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!

September is National Gum Care Month!

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

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

These can include:

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

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

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

Dr. Pamela Clark presents: Foods for healthy gums and healthy hearts

Gum disease, known also as periodontal disease, is far more common in American kids than you may think. Each year, new studies begin to link the effect gum disease can have on the heart, and our staff at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry have been spreading the word! One of the simplest steps to achieving healthier gums can be your diet. We recently found a great article from EatingWell, outlining several options for healthier gums. Included among the suggestions were:

*Raisins
*Green Tea
*Whole Grains (barley, brown rice; buckwheat; oatmeal, popcorn, whole-wheat bread, pasta or crackers)

In addition to these foods being gums-friendly, they happen to be healthy foods in general, and a great option to begin integrating into your child's diet this fall.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

- Dr. Pamela Clark and team