Douglas V. Janis, DDS

Keeping your teeth healthy and clean, as well as your children’s, can be a lot of work. While buying dental care products, it is tempting to just grab one of the first things you see on the shelf, especially with so many choices readily available these days. However, that may not be the best way to go about shopping for toothpaste, as not all products are created equal. Luckily, the American Dental Association (ADA), a nonprofit group, has already done most of the work for you when it comes to choosing the right dental products for your family – simply look for the ADA logo on everything from toothbrushes to paste and floss before purchasing.

Here are a few things you should know about the ADA:

1. The ADA was established in 1859 and is the largest and most prominent dental association in the country, with over 161,000 members nationwide operating in all 50 states.
2. The ADA places their seal of approval on over 300 products which they have evaluated to be both safe and effective at keeping your mouth healthy. The companies making these products are required to meet higher standards in order to carry the ADA’s seal of approval on their product.
3. The ADA’s “Give Kids a Smile” program has supplied more than 5.5 million undeserving children with free dental services since 2003.
4. The ADA also provides scholarships to students who are aspiring to be future dentists and even provides disaster relief to those in need.
5. www.mouthhealthy.org, an ADA-run site, provides information and tips on how to better take care of your teeth.

The ADA has done a lot for the dentistry industry since its creation. The next time you go shopping for dental care products, look for the ADA seal of approval in order to ensure that you are purchasing the most qualified products for you and your family! If you have any questions about the ADA, visit their website at ada.org/en. And if you have anymore questions about how to continue to keep your mouth healthy, call Douglas V. Janis, D.D.S. at St. Charles Office Phone Number (630) 232-6661 today!

With the heat of Summer coming upon us, it is time to prepare with some healthy tips for your child’s snacks. Swapping out unhealthy snack choices for healthier ones can make a world of difference in protecting your child’s teeth from tooth decay and cavities!

Swap out those juice boxes for some fresh fruit
While juice boxes are yummy and easy, the best way to eat fruit is to eat fruit! Juice boxes contain unnecessary added sugars, which feed tooth-decaying bacteria and preservatives, whereas fruit contains natural sugars and essential vitamins.

Why drinks sports drinks when you can have water?
Sports drinks can cause cavities in between your little one’s teeth due to the added sugar. Water, which has no added sugar, is a much better option, and helps clean teeth! Electrolyte replacement is only needed if your child has been exercising in excessive heat. Otherwise, if you want to replenish your child’s energy levels, try giving them just water and fruit, which contains natural sugars and electrolytes.

Craving salt?
Salt cravings can be a real thing. So, when your kiddo is craving some salt (it can happen to you too!), try eating pretzels and crackers instead of more unhealthy snacks such as potato chips or French fries. You can still satisfy that salty craving, minus the grease and starch.

Got a sweet tooth? You don’t need to stop eating sweets altogether.
While everyone loves a good Baby Bottle Pop, sometimes loaded sugary candies aren’t the best for your child’s teeth. Instead, swap out that sugar for dark chocolate. Dark chocolate contains healthy antioxidants and is rich in nutrients such as Fiber, Iron, Magnesium, Copper, Manganese and much more. All in all, dark chocolate is much better for your child’s health as well as their teeth!

Remember, you can always call on Douglas V. Janis, D.D.S. for tips on caring for your child’s teeth. Simply give us a call at St. Charles Office Phone Number (630) 232-6661.

Sometimes we’re not sure when our baby’s first visit to the dentist should be or what to expect once we get there. Here are some important things to know:

Why should I bring my child to the dentist if their teeth are just going to fall out?
What you may not know is that baby teeth, or “primary teeth”, are just as important as adult teeth, or “permanent teeth”. Healthy and strong baby teeth not only help your child chew, but they also help your child talk. In addition to that, baby teeth hold spaces in your child’s jaw for their permanent teeth, which are busy growing under their gums.

When should I bring my child to the dentist for the first time?
We want to see your child when his or her first tooth erupts, but no later than your child’s first birthday. Typically, the front two and lower teeth begin to come in when your child is between 6 months and a year old. In addition to that, we hope to meet with you for the first time for a simple check up rather than an emergency. If you wait until there is a dental emergency, your child may then associate anxiety with dental visits.

Why do we have to visit the dentist at such a young age?
Even if there is no dental emergency, it is important to bring your child in before their first birthday for preventative care. We will show you how to properly clean your child’s teeth, discuss with you their dietary and fluoride needs, and also recommend dental hygiene products. Another great reason to bring your child in at such a young age is so that you can form a good relationship with us and we can learn your family’s needs early on.

Here are some tips for a positive experience:

• Schedule an appointment in the morning, when children tend to be more rested and cooperative.
• Don’t let your child know you’re feeling anxious about their first visit too. Always stay positive!
• Don’t ever bribe your child to go to the dentist or use it at punishment. This will lead them to associate the dentist with a negative feeling.
• Make it an enjoyable outing!

Any questions about your first visit? Please give us a call at St. Charles Office Phone Number (630) 232-6661!

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