Kids and teeth grinding, from Pearland Pediatric Dentistry

Grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Did you know teeth grinding, or bruxism, is common in children as well? In fact, three out of 10 kids grind or clench their teeth, usually in response to losing teeth, jaw growth or other discomforts, such as allergies or infections.

Teeth grinding is typically a passing phenomena as most kids outgrow it by the time they reach their teenage years. An important thing to remember is that kids frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, and taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem.

The first step of recovering from teeth grinding is noticing the problem. Symptoms of teeth grinding include:
• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

If your child is a teeth grinder, we may be able to help. Please give us a call or ask Drs. Pamela Clark and Suha Reddy and team on Facebook!

Support the Pearland MDA Lock-up with Pearland Pediatric Dentistry!

Dr. Pamela Clark and her staff at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry have been accused of being armed with big hearts and have just been sentenced to jail by the Muscular Dystrophy Association!

Here's a personal message from Dr. Clark:

Hello all!!

I will be a jailbird for the Muscular Dystrophy Association on December 13 at Johnny Carino's Restaurant in Pearland. I will be collecting bail money in order for me to get out of jail!!

This money will be going to the Muscular Dystrophy Association to raise money for children with Muscular Dystrophy to attend Summer Camp. This is an amazing experience for these children because they have the opportunity to forget about their disease and have a wonderful time.

I was very fortunate to be a MDA Summer Camp counselor for two summers when I was in high school and college. I can say summer camp was not only one of the best experiences of my life, but also one of the most memorable experiences for any of the campers. Each camper has an assigned counselor that is with them the entire time of camp to take care of them. The money collected from this fundraiser will go to sending campers and counselors to camp! My goal is $1600 to send one child and one counselor to camp.

Please help these kids, thank you!

Arraignment date: December 13, 2011
Location: Johnny Carino's
Bail goal: $1600, sends 2 people to MDA Summer Camp

To donate to MDA and help bail our Dr. Clark, visit her lock-up page.

Happy Thanksgiving from Dr. Pamela Clark!

Dr. Pamela Clark and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. It's a big food holiday, so be careful what you eat!

If you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we'd encourage you to post them to our Facebook page or call our office and ask how.

Gobble Gobble!

Don't forget to bring your candy into Pearland Pediatric Dentistry!

A friendly reminder for all of our patients, friends, and family:

If you haven't already, please remember to stop by Pearland Pediatric Dentistry tomorrow, November 18th to participate in our Operation Gratitude Candy Buy-Back. All donated candy will be sent to our troops overseas courtesy of the Silverlake UPS. If you'd like to write a letter to our military men and women overseas, we'll make sure to include it in our shipment.

Thanks so much!

-Dr. Clark, Dr. Reddy and Chompy

Happy Veterans Day from Pearland Pediatric Dentistry

Happy Veterans Day! Today is a day to thank all military veterans and the men and women currently on active duty that put their lives on the line for the freedoms we all enjoy.

In celebration of Veterans Day, Drs. Pamela Clark and Suha Reddy and our team would like to share a few fun facts about our flag, this national holiday, and our country’s history!

-Veterans Day, a day that was originally called Armistice Day, is a time to thank and honor the men and women who have served in our military.

- President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the official legislation for Veterans Day on June 1, 1954, changing the name of the holiday from Armistice Day to Veterans Day

-There are 23.2 million veterans in the U.S.

-The flag was first approved by Congress on June 14, 1777

-Each of the flag’s colors signify different American values- red is for valor and zeal, white is for hope, purity, and cleanliness of life, and blue is for heaven, loyalty, sincerity, justice, and truth

-Research by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) helped develop the CAT Scan, the cardiac pacemaker, and the “Seattle Foot” to give those hurt the ability to run and jump

-When the flag is displayed next to another flag against a wall, the U.S. flag should be on its own right (on the left side when facing the wall).

-Veterans Day is often confused with Memorial Day. Memorial Day is a time for remembering and honoring the men and women who died while serving our country, or as a result of injuries that incurred in battle. Veterans Day honors and gives thanks to all veterans who served in our military.

-There are five states with over 1 million veterans in their population – California, Florida, Texas, New York and Pennsylvania

We are so thankful for all who have and are currently serving in the U.S. and overseas!

Cold season is here, from Pearland Pediatric Dentistry

Cold and flu season is here - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that a common cold usually includes sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and coughing. Symptoms can last for up to two weeks.

To promote a healthy and clean environment, Drs. Pamela Clark and Suha Reddy and our entire staff give a great deal of attention to sanitation and sterilization in our Pearland, TX office at all times, as well as following all requirements for sterilizing instruments and work surfaces. For the protection of other patients and our staff at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, we always ask that patients reschedule their appointments if they have any type of cold or illness that can infect others.

And remember to constantly wash your hands and avoid contact with those who are ill! Stay healthy!

Halloween TIPS from the American Dental Association

It’s almost that spooky time of year again! Whether you are going door-to-door trick or treating, attending a party dressed in a clever, silly or scary costume, or simply getting together with friends and family to watch scary movies, Dr. Pamela Clark and Dr. Suha Reddy and our team want you to keep in mind the following tips from our friends at the American Dental Association to help reduce tooth-decay.

•Eat treats with meals. Saliva production increases during meals washing out food particles and helping to neutralize cavity causing plaque acid.

•Consider chewing ADA-accepted sugarless gum after meals. Certain sugarless gums have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance for scientifically proving that chewing the gum for 20 minutes after meals helped prevent tooth decay.

•Follow the 1-2-3s of good daily oral hygiene: Floss once a day, brush twice a day and eat three balanced meals a day.

•Visit Dr. Pamela Clark and Dr. Suha Reddy for regular checkups.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from your friends at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry!

Operation Gratitude at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry

This Halloween, Dr. Pamela Clark, Chompy and our entire team invite you to celebrate the season by earning a little cash and supporting our troops.

Through November 18, trade in your trick or treat candy at our Pearland location and earn a buck per pound. All donated candy will be sent to our troops overseas courtesy of the Silverlake UPS. If you'd like to write a letter to our military men and women overseas, we'll make sure to include it in our shipment.

Have a fantastic Halloween and we'll look forward to seeing you soon!

What's so bad about nail biting?

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:

• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?

Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Dr. Clark or visit the article for tips on how to break a nail biting habit.

Good luck!

Your friends at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry

Five great snacks for kids

At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, we know getting kids and teens to eat healthy isn’t always an easy task, especially when they’re busy with school and other school- and social-related activities. At the school cafeteria, it's just too easy for kids to nosh on french fries, chicken nuggets and other fried foods and unhealthy snacks, so Drs. Pamela Clark and Suha Reddy and our team thought we’d pass along five delicious and nutritious snacks we know your child will love.

1. Cheese – Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheese stimulates the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

2. Blueberries These tiny nutritional powerhouses are loaded with Vitamin C, as well as folic acid, minerals, fiber and disease-fighting phytochemicals, which have shown to help prevent cancer and diabetes. Kids love them sprinkled with a bit of sugar, topped with whipped cream, added to muffins and pancakes.

3. Whole wheat bread or cereal With bread, kids get their iron, vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. With vitamins, calcium, and fiber, a bowl of enriched whole grain cereal with milk—and even fruit—is a power-packed snack or healthy start to the day.

4. Almonds They’re rich in disease-fighting phytochemicals and Vitamin E, and also have good amounts of fiber, iron, and calcium. Let your kids eat them raw. (Note: Whole nuts are a choking hazard for children under 3 years old.)

5. Yogurt Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Low-fat yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, especially when whipped up in a parfait with berries and granola. Homemade fruity yogurt pop sure beats sugary store-bought frozen treats!

We encourage you to check out the other 15 healthy snacks your child can enjoy at any time of the day! For more information about which foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please post your question here on our blog, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

Help Pearland Pediatric Dentistry & Chompy Design This Year's Holiday Card!

Tis the season for our Annual Holiday Card Contest! Pearland Pediatric Dentistry and Chompy need your help designing this year's holiday card. Please give us a call if you have any questions about this year's contest. We can't wait to see what you come up with!

Year-end insurance reminder from Pearland Pediatric Dentistry

We hope you’re having a great week! Dr. Pamela Clark and our entire team at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry would like to give those patients with flex spend, health savings, or insurance benefits a friendly end of the year reminder that it's about that time to schedule your child's dental visits so you can optimize your benefits!

Now is the time to reserve you appointment with us. Space is limited and we get VERY busy around the holidays, so don’t wait to give us a call at 713.436.4080! Have a wonderful week!

- From Dr. Clark & the entire team at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry

Continuing education at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry

At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, we know continuing education is vital for any dentist who wants to keep up with the latest and most effective dental procedures. That's why, as a dental team, we all take continuing education classes over the year. We believe that you never stop learning and there is always more to learn, especially with new technology and research. We attend dental continuing education classes at the Greater Houston Dental Society meeting, the Texas Dental Association meeting and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry meeting.

So be sure to ask Dr. Clark and our team what we learned during your child's next visit!

Who’s afraid of the dentist? From Dr. Clark

Does the sound of a drill make your child flinch or cringe? Does he or she worry about their twice-yearly dental checkup? Trust Dr. Pamela Clark and our team at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry when we say they’re not alone! In fact, the Journal of the American Dental Association has estimated that 30 to 40 million people have a fear of visiting the dentist.

To eliminate some of that fear, we’ve put together six steps to help your child overcome their dental anxiety before visiting our office.

1. What is your child most afraid of? Is it the sound of the drill? Does he or she have needle phobia? Have they been traumatized by previous dental visits? Have them write down their fears, one by one.

2. Don’t wait. The more frequently your child visits our office, the less work needs to be done at any one visit. Simply having their teeth cleaned professionally by Drs. Clark & Reddy twice a year prevents many, if not most, problems.

3. Bring a distraction to your child’s appointment. Bringing along an iPod is a great idea. Just plug in those earphones, have them close their eyes, and get lost in the music. Listening to music can also be a pain killer.

4. Remind your child to relax. Inhaling slowly, and counting to five can definitely help. Have them hold their breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly to the count of eight. Repeat. It’s easier if they’re not totally focused on the work going on inside their mouth.

5. Ask. Before any procedure, ask Drs. Clark & Reddy or one of our assistants why we’re using the tools we’re using. Ask us what we’re doing, what the tool is used for, and how it will benefit your child during their visit. Also, please ask about anti-anxiety medications that we may prescribe to help your child relax during your appointment.

6. We are here to help you. Remember, we are health care professionals who want to improve your child’s oral health, and will never judge your child or the state of your child’s mouth. Drs. Clark & Reddy will do all we can to ensure a trauma-free and pain-free experience!

We hope this helps! For more on dental anxieties, ask us during your next visit to our office! Or, ask us on Facebook!

August is Get Ready for Kindergarten Month!

With the hot and sultry Dog Days of Summer slowly coming to an end, it's time for you and your child to start thinking about school. August may be almost be over, but not before we remind you that it's Get Ready for Kindergarten Month for the two million kids who will be entering kindergarten come September.

Our staff at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry suggest getting involved in storytime by reading your child books about kindergarten, such as The Night Before Kindergarten or First Day Jitters.

Parenting Magazine also suggests that moms and dads take their child for a walk by their or perhaps taking him or her inside for a quick tour to get them familiarized with the concept of kindergarten. Take a walk around the classroom or peek in the windows and talk about what will be going on once school starts. Also, think about adjusting your child's sleep schedule gradually to the school’s schedule.

At home, make learning fun for your child by teach him or her the names of colors, or shapes and taking them on interesting trips around Pearland, Alvin, Shadow Creek Ranch or surrounding communities—to the library or grocery store, or to a museum or park—and talk with him or her about what he or she sees and what they think.

Finally, make sure your little one visits Dr. Pamela Clark or Dr. Suha Reddy before the first day of school. No one wants for your child to have to leave school because of a toothache! Please give us a call at 713.436.4080 to schedule an appointment!

We hope both you and your child have a happy and stress-free Get Ready for Kindergarten Month!

All about baby teeth, from Dr. Clark

At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, we know teething patterns vary greatly from child to child—some don’t have any teeth by their first birthday, while others have a mouthful by then. Experts, however, including our friends at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, do recommend that children have their teeth checked by their first birthdays.

Your child will have 20 baby teeth, which will later be replaced by permanent teeth. A baby's first tooth can come in as early as 3 months or as late as 1 year of age, however primary teeth usually begin to break through the gums when a child is about 6 months old. Most kids have all of their primary teeth by the time they are 3 years old.

The most important thing is not to worry if your toddler’s pearly whites don’t look perfect as they come in—baby teeth come in all shapes, sizes, and slants. Teeth generally appear one at a time over a period of months, and often—but not always—in this order: First the bottom two middle teeth, then the top two middle ones, then the ones along the sides and back. (They may not all come in straight, but don't worry—they usually straighten out over time.) Besides crooked teeth, your child may experience crowded or spaced-out teeth, missing teeth, supernumerary (too many) teeth and even discolored teeth.

If you have any questions about your toddler’s teeth, or if your child is experiencing issues that concern you, please give us a call to set up an appointment with Dr. Pamela Clark and Dr. Suha Reddy. Or, we invite you to ask us on Facebook!

Gum disease can sneak up on your child, from Dr. Clark

At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, we’ll tell you it’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your child’s mouth without you even knowing. In fact, your child can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• 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 your child is having these symptoms, schedule an appointment right away by calling Dr. Pamela Clark and our team. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give your child back a healthy mouth!
We look forward to seeing you!

Don't take a break from oral care this summer!

Summer is a fun time for all! Kids get to get out of their rigid daily routines and enjoy the time off. However, it is important to always remember and keep their daily brushing routine for the health of their teeth and gums. Have a great summer!

Remember, we want to know what you and your family are up to this summer! Post your photos on our Facebook page as the summer rolls along!

Ask Dr. Clark: What, exactly, are cavities?

We know one word parents and kids don’t want to hear when they visit Pearland Pediatric Dentistry is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly are cavities and how do they happen? 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 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 Dr. Pamela Clark and Dr. Suha Reddy, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities at home:

• Brush your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush the gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your child’s 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 your child eats/drinks
• Be sure to visit our Pearland office every six months – or as recommended – for a teeth cleaning and check-up

Isolite System at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry

One of the most inventive technologies to come along in recent years, the Isolite system improves patient comfort and reduces procedure time at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry. At the system's core is a soft, flexible mouthpiece that protects a patient's tongue and cheek while aspirating fluid and oral debris. The bright LED light source illuminates the work area inside your mouth more easily and effectively than ever before. Isolite overcomes many of the obstacles that can make dental treatment more difficult for both the patient and the dentist.

Features of the Isolite System include the following:

• A soft, pliable material protects the patient's tongue and cheek in a comfortable manner during a procedure. This feature also prevents the patient from swallowing any loose particles.
• Numerous small holes in the mouthpiece that continuously suction to remove water and saliva.
• A protective shield the patient can close on, eliminating the strain of trying to keep the mouth open on their own. This creates a more relaxed feeling.
• Additional light to help your dentist view the work area.

We are also excited to announce that our new “teen room” area is now ready and available for our older patients to enjoy! With TV’s on the ceiling and equipment specific for the needs of our teen patients such as the Isolite, our older patients now have their very own space separate from our general recare area.

See you soon!

Twinky Star

Colored fillings help to add a unique, personal touch to child's smile. A colored filling in a primary tooth sparks the interest of children and increases their willingness to cooperate by allowing them to choose what color the filling should be, thus including them in the treatment planning process. The use of colored fillings for children can be a valuable motivational tool as well. The dentist’s explanation to the child that the fillings will continue to look good as long as the patient properly maintains them results in an overall improvement in oral hygiene.

TWINKY STAR is a safe, mercury free, state of the art filling material that releases fluoride to help in the fight against cavities. Twinky star fillings are designed specifically for primary teeth and make having fillings done fun! Twinky Star is available in 7 colors for your child to choose from: PINK, BLUE, GOLD, SILVER GREEN, ORANGE, LEMON, and BERRY.



Patient With Twinky Star:

Join the conversation.

Whether your child just began visiting our Pearland office and have a follow-up question for Dr. Pamela Clark or our team, or if you’d simply like to drop us a quick line, we’d love to hear from you! We love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook page.

Please visit Pearland Pediatric Dentistry on the following networks:

Facebook: facebook.com/PearlandKidsTeeth
YouTube: youtube.com/pearlandkidsteeth

See you online!

Does Dr. Clark have your current contact info?

We hope you’re having a great week and a great summer so far! If you are planning on traveling with family this summer or think you might not be able to make it to your child’s regularly scheduled appointment with Dr. Pamela Clark or Dr. Suha Reddy, please let us know ahead of time so that we may be able to accommodate you, as well as schedule another patient at that appointment time.

Also, we ask that you give us a call at our convenient Pearland, TX dental office and and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed! Please give us a call with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you. Thank you!

Enjoy your weekend!

Patriotic fun facts with Pearland Pediatric Dentistry!

On Monday, Dr. Clark, Dr. Reddy and team will be busy celebrating America's 235th birthday. And because we know our patients love fun facts, we thought we'd provide you with some fun facts about Independence Day! Have a great Fourth of July weekend everyone, and we'll see you next week!!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- An estimated 2.5 million people lived in America in July 1776. Today, an estimated 309 million people reside in the United States.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- The stars on the original American flag were arranged in a circle to ensure that all colonies were equal.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- The American flag patch is backwards on U.S. Army uniforms. The reason? The blue field on the flag (the part with the stars) faces forward to symbolize carrying the American flag into battle.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard this Independence Day weekend grill came from Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

What's on your child's summer 2011 reading list?

With summer finally here, we've been thinking more and more about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easier for kids to go play with their friends or sit back and watch television, but Dr. Pamela Clark and team know that reading during the summer is a vital step for children to ensure they are prepared for school.

So here's the question: is your child reading a book this summer? If so, what's on their summer reading list? Tell us about it!

If you happen to be out of ideas for great summer reads, we encourage you to ask us for suggestions, and our staff at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry would be happy to provide a few titles. You may also ask a local librarian for some suggestions or check out various summer reading ideas that we found earlier today.

Happy reading!

Flossing with Dr. Clark

With June being National Smile Month, Dr. Pamela Clark and our team at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry were recently asked, “Do you have any suggestions for your patients to practice good oral hygiene at home or over the summer?”

Flossing is the only way to clean completely between the teeth. We strongly encourage parents to start flossing their children's teeth at a young age, especially if there is no space between the teeth. It is great to teach good habits to the children while they are young!!! Parents may use disposable flossers made for kids or they may use regular floss and have their child lay their head in the parent's lap to floss.

Here's a helpful article about kids and flossing, courtesy of Colgate.

Questions about flossing? Give us a call or ask Dr. Clark and team on Facebook!

FDA Issues Warning About Benzocaine in Teething Medication

Dr. Clark and our team at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry would like all our parents to know The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, has issued a warning about over-the-counter teething pain medicines that contain benzocaine, a local anesthetic and the active ingredient.

The FDA has received reports of methemoglobinemia, a rare but serious blood disorder that is associated with pain relievers, including teething gels, that contain benzocaine sold under the brand names Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel, Orabase and generic brands.

Methemoglobinemia reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood stream and, in severe cases, can lead to death. Symptoms include pale, gray or blue-colored skin, lips, and nail beds; shortness of breath; fatigue; confusion; headache; lightheadedness; and rapid heart rate. Symptoms could possibly follow a single application of benzocaine with concentrations as low as 7.5 percent.

Read more by checking out this very important announcement. For more information, visit the FDA website and the ADA website.

Or, please call us at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry!

Smile! June marks National Smile Month!

Can you believe it’s already June? Today, Dr. Pamela Clark, Dr. Suha Reddy and our team at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry thought we’d tell you June is National Smile Month, and a good time to remind all our patients to practice good oral hygiene between your visits to our friendly office!

That means you too, parents! After all, there’s more and more evidence that suggests folks with gum disease are more at risk for serious health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and strokes.

Below are a few simple steps you can take to improve your oral health so that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come:

* Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
* Floss everyday to clean between your teeth.
* Reduce your intake of sugary foods and drinks
* Visit us regularly (every 6 months or as recommended by Drs. Clark or Reddy)!

If you have questions about any of these tips, we encourage you to give us a call, ask Dr. Clark or our team during your next visit or ask us on Facebook!

Dr. Clark wants to know: Are you wearing your mouth guard?

Let’s face it: sports-related injuries are common among kids, especially those who play sports. Wearing mouthguards is important when playing contact sports. They help prevent teeth and head injuries! If a permanent tooth is knocked out, try to place it back into the socket as soon as possible and do not scrub it; contact your dentist immediately to be seen.

If you are not able to place the tooth back into the socket, then place it into milk and call your dentist! During the hot summer days, cool down with a nice big glass of water instead of sugary sports drinks! If you do have any sugary drinks, remember to drink at one time and brush your teeth!

Please give us a call if you have any questions about mouth guards or ask us on Facebook!

What would Dr. Clark’s dream job be?

At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to providing your child with the highest quality of dental care. Our goal is to make every patient’s visit pleasant and educational. We strive to teach good oral care that will enable your child to have a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime. Establishing lasting relationships with our patient families, based upon mutual trust and open communication, is very important to us.

But let’s say Dr. Clark's profession wasn’t in pediatric and general dentistry.

Dr. Clark was recently asked, “Is there a profession or a job you’ve always wanted? Which job would you like to experience, if only for a day? Why?”

Here is her response!

Of course I love what I do and I really enjoy taking care of my patients and their families with my wonderful team! However, if I was given the chance to work another job for a day it would be a zoo vet in a non-English speaking European country. It is still in the medical field, I would get to interact with some amazing animals, I would know another language and I would get to experience a different culture! Of course this is a dream! In the meantime, I will continue to have fun with the kids in our practice!

Cheese and your child's oral health

Did you know research shows cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child’s teeth? Not only does cheese provide large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also fights cavities. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Swiss and Mozzarella all do their part to stimulate our salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris …and protect them from acids that weaken them.

What does that mean? Cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque’s pH level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child’s teeth.

Hope this helps!

From Dr. Clark and the team at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry

What's on your child's reading list?

With the school year close to winding down for a lot of our patients at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, we wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure, it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading is a vital step in brain development and literacy. And if you needed any more reason to read, May marks “Get Caught Reading Month.”

Today, we thought we’d ask: What’s on your child’s reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great reads? Ask us for suggestions, and Drs. Clark and Reddy & team would be happy to provide a few suggestions. You may also ask a local librarian in the Pearland area for some ideas on what to read next!

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your book picks or your all-time favorite novels or literature on our Facebook page!

What's the deal with cavities?

At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, our professional team 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 http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifit 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! If you have any questions, be sure to ask us here, on Facebook, or by giving us a call! We also invite you to schedule an appointment!

Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, taking steps to reduce our environmental impact

Yesterday marked the 41st anniversary of Earth Day, and our team at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry realize we are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Today, we thought it would be a great time to discuss everything that we do at our Pearland office to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

In order not to use potentially toxic chemicals and to conserve developing paper, we use digital radiographs, and have been since we opened in 2005. We also recycle in our office and the company we use for shredding recycles all of the paper they shred!

In addition, did you know that we offer patients account access 24 hours a day, seven days a week? We offer convenient and secure online services with our patient login system. You can view all of your account information, and even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages. Since this information is submitted electronically, we eliminate the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials.

What about you? How did you spend Earth Day? What are you doing to "go green" or reduce your ecological footprint this year? We invite you to post here or on our Facebook page!

Play it safe this spring, from Drs. Clark & Reddy

With spring here, Dr. Pamela Clark our staff at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry would like to remind all our young athletes to take good care of your mouth while participating in contact sports (and non-contact sports). After all, we know this is a busy time of year sports-wise, whether you're playing light soccer at the local park or playing competitive high-school baseball.

Here are a few tips to remember when you're out on the field in the coming months:

• Wear mouth guards during contact sports

• Wear a helmet

• Stretch before and after a game or practice

• Wear protective eyewear

• Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin

• Be observant, even as a spectator

Remember, only by using a mouth guard can kids avoid serious mouth and facial injuries. We strongly encourage our patients to wear mouthguards when participating in sports for the protection of their teeth and their jaws! We do offer custom mouthguards, especially for our teenage patients.

And the winners are...

Check out all our photos from our patient appreciation party that we held on March 31st, now on our Facebook page! Additionally, here are our 2011 Patient Appreciation Party Winners! Great job everyone!

Yvonne Robinson - Children's Museum Family Membership
John Miller - Gringo's Gift Card
Faith Semien - Gringo's Gift Card
...Chris Jefferson - TeethWhitening & Movie Gift Card
Justin Guy Robinson - Teeth Whitening & Movie Gift Card
Abigail Rendon - Jr. Tag Reader
James Laase - Nintendo DSi
Joseph Curran - Leapster Explorer

Love your child's smile? Tell the world about it!

Has your or your child's experience with Dr. Pamela Clark and our staff at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry been GREAT?

Would you like to let others know?

Write a review on Google – it’s easy to do! We encourage you to head to our Google page and leave a short review there. Do you already have a Google account? Great! Just click write a review to leave your message.

Don’t have an account? Sign up for one–it’s easy and takes only a minute or two!

Thank you very much for taking the time to share your experience! our entire team really appreciates it! We hope you all had a great weekend!

Ask Dr. Clark: what's the best advice you ever received?

Some of the best advice I got during dental school (and I will always practice this way) is: "Treat your patients as family. When you are working with a patient, talk to them and treat them as your family." When I see children, I treat them with the compassion and care that I would treat my own children with at home.

How important is your smile? From Dr. Clark

At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, it is our goal to make your child's first dental experience a positive one. We strive to teach good oral care that will enable your child to have a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

And speaking of smiles, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

We feel confident that you will find Pearland Pediatric Dentistry kid-friendly and able to meet the dental needs of your child. We look forward to seeing you soon. Give us a call to schedule an appointment for your child!

What's going on at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry? By Dr. Clark

Pearland Pediatric Dentistry had a luncheon for the area physicians and dentists and their teams to thank them for their support. We enjoyed visiting with the many great people that help us take care of our patients!

Our team also attended continuing education classes at the Star of the South Dental Meeting in Houston where we learned new things to keep us up to date in order to continue to provide excellent care to our patient families.

Patient Appreciation Skating Party on March 31!

Let us show you our appreciation with our Patient Appreciation Skating Party on March 31st. Reserve your spot by filling out this form. Requests should be submitted to our office by March 10th!

Entries can be mailed to/dropped off at:

Pearland Pediatric Dentistry
2360 County Road 94
Suite 102
Pearland, TX 77584

See you soon!

Ask Dr. Clark: Why are regular dental checkups so important during orthodontic treatment?

Thanks for the question! If you’re brushing and flossing on a regular basis, we think that’s wonderful! But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit Drs. Pamela Clark and Suha Reddy every six months (or as recommended), in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day and flossing. Because your dental health is important to us, we'd like to remind you that it's time for your child's examination.

Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Our doctors at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt

• Detect cavities and early signs of decay

• Treat oral health problems early

• Show your child how to brush and floss

During an oral exam Drs. Clark and Reddy will usually check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to our Pearland, TX office in the last six months (or as recommended), call us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Connect with Dr. Clark & Pearland Pediatric Dentistry on Facebook!

At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, establishing lasting relationships with our patient families, based upon mutual trust and open communication, is very important to us. We strive to teach good oral care that will enable your child to have a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

Even if you visit our office on a regular basis, did you know you can always connect with Dr. Pamela Clark and team on Facebook?

By “Liking” us at Facebook.com/PearlandKidsTeeth, you will receive regular updates and contest announcements from our office – all through your news feed!

See you on Facebook, and have a GREAT holiday weekend!

- The team at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry

Access to your account any day, any time!

Access to your account, whenever you want, wherever you want it. Sounds simple, great and convenient, doesn’t it?

At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, our patients and their parents have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our interactive and helpful website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! And, because we know folks sometimes forget, you can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You, too, can sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button at the top of our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month!

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, and today, Dr. Clark thought she would talk about the need for preventative oral care in kids.

For more than 60 years, the American Dental Association, or ADA, has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. National Children's Dental Health Month began as a one-day event in 1941 in a Cleveland clinic. Forty years later, in 1981, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Each February, Drs. Clark and Reddy and thousands of dental professionals focus on the preventive oral care of America's kids. At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, we want you to remember developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Has your child visited our office the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

Congrats from Dr. Clark & Pearland Pediatric Dentistry!

Congratulations to our patients from Pearland ISD who were awarded for their artwork submissions in the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Art Exhibit!

Carsen J.
Andrew A.
Gabriella C.
Elena A.
Hailey B.
Bryson O.
Olivia R.
Rachel S.
Josie T.
Katelyn R.
Charles G.
Anica R.
Jase L.
Isbella P.
David J.
Vidya M.
Anne M.
Brianna B.
Jason B.
Riley M.
Surya S.
Abigail O.
Oliver F.
Evan G.
Marissa D.
Hannag L.
Emily D.
Maddie M.
Erin S.
Katelyn M.
Sabrina A.
Taylor L.
Darcy B.

Is sedation dentistry right for your child?

While our experienced and professional team at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry strive to offer a comfortable experience for every patient who walks through our doors, we realize that fear or anxiety while visiting the dentist can affect a lot of kids anyway. For patients who need extra comfort and relaxation during their dental visit, we are pleased to offer sedation dentistry.

Does your child feel nervous or stressed about his or her upcoming dental appointment? Well your little one is not alone. In fact, almost 30 percent of the population experiences “dental phobia” when faced with visiting the dentist!

The reasons for patients’ fear of the dentist can be numerous, but are usually due to a traumatic experience during their childhood. This overwhelming anxiety can cause one to avoid modern dental care, resulting in poor oral hygiene and possible mouth-related issues such as gum disease.

Your child can benefit from sedation dentistry if he or she experiences one or more of the following:

* High fear of dental care
* Past traumatic dental experience
* Fear of needles and shots
* Trouble getting numb
* Fear of being numbed
* Sensitive teeth

We understand the thought of injections can be scary to our patients, so we utilize the Compudent with Wand technology. The Compudent is a computerized machine that distributes the local anesthesia at a slow rate, decreasing the discomfort to the patient. Some patients become very apprehensive even at the sight of needles or a syringe. The Wand, which is the actual handpiece, has a very non-threatening appearance and does not look like a traditional syringe.

If your child suffers from dental phobia, sedation dentistry may be the answer. Please give us a call at our convenient Pearland office for more info about sedation dentistry, and we’ll be more than happy to answer your questions.

Ask Dr. Clark: When should my child visit your office?

Thanks for the question. Oral health is a hugely important part of your child's overall health, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and our staff at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry recommend that your child visits the pediatric dentist by his or her 1st birthday.

If you have any concerns about your child's dental health, please inform Dr. Clark and her team of these concerns. Our team is focused at making you and your child feel welcomed in our office.

Regular recare (checkup) appointments typically take 20 to 40 minutes. Patients are seen by appointment only. We make every effort to be on time for our patients and ask that you extend the same courtesy to us. If you cannot keep an appointment, please notify us immediately.

We are excited and look forward to meeting you and your child at their initial appointment. Dr. Clark's goal is to build a relationship with you and your child over the next several years in a comfortable environment that promotes good oral health care.

Hello from Dr. Clark!

Happy Monday!

I hope our patients make and keep New Year's Resolution that will benefit their overall health including taking care of their teeth and gums by brushing at least twice a day and flossing every day! We have great memories of our patients in 2010, especially our Patient Appreciation Party! We look forward to seeing all of our patients in 2011 and we are planning our Patient Appreciation Party for 2011!

Here are a few things that recently happened:

*We now have an intraoral camera that also detects decay so we can show pictures to our patients and their parents.
*I attended the Contemporary Sedation of Children for Dental Practice: Enteral and Parenteral Techniques course hosted by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry this past October.
*Dr. Reddy completed her oral exam and is now board certified by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
*We are excited to have Alexandra Oltsik join our clinical team as a registered dental assistant.
*We wish Tina Jernigan (registered dental assistant) the best of luck! She is leaving the office to go back to school full-time to become a history professor! We are going to miss her.

- Dr. Clark

Ask Dr. Clark: When is thumb-sucking a cause for concern?

Lots of you have asked Dr. Pamela Clark and our staff at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs and fingers. If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs.

Is this something to worry about? In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Happy New Year!