Waterford, MI Dentist
Lloyd H. Alpert, D.D.S.
4025 Highland Road
Waterford, MI 48328
(248) 682-6010

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Posts for: February, 2012

By Staff
February 22, 2012
Category: Dental News
Tags: Chocolate  

Know that guilty feeling that creeps in every time you bite into a piece of chocolate? Turns out it’s all for naught. (Well, mostly.) Recent studies show that chocolate is actually good for your teeth – and your overall health.

It turns out that chocolate contains powerful antioxidants called polyphenols and flavanols. Polyphenols prevent bacteria from turning the sugar and starches contained in chocolate into acids that cause decay. They can help reduce the chances of hypertension and stroke and may even help protect the heart. Dark chocolate is particularly high in flavanols – and has more antioxidant power than green tea.

The cocoa butter contained in chocolate also packs a healthy punch. When you eat a piece of chocolate, the cocoa butter in it coats your teeth, preventing plaque from sticking to your teeth. And what about the “butter” part of cocoa butter – should you worry about fat? Nope. This kind does not raise cholesterol.

Now for the Bad News

Chocolate is high in calories; one 1-ounce piece of dark chocolate can contain 150 calories or more. So if you’re watching your waistline, you’ll have to control yourself. Plus, to benefit from chocolate’s goodness, all you have to do is eat three 1-ounce pieces of it a week.  


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By Dental Team
February 16, 2012
Category: Uncategorized

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.

Toothbrushing from Day One

The members of the Michigan Dental Association 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!

 

"Well Baby" Dental Exams

If your child has not had a dental examination, schedule a "well baby checkup" for their teeth. The American Dental Association recommends that the first dental visit take place within six months of the appearance of the first tooth, and no later than the child's first birthday. Early childhood dental visits will allow your dentist to monitor the teeth for signs of decay and monitor the progress and potential problems with emerging teeth. Your dentist can also make sure your child is receiving the proper amount of fluoride for healthy teeth. This will also give your child the opportunity to become comfortable with the dentist and dental visits. If you need help finding a dentist who treats very young children, visit http://www.pointsoflightonline.org/ for a list of Michigan dentists who offer age 1 dental visits.

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 by age one.

 

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!

  


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By contactus
February 08, 2012
Tags: FACEBOOK  

February is dental health month. We need your HELP!      Like our business page at LLOYD H ALPERT DDS  to keep up to date on our dental news, specials, and  office happenings.

 


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By contactus
February 01, 2012
Tags: Baby Teeth  

February is National Children's Dental Health Month and the members of the Michigan Dental Association want to make sure your child develops a happy, healthy smile! It is just as important to take care of your child’s primary (baby) teeth as it is to take care of the permanent teeth that follow.

Primary teeth are important for proper chewing and digestion of food. They also help your child to learn to speak properly and have a good-looking smile. Primary teeth serve as space maintainers to save room for your child’s permanent teeth. When a baby tooth is lost too early, other teeth may drift into the empty space left behind and cause problems such as overcrowding and crooked teeth when adult teeth emerge.

Decay in baby teeth can be just as painful to your child as decay in an adult tooth. If a child is suffering pain from decaying primary teeth, it may result in improper speech, dietary problems or trouble concentrating in school. Millions of valuable school hours are lost each year to children due to tooth decay.

If you need help locating dental care for your child, please contact your local county health department for help. Your child can have a healthy mouth for a lifetime! 


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