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!