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!