Mapping Your Children’s Oral Health

On July 3^rd, 1806, two years into their journey to chart the uncharted west of America, pioneer explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark reached a challenge of epic proportion – the Rocky Mountains. What next, they wondered? Without a map, they were forced to do what explorers do – explore, and hope for the best. So, that got us thinking. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a handy map you could use to chart your own dental health? With that in mind, and in honor of our “Dog Days of Summer” explorers, we at Pinkston Dental Care wanted to share with you a few mile markers you can use to stay on top of your child’s health today, next year, and for years to come!

6 to 24 months

When you’re a new parent, life is a whirlwind, and the dental care of your newborn may not be top of mind when you look in their mouths and see no teeth! Here are some things to keep in mind:

Schedule a visit: As soon as that first tooth comes in, you’ll want to give us a call to schedule a visit and set up a periodic exam schedule. Also, be aware the ADA recommends fluoridated toothpaste now for all children under the age of three. Don’t wait!

Ask us about:

• Home hygiene basics: Things like, tips and tricks on brushing and other care. There’s nothing better than having our hygienists give brushing tutorials – they’re experts!
• Preventative dentistry: The possible need for fluoride supplements
• Dietary strategies: Achieving a balanced diet early in life for good oral health later
• Feeding practice awareness: Bottle, breastfeeding, and no-spill training cups
• Non-nutritive oral habits: Thumb sucking, pacifiers

2 to 12 years old

Ah, the little ones are growing up. Teeth are coming in at all sorts of crazy angles, and you’re going crazy from the rise in obligations. Here’s a quick list of what to consider during this time frame:

• Preventative dentistry: Pit and fissure sealants can do wonders for keeping your child’s dental bills down, and their teeth in their head until they’re ready to fall out naturally. Ask us about them. They’re affordable AND useful. And, super-fast, you’ll be in and out in no time.
• Orthodontic Consultation: Visiting an orthodontist for an early consultation is best done around your child’s seventh birthday. With today’s technology, early intervention can reduce the cost and duration of braces when your child gets older.

The Teen Years

The years “everything” happens! As children start to come into their own, new habits and desires begin to unfold as well. You’ll have to address every imaginable concern during these years, from piercings, to calls for whitening, braces, and the need to refer yourself away from your pediatric dentist and to a general dentist for continuing oral care. So, speak with us about:

• Cosmetic Dentistry: What solutions are advisable now, and what things should be avoided.
• Teen social pressures: Smoking, alcohol, intraoral/perioral piercings and the like. Believe it or not, we can help a lot with this. Does your teen have a favorite Pinkston Dental Care hygienist? We might be able to arrange for that person to help when your teen comes in so they can address these concerns with an intermediary they trust. Give us a call to see how we can help!
• Orthodontics: Options for minimizing appearance and health problems later in life.
• Home hygiene tips: Brushing, flossing, choosing the right mouthwash.
• Craniofacial injury prevention: With your children’s possible participation in sports, you’ll want to get them a mouthguard. Hands down it’ll be one of your best investments in a healthy mouth. And we make great ones at Pinkston Dental!

Staying on top of your child’s oral health isn’t as hard as you think, and if you keep this schedule handy, you’ll be ahead of most of your neighbor’s kids when it comes to a healthy mouth and body. Come to think of it … why not share it with them as well? They’ll thank you for the help.

Children’s Oral Health

According to a study published in the “grin!” Spring 2016 magazine, Delta Dental Children’s Oral Health Survey a poll asked over 1,300 parents nationwide what they know of their children’s care for their teeth.

As reported by the survey, some parents say their children aren’t brushing in the morning (18%) or at bedtime (21%).

The following chart shows what the Delta Dental Survey showed on how often children’s teeth are brushed:

What we do know is that dental decay is the most common chronic childhood disease with more than 16 million children suffering from untreated tooth decay in the U.S., according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recently updated its guidance to parents and caregivers regarding the use of fluoride toothpaste on children.The ADA’s Council on Scientific Affairs says that caregivers should use toothpaste with fluoride on children younger than 3, controversial to what has been voiced in the past.

It is very important to start kids off with good dental care to protect their adult teeth in the future. Baby teeth set the stage for future smiles by keeping space for adult teeth!

If your child needs a check up – be sure to give us a call to schedule their first cleaning and exam!

• Pinkston Dental Care 405-843-9731

January 2016 Newsletter

2015 is over and 2016 has already begun! We hope all of our patients, friends and family had a very happy New Year!! 2015 has been a year of many changes and we are looking forward to what 2016 will bring to Pinkston Dental Care!

2015 A Year in Review:

In April we added a new staff member, Jamie Smith. Jamie is a new assistant for Dr. Pinkston. Jamie has 18 years of dental experience and is a great asset to our team! Jamie and Candice make a great team of assistants for Dr. Pinkston! We truly believe our patients couldn’t be in better hands when it comes to our team members and we are very lucky to have such a great staff!

Jamie and her husband Allen, love spending time with their daughter Katrina and her husband, going to the lake, riding RZR ATVs and having barbeques with their friends.

In July our Office Manager Linda Kauk retired. Linda had been at this office and worked for Dr. Hammack and Dr. Pinkston for over 7 years. We miss her greatly but know that she is enjoying time with her family!

Also in July we welcomed our new Office Manager, Ruby Fernandez. Ruby has worked in the dental field for 23 years and has a lot of experience and knowledge to help us better serve our patients. She is an insurance expert and she is bilingual. We are very fortunate to have her in our office!

Ruby and her husband Rudy have been married for 24 years, have one daughter, Kathlyn, and two sons Diego and Sebastian. They like to travel, cook meals together, watching movies and spending time with their church community.

2015 was the year of babies at Pinkston Dental Care! Dr. Pinkston and his wife Kendal welcomed a baby sister, Gentry for 3 year old big brother Jack on August 18. Gentry is a very happy baby who enjoys watching her big brother, playing in her bouncy seat and drooling on her parents.

Our hygienist Vicki Eikmeier had a new grandbaby, Emily, born on May 12, to her daughter Danica and her husband Alex. Big sister Adelyn is a great big sister who loves Emily and helps take excellent care of her!

Our Hygiene Coordinator Macy Smith had a baby girl, Tatum, on October 8^th  with her husband Joel. Tatum is a great baby who loves talking, watching football and basketball on TV and sleeping!

Ruby’s daughter Kathlyn and her husband Kyle had Ruby’s first grandchild, Savannah, on December 16th. Savannah is a healthy, happy baby who is spoiled by her parents, Ruby, her husband Rudy, and her uncles Diego and Sebastian!

The 30^th of December was the last day for our hygienist Vicki. Vicki is now enjoying semi-retirement working at the OU College of Dentistry. We will miss her a lot but are happy for her and her new endeavors!

New Technology in Our Office:

Our office now uses the Nomad X-ray system. The Nomad makes x-rays faster, easier and better for both dental professionals and the patients. The new x-ray technology offers a much lower radiation exposure than traditional x-ray equipment.

We also now have a Cerec (Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics) Camera at our office. The Cerec generates a 3D digital impression to help design and create dental restorations. The technology allows Dr. Pinkston to create a 3D model of the patient’s teeth to help the laboratories produce a more perfect crown, bridge or denture for patients.

Looking forward to 2016!

In March we will welcome our new hygienist Jackie Theobald. Jackie graduated from the Dental Hygiene program at OU in 2011. She and her husband, Dr. Ryan Theobald have been in Colorado while he finishes his Orthodontic studies. We are excited to welcome her to our office and we know our patients are going to love her!

DIY Braces? Bad Idea!

Do it yourself – DIY projects are very popular today. There are numerous ideas of how to update and renovate things in your home and yards to make belongings and spaces seem fresh and new, but a new DIY trend that is dangerous and currently a big topic among teens is DIY braces. While DIY projects around the house and yard are a great idea, DIY orthodontics is a terrible one. Not only is it dangerous to attempt to do your own orthodontia, it can lead to horrible consequences. It may seem as if it could save money at the dentist office, but it actually will lead to very costly problems that will take years to reverse and may lead to unnecessarily causing yourself to need extractions and implants where otherwise, your natural teeth could be healthy and in place.

The American Association of Orthodontics is so concerned about the new trend they have issued a PSA video announcing the dangers that come with attempting to straighten your own teeth from home. The AAO video states “Nowadays it seems like people believe they can do everything themselves, but while it’s cool to do some things on your own, when it comes to the health of your teeth and gums the do-it-yourself approach can leave you with very little to smile about. Trying to close a gap or straighten your teeth yourself can increase the risk of infection and serious damage to your teeth and gums, including tooth loss. Replacing lost teeth is expensive and a person may require multiple replacements over the course of a lifetime.”

There are numerous problems that could arise when you attempt to move your own teeth, the blood supply to the teeth is at huge risk for infection as well as there being a threat of detachment where the tooth is connected to the gum if you try to improperly move your teeth. The other number of problems that could transpire from DIY braces is numerous and all of them are very hazardous to your teeth and overall health as well as being expensive to fix.

Dentists and Orthodontists go through many years of schooling to be educated on how to properly and safely move teeth without risking any sort of damage whatsoever. While orthodontic work may seem expensive, you are paying to safely move your teeth without risking any sort of health issues that can arise from doing it on your own.

Ultimately it is much more costly both physically and monetarily to replace missing teeth than the cost of braces, so if you have gaps and spaces or want to move crooked teeth the best option is to visit your dentist to properly asses the options of orthodontics by an educated dentist and orthodontist.

Dental Implants

Implants have been around in one form or another since early civilization. Early civilization implants were not usually successful but scientific records show that they were attempted as early as 600 A.D. Archeologists have discovered everything from carved stone, jade and even fragments of seashells were fused to the jawbone in attempt to replace missing teeth.

It wasn’t until 1952 that an orthopedic surgeon noticed when he placed a titanium cylinder into a jawbone, he was then unable to remove the cylinder due to the titanium fusing to the bone, and this was the beginning of modern implants. Implants were first used for people who had lost all of their teeth and had trouble with dentures due to bone loss in the jaw. Today implants are used to replace multiple missing teeth and single missing teeth.

Implants consist of the implant itself, an abutment, and a crown. The implant is a titanium screw that permanently attaches to the jaw. The abutment is a connector between the implant and the crown . The crown is generally made of porcelain, porcelain zirconium, or porcelain fused to metal, which are all good for durability and the appearance of an aesthetically correct tooth. The doctor determines the crown material based off of placement of the tooth and other factors of what would be best for that individual.

Dental implants are the best option for a missing tooth replacement. With implants the adjacent teeth are left untouched, whereas with a bridge the adjacent teeth must have crowns placed. Implants are also the only option that keeps the bone from resorbing; they do not decay, and are the most comparable to a natural tooth in regards to durability and functionality.

Toothpaste Shopping

Shopping for toothpaste seems like something that should be pretty easy, but anyone who has frequented the toothpaste aisle at any of the big name grocery stores knows there are simply too many options. It can be overwhelming to stand in an aisle with brands that are both familiar and unheard-of, all with no less than ten different options, and flavors and claims to fame to try to decide which one would be best suited for you.

Below is a list of things you should be looking for on that familiarly overwhelming aisle, catered to your specific needs.

What should I look for if I’m cavity prone?

• Toothpaste with fluoride (sodium fluoride in particular), all over the counter toothpaste has the same amount of fluoride.

What should I look for if I get a lot of buildup on my teeth?

• You should actually be brushing your teeth without toothpaste or water. Then when your teeth feel clean to your tongue, use a toothpaste with tartar control (a toothpaste with pyrophosphate in it) to help your tongue and mouth feel fresh.

What toothpaste should I use if I want to whiten?

• If you want to whiten your teeth, you actually should be looking for something other than toothpaste, it is best to use a whitening gel (white strips) or mouthwash (containing peroxide) rather than toothpaste.

What is best for helping with dry mouth or bad breath issues?

• Avoid mouthwash with alcohol! Several product lines are made specifically to accommodate to this need like, Biotene, Spry mouth spray or XyliMelts discs.

If I have sensitivity problems, what is the best toothpaste?

• Look for toothpaste with potassium nitrate and fluoride. The options include Sensodyne, Colgate Sensitive and many more.

What should I look for if I have periodontal issues?

• Toothpaste with fluoride. In addition an antibacterial mouthwash helps, but the best solution to your problem is flossing and picking.

What toothpaste should I use if I am prone to canker and cold sores?

• Toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate and/or mint flavorings. Everyone is different and reacts diversely to a variety of toothpastes; the best solution is trial and error to see what will work best for you individually.

One thing to keep in mind is that most toothpastes are very similar in function, the most important ingredient to look for is fluoride and it’s also important to look for the ADA seal of approval. The main purpose of toothpaste is to act as a mild abrasive to aid in the removal of plaque and as a delivery agent for fluoride to help prevent decay.

How to Keep Your Toothbrush Clean!

Your toothbrush is something you use twice a day, it’s no surprise it picks up a lot of germs, and not just the germs it brushes off your teeth!

According to a study done at The University of Manchester in England, the average toothbrush contains up to 10 million bacteria including E.coli and Staph bacteria. Mouths are a breeding ground for germs at any given time regardless of what your toothbrush does. The human mouth contains 100-200 species of oral bacteria that live in your mouth.

Studies have been done to show the relationship of how close your toothbrush is to the toilet can be a big determiner of how many bacteria are on your toothbrush. Also, bacteria that splash in the sink can make a big difference on the toothbrush surfaces as well.

Knowing that your toothbrush and mouth are full of germs can be a bit unsettling, however there are some solutions that might make you feel more at ease. Your mouth is full of bacteria and initially that sounds terrible, however, some of the bacteria are actually good for your mouth and can help keep your mouth healthy by protecting your teeth and gums.

We know more than ever before about things you can do to keep your toothbrush clean as well.

• It is recommended that you replace your toothbrush (or toothbrush head if you use an electric toothbrush) at least every 3 months.
• Don’t share your toothbrush or toothpaste, it is best if everyone in the family has their own of each.
• Don’t store your toothbrush in an airtight case. It is important that your toothbrush can dry between brushing to keep mold from growing. It is also recommended that your toothbrush is kept in an upright position rather than horizontally to allow it to better dry.
• Use the right toothpaste.  Most toothpaste does kill germs, but toothpaste that contains triclosan or copolymer are best at killing oral bacteria.
• You can occasionally soak your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide to help kill bacteria that linger on the bristles.

There are new products on the market such as the Steripod ® that allow your toothbrush to dry, but also release sterilizing vapors to help protect your toothbrush from atmospheric germs that might be preventable. http://www.toothbrushsanitizer.com/

ADA Asks Congress for Money

Recently Dr. Maxine Feinberg, President of the American Dental Association (ADA) went before the House Appropriations Committee asking Congress to fund dental research that would establish linking dental disease with sugar consumption.

The ADA is requesting that Congress give $425 million for the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) to conduct research on the effects of added sugars and sweeteners on oral health.

Dr. Fienberg said “From a dental perspective, a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks, including natural fruit juices and sports drinks can damage teeth. A lack of certain nutrients can also make it difficult for tissues in the mouth to resist infection.”

This research would allow the ADA to make recommendations and endorsements on products and procedures that would help the public to have stronger teeth and gums, allowing people to live longer and healthier lives.

Should you floss before or after brushing?

Flossing is a crucial part of your daily dental health routine. The ADA recommends flossing at least once a day to help eliminate plaque from the areas around your teeth that your toothbrush can’t reach.

Recently, MouthHealthy.org asked its subscribers and readers if they floss before or after they brush. The results? 53% said brush first, 47% said floss first.

Naturally, the next question is “who is right?” Should flossing be done before or after brushing? The answer is everyone; the most important part of flossing is that you do it. It doesn’t matter when you floss, as long as you floss; you’re doing a good job!

Some people floss during the middle of the day, some prefer mornings, while others prefer flossing at night before bed. Whatever time of day you chose to fit your routine the best is great, as long as it is a constant part of your routine!

Giants Banning Tobacco

According to several sources including the Associated Press, the Washington Post and LA Times, San Francisco may well become the very first city in the US to ban chewing tobacco from its playing fields. In the home of the San Francisco Giants, supervisors have unanimously voted “to prohibit the use of smokeless tobacco at athletic venues, specifically singling out baseball, which has a long history of players using spitting tobacco in front of the children who worship them.”

Reports have mentioned tobacco would be banned from the Giants’ ball field, and all other athletic fields throughout the city. The plan is part under tentative approval and still needs to pass a second Board of Supervisors along with being signed by the Mayor, Ed Lee, and if the plan is approved the city would be the very first of possibly many who would follow suit.