Evidence Based Dentistry Seminar

Dr. Dykstra was recently part of a select group of 100 dentists and educators at a recent conference on Evidence Based Dentistry held at the American Dental Association Headquarters in Chicago. 

Evidence Based Dentistry in summary is choosing the best diagnostic methodologies, clinical treatment options, and dental materials based on the latest and highest level of scientific evidence, not tradition, manufacturers' recommendations, or the way things always have been done.

This latest relevant evidence is then combined with the dentist's clinical experience and expertise and the patient's preferences and needs to achieve the best treatment and outcome for the patient.

The two main objectives achieved were learning how to look at all the historical and present information analytically and disseminating this information to dental colleagues.

EBD is a method to stay up to date on the current science.

 The ADA definition:  Evidence-based dentistry (EBD) is an  approach to oral health care that requires the judicious integration of systematic assessments of clinically relevant scientific evidence, relating to the patient’s oral and medical condition and history, with the dentist’s clinical expertise and the patient’s treatment needs and preferences.

Stem Cells from Teeth?

Did you know that saving stem cells from teeth could possibly help to protect your family's health?

New methods are developing to preserve your teeth so the stem cells can be used later.

So far, dental stem cells have successfully been used to regrow jaw bone and to treat periodontal disease.
Researchers and doctors are working in the regenerative medicine arena with the goal of improving treatment or therapies for:
1. Tooth loss and periodontal disease
2. Skeletal bone loss/fractures
3. Muscular Dystrophy
4. Parkinson's Disease
5. Spinal Cord Injury
6. Type 1 Diabetes
7. Stroke
8. Alzheimers
9. Heart attacks
10. Diabetes

Want to learn more?  Visit us online at www.hudsonvilledental.com or www.store-a-tooth.com

Healthy Habits for Kids can Affect School Performance!

Healthy Teeth & Healthy Habits Can Improve School Performance

Quick Tips for Parents:

1. Limit your child’s access to sugary drinks.
2. Provide your child with healthy snacks and limit the number of snacks.
3. Ensure that your child brushes and flosses regularly and visits the dentist twice a year.
4. Ask your school what kind of snacks and drinks are provided and encourage them to offer healthy alternatives.
5. Make sure your child gets adequate physical activity.
6. Make sure your child has a healthy breakfast to start the day right.
7. Set a positive example yourself!

Tips for Parents: Keep Your Child's Smile Healthy

Quick Tips to Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy!

• Avoid giving your child sweetened liquids.
• Brush your child’s teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
• Make sure your child gets enough fluoride.
• Start regular dental visits around 18-24 months of age.
• Ask your dentist for advice on sealants and mouthguards.
• Let your dentist know about your child’s health.
• Set a good example for your child! 

Visit us Online at www.hudsonvilledental.com!

Tips for Parents: Your Child's First Dental Visit

Your Child's First Dental Visit

Many parents ask us when they should start taking their child to the dentist.  We recommend doing a "tiny tots" visit anywhere from age 1-2.  At the visit, you and your child will meet with one of our hygienists and one of our doctors.  These early childhood dental visits will allow us to monitor the teeth for signs of decay and monitor the progress and potential problems with emerging teeth.  We will also discuss proper brushing techniques and give tips for home care, as well as making sure your child receives the proper amount of fluoride.  We try to make the first visit a fun experience for your child!

www.hudsonvilledental.com

Tips for Parents: Toothbrushing

Toothbrushing from Day One

Here at Hudsonville Dental, we encourage you to take care of your child’s teeth from day one.  Infant gums should be wiped with clean gauze after all feedings.  Once the first tooth has emerged, begin brushing your child’s teeth and gums with a soft bristled toothbrush and a little water.  Lots of new types of toothbrushes and safety brushes for infants and toddlers are available so experiment until you find the right one for you and your child.  When your child is able to hold the toothbrush and tries to brush themselves, supervise carefully and then brush again for them to make sure every surface has been brushed.  As they learn how to brush, begin using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and teach them to spit out the toothpaste and rinse well with water.  Toddlers, and even infants who are teething, may enjoy the soothing vibrations of an electric toothbrush.  Select one with a smaller head made for young children.  Many even include timers so the brush turns off automatically when brushing time is over.  Help your child

build healthy teeth and healthy habits! 

Tips for Parents: Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking

Pacifiers and Thumb Sucking:

Sucking is one of a baby’s natural reflexes and serves to help them learn about their world, feel secure, calm themselves and can help them fall asleep.  Most children will stop thumb sucking or using a pacifier between the ages of two and four.  Once permanent teeth begin to emerge, sucking on a thumb or pacifier can cause problems with growth and alignment so encourage your toddler to use another item such as a blanket or favorite stuffed animal to soothe themselves.   

For more info on pacifiers, click here to visit our website!

www.hudsonvilledental.com