Candy buyback to support our troops at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry!

It's Operation Gratitude time at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry! From now through November 12, bring in your Halloween candy to our office, and Dr. Clark and our staff will give you $1 for every pound! The best part? ALL candy brought in goes to our troops! You can also write a letter to our brave troops!

"My daughter is turning one. When should I bring her in for a visit?"

Good question! The short answer is, "First visit by first birthday."

Dr. Pamela Clark and our staff know that cavities know no age boundaries, and that is why we recommend a visit to our office at age one. That also happens to be the opinion of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association agree. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children who are at risk of early childhood cavities visit a pediatric dentist by their first birthday.

Research has shown that cavities are increasing in preschool-aged children, and that more than one in four kids has had at least one cavity by the time they're four years old. In fact, many children get cavities as early as age two.

The appointment also covers topics such as the importance of baby teeth, nutrition, development and overall concerns you may have with your child. We believe that a child's first visit with Dr. Clark or Dr. Suha Reddy should be enjoyable and positive. At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to teach good oral care that will enable your child to have a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

Have you scheduled an appointment for your child? We hope to see you soon!

Dr. Pamela Clark, helping your child understand cavities

At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, our staff knows one word no child wants to hear when they visit Dr. Pamela Clark is "Cavity!" That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected by Dr. Clark or Dr. Suha Reddy so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by Drs. Clark or Reddy, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit our convenient Pearland office every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

We hope that helps you and your child understand cavities a little better! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

September is National Gum Care Month!

At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, we know that gingivitis - the early stage of periodontal disease - can be difficult to recognize for most parents. Many people don't recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums - as a precursor to gum disease. This month, a national campaign is under way to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we wanted to help do our part to spread the word about September being National Gum Care Month!

Dr. Pamela Clark and Dr. Suha Reddy will tell parents that early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body, too! Studies are published year after year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as your child's heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease.

These can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you happen to notice any of these signs with your child, please schedule an appointment at our convenient Pearland office by calling 713.436.4080 as soon as possible. Drs. Clark or Reddy can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease in your child, while showing you how to improve gum care in your child's daily oral hygiene habits.

We hope you've had an outstanding Labor Day weekend!