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11111 N. Scottsdale Road #220
Scottdale, AZ 85254
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Witchful thinking: How To Avoid Cavities This Halloween!

10/31/2023

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Trick or Treat
As the spooky season approaches, ghouls, ghosts, and goblins aren't the only things that can send shivers down our spines. For many parents and dental health enthusiasts, Halloween is a time of concern about the potential impact on their family's oral health. But fear not, because your friendly Scottsdale dental office is here to help you navigate the tricks and treats of this sugary holiday.

  • Choose Your Treats Wisely
    • Halloween and candy go hand in hand, but not all treats are created equal when it comes to dental health. Encourage your kids to opt for candies that are less damaging to their teeth, such as sugar-free gum, dark chocolate, or candies with xylitol. These options are less likely to contribute to cavities compared to sticky, chewy, or hard candies.
  • Moderation is Key
    • It's essential to teach children the importance of moderation during Halloween. Let them enjoy their favorite treats, but limit the quantity and frequency. This helps reduce the prolonged exposure of sugar to their teeth, decreasing the risk of cavities.
  • Stay Hydrated
    • Encourage your children to drink plenty of water, especially after consuming Halloween sweets. Water helps rinse away sugar and acids from the mouth, minimizing their harmful effects on teeth.
  • Don't Forget to Brush
    • Remind your little monsters to brush their teeth after indulging in Halloween goodies. Ensure they brush for at least two minutes and use fluoride toothpaste to protect their enamel from sugar-related damage. It’s also a good idea to wait about 30 min after eating candy to brush your teeth, to allow your saliva to break down some of those harmful acids and remineralize your enamel.
Brush Your Teeth
  • Schedule a Post-Halloween Checkup
    • Plan a visit to us here at McAdams Dental for a post-Halloween checkup. This is an excellent opportunity to assess the state of your family's oral health, catch any issues early, and receive professional advice on maintaining a healthy smile.
  • Creative Alternatives
    • Consider non-candy alternatives for Halloween treats. Stickers, small toys, or temporary tattoos can be exciting and safe alternatives for children. This encourages a healthier approach to Halloween without sacrificing fun.
  • Set a Positive Example
    • Children often learn from their parents' behavior, so be a role model. If you make good choices regarding your dental health and Halloween treats, your children are more likely to follow suit.

Halloween can be a delightful time for kids and adults alike. With a little planning and some guidance from your local dental office, you can ensure that the holiday remains both enjoyable and tooth-friendly. Remember to choose treats wisely, moderate consumption, maintain good oral hygiene, and schedule a post-Halloween checkup to keep those smiles bright and healthy. Embrace the spirit of Halloween, but don't let it haunt your dental health. Happy Halloween from your caring dental team at McAdams Dental!

To schedule your post halloween checkup, give us a call at (480) 991-4727.

For some more helpful Halloween oral health tips, check out these links below!

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/halloween-candy-survival-guide

https://childrensdentalhealth.com/keep-childs-teeth-healthy-happy-halloween

https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/special-occasions/oral-care-tips-for-healthy-halloween-candy#
 
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Words of Wisdom from Dr. Michael Gibbons!

10/18/2023

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Dr. Michael Gibbons
When I do a complete oral examination, my goal is to look for healthy, normal tissues. If something appears abnormal, it should be identified. Most health problems start out small. Over time, they grow. If the problem can be identified in the initial stages, many times it can be resolved quickly and easily. If ignored, many problems grow to the point that they can be destructive, painful, difficult to resolve, expensive or fatal.
​

Oral cancer is relatively rare, yet it is responsible for one death every hour in the U.S.A. It usually starts as a small lesion, which is easily curable. As a tumor grows, it gets locally destructive and may spread to other places in the body. If the lesion can be identified in the early stages, chances of a cure are great. This is the reason that I look carefully at all oral tissues when I do a comprehensive examination. Of course, I examine the teeth, but the dental office is the only place where the mouth is examined regularly.
​
In the past few years, there are new devices made to help examine the oral tissues. Companies sell and publicize special lights that are designed to help identify lesions. Whenever I talk to oral pathologists, they tell me that they do not buy these devices and there is no better tool than the human eye with light and magnification.

The idea of repairing small problems before they get bigger applies to tooth decay as well.  “Cavities” start out small. As the decay continues, more and more of the tooth is destroyed.  Decay eventually invades the pulp and causes an infection or an abscess. To resolve the infection, the tooth may require a root canal treatment or it may need to be removed. The cost to repair a simple “cavity” is relatively modest. As the decay grows, so does the cost to repair it.

So, here’s the point. We want you to be healthy. We want you to have teeth that are comfortable, functional and good-looking. We try to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. When there is a problem, we try to treat it early, rather than let it worsen.

We need your help. Let us examine your mouth and clean your teeth regularly. Do your homework: brush, floss, use inter-dental cleaners and avoid sugar.
​

To set up your appointment for examination with Dr. Gibbons, Dr. Smith or Dr. McAdams, please call our office at McAdams Dental! (480) 991-4727.
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Tiny Teeth Need Love Too!

10/2/2023

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When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth? When should I first take my child to see the dentist? Is it safe to start using fluoride toothpaste for my child? As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that includes ensuring good oral health. Proper dental care from a young age sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Let's consider some essential tips to help you care for your toddler or child's teeth and gums.
Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Smith with his daughters Sadie and Hazel
​
  • Start Early: Dental care should begin even before your child's first tooth appears. Clean their gums with a soft, damp cloth after feeding to remove bacteria and prevent gum irritation. Once their first tooth emerges, typically around six months of age, it's time to introduce a toothbrush.

  • Choose the Right Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Select a soft-bristled toothbrush specifically designed for infants or toddlers. Use a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste (about the size of a grain of rice) for children under three years old. For children aged three to six, a pea-sized amount of toothpaste is sufficient.
 
  • Establish a Routine: Consistency is key. Brush your child's teeth at least twice a day, ideally after breakfast and before bedtime. Make it a fun and interactive experience to encourage cooperation. Sing songs, use a timer, or let them choose a special toothbrush to make brushing exciting.
 
  • Monitor Their Diet: Limit sugary snacks and drinks, especially before bedtime. Sugars can feed harmful bacteria in the mouth, leading to cavities. Opt for healthier options like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products. Encourage drinking water instead of sugary juices or sodas. Don’t allow babies to have any juice or milk in the crib overnight. (can lead to bottle mouth syndrome).
Baby Bottle Decay
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  • Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule your child's first dental appointment around their first birthday or when their first tooth erupts. Regular checkups allow the dentist to monitor your child's oral development, identify any potential issues early, and provide guidance on proper oral care.
 
  • Teach Good Habits: As your child grows, teach them how to brush their teeth properly. Supervise their brushing until they can effectively do it themselves, usually around age six or seven. Emphasize the importance of reaching all surfaces of their teeth and gums.
 
  • Be a Role Model: Children often mimic their parents' behavior. Set a good example by demonstrating proper oral hygiene practices. Brush and floss together as a family to make it a bonding experience.
 
  • Protect Their Teeth: If your child participates in contact sports, consider a mouthguard to prevent dental injuries. Also, be cautious with hard candies, ice, and popcorn kernels, as they can lead to tooth fractures.
 
  • Address Thumb-Sucking and Pacifiers: If your child uses a pacifier or sucks their thumb excessively, consult with a dentist or pediatrician. Prolonged habits can impact dental development.
 
Remember, instilling good oral hygiene habits early on sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Your child's smile is worth the effort, and a visit to the dentist can be an exciting adventure. They can learn about oral hygiene, get their teeth checked and cleaned by our amazing Hygienists and Dentists, and pick a prize from our special treasure chest! 
Treasure Chest
With your guidance and proper dental care, your little one will be on the path to a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. To schedule your child's dental visit call McAdams Dental today at (480) 991-4727. ​

Sources:

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry: https://www.aapd.org/resources/parent/
Kids Health.org: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/healthy.html  
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11111 N. Scottsdale Road #220
Scottsdale, AZ 85254
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