Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'My Child Lost a Tooth! Now What?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'My Child Lost a Tooth! Now What?'

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Composium Dental Centre   
Joshua Charlat, DMD   
30 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 203   
Toronto, ON M4V 3A1   
(416) 415-2429   
Composium.com

Ask the Dentist by the ADA: 'Should I Pull Out My Child’s Loose Tooth?'

The American Dental Association has created informative videos called Ask the Dentist. Here is their video on: 'Should I Pull Out My Childís Loose Tooth?'

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Composium Dental Centre   
Joshua Charlat, DMD   
30 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 203   
Toronto, ON M4V 3A1   
(416) 415-2429   
Composium.com

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Because developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums, the American Dental Association sponsors National Children’s Dental Health Month each February.

Now in its 63rd year, this month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, health care providers and others to promote the benefits of good oral health to children and adults, caregivers, teachers and many others.

Parents and teachers can help kids celebrate and learn more about the importance of a healthy smile. The ADA offers free downloadable information, kid-friendly oral health worksheets and games on MouthHealthy.org, the ADA’s consumer website. Click on the For Kids tab on the left side of the page for a variety of age-appropriate activities, games and videos and presentations. There are also teaching guides that adults can use at home, in the classroom or in other community-based settings.

To read the entire article visit Colgate.com.

Composium Dental Centre   
Joshua Charlat, DMD   
30 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 203   
Toronto, ON M4V 3A1   
(416) 415-2429   
Composium.com

Brushing Your Kid's Teeth

It’s never too early to get children in the habit of good oral care. Of course, it’s up to parents to take the “first steps.” Finding new ways to model good dental habits and practice them with your kids is key. The sooner kids begin to take charge of their own teeth, the happier and healthier they (and you) will be. And the payoffs over a lifetime are immeasurable.

Don’t Worry-You’re Not Alone 
If you think it’s a challenge to teach your kids good oral care, you’re in good company. Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases. And studies show that almost 50% of kids between six and eight have had at least one cavity.1 These are just a couple of reasons why it’s so important to help kids understand right from the start that proper dental habits are a smart idea.

To read the entire article visit OralB.com.

Composium Dental Centre   
Joshua Charlat, DMD   
30 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 203   
Toronto, ON M4V 3A1   
(416) 415-2429   
Composium.com

Five Surprising Reasons for Bad Breath in Children

Having your kids brush their teeth before they go to bed each night helps them learn good oral hygiene practices. And while twice-daily toothbrushing is good for developing teeth, it always enough to stop bad breath from occurring. Bad breath isn't always solely an oral health issue, there can be other causes that need a different solution. Here are five surprising causes of bad breath in children and how to stop them.
Sinus Infection
Have any of your kids complained about a sore throat or stuffy nose lately? It might be a sinus infection. Sinus issues cause fluid to collect in the nasal passages and throat, making your child's throat the perfect place for bacteria to gather. The result? Stinky breath that can't be cured with toothbrushing and mouthwash alone. If you suspect a sinus infection (potential sore throat, burning nasal passages and post nasal drip), call your doctor for a visit and see if antibiotics will be prescribed.
Foreign Objects
It may not be your first thought, but your child's bad breath could be the result of something stuck in her nasal passages. Kids are curious, and their nostrils are just the right size for inserting small items such as beads, beans, toy accessories and food. Pediatrician Dr. William Sears explains that when an object gets lodged in a child's nasal passages it can create a nasty smell. If you suspect this is what is causing your child's bad breath, you'll need a doctor to help check your child's nasal passages and remove the object.

To read the entire article written by Jae Curtis , please visit Colgate.com

Composium Dental Centre   
Joshua Charlat, DMD   
30 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 203   
Toronto, ON M4V 3A1   
(416) 415-2429   
Composium.com

Dental Sealants for Children

Learn more about what the American Dental Association has to say about the importance of dental sealants as a preventive dental treatment for your children!

The above video is found on the American Dental Association YouTube Channel.

Composium Dental Centre   
Joshua Charlat, DMD   
30 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 203   
Toronto, ON M4V 3A1   
(416) 415-2429   
Composium.com

Like Parent, Like Child: Good Oral Health Starts at Home

Parents are a child's first teacher in life and play a significant role in maintaining his or her overall health. Providing oral health education to mothers and families is essential to teaching children healthy habits and preventing early childhood tooth decay, according to an article published in the May/June 2010 issue of General Dentistry, the peer-reviewed clinical journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).

With all of the challenges that new parents face, they may not think much about the link between their child's oral health and overall health. In fact, an understanding of oral hygiene can help parents to prevent tooth decayóthe single most common chronic childhood disease in Americaóand to create a lifetime of healthy habits for their child.

"Ideally, the oral health education for any family will begin with prenatal education and the establishment of a dental home by the time the child is 12 to 18 months of age," says Tegwyn Brickhouse, DDS, author of the study. "Many people don't realize that the oral health of the mother affects both the infant's future oral health and the child's overall health. In fact, some studies show that periodontal disease has been linked to preterm labor. That's why pregnant women should be evaluated for cavities, poor oral hygiene, gingivitis, loose teeth and diet."

After the child is born, families should become familiar with their child's dental and oral health milestones, which will be determined by discussion with the family dentist or a pediatric dentist. Children should have their first dental visit at age 1 or within six months of the eruption of their first tooth. A dentist will be able to discuss when parents can expect to see a child's first tooth and the best technique for brushing his or her new teeth.

Diet is another factor that affects a child's oral health. Frequent and long-term exposure to liquids that contain sugars commonly results in tooth decay. In addition to eliminating sugary drinks altogether from a child's diet, parents can adopt other habits to prevent tooth decay due to beverage consumption.

"Parents should avoid giving their children milk, formula, juice or soda at naptime or nighttime," says Bruce DeGinder, DDS, MAGD, spokesperson for the AGD. "The sugars will linger on their teeth and gums for a prolonged period of time, promoting decay."

Parents are responsible for their child's oral hygiene practices and are advised to meet with a general dentist to determine the best way to establish and maintain their child's oral health. A general dentist also can provide families with oral health literature that is designed to educate both the parent and child. This education has multiple benefits; as Dr. Brickhouse notes, "Healthy teeth in early childhood can provide a positive self-image and improve the child's quality of life."

To read the entire article please visit KnowYourTeeth.com

Composium Dental Centre   
Joshua Charlat, DMD   
30 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 203   
Toronto, ON M4V 3A1   
(416) 415-2429   
Composium.com

When Should My Child First See a Dentist?

Your child's first visit to the dentist should happen before his or her first birthday. The general rule is six months after eruption of the first tooth. Taking your child to the dentist at a young age is the best way to prevent problems such as tooth decay, and can help parents learn how to clean their child's teeth and identify his or her fluoride needs. After all, decay can occur as soon as teeth appear. Bringing your child to the dentist early often leads to a lifetime of good oral care habits and acclimates your child to the dental office, thereby reducing anxiety and fear, which will make for plenty of stress-free visits in the future. 

To read the entire article, visit: KnowYourTeeth.com

Composium Dental Centre   
Joshua Charlat, DMD   
30 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 203   
Toronto, ON M4V 3A1   
(416) 415-2429   
Composium.com

Dental Sealants for Children

An Easy Way to Prevent Cavities

Even careful daily brushing can miss certain areas of teeth. As teeth are exposed to bacteria and acid, plaque will form. If left for a prolonged period of time, decay sets in. Any amount of decay is permanent damage that requires a restoration. 

There is a technique that can greatly help to prevent cavities. First, the teeth are cleaned and sterilized. A thin layer of the sealant is applied to the biting surfaces of teeth. With a curing light, the sealant is bonded to each tooth. And in just a few minutes, the whole procedure is complete. No shots, drilling, or tooth removal are necessary. 

This treatment has proven to be very effective in reducing cavities and helping children and adolescents keep their teeth for a lifetime.

Composium Dental Centre   
Joshua Charlat, DMD   
30 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 203   
Toronto, ON M4V 3A1   
(416) 415-2429   
Composium.com

Proper Dental Habits for Children

Instilling Good Habits for Healthy Teeth

We teach children proper dental habits in an environment that is fun and comfortable for them. We tell both children and parents that a child's teeth are more prone to cavities and explain the various reasons.

Often children do not brush their teeth as well as needed. We encourage parents to supervise their children's brushing and flossing until they have the ability to be thorough. 

Kids also eat small meals more often throughout the day. Every time food is chewed, acid is produced. Extensive exposure to this acid will increase the chances of cavities. If a tooth is not clean to begin with, the resulting production of even more acid will increase the rate that cavities develop. 

Improved dental hygiene and healthier dietary choices will lessen the development of cavities. We also highly recommend the application of a protective dental sealant to prevent the cavities in back teeth.

Composium Dental Centre   
Joshua Charlat, DMD   
30 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 203   
Toronto, ON M4V 3A1   
(416) 415-2429   
Composium.com

Children's Dentistry

Your Kids Will Enjoy Their Visits!
Dr. Charlat will make your kids feel at ease in the dental chair. His thoughtfulness and compassion in providing the care they need allow them to relax and enjoy their visits, and our use of the latest advancements in children's dentistry make those visits easier and less time consuming than ever.

We encourage good daily dental hygiene so they will keep all their natural teeth for a lifetime. We enjoy all their visits starting at age 3, and enjoy watching them grow and change each year.

We want all children to have no fear of dental appointments. We know that fear in children carries over into dental anxiety in their adulthood. It is our goal for this and all generations of children to be relieved of dental anxiety. Our parents have told us we are accomplishing this goal! We will help any active or scared child feel comfortable and relaxed.

Composium Dental Centre   
Joshua Charlat, DMD   
30 St. Clair Avenue West, Suite 203   
Toronto, ON M4V 3A1   
(416) 415-2429   
Composium.com