February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Children learn good habits at an early age, so it’s important to teach them how to care for their teeth. Baby teeth still need some TLC as proper care for them will ensure their adult teeth will grow in healthy and strong. Be a positive role model for trips to the dentist and make sure the whole family visits for routine exams and cleanings. Visiting the dentist twice a year will help you and your children live a healthy lifestyle.
For a more interactive brushing style, try the Philips Sonicare Bluetooth electric toothbrush. This toothbrush helps to promote longer brushing and also allows them to track brushing with an app!
Download some fun activity sheets to help teach your children the importance of good oral health. Children’s smiles are irresistible, so let’s help keep them healthy and bright!
Jon Frankel’s Tips for Tiny Brushers:
Brush your teeth twice a day. Find a toothbrush your child loves such as one with their favorite character on it.
Avoid sticky, sugary foods
Smile! A healthy smile leads to a healthy self-esteem
If your child has not been to the dentist yet, let us help walk them through their first visit and make it memorable! Schedule your next appointment online or call our office today.
Monthly, Dr. Frankel provides daily tips to the different radio stations to broadcast on air. Here are the 5 tips that you may have missed during the month of May.
#1.) Frankel Dentistry loves technology. One of the cutting edge pieces in our office is our CEREC machine. The CEREC machine is a device that can create a permanent crown perfectly formulated to fit your tooth in about an hour.
#2.) While flossing, be gentle. Guide the floss between your teeth using a rubbing motion. Don’t snap the floss into your gums. When the floss reaches your gumline, curve it against one tooth.
#3.) Know when to replace your toothbrush. Invest in a new toothbrush or a replacement head for your electric or battery-operated toothbrush every three to four months — or sooner if the bristles become frayed.
#4.) Pregnant? Be sure to schedule a dental appointment. While having a healthy mouth is always important, pregnancy can intensify dental problems. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can exaggerate the way gum tissue reacts to plaque, increasing the risk for gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease. Some studies have suggested that pregnant women with moderate-to-severe gum disease may be more at risk to give birth to low-weight or pre-term babies, who are at risk for many serious diseases.
#5.) Kids are always welcomed at Frankel Dentistry. Be sure to consider scheduling your child’s summer appointments now before the schedule becomes full. And don’t forget that all kids love drawing a special treasure from our toy chest after their visit!
It’s Memorial Day weekend. The kickoff to summer. Kids are off of school and many of us plan our summer vacations. Here are a few tips to help with your packing before you travel.
1.) Check-It!
It is time to get a 6 month check-up, get it before you travel to ensure that your mouth, teeth and gums are healthy and that you have a beautiful Frankel Smile in all those pictures that you take. Also, by getting your routine check-up you ensure that your mouth is healthy and that small problem are taken care of before they become big issues. It is also a great time to ask Dr. Frankel about how to avoid travelers breath or if you have any mouth sensitivity while traveling at a high altitude.
2.) Pack- It!
Don’t forget to pack your oral hygiene care. Your list should include: toothpaste, toothbrush (manual or electric- if electric don’t forget your charger), dental floss, mouth rinse, sugar free gum, plastic baggie (you don’t want your toothpaste exploding all over your clothes), disposable toothbrushes if you are traveling to a place where the water is not safe, and a toothbrush cap. **Special note about those caps- Yes, they protect your bristles, but they also breed bacteria. Be sure to take the cap off your toothbrush once you arrive at your destination.
3.) Swish-It!
Caught somewhere without your toothbrush? Swish your mouth with water.
4.) Share-It!
Pack healthy snacks to share with your family while traveling. Bring fruits, veggies, nuts instead of candy bars and soda.
5.) Know-It!
Dental emergencies happen. Have a plan in case something occurs. Many times it is as simple as asking your hotel concierge for a recommendation in case of an emergency. This video is great for special tips in case of an emergency. Be sure to click it and watch!
As we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday, we will be reflecting on all those things we must thank mom for. But connected with each of those events is a smile!
Here at Frankel Dentistry, we also need to thank mom for helping us with those smiles. Without her we would have less to smile about and perhaps less teeth to smile with.
Be sure not to forget about these three things as you show gratefulness to your mom!
1.) She makes you smile! From the time you were young she made funny faces and played games to get you to smile. Smiling is still a way of feeling good. Not only can a simple smile enhance your mood, but it can help others feel better as well. Be sure to smile this Mother’s Day- we are pretty sure there is plenty to smile about.
2.) Who made sure you brushed your teeth before you went to bed? Who handed you floss each morning? Who was honest with you when you had bad breath or something in your teeth? That’s right, Mom! These childhood lessons have turned into adult habits that you too have (or will) pass on to your children. Be sure to thank mom for teaching you that a healthy mouth is part of a healthy body.
3.) Don’t forget to thank her for keeping your schedule. Aside from running you to soccer practices, dance lessons, or school, mom also scheduled (and most likely took you) your appointments at Frankel Dentistry. Today many of our families continue to bring their next generation through the doors of Frankel Dentistry.
So, Thanks MOM! Our smiles would not be the same without you!
One of the greatest gifts a parent can give their child is dental health. Children who look forward to dental visits are likely to enjoy a lifetime of dental health. A healthy mouth promotes a healthy body.
At Frankel Dentistry we love what we do. We consider caring for you and your family a privilege. Here is what our patients have to say about their dental visits.
Amazing! I had Melissa and my 5 year old had Kelly and both were fantastic! I was scared to death to take my 5 year old in but Kelly was amazing and so good with him! A very pleasant experience for both of us!
Brody C.
Very friendly staff and my kids loved the entire experience! What kid says they like going to the dentist?!
Kara L.
I appreciate the doctor called me personally to let me know how my son’s appointment went and his recommendations on how to proceed.
Alexander S
The staff was very welcoming. A big thank you to everyone. My daughter was worried going to a new place. Everyone at Dr. Frankel made her and me feel very comfortable.
Keri B
Was extremely pleased with all of the staff! Karen was superb and supportive of my son Andrew! Love the brushing chart! Andrew was also happy to meet Dr. Frankel. He thought that was special because he must be a busy man. The dentist and technician also completed the fillings pain free!
Dr. Frankel often states, “A healthy mouth promotes a healthy body.” If only the sugar lobbyists would have listened to him 50 years ago.
Jon Frankel, DDS
Early this month researchers from the University of California, San Francisco uncovered documents from the 1960’s that describe how the sugar-industry successfully persuaded government health authorities from completing studies that might categorize food by their cavity promoting characteristics, which might have lead to people consuming less sugar.
In the 1960’s the National Institute of Dental Research declared that it was going to accelerate its research efforts to find a way to end cavity formation by: 1.) Stopping sugar-related, cavity-causing bacteria from sticking to and damaging teeth, 2.) Determining the most effective way of including fluoride in the fight against cavities, 3.) Figuring out a way to get people to modify their diet to reduce cavities.
Today changing our diets is a hot topic mainly because of high rates of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease all of which is related to our sugar consumption. However, in the 1960’s these problems were not yet of national concern. Fast forward 50 years and the American society consumes nearly 25% more sugar and tooth decay is an epidemic that affects billions of people world wide.
So, now the question arises, how do we eliminate sugar from our diet?
Here are 6 quick tips brought to you by Dr. Frankel.
1.) Sugar has aliases- get to know them! Some of the most felons include: high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, fructose, glucose, Lactose, molasses. Also know the names of common artificial sweeteners: splenda and aspartame. For a full list of common names, click here: http://clinton.k12.wi.us/documents/sugar_names.pdf
2.) Once you know the names, look for them on the back of your labels. If one of those labels has a sugar listed toward the top, you know it is one of the main ingredients. PUT IT DOWN!
3.) But don’t give up sugar cold turkey. This is very difficult. Instead slowly eliminate your consumption of sugar, which will lead to more lasting results.
4.) Substitute your sugar with natural flavors. Try cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, or citrus zest.
5.) Eliminate all sugary sodas and juices.
6.) Stick with it! Consistency is key to lasting results both in the dental chair and for your overall health.
Parents Beware! Halloween can be a time of added stress for both you and your children’s teeth. However, with a few helpful tips, the tricks of damaging treats may be prevented.
As dental professionals, we do stress the importance to proper dental hygiene and care. However, Halloween is a time when kids should be kids. They should have the opportunity to go trick-or-treating and enjoy the candy they collected. But, as with many things in life, there should be limits.
Below we are giving you six tips to help keep your teeth healthy this Halloween!
1.) Indulge in Treats During Meal Time
Having kids eat treats around meal time has two main benefits. First, by limiting treats to dinner or other times when meals are scheduled, you are making sure your children are eating healthy, nutritious food and not filling up on candy. Secondly, while eating your mouth produces more saliva which helps cancel out harmful bacteria in your mouth and wash food particles away.
2.) Avoid Hard Candy
Hard candies like Jolly Ranchers and Jawbreakers stay in your mouth for an extended period of time, coating your teeth in sugar, which will eventually lead to decay. Instead, it is recommended to eat candies like chocolate which melts quickly and are better for your teeth.
3.) Avoid Sticky Candy
Sticky candies like caramel, taffy, and gummy bears also bath your teeth in sugar and wedge in between the teeth which may cause cavities. Additionally, the stickiness of these candies may be damaging to fillings, causing them to become loose or fall out.
4.) Drink More Water
Drinking water can help rinse the sugar off of your teeth and protect them from decay. Each time you indulge in candy, be sure to rinse!
5.) Donate Excess Candy
While kids love to gather as much candy as possible, eating it all becomes a challenge. Select a limited amount of your favorite candies (preferably chocolate) and donate the excess. At Jon Frankel Dentistry we are buying back excess Halloween candy for a $1 per pound on Friday, November 1st from 7:30-2 and Monday, November 4th from 7:30-5. We will be donating the collected candy and toothbrushes to local Toledo troops who are currently serving our country overseas. Last year we got over 500 pounds of candy off the streets!
6.) Brush, Floss, and Visit Dr. Frankel
Don’t forget that it is important to brush twice a day for two minutes and floss daily. After eating candy, it is also a good idea to brush! Now is also a good time to remind your children the importance of good oral hygiene all while keeping it fun. Perhaps treat kids to a new toothbrush or have them try out the cool disclosing tablets that turn any areas where kids may have missed brushing red. Finally, visit Dr. Frankel. At Jon Frankel Dentistry we love kids and they love us! They get to watch cartoons while getting their teeth cleaning and get to pick a toy from our treasure chest!
Like so many times in life, learning can be fun! Don’t take the fun out of Halloween this year, but look for good ways to help teach your kids how excess can lead to many problems!
It’s that time of the year again, back to school. As parents, teachers, and students prepare for another successful school year, there are a few dental tips that should not be forgotten. Below, Dr. Frankel and his staff share their Top 10 Dental Tips for back to school!
1.) A trip to the dentist should become part of your child’s back to school routine. When scheduling end of summer doctor appointments, include a trip to visit Dr. Frankel for a dental cleaning too!
2.) Let your child pick out his or her own toothbrush and toothpaste. By doing so your child will start their dental routine excited about brushing. However, be sure to check to see if their new toothbrush is ADA approved.
3.) Replace your child’s toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles are frayed. The start of the school year is a good time to replace a toothbrush, and every three months, students begin a new quarter, which is a good time to change their toothbrush. However, back to school time is also the time when most kids bring home pesky germs and other illnesses. If you child gets sick, replace their toothbrush immediately to quit spreading the virus.
4.) Soft-bristled toothbrushes are the best and can clean teeth without causing unnecessary irritation to the gums. However, with smaller children, make sure the size and shape of the brush is comfortable to a child’s mouth. At Jon Frankel Dentistry, all children get a free toothbrush after their dental cleanings and children love them.
5.) Don’t forget to have your children brush their tongue too! This often forgotten process helps remove extra bacteria.
6.) Make brushing fun for your kids! Sometimes playing a game like “Simon Says” while brushing makes it more fun for children of all ages and help them to learn proper brushing and flossing technique.
7.) Reward your children for good dental habits. But, be careful, don’t reward them with food that will damage their teeth, like too much juice or sugar.
8.) Give your children tooth healthy snacks. Good examples include apples, celery, carrots, and calcium rich foods like milk and cheese.
9.) Know what to do in case of a dental emergency. Dr. Frankel provides each of his patients with his personal cell phone number. Do not be scared to call him in case something goes wrong. Also, be sure to get your children fitted for a mouth guard to wear when playing sports. This will help protect their teeth and reduce the chances of an emergency.
10.) Consider dental sealants to protect the grooves of the teeth from storing bacteria that will cause cavities. A simple dental sealant will keep teeth strong and decay free.
• Show the way!
Baby teeth are essential guideposts for permanent teeth. Misaligned permanent teeth can be caused by losing a primary or baby tooth too early. Holding the space with a fixed appliance can help. Retaining the baby tooth as the permanent tooth develops underneath allows the primary tooth root to melt away and is ideal.
• Not So White!
Baby Teeth are composed differently than the permanent adult teeth. They appear whiter and brighter. Permanent Teeth erupt with thicker levels of underlying dentin. They are naturally a tad darker. If your child notices assure her/him it is of no concern.
• All Grown Up!
Losing a baby tooth can be a big deal. Each child has a unique response. Some will hold on to that barely attached tooth for as long as they possibly can. Others will wiggle and tug at the remaining shell of a tooth until it is successfully set free. For all it is an opportunity for autonomy and a reminder of home care for the newly erupted Adult Teeth. It is a new and serious responsibility. A life long beautiful and healthy smile requires regular visits to the dentist and daily home care.
We have found that each child is different. Parents know best when their child will enjoy a first dental visit. The age ranges from 2 to 4 years old. Early quick health checks may begin as young as 9 months to 1 year but the best first visit experience is when the child feels part of the process.
Brush and Floss your Children’s Teeth Daily
As soon as a tooth peaks through the gum tissue it should be kept clean. Some parents find using gauze or a baby wash cloth the easiest way to keep an infant’s teeth clean. Brushing and flossing your child’s teeth at least twice daily is a lifelong gift. It establishes a healthy habit. A healthy mouth promotes a healthy body.
Watch DVDs and Read Books about Visiting the Dentist
The local library offers books and DVDs on visiting the dentist. Familiarizing your child with what to expect helps create trust. Often our “well-read” children walk in as if they have visited the dentist for years!
Watch What You Say
Don’t let your past mar your child’s future. Stories about dental visits heard by someone with no context can give the wrong impression about dental care. Stop friends and family mid-story if necessary. Counter with a pleasant experience or refer to the books you and your child have read or videos you watched together about visiting the dentist.
Watch Your Words
Children do not need to be brave. Dental visits are fun no courage is required. If you mention the doctor won’t hurt you. They will only hear and feel the word, hurt. Words like pull, shot and drill send the wrong message. Dental staff use remove for pull, make numb or put to sleep for shot, dental hand-piece instead of drill.
Today’s dental visits are fun and rewarding. Our young patients watch television
throughout their visit. We have been told that our after visit toy chest can’t be beat!
Baby Teeth Do Matter
