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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

What's your New Year's resolution?

The year is almost over, so Dr. Pamela Clark and our staff at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry thought we’d ask: what was memorable about 2010 for you or your child, and what are you most looking forward to in 2011? Do you or your child have a new year's resolution, or any exciting plans for the coming year?

Have a safe and happy New Year, to all our patients, friends, family and all our dental and medical colleagues in Pearland, Alvin, Shadow Creek and surrounding communities.

See you all in 2011!

Pearland Pediatric Dentistry at the Pearland Christmas Parade!

Pearland Pediatric Dentistry had a fun time participating in the Pearland Christmas Parade! It was great to see so many people in the community! Happy Holidays to all!

Check out more photos on our Facebook page!

Season's greetings from Pearland Pediatric Dentistry!

In this season given to tidings of comfort and joy, and as Dr. Pamela Clark and our team at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry reflect on the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients and readers: What do you and your child love or appreciate about the holidays this year? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for 2011? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food? Also, what gift are you most looking forward to getting this year?

We’d love if you shared with us here, or on our Facebook page, all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm, and don’t forget to stray your child away from all those sweets making their rounds this time of year!

Happy Holidays!