summpediatric – Summerville Pediatric Dentistry

Worst Candy for Your Teeth

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, especially for candy-loving kids. On Halloween, they will fill their trick-or-treat bags with all kinds of confections. Then comes the holiday season, when sweets are often front and center. This sugary and sticky goodness can eventually take a toll on your child’s developing teeth. Nobody wants to be a Grinch, but knowing how to minimize the adverse effects and still allow kids to indulge is essential.

First, here is some yucky news about the sweet stuff.

The Good, the Bad, and the Sticky

Studies have shown that by the end of Halloween night, kids will have consumed about three cups of sugar while working their way through their haul. To put that into perspective, children should only have about six teaspoons of added sugar daily. Think of sugar as the kryptonite of teeth. It creates acid, which eats away tooth enamel and may eventually cause cavities.

Kids also love to eat anything sticky and gooey, like caramels, taffy, Sour Patch Kids, licorice, and gum. As tasty and fun as these candies are, they tend to stick to the teeth, forcing the sugar to stay on the enamel even longer. It can be hard to brush them off; the longer they sit on the tooth, the more damage can occur.

“Hard candy is the worst offender,” said Dr. Dorothy Baker of Summerville Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. “It stays in your mouth for a long time and can also break your teeth.”

Sweets in Moderation

But there is good news: You don’t have to ban the treats. Instead, Baker said that incorporating a sweet into a meal neutralizes the effects of the sugar. “If you are going to eat sugar, it’s better to do it at the same time as a balanced meal,” said Baker. “Rather than serving dessert last, incorporate it into your holiday meal. Healthy foods help neutralize the acids in sugar, and they also displace sugar from your teeth.”

Some candies your child may eat are better for their teeth than others. “Unless your child is allergic, stick with plain chocolate such as Hershey Kisses or even peanut butter cups,” said Baker. “Chocolate doesn’t stick to the teeth as much as, say, caramels do and can be easily brushed away. If your child likes dark chocolate, it’s even better. Dark chocolate has less sugar than milk chocolate.”

Choosing softer treats is even more important if your child is wearing braces. “Take a good look at their trick-or-treat bags and remove sticky candies such as gummy worms, jellybeans, Skittles, Mike & Ikes, Tootsie Rolls, and Swedish Fish,” said Baker. “These types of candies can pull off the brackets and force a visit to fix them.”

Since there are no guarantees that trick-or-treating will result in your child receiving candies they are allowed to eat, consider stocking up on safe candies. “Then let your child swap out the ones they can’t have for the ones they can,” said Baker.

Once the night is done and the children have indulged in a few small treats, divvy up the rest for the upcoming days. “Make sure you keep on top of good brushing habits to prevent any damage the candy can cause,” said Baker. “Have them brush their teeth immediately after eating candy. It takes about 20 minutes before the corrosive acids are released onto the teeth.”

Building good habits

Now that the candy is in the house, your children will regularly ask if they can have more. “Make a conscious effort to balance their diet with healthy snacks and lots of water,” said Baker.

Most importantly, do not leave the big bowl of treats on the dining room table where they can grab something whenever they want. “Ration out their treats so they last awhile,” said Baker.

The next few months are filled with fun and many sweets. Start to set a positive routine now to protect your children’s teeth. They can still have sweets, and you can rest assured that you’re doing the best for your child’s dental health.

Contact Summerville Pediatric Dentistry at (843) 821-6433 for more information or to make an appointment at one of our convenient locations.

Busting Myths about Your Child’s Teeth

October 7, 2024
by summpediatric

Depending on who you talk to, you may hear many myths and questions about your child’s teeth. Can your child have juice? Should they sleep with their bottle? Is sucking their thumb bad for them?

Good oral care is vital for your child’s health, so it’s important that we at Summerville Pediatric Dentistry extend our knowledge and expertise. Below, we’ve busted a few common myths about pediatric dental care.

Myth: It’s important to start babies on fluoride even before their teeth come in.

Fact: Fluoride is like a superhero for your child’s teeth! Imagine it as a tiny shield that helps strengthen their teeth from the very first moment they erupt from sneaky villains known as “sugar bugs”. These bugs love to munch on sugar and create acids that attack teeth and cause cavities, but fluoride comes to the rescue making teeth that much tougher! The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends using no more than a smear or rice-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste for children less than 3 years old and using a pea-sized amount for children 3 to 6 years of age.

Myth: Decay on baby teeth decay doesn’t matter. They fall out anyway.

Fact: Although baby teeth eventually fall out, preventing decay is still important. Baby teeth play a crucial role in your baby’s dental development, including the development of the jaw, and they act as placeholders until your child’s grown-up teeth come in.

Decay starts when anything other than water is left in the baby’s mouth. While they sleep, it mixes with bacteria and forms acids that attack the tooth enamel. While the acid is usually washed away during the day by the baby’s saliva, it pools around the tooth while they sleep. So, make sure to examine your baby’s teeth regularly on both sides and look for dull spots and lines, which are the initial signs of decay. It’s important to note that decay on baby teeth can lead to decay on a child’s permanent teeth.

Myth: Kids can drink juice whenever they want.

Fact: Sugar-sweetened beverages such as juices, flavored milk, and soda should only be given on special occasions, and we recommend not having them in your child’s everyday diet. Not only do they exponentially raise your child’s risk for developing cavities, but there is also little to no nutritional benefit to them! The American Heart Association recommends that children under the age of 2 avoid all added sugars in their diet, and limit quantities given to older children.

Myth: Children do not get toothaches.

Fact: Yes, a child can suffer from a toothache, especially if any decay affects the pulp of their tooth. They may complain that their tooth hurts when they drink or eat something very hot or cold. You may need to bring them to the dentist for X-rays and treatment.

Myth: Bleeding gums are normal.

Fact: Unless a child is brushing too hard, bleeding gums indicate another problem brewing under the surface. For example, your child might have gingivitis, a gum disease that results in too much plaque. Another gum disease, periodontitis, which is caused by poor diet and dental health, can also result in early tooth loss and severe pain for your child. Another concern could be that your child suffers from a vitamin deficiency, such as Vitamin K or C. We recommend practicing daily brushing and flossing with parental supervision to combat all types of gum disease, as well as cavities!

Myth: Thumb-sucking doesn’t hurt baby teeth.

Fact: Well, that depends on your child and how they suck their thumb or fingers. For example, some babies will put pressure on their teeth or palate, which can create tooth deformities as their permanent teeth grow. Others create issues when it comes to where their tongue and lips will rest as they develop. The good news is that sucking their thumb or fingers is normal, and most kids typically stop when their permanent teeth come in around the age of 2 to 3. If your child continues to suck their thumb or fingers after this age, talk to your dentist about ways to stop.

For more information on your child’s teeth, contact Summerville Pediatric Dentistry at (843) 821-6433.

Dental Desensitization: Accommodating for Patients with Autism

Going to the dentist can be scary and overwhelming for people with autism. This includes both children and adults. Various factors, such as the sounds of the drill, the smells, the taste of mouthwash or toothpaste, the crowded waiting room, or the anticipation of having their mouth touched can make a dental visit particularly challenging.

The good news is that a variety of tips and techniques are available to help make the appointment as calm and gentle as possible for the patient. After all, your child’s dental care is important.

Finding the Right Dentist: A positive experience starts before the patient even walks through the door. Finding a dentist experienced in treating children with different sensory/special healthcare backgrounds. At Summerville Pediatric Dentistry, we are equipped and trained to handle sensory issues and other needs of patients on the spectrum.

Talk to Your Child: If your child is old enough, talk to them and show them pictures of what they might see or hear during their dental procedure . Doing a tour so they can see the waiting room and become familiar with the office before their dental appointment may help.

Talk to the Dentist/Office: It’s just as important for the dentist to know about your child’s needs, so be sure to share any relevant information about your child that could help improve their experience. For example, if your child does not feel comfortable with the dental team being so close to them, you may want to consider other accommodations. If a crowded waiting room is an issue, ask if an appointment at a less busy time is possible.

Desensitization: If possible and under a non-emergency situation, gradually introducing the patient to the dental office, exam, and procedures might help to desensitize the experience and the anxiety around the appointment. As each visit results in a more positive experience, the patient might feel more at ease.

Sedation dentistry: Beyond a routine visit, the patient may need a procedure such as a filling, crown, root canal, or extraction. If the patient has trouble staying still during their appointment, they can try sedation dentistry. This can include nitrous oxide (also called ‘laughing gas’), IV sedation, oral sedatives, or general anesthesia.

The American Dental Association supports using nitrous oxide to reduce anxiety during appointments, as it has few side effects. However, for patients younger than five years old or who are crying and breathing through their mouth, it may not work.

Keep in mind that nitrous oxide allows patients to be mildly awake during the procedure. Be sure to inform the team if that might be an issue.

Conscious Sedation: If your child needs a little more sedation, conscious sedation might be a solution. Keep in mind that these sedatives (in pill or liquid form) can have side effects, and each patient with autism reacts differently to them.

Before the visit, we recommend that you have a doctor examine your child. The doctor will check for breathing problems, existing medical conditions, tonsil size, and other medical issues. This will help ensure your child’s health and well-being during the visit.

General Anesthesia: Finally, general anesthesia, where the patient is completely asleep, is the final option and must be administered by a dental or medical anesthesiologist or certified registered nurse anesthetist in a hospital or fully equipped healthcare center.

Building a good relationship with a dentist early and discussing options before any procedures is important. This will help your child have a positive and calm experience at the dentist.

For more information, Contact Summerville Pediatric Dentistry to make an appointment and discuss your child’s needs with our office. We’re happy to help answer any questions or concerns.

The Tooth and Nothing But the Tooth: A Guide to Infant Tooth Care

August 15, 2024
by summpediatric

It’s exciting when your baby’s first tooth comes in (okay, maybe teething wasn’t so fun), but what now? How do you care for those cute little chomp, and what should you expect next?

Like every other aspect of your baby’s life, these first few years of your infant’s dental health are crucial. During these early ages, you can help develop healthy habits and start your child’s dental journey on the right foot.

Here are tips to help you navigate infant tooth care:

Know the schedule: Every infant’s schedule differs, but their bottom front teeth typically erupt between 6 and 10 months. The upper front teeth should come in by the end of their first year, the canines around 16 to 22 months, and the first and second molars between 13 to 33 months. All of their teeth will come in by the time your child is about three years old.
Take a peek: Check inside your child’s mouth and become familiar with their gums. That way, you can tell if there’s something wrong. Healthy gums should be moist and pink in color. Teething gums may appear red and swollen as the teeth begin to erupt but should return to their typical pink hue afterward.
Keep ‘em clean: Taking care of your child’s teeth should begin even before the first tooth comes in. Start by gently cleaning their gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding. Once a tooth comes in, it’s time to take the cleaning up a notch. Now you can use a child-sized soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the teeth with only the tiniest amount of fluoride-enhanced toothpaste, but keep cleaning those gums! You can start using a larger pea-sized amount of toothpaste once your child turns three.
Fluoride Facts: Speaking of fluoride, it helps to prevent decay and will strengthen your child’s teeth. You can find fluoride in drinking water and toothpaste, but if your tap water does not have fluoride, there are supplements available.
Make an appointment: Once that first tooth peeks through, it’s time to make an appointment with a pediatric dentist. Regular check-ups are vital to your child’s dental health, as they can help prevent disease or issues early.
Manage the pain: It will take time for all of your child’s teeth to come through, so there may be times when they are uncomfortable. They might cry, or there may be excessive drooling. If their gums are sore, you can ease their pain with some acetaminophen or a cold, but not frozen, teething ring. The FDA also cautions against using any numbing gels on your child’s gums.
Child Cavities: Yes, your child can get cavities even when they are young, so do what you can to prevent that from happening. Do not let them fall asleep with a bottle, limit sugary and sticky drinks and foods, take good care of their teeth and schedule regular dental check-ups, which can help keep cavities at bay.
Consult the professionals: When in doubt, our team of knowledgeable professionals at Summerville Pediatric Dentistry can answer any question or concern you may have about your little one’s dental health. We’re here to help arm parents with the tools they need to keep their child’s smile bright and healthy.

If you have any other questions or concerns about your little one’s teeth, contact Summerville Pediatric Dentistry today.

Navigate Your Dental Insurance with Ease

June 24, 2024
by summpediatric

The most important aspect of understanding dental insurance is this one simple fact: dental insurance is simply a means of payment for dental care, like a gift card from your employer.

How does this gift card work?

Navigating dental insurance may seem like a puzzle, but it can be a fun and rewarding journey to ensure your child’s smile stays bright and healthy! Dive into the adventure of understanding the terms, exploring different types of plans, and discovering how they cover your child’s dental care. Here are some useful tips to make this process a breeze!

In Network vs. Out of Network

Dental insurance is a wonderful benefit that many employees love to receive as a part of their employer benefit package.

An in-network dentist has chosen to be part of the insurance plan offered by your employer. You must seek treatment from dentists who are members of this plan to receive the benefits they offer. Insurance agents promise that they provide “two free cleanings” a year. In-network providers usually offer 100% “free” coverage for preventative care, such as cleanings and regular checkups, and nearly all of the standard dentist’s fees for other services. Who doesn’t love “free”? Investing in preventative care for your child now means you’re setting the stage for a healthy smile and avoiding costly treatments down the road. Think of it as a superhero shield against cavities, worn enamel, and gum disease. Preventative dental care can also help prevent common issues such as cavities, worn enamel and gum disease.

Out-of-network dentists are like free agents in the dental world—they’re not tied to any insurance company and work solely for you/the patient/your child (whichever you prefer saying). With this, you get the freedom to pick any out-of-network dentist for your child.

The catch? You may have to shell out a bit more from your own pocket.

It’s crucial to understand insurance terms such as “usual and customary” or “UCR,” which is a bit misleading. Fees vary greatly with different insurance companies. Therefore, a plan that is less costly to the employer will usually have a lower usual and customary fee schedule. Essentially, this means that a dentist who has decided to participate within your employer’s insurance network has agreed to provide services to your child at a deeply discounted rate. Sometimes, these discounts are 40-50% lower than the standard fee.

You may wonder why anyone would choose an out-of-network dentist, but those in-network often have to double their patient load to balance out the lower fees they accept from insurance companies. By opting for an out-of-network provider, you could get more personalized, relaxed, and attentive care for your child’s pearly whites.

Imagine your favorite grocery store having everything 50% off all the time. You’d probably think it’s either going out of business or is one of those discount chains, right? The same could be expected from medical practices that operate consistently at these discounts. They may need to increase waiting times, reduce employees, and buy cheaper-grade supplies and equipment to cover expenses.

Also, in-network dentists are part of your insurance plan – like sticking to a menu at a restaurant, they can only suggest treatments that are covered. According to the AAPD Oral Health Policy on Dental Reimbursement, insurance companies (which are not health care providers) can sometimes randomly deny claims. This can make it difficult for you to get the care you need to boost your child’s smile. Stepping out of the insurance network can open up a world of better, more comprehensive dental care options!

We Work with Out-Of-Network Providers

So, why choose an out-of-network provider? Think of it as getting VIP treatment for your child’s dental care. Out-of-network pediatric dentists have the freedom to focus on what’s best for each child, without being boxed in by insurance company rules. This means more flexibility and personalized care tailored to your child’s unique needs. Plus, you’re not stuck picking a dentist from a limited in-network list—you get to choose the best fit for your little one’s smile!

Finding the right dentist for your child’s needs is essential to their care, so the flexibility to choose will ensure you pick one your child feels most comfortable with. Since out-of-network dentists are not as restricted as in-network ones, they may be able to offer a more comprehensive selection of treatment options. They can also hire the most trained and qualified team and provide the most advanced technology. Before selecting a dentist, it’s best to do your due diligence to find one that meets all of your child’s needs.

If Summerville Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is not an in-network provider of your dental plan, don’t despair! We would love to discuss your child’s needs and our pricing with you.

Here’s the best part: We’ll still handle your insurance paperwork, and you might be pleasantly surprised to find that your insurance may still [italics] cover a large portion of the dental fee. In fact, you may discover that our rates for certain procedures are more budget-friendly than you’d expect, even without being in your plan.

For a more detailed understanding of dental insurance, the American Dental Association breaks down the types of plans and what they offer in detail here. There is so much more to understanding insurance, and if you’re unsure of what to do or still have insurance questions, it’s our pleasure to discuss your options and answer any questions you have.

Our team is here to help you provide your child with the best care and treatment options for them.

Have further questions? Contact our team today!

Let’s work together to keep those smiles shining bright!

Untying the Knot: The Cause, Effect and Treatment of Lip and Tongue Ties

When someone is “tongue-tied,” it usually means they have difficulty articulating their thoughts. But for some children and infants, being tongue-tied is an actual medical condition they were born with that can cause issues with eating, pain, cavities, or even speech problems.
The problem stems from the frenum, also known as the lip tie or tongue tie, a soft band of tissue connecting the lips, cheek, and tongue to the jawbone.

“Usually, this thicker tissue is found above your two front teeth, connecting the top lip, or beneath the tongue,” explains Dr. Leva Sabet, a pediatric dentist at Summerville Pediatric Dentistry. “Sometimes, children are born with thicker than normal frenum, which can prevent proper function.”

Common Signs and Symptoms
There are many signs Dr. Leva warns parents to watch for. These can include breastfeeding issues, speech issues, difficulty sleeping and eating, and even issues with brushing teeth.
“They may struggle with swallowing certain foods, leading to prolonged mealtimes as well as choking, gagging, and spitting food out,” said Dr. Leva. “They may also struggle to transition from breastfeeding or bottle feeding due to issues with solid foods.”

At nighttime, if your child resists brushing their top teeth, grinds their teeth, or snores, a tongue-tie could be the culprit. “A lip tie can be very uncomfortable for a child when lifting the upper lip, becoming a food trap and obstacle when brushing,” she said. “In normal anatomy, the tongue should rest forward on the roof of the mouth during sleep. A tongue tie can cause the tongue to fall backward in the throat during sleep, leading to airway obstruction. This incorrect positioning can lead to teeth grinding, snoring, or sleep-disordered breathing. Such disordered breathing can lead to bed-wetting, restlessness, or frequent waking at night.”

Take a good look at your child’s tongue for even more telltale signs. If they can’t stick their tongue out or their tongue is heart-shaped, it could be an issue. “Spacing between baby teeth is ideal, but an upper lip tie can lead to esthetic concerns for some in the permanent teeth,” said Dr. Leva.

Easy, Painless Procedure
The good news is that tongue tie is a common condition among newborns (affecting approximately 5%) and can be corrected with a simple procedure known as a frenectomy. Summerville Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics is the only pediatric practice in Charleston that has the Solea Co2 Laser, which allows them to correct the tongue-tie with minimal discomfort, no swelling, and little to no bleeding. And here’s the better news for the little ones: no needles, incisions, or sedation are necessary. This machine also reduces the risk of infection and other complications.

“It’s changed the entire game on how we do dentistry,” said Dr. Leva
“This means children can get right back to school after their appointments without worrying about long-lasting numbness,” said Dr. Leva. “In eliminating the need for anesthesia-related injections, in addition to shorter procedure in-chair time, the laser significantly improves our young patients’ experiences in our office. However, we will only do the procedure if the frenum is causing direct functional issues, not only cosmetic reasons, unless working in conjunction with an orthodontist.”

Working with Parents Post-Op
The crucial part of this corrective procedure is the recovery period. Parents are given exercises to do with the child at home post-op to ensure the procedure’s success. The exercises are demonstrated in the office so that they can be performed at home the recommended “three weeks, three times a day for three seconds.”

“It’s all about us being a team with the parents,” said Dr. Leva. “Parents doing the exercises at home is the biggest key to success.”

Frenectomy Patient Testimonial
Sabet noted that post-procedure, parents reported significant improvements in the child, including more mobility in the tongue and less picky eating. One parent shared her child’s exciting progress that immediately followed his procedure.

“My two sons go to Summerville Pediatric Dentistry. My one-year-old went and saw Dr. Leva, and she discovered he had a lip tie. She mentioned that they can do a simple laser procedure to remove the lip tie and improve some functions that he was having trouble with. I opted to proceed with the procedure. Let me tell you that it was the best decision I could have made. It only took about 2 minutes to do the procedure. Although my son didn’t like it very much, he only cried like 2 seconds after it was done. When we got to the car I gave him a sippy cup that had a straw. He could not drink out of a straw at this point but it was all I had with me. When I gave it to him, he drank out of it like he had been doing it all his life. He even started talking more that day. The results that I saw immediately after the Laser procedure were amazing. I would recommend it to anyone whose child has a lip tie. Get it done. Thank you, Dr. Leva, for being the best.”

If your child meets the criteria or if you’re concerned your child is struggling with these issues, contact Summerville Pediatric Dentistry today for a consultation.

The Best Way to Get a Child’s Loose Tooth Out

Nobody seems to have a distinct idea of what the Tooth Fairy actually looks like, but, regardless of her – or maybe his – appearance, for more than a century, he or she has helped make losing a baby tooth a less painful proposition for children throughout the world. Here in the United States, according to the results of a recent national survey, when American children go to sleep with a tooth placed carefully under their pillow, they wake up the next morning with an average of
$3.70 in its place. However, before that tooth can turn a profit, it has to come out of the child’s mouth, and, sometimes, that can be a problem, according to Rory Nathanson, a dental hygienist with Summerville Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. Of course, a loose tooth is a common occurrence for young kids, Nathanson points out. The 20 baby teeth begin to emerge at the age of 6 months, and they usually start giving way to adult incisors, canines, bicuspids and molars between the ages of 5 and 8. She says once a tooth starts to wiggle, it’s best to let children continue to loosen it with their finger or tongue until it falls out on its own. “It shouldn’t be a scary thing,” Nathanson says. “Hard food like an apple or raw vegetables will help, and there’s no danger of swallowing the tooth because it’s so small.”

In most cases, a baby tooth is loose because an adult tooth is trying to emerge and push it out of the way. However, there are situations when a loose tooth might require a visit to the dentist – for example, if it’s loose because of some type of trauma to the face or if the child seems to be too young to be losing his or her baby teeth. “If you are unsure, bring the child in. We can take a panoramic X-Ray and see if the child is missing an adult tooth, in which case, the baby tooth wouldn’t come out on its own. We can determine if the baby tooth is worth saving or if it should be pulled,” she says. She adds that it’s not all that uncommon for people to keep one or two baby teeth their entire life, as long as the teeth remain healthy. “If the baby tooth is compromised or has a cavity, we might determine that it needs to be pulled and then do some orthodontic work to close up the space,” she explains. “Baby teeth are typically smaller, with shorter roots, but it doesn’t cause a problem if you keep a couple of them.” Nathanson says that some kids are terrified of losing a tooth, though it’s a natural part of growing up. And, if they do have to pay a visit to Summerville Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to have a tooth removed, they’ll be able to take it home with them and still have the opportunity to place it under their pillow at night and reap the financial benefit of a visit from that vague and undefined character – the tooth fairy.

Finish the Job by Flossing

Brushing your teeth three or more times a day is certainly a major step toward making your incisors, canines, bicuspids, and molars as healthy, durable and useful as they can possibly be. But as functional as a toothbrush is, it needs help to complete this vital task.

That important assistance comes from regular flossing, finishing the job of cleaning your teeth by running string floss in between them and removing the food particles, plaque, and bacteria that threaten the health of your entire mouth and maybe other parts of your body as well.

“Brushing alone doesn’t clean every surface of each tooth,” says Rory Nathanson, a dental hygienist with Summerville Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. “Each tooth has five surfaces; if you don’t floss, you’re leaving two surfaces unclean.”

She says if you ignore the benefits of flossing, plaque and bacteria will accumulate in those hard-to-reach-with-a-toothbrush areas of your mouth. Plaque can build up in as soon as 24 to 36 hours, causing cavities and contributing to the possibility of gingivitis – inflammation of the gums.

Nathanson says some of her patients avoid flossing because they say it makes their gums bleed. However, she points out that it’s the plaque that causes this problem and that “if you routinely clean these areas, your gums should stop bleeding.” She adds that cavities, another result of poor brushing and flossing habits, are considered to be the most chronic childhood disease, five times more common than asthma.

But why should young children go to the trouble of taking care of their teeth? After all, before too long, those baby teeth will fall out and be replaced by their permanent pearly whites.

“Kids need to develop good habits. The earlier you floss, the better it will be long-term for your teeth and for your overall health,” Nathanson says. “The mouth is the opening to the rest of the body. More and more studies show that other health problems are associated with bacteria in the mouth.”

At what age should children start flossing? According to Nathanson, kids should get into the habit of taking good care of their teeth as soon as they start to emerge. Of course, at that age, they’ll most likely need help from their parents.

“As long as they have teeth, they should floss,” Nathanson says. “At a young age, it’s more to get used to the idea of flossing so it won’t be totally foreign when they are 10 years old and have their adult teeth. It’s more about getting into the habit.”

She adds that by the time children are able to tie their own shoes, they should be responsible enough to floss without help from their mom or dad.

Nathanson says traditional string floss and floss picks – plastic toothpicks that include a small piece of floss – are both good options, adding that a pick is probably a little easier for parents to use on their children’s teeth. She adds that the best way to ensure the health of your kids’ teeth is to visit the dentist on a regular basis.

“Coming to the dentist every six months for a good cleaning is always the best option,” she concludes.

Holiday Sweets and Brushing Your Teeth

As the holidays roll around, parents often tell their kids to wait until after dinner to eat their favorite seasonal sweet; however, dentists suggest this may not be as effective for their tooth care. On the downside, sugar is public enemy No. 1 when it comes to dental health. It causes cavities, affects the enamel that protects your teeth and has the potential to do long-term damage to your mouth.

The upside is that one way to neutralize the effects of sugary desserts is to eat them along with your main meal. That’s right: You won’t have to wait for dinner to be over to get a taste of Grandma’s world-famous three-layer chocolate cake or that cherry pie you’ve been staring at since it came out of the oven.

“If you are going to eat sugar, it’s better to do it at the same time as a balanced meal,” says Dr. Dorothy Baker of Summerville Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics. “Rather than serving dessert last, incorporate it into your holiday meal. Healthy foods help neutralize the acids in sugar, and they also displace sugar from your teeth.”

Dr. Baker cited several eating habits that kids should avoid, not only during the holiday season but throughout the rest of the year as well. For instance, even though nuts are great to help build strong bones and muscles, you shouldn’t use your teeth to crack them open. Chewing on items such as ice cubes and hard candy is also a no-no.

“Hard candy is the worst offender,” she says. “It stays in your mouth for a long time, and it can also break your teeth.”

She added that soft drinks should be avoided and that fruit juice is included in that category because it provides lots of sugar and empty calories but little in the way of useful nutrients.

So what are parents to do during the holiday season? Should they keep their children from eating any sweets at all, or is it OK to depend on regular brushing and flossing to protect their kids’ teeth from the chaos sugar is capable of producing? Fortunately, they have another option: Various spices can be used to replace sugar, and many of them also have qualities that add to, rather than subtract from, your kids’ overall health and well-being.

Cinnamon, for example, plays a role in reducing inflammation and fighting off bacteria, and it also adds flavor to oatmeal or apple pie. Nutmeg, an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, can play the same role, according to Dr. Baker. She added that clove has been used as a pain killer, and clove oil is an ingredient in some toothpaste and oral antiseptics. It also can be used to give a burst of flavor to apples and pears.

Peppermint, meanwhile, helps alleviate digestive issues, and Dr. Baker points out that rubbing it on your temples can make a headache go away. And chewing on a mint leaf can help you get rid of bad breath.

“Smart snacking is advised, especially right before bedtime and after brushing,” Dr. Baker concludes. “You can replace candy with any winter produce, such as squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkins or any fresh vegetables.”

Bullwinkel Brings Familiar Name to Summerville Orthodontics Practice

Bullwinkel Brings Familiar Name to Summerville Orthodontics Practice

The building is the same, as is the staff inside, as well as the orthodontist helping to bring brighter smiles and increased self-confidence to patients. There’s a new name and a new logo, but everything else about what had been the orthodontics wing of Summerville Pediatric Dentistry remains comfortably unchanged.

That’s because the new name is really a familiar one: Dr. Katie Bullwinkel, orthodontist with Summerville Pediatric Dentistry since January of 2016, has started a new practice called Bullwinkel Orthodontics. Her office at 405 West 5th North St. was the original home of Summerville Pediatric Dentistry, and while the two offices are not affiliated, she maintains close ties to Dr. Dorothy Baker at the dentist’s current office down the street.

“It was an opportunity I could not pass up,” says Bullwinkel, a native of Chapin, S.C., graduate of The Medical University of S.C. and a mother of three.

“This office is a perfect fit for me—I have a background in pediatric psychology, and I have my own experience with children by being a working mom and a busy mom. I know what it’s like to have kids and take them for appointments, so I think I bring a personal touch to the office that makes it special. And it’s always been a dream of mine to own my own office, and Dottie was wonderful enough to help me realize that dream.”

Stronger Than Ever

Bullwinkel, whose husband is from Charleston, split her time between working at offices in Mount Pleasant and her native Chapin before an opening arose for an orthodontist at the practice then called Summerville Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics. She joined Baker’s practice, and the connection was instant—to the point where Baker knew it was Bullwinkel who would one day take over her orthodontics wing.

As Summerville Pediatric Dentistry grew larger and busier, Baker moved the dentistry wing to another building at 384 East 5th North St., where it’s currently located. Over Christmas, she approached Bullwinkel about taking over the orthodontics practice.

“Once she realized it was a good fit for her and her patients, she knew this would be the plan,” Bullwinkel says. “We’d been talking about it for a while, and this was the time to do it.”

The purchase became official in January. Bullwinkel says patients will notice no difference other than the new logo, and that her relationship with Baker—whom she called a mentor, and says coached her so she was ready to open her own office—is stronger than ever.

“We still communicate on the back end, we still text every day, we still communicate about our patients,” Bullwinkel said. “Dottie and I are great friends. We talk all the time. This is just my opportunity to realize a dream, and she’s been very instrumental in helping me with that.”

A People Person at Heart

Growing up, orthodontics was not exactly the career field Bullwinkel foresaw for herself. She was more interested in architecture, until she realized during a shadowing assignment that it lacked the personal interaction she desired. As someone who did her own time in braces, Bullwinkel wound up working after school for her orthodontist, who helped her see that the profession combined design elements—just for teeth, rather than a building—with people skills.

“It brought together that design and artistic element, and also kids and families and people,” she says. “I’m just a people person at heart. I come from a long line of teachers, and there’s lot of teaching and coaching in orthodontics. You really have to have the patient on your side, no matter what the treatment.”

Now, she’s putting those skills to use in an office with her own name out front. If your child is in need of orthodontic care, contact Bullwinkel Orthodontics at (843) 285-5315, or visit their website at BullwinkelOrtho.com for further information.

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