushing Tips for Toddlers

This is big!  This Wednesday we celebrate April as Oral Health Month in Canada, next week brings us National Dental Hygiene Week in Canada, and it is Oral Cancer Awareness Week in the USA as well!  To help promote Oral Health in our communities and help you lead a healthier life, The Mahadeo Movement is bringing you something new and fun! 

Visit any of these links to view a short (it’s only “A Minute”!) video with tips and tricks to help you and your oral health! 

My Amazon Author Page

My Facebook Fan Page

My YouTube Page

Please see below for written copy:

Hi, welcome to A Minute with the Mahadeo Movement.  I’m Elizabeth Mahadeo, Registered Dental Hygienist, Author, and Your Healthy Life Leader!

Today we are focusing on tooth brushing tips for toddlers.

Brushing a toddler’s teeth is a challenge so how do we help them achieve healthy teeth and gums?

1.) Brush together.  Children love to imitate, it’s how they learn

2.) Use a timer to brush at least two minutes.  Your brush may have one, but if not use a watch, a clock, or (my favourite) a song.

3.) Double-check.  Many children insist on doing it themselves, which is great but we must be sure they are brushing properly.  Double-checking, or re-brushing, by a caregiver is essential especially in spots that are hard to reach.

4.) Make it fun.  Brushing has to be done so use lots of positive praise

We all want the best for our kids and don’t want to see them in pain, so tough love now with tooth brushing will make a difference.  Let’s empower our children to Make Their Smile Go A Mile!

To get a written copy of this video please visit emahadeo.wordpress.com

Related articles

• Arm & Hammer Tooth Tunes is Music in Your Mouth #ToothTunes1D #spon (happilyblended.com)
• 5 Can’t-Miss Dental Apps for Your Android (remedytip.com)

Welcome To Paradise

As I sit by the ocean, it is sparkles blue and green in the sunlight.  I watch the glistening waves, and I listen as they lap the shore. This tranquil world brings me peace, gives me faith, makes me content and puts my priorities in the proper places.   Welcome to paradise…and the adventure of an Registered Dental Hygienist abroad.

Over seven years ago at home in Canada, I felt uninspired.  I needed to see more of the world, to meet people from different places; I had a passion to do something different with my life.  So I decided to look for employment abroad.  After a few leads and much research about places you dream of like Hawaii, the Bahamas and Bermuda, I was packing my whole life into three big suitcases.  I was leaving for a tiny island I had not been to, whose location in the Atlantic I wasn’t even entirely sure of, to work for a dentist I had never met.  What if I didn’t like it there?  What if I missed my family and friends?

Before leaving I needed to gather and send information for a work permit.  This may be similar for other countries when applying to be a guest worker, and at the time it included me filling out the proper paperwork, having professional references, a letter of good standing from the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario, and a medical exam and chest x-ray.  After a long wait, the work permit had been approved!  I had no idea what to expect when I landed, but this island turned out to be the most beautiful place I had ever been.  My new employer picked me up from the airport and I was in awe as we wound around the bends and curves of the small roads, loving the colourful oleanders and hibiscus flowers.

My international malpractice insurance, through Medical Protection Society, needed to be active before I could do debridement on patients, this included the exam I was required to sit.   It was comprised of a written portion and a clinical exam (not all countries require you to sit an exam).   The exams were arranged for me by my employer and the Dental Association.  When I heard the good news of my passing grade I was so excited.  I had already fallen in love with the island and I was ready to start working!

I was surprised and a bit relieved to find my clinical practice was no different than it was in Ontario.  There were dental influences from Canada, USA and UK, and more, and I treated patients from all over the world!   I built up a wonderful clientele at this practice.  During my time working there I got to know my patients well and created great relationships with them.  With the global influences I became an even better Registered Dental Hygienist.

What surprised me the most was I was not the first or only Canadian Registered Dental Hygienist to move abroad!  How wonderful to share this adventure and experience with others of like-mind.  Hot sun, soft sand, palm trees, and balmy breezes.  It didn’t take long to consider this my new home.   I love working abroad, and although I do miss my family and friends very much, the adventure of meeting new friends has been great too.  Good friends here have become like family to me.  I have loyal friendships with people from all over the world.

The best part of working abroad for me is the inspiration I feel from the scenery around me.  Finally I am content.  I no longer dream of where my travels may take me.  I am home, for as long as my work permit states.  Now I look around at the world around me, it soothes my senses and I fall in love with its beauty over and over again.

Related articles

• Dental hygienists want to expand roles (wwlp.com)
• Congratulations to Our Dental Hygienists for Attending the Annual Under One Roof Seminar (prweb.com)
• Review: Escape to `paradise’ in Bali no easy trip (seattletimes.com)

One Year Anniversary of Teddy Visits the Dentist

Teddy Visits the Dentist

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was a year ago this week that I published Teddy Visits the Dentist!  When I wrote the date on Monday it really did take me by surprise.  Time flies by so quickly… yet at the same time I feel as if I have been a published author for years.  I don’t actually remember a time when Teddy Visits the Dentist wasn’t a reality, a time when I didn’t get up early to work on promotions, make connections, and brainstorm about how to reach out to a wider audience.

Teddy really has become an integral part of my life, changing my life for the better and positively inspiring those around me who have taken the plunge and brought the Teddy books into their lives and the lives of their families.  There has been such a positive response to Teddy that I just know deep down publishing these stories is the right thing, something that makes the world better and a resource that is improving dental experiences for children.  As an educational resource with fun illustrations, written and published by a dental professional, the Teddy Visits the Dentist series is exactly what the field of dentistry and dental hygiene needs for it’s young patients.

The Mahadeo Movement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So what has been keeping me and Teddy so busy this year?  Well, I have created an online presence for The Mahadeo Movement and Teddy Visits the Dentist by getting wise with social media.  I have been posting a weekly blog, contacting individual school boards, ministries of education, dental offices, libraries, baby stores, book stores and schools across Canada and the USA in an attempt to spread the word about how Teddy is promoting oral health.  I have applied for recognition awards, earned an Honorable Mention at the 2012 New York Book Festival, written articles for my national dental hygiene association, the CDHA in their quarterly OH Canada! e-magazine.  Oh right,  I published the second book in the series, Teddy Gets a Filling in November.  Kind of a big deal.  Another major advancement was I created worksheets to accompany both Teddy Visits the Dentist and Teddy Gets a Filling.  Contact me for fill in the blanks, multiple choice, true and false, and word searches!  They are tons of fun for the children plus they reinforce learning in an interesting way.  Teachers who have used these worksheets with their students have given me very positive feedback regarding them.

Teddy Visits the Dentist: Teddy Gets a Filling

The internet really has been an integral part of my experience- in fact without it I would be having a totally different and more difficult experience in marketing and promotions.  In fact, just yesterday my computer was compromised by a virus, all day the computer was slow and freezing and finally at 5 o’clock it just shut itself off and told me that it could not read one of the drives and there was nothing else I could do about it.  I felt so helpless.  I needed to get this post ready to go for the following day, but the bigger picture- how would I promote Teddy without a computer and an internet connection?  It was as if someone had turned off all my power- you know when the electricity goes out and you no longer hear the hum of all the heaters or air conditioners, or the appliances, and you sit in darkness and feel the quiet.  That is how I felt.  I knew I could handle a short delay in getting my blog posted but how would I check my email account?  How would I maintain my business with no power?  When would the computer be back up and running?  It really made me realize what an online presence Teddy is.   Just so you know how the story ends, I left the computer as it was for four hours, until dinner was eaten, dishes were washed and everyone who should be sleeping soundly was, then picked up the computer with a sigh to figure out what was wrong with it.  It woke up with a little whirr and told me it was embarrassed because it had lost the links to the pages I had opened (much earlier that morning), I did not stop to ask any questions.  Here we are off and running, with our fingers and toes crossed of course.)

I have been able to meet some fabulous people through Twitter- by far the best social media platform in my opinion.  It is a resource playground for professionals and my window to what’s going on in the world.  In a little under a year I have over 700 followers and counting, everyday I meet new friends through Twitter and have many new followers.  It is such an opportunity to see what people have to offer, it is amazing.

I am connecting with old friends and new on Facebook.  I currently have over 1700 Likes and I’m not stopping there- share The Mahadeo Movement with your friends!  I went from not even having a personal Facebook account, from being completely unaware of social media, to figuring it all out and getting in the know- and actually liking it!

But the biggest surprise this year has been becoming an experienced blogger.  I thrive on getting my blog out each week!  Since publishing Teddy Visits the Dentist this time last year, my routine has become something like this- posting a weekly blog on Wednesday mornings that ranges in focus, some dental-related topics, author and publishing topics, motivational ideas, health-wellness balance, guest posts from some fantastic experts plus any other random musings I may have.  I am finding my blogging experience incredible, considering I had no idea what a blog even was when I started.  Some of my most visited posts have been:

• Who Is Your Registered Dental Hygienist? August 2012
• Spa Review: Dreams Spa by Pevonia Dreams Resort Puerto Aventuras Mexico October 2012
• How Many Hats May 2012 (Holding strong as leader as post with most views in one day!)

What is so amazing is I have regular followers from around the world!  The majority of readers come from the US and Canada, but other countries I see regularly popping up in my stats are India, UK, Pakistan, Australia, Mexico, Chili, Argentina, Spain, Portugal, France, Iraq, Germany, Romania, Serbia, Thailand, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Trinidad, and the list goes on!  In 2012 a total of 41 different countries visited emahadeo.wordpress.com!   The Mahadeo Movement truly is a global experience.

Well what does the future hold for Teddy?  To start, I am excited for World Oral Health Day today, March 20^th!  Celebrate your Oral Health with the World Dental Federation today!  We look forward to Canadian Oral Health Month in April, not to mention Canadian National Dental Hygiene Week April 7-13th… spring is a busy time for oral health promotion!    Look out for a free Kindle promotion of Teddy Visits the Dentist and Teddy Gets a Filling later in April, watch emahadeo.wordpress.com for some great articles.  Not to mention a BIG surprise The Mahadeo Movement is planning to kick off during Canadian Oral Health Month!  In the near future look out for Teddy Talks Prevention, the third book in the series promoting oral health and dental health education, but this one is written for the adults.

What a year it has been!  Part of me never imagined it could be so great, and part of me always knew.  I just don’t see how we can fail when the message is so pure and so good.  The effort behind it is sincere, committed and determined…I have learned and learned this year, and I will keep learning.  I love what I do through The Mahadeo Movement for the children, for their families, and for overall health promotion and oral health promotion.  I love the potential of what is to come!  I want to make a difference in this world and I plan to. Happy Anniversary and thanks Teddy!  To many more years together.

Preview- Teddy Talks Prevention

Teddy Talks Prevention

A Compassionate Guide to a Peaceful, Positive Visit to the Dentist

After writing and publishing the first two books in my series of children’s oral health education books, Teddy Visits the Dentist and Teddy Gets a Filling, many people asked me “What’s next?”  They would joke and suggest, “Teddy gets a root canal?  An extraction?”  We would share a laugh about it, but secretly I would think, “Yes, actually, Teddy is going to do all those things!”  In all seriousness, it is time to elaborate on the Teddy Visits the Dentist series.  It is time to evolve from a children’s series to a book that can help us all, big and small, and to help us to help each other.  Just because we are grownups doesn’t make it any easier to visit the dentist.  In fact, some of the issues we encounter as adults have much more complex implications and treatments and we find ourselves unequipped to handle them.  I want to make your next dental visit a better experience for you, a peaceful, positive experience.  When you are a comfortable and confident dental patient, it is much easier for you provide support to others, especially children, about dental care.  When you are comfortable and confident you will express a calmness about your experiences to others.

As the third book in the Teddy Visits the Dentist series, Teddy Talks Prevention will be your go-to source for advice in preparing for your next dental visit.  I am a Registered Dental Hygienist with fifteen years clinical experience working in private practices.  In other words, I have spent much of my time compassionately and effectively treating my patients. With this extensive experience I have so much to offer you.  I am excited to support you in overcoming any dental anxieties or fears you suffer from right now.  I am excited to help make your visits fulfilling and rewarding.  I want to make visiting the dentist “no big deal” for you and your family.  By helping you, we can both help children become positive and peaceful about their dental visits too.

The above is an excerpt from a work in progress by Elizabeth Mahadeo RDH.  Teddy Talks Prevention is the third book in the Teddy Visits the Dentist series, although it follows the same concept as its predecessors it is unique in its format in that it will be a chapter book focusing more directly to adults.  Teddy Visits the Dentist and Teddy Gets a Filling are dentally accurate short stories written for children, and indirectly their parents and caregivers, while wonderfully illustrating a Teddy bear’s visits to the dental office to have routine procedures performed.  Teddy Talks Prevention will address knowing your healthcare provider, making informed decisions about your health, embracing dental concerns, fears and phobias, primary prevention for oral health, general overviews of some dental procedures, survival tips, funny anecdotes, a glossary of terms and a note from Elizabeth to all dental patients.  Its publication date is unknown at this time.

Child Oral Health Part I- Guest Post with Dr. Sean Childers

Today our post features an article written by respected dental professional, Dr. Sean Childers.  He is going to walk us through the things we NEED TO KNOW about our children’s health.  Stay tuned, in two weeks time we will post Part 2 of this series.

As your child’s health is always a parent’s prime concern, it would be remiss of us to not also address a child’s oral health as this very much ties in with their overall general health and well-being. According to the first-ever US Surgeon General’s report on oral health published May of 2000, dental caries (tooth decay) is the “single most common childhood disease“. It is five times more common than asthma, and seven times more common than hay fever.

It is also the most prevalent unmet health need among children in developed countries. Today, all experts agree that dental caries is an infectious and transmissible disease which has a multitude of factors influencing its initiation and progression. That’s the bad news. The good news is that it is also a disease that is both preventable and treatable.

Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a more infectious and destructive form of tooth decay that is recognized by both the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), as a significant health problem. Formerly termed ‘Nursing Bottle Caries’ or ‘Baby Bottle Tooth Decay’, the cause of ECC is much more complex and multifactoral making these terms obsolete.

How does a child acquire dental caries?

 

The AAPD recognizes Dental Caries as an “infectious disease” whose mode of transmission is, for the most part, directly from the mother (or primary caregiver) to the infant soon after birth and by almost anything that involves saliva transfer. This would include kissing baby on the mouth, pre-chewing food, orally cleansing or blowing on a pacifier, sharing utensils or cups, et cetera. Transmission from siblings or other children at daycare can also occur in similar ways. The bacteria primarily responsible for dental caries is Mutans Streptococci (MS). The higher the levels of MS in parents, siblings, or primary caregivers (such as helper or nanny), the greater the risk of transmission to the infant. It is therefore of the utmost importance that all members of the family receive timely dental care and practice good oral hygiene.

When should my child’s first dental visit be?

First Visit by First Birthday sums it up. Dental problems can begin as soon as the first tooth erupts. Also, there are many other potential problems such as neonatal teeth, feeding/dietary habits, and growth and development concerns that require early detection and intervention. This, in conjunction with the highly destructive and progressive nature of ECC, has lead to the AAPD’s position statement that “your child’s first visit to the dental office should be soon after the eruption of the first primary teeth (typically 6-12 months of age) and no later than their 1^st birthday”.  With regards to ECC, by the age of two the destruction of the primary teeth is often complete, leading to what could have been an avoidable amount of pain and suffering for your child, premature loss of teeth, and subsequent space loss and crowding that may then require orthodontic interventions.

So remember, prevention is key! Establish a ‘Dental Home’ for your child by the age of one.

Dr. Sean Childers
BSc, DMD, MSc, FRCD(C)
Family & Cosmetic Dentist, Board Ceritfied in Pediatric Dentistry 

First earning an Advanced Bachelor of Science degree in Physiology (with Honours), Dr. Childers then obtained his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (with Distinction) from the University of Saskatchewan in 1996. After practicing in a busy Family & Emergency Dental office for several years, he realized his passion and talent for treating children. This lead to a part-time teaching position as a Faculty Lecturer and Clinical Instructor back at the University. In 1999, he went on to complete a three-year Masters of Science degree in Pediatric Dentistry at the University of Toronto, combined with a three-year Residency program at the world-renowned Hospital for Sick Children. In 2002, Dr. Childers successfully became Board-Certified in Pediatric Dentistry and was admitted as a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists Canada.Dr. Childers enjoys practicing both Family & Cosmetic, as well as Pediatric dentistry. His specialized training and experience in treating infants, children, adolescents and special needs patients allows him to provide optimal care to all his patients. Dr. Childers is passionate about other specialized fields of dentistry such as Orthodontics and Oral Surgery, and has pursued additional extensive training in these areas. He completed an intensive externship in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the University of Texas Medical Center, where he honed his surgical skills, particularly with regards to the removal of wisdom teeth. He has also had advanced training in the lastest and most up-to-date orthodontic therapies, such as the Damon System and Invisalign. Dr. Childers prides himself in empathizing and working with children and adults who experience varying degrees of dental anxiety and understands that a little compassion goes a long way.