Happy New Year & Your Child's First Visit!

Just wanted to say Happy Holidays & New Years to all of my patients and readers!

I wanted to wish you all the best for 2008 and beyond!

But hey, it wouldn't be a new year if I didn't offer a few dental related tidbits.

One question that I commonly get is: "What exactly will you do at my child's first examination?"

First, and most importantly, we will familiarize your child with the office, with being in the dental chair and with having someone examine their teeth.

Second, we will take your child's picture in the "butterfly chair." We find that the kids are very excited to have their picture taken and this makes going to the dentist more enjoyable. After the kids get their picture taken in the butterfly chair, we also "take pictures" of the kids teeth (i.e., x-rays) ;)

Third, we will do a comprehensive oral examination and evaluation, a professional dental cleaning and the application of fluoride (more on fluoride is coming up!). In addition, we take x-rays, do an oral cancer screening, check for cavities and evaluate periodontal health (gums). We also make specific suggestions for home care, and give your child any aids they may need (such as an age appropriate toothbrush, floss and toothpaste). At each visit, we also review your child's dental and medical history to ensure that all information is up to date.

Finally, your child gets a fun new toy and a balloon to take home!

Sealants: All You Ever Wanted to Know . . . And More

Okay, maybe not everything you wanted to know, but I will try and explain sealants and there application to pediatric dentistry.

Stated simply, a sealant is a protective plastic coating that is applied to the biting surfaces of the back teeth (molars and pre-molars). Sealants are generally only applied on permanent or adult teeth. The sealant forms a hard shield that keeps food and bacteria from getting into the tiny grooves in the teeth and causing decay.

Below is a photo of the "grooves" in a permanent tooth.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) states the following:

According to national estimates, by 17 years of age, 78% of children in the United States have experienced caries (ie, cavities). As much as 90% of all caries in school-aged children occurs in pits and fissures.

You may be now asking yourself what is a pit or a fissure? A pit or a fissure are the "dips and grooves" in the tooth which may predispose stagnation of food and microbes. Stagnation of food occurs during eating or drinking when the substance fails to dislodge or to be physically removed through brushing and flossing of the teeth.

Click here for a cool animation of how sealants are applied.

Sealants are totally pain free, and the teeth do not feel any different afterwards. Sealants generally last for many years, but we will want to check them regularly to make sure that the "seal" is still intact. Sealants can wear over time, and sometimes it may be necessary to add or replace some sealant to be sure that no decay can start underneath them.

The teeth at highest risk by far are permanent first and second molars. Sealants are often applied as soon as the permanent teeth start to come through. This is usually between 6 and 7 years of age. The rest are usually sealed as soon as they appear which can be any time between 11 and 14 years of age.

Most insurance companies provide coverage for sealants on permanent molars. If you would like to know if your child is a candidate for sealants, please feel free to schedule an examination at Growing Smiles. You can reach a team member at 785.856.5600.

When Do I Bring My Little One To The Dentist?

This is probably the most common question that I am asked. Everyone wants to know when they should bring their child in to see the dentist.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a child should see a dentist by age one or when the first tooth appears. For more information, visit the AAPD website.

It is important to understand the reason why I want to see kids in the office so early. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, "caries (or what is commonly referred to as cavities) is perhaps the most prevalent of infectious diseases in our nation’s children. More than 40% of children have caries by the time they reach kindergarten."

Caries (ie, cavities) are largely preventable. Proper oral health habits, such as brushing and flossing the correct way, are imperative to preventing caries. In addition to oral hygiene, proper diet and using a fluoridated toothpaste are also important for good dental health. Finally, establishing a dental home for infants by 12 months of age is the final step in the prevention of childhood caries. See this clinical guideline published by the AAPD for more information.

We would love to make Growing Smiles your child's dental home. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact one of our team members at 785.856.5600.

Pictures of the Office

Okay, folks, I am new to the blogging world, but I am getting the hang of the new digital camera. I wanted to show everyone a picture of the front of the office.

As you can tell, we have pumpkins still out from Halloween!

We are located in the Oread West business park on the northwest corner of Bob Billings Parkway (or 15th Street) and Wakarusa Drive.

We are on the lower level of the building near the infinity fountain.

Remember, if you have any questions please email me at info@WeGrowSmiles.com!

Welcome to Growing Smiles!

Thank you for reading the first post ever for Growing Smiles!



First, I would like to take a second to introduce myself. My name is Kelli Henderson, and I am a solo-practice pediatric dentist here in Lawrence, KS.



I created Growing Smiles to serve the dental needs of the children of Kansas. My goal is to provide each patient with comprehensive dental treatment in a safe, caring and calm environment. I also want to ensure that each child has excellent oral health skills for life.



I opened Growing Smiles this year with these goals in mind. To learn more about my practice, you can visit http://www.WeGrowSmiles.com/. Please note that the website is currently under construction; however, please check back soon for updates!



And now, a little bit about me: I attended dental school at OU (no, KU Fans, I am not a Sooner Fan-Go Hawks!). After dental school, I completed a one year general practice residency at the Children's Hospital at the OU Medical Center. My husband and I then moved to Michigan, where I completed a two year residency in pediatric dentistry at the Children's Hospital of Michigan in Detroit.



Feel free to visit this blog frequently for updates and insights into pediatric dentistry! If you have any questions, email me at info@WeGrowSmiles.com.



Thanks!



Dr. Kelli Henderson.