FREE DAY OF DENTISTRY!

Teeth vs Soda

The teeth vs soda argument is not a new one. However, this is a great infographic that does a great job of explaining what soda, sugar and acid does to our teeth. 

Teeth vs Soda - What Soda Does to Your Teeth infographic

8 Ways to Ease Your Child's Fear of the Dentist

By Devan McGuinness - www.babble.com 

Keeping in mind that being afraid of the dentist and unknown things is normal, there are ways you can help ease your child's fears. 

1. Find a dentist who is great with kids.

(We know one!) A good dentist really goes a long way when it comes to dental fears. Find someone through recommendations who is good with kids. Usually pediatric dentists are great with kids and have great offices set up.

2. Explain Often the Importance of Oral Health

Have regular conversations about why it's important to brush and floss and visit the dentist. Talk regularly, because then it won't seem so out of the norm to take care of your teeth. (Make toothbrushing time fun each night! Set a great example for your kids and brush your teeth alongside them.)

3. Meet and Greet Time

Before your child goes in for their first appointment, have a meet and greet first. Take your child to the office to see the place, meet the dentist and try out the chair before any procedures are done. (Read your little ones books about going to the dentist, too! We recommend any of these.)

4. Make Regular Dental Visits

The more regularly they visit (every 6 months), the less afraid they will be because it will become less unknown.

5. Explain in Kid-Friendly Terms That They Understand

Let your child know what to expect, but in terms they understand. Tell them, or ask the dentist to tell them, what they're doing and what to expect so they won't be so afraid. 

6. Don't Share Your Own Fears

I personally am not a fan of the dentist, never have been, but I am careful never to share that with my kids. If you do, it could very well make them more afraid and stressed. (This is the very reason why some of our dentists prefer parents to not go back with their children. We love showing them that there is nothing to be afraid of. The dentist can be a fun and very rewarding place!)

7. Tell Your Child's Dentist 

If your child is feeling anxious or afraid, let the dentist know. They may be able to help ease their fear and treat them with a little more care.

8. Avoid Scary Words 

Kids and scary words don't really get along well. Avoid using words like "hurt" or "freezing" or "shot" with your kids if you think it could make them more anxious. 

Original Source

*Meet the Dentist* - Dr. John Wilson

*Meet Dr. John Wilson, the newest member of our New Albany team!*

Doctor’s Full Name:   

Dr. John Chesley Wilson 

Hometown:

Madisonville, KY

Undergraduate College:  

Western Kentucky University

Dental School: 

University of Kentucky College of Dentistry

Dental Specialties: 

2 year residency at Temple University Hospital for a certificate in Pediatric Dentistry

Family:

Single

Pets: 

Max, my 10 year old yellow lab.

Favorite Toothpaste:

Crest 3D White

Manual or Power Brush?

Brush: Oral B 5000 or Sonicare, whichever I happen to have brush heads for.

Floss: J&J Reach Cleanburst

Favorite Food:Wedge salad with blue cheese, Filet Mignon, and Derby Pie

Favorite Vacation Spot:Anywhere with sun, sand & golf.  I have traveled to beaches in Hawai'i, southern California, Florida, South Carolina, and the Caribbean and have enjoyed all of them.  If I had to pick, I would say the Caribbean has the most beautiful beaches. 

Favorite Hobbies:Running with my dog Max, playing golf, reading, traveling to new places, upland game hunting, clay pigeon shooting, UK sports and St. Louis Cardinals, fishing at Lake Barkley, and hanging out with family & friends. 

Funniest/Most Memorable and/or Most Interesting Moment Experienced in Dentistry:  I really enjoy seeing kids that are completely happy when they leave the office.  Sometimes this involves a huge turnaround from when they first come into the office. One patient I had was an 8 year old girl that was completely terrified of the procedure that day.  She was with her dad and she initially ran completely out of the office and into the parking lot to avoid treatment.  Well, her dad convinced her to come back in and give it a try.  With some extra TLC and talking her through every step of the way, she ended up doing very well for the procedure. When we were finished, I got a big hug and a smile from her and she left a happy camper.  Times like these definitely make our profession very rewarding.

Candy-Free Valentines

"LOVE JUICE!" Water Bottle + Crystal Lite Packet + Handmade Notes

Goldfish in Pillow Boxes "Will you O'Fish"ally be mine?"

"You Rule!"

"Valentine, You Make My Heart Bounce!" :: Bouncy Balls

"Love Bugs!" 

"Our class would KNOT be the same without you!" tag ::  Friendship Bracelet

"I 'CHEWS' YOU!" ::  Sugar-Free Gum

"Cutie" Clementines 

"Valentine, you make me Loopy!" :: Loopy Straws + Pretzel Bags (find in cake supplies!)

"Bee Mine!" ::  Burt's Bees Chapstick

"Don't burst my bubble...be my Valentine!" :: Bubbles

"I Wheelie Like You!" :: Hot Wheels Car

"Write On, Valentine!" :: Pencils

"I 'mustache' Will you be my Valentine?" 

Heart-Shaped Crayons

"I CEREALsly like you!" :: Cereal Boxes + Spoons with names on them

"You are a-MAZE-ing!" :: Heart Maze

We hope you love these fun, creative and candy-free Valentines! Which one do you like the most?

See all of these on our Pinterest, too! 

Santa Goes to the Dentist!

We'll have to see how we can get Santa to start getting his teeth cleaned at Kid's Dentistree! We may only see children, but we can always make an exception for Santa! Enjoy reading this precious book "Santa Goes to the Dentist" by Nathan Steingart - the perfect bedtime story for tonight!

Source