Candy buyback to support our troops at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry!

It's Operation Gratitude time at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry! From now through November 12, bring in your Halloween candy to our office, and Dr. Clark and our staff will give you $1 for every pound! The best part? ALL candy brought in goes to our troops! You can also write a letter to our brave troops!

"My daughter is turning one. When should I bring her in for a visit?"

Good question! The short answer is, "First visit by first birthday."

Dr. Pamela Clark and our staff know that cavities know no age boundaries, and that is why we recommend a visit to our office at age one. That also happens to be the opinion of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association agree. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children who are at risk of early childhood cavities visit a pediatric dentist by their first birthday.

Research has shown that cavities are increasing in preschool-aged children, and that more than one in four kids has had at least one cavity by the time they're four years old. In fact, many children get cavities as early as age two.

The appointment also covers topics such as the importance of baby teeth, nutrition, development and overall concerns you may have with your child. We believe that a child's first visit with Dr. Clark or Dr. Suha Reddy should be enjoyable and positive. At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to teach good oral care that will enable your child to have a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime.

Have you scheduled an appointment for your child? We hope to see you soon!

Dr. Pamela Clark, helping your child understand cavities

At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, our staff 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 it 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! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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!

Drs. Clark and Reddy, reminding you to wear your mouth guard this fall

With only three full weeks of summer remaining, 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) this fall. After all, we know this is a busy time of year sports-wise, whether you're playing light soccer at the local park or practicing for school sports this fall.

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 encourage you to ask Drs. Clark or Reddy (or one of our staff members) for a mouth guard during your next visit, and we will happily provide one!

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

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 is 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!