Pediatric Dentist Tooth Care Tips for National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month. Its sponsor, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, aims “to improve global health and well-being through food and nutrition.”

“Maybe we can’t get the whole world to join in this campaign, but we’ve started closer to home, getting the message to young patients and their parents,” smiles Dr. Karissa Koster, Pediatric Dentist at ARCH Pediatric Dentistry in Stoughton, a new division of ARCH Orthodontics, This month ARCH is offering a $99 New Patient Special. Dr. Koster says, “Carbs, sugar and starches can cause tooth decay, and how long they remain on the teeth is critical. Parents should teach children tooth-care tips and how to make healthy food choices. For example:

• Juice is a tooth’s worst enemy.
• Stop ‘grazing.’ Cut the snacking habit!
• Eat treats that dissolve quickly and don’t stay in the grooves of teeth - nothing sticky.
• Are you getting fluoride in food, water, supplements? (Some infant formulas have fluoride.)
• Many cheeses are good at triggering saliva that helps wash food particles away.
• Buy foods that are sugar-free or unsweetened. Drink plain water instead of juice or soda.

Dr. Koster remembers the good habits learned in her own home and how they were reinforced in dental school: “Parents should instill a regular family meal routine, display good eating habits, serve a variety of colorful, interesting foods, involve kids in shopping and preparing healthy meals. Get kids into the brushing/ flossing habit. Besides the risk of cavities, a poor diet can lead to obesity and other ailments.”

Dr. Andrew Chase, who leads ARCH’s Orthodontic and Pediatric teams, says the addition of a Pediatric Dentist was a natural progression. “We saw the need for early treatment in both areas so we’ve taken this synergistic approach. Both specialties under one roof is a win-win, ensuring nothing is overlooked – and it’s convenient. Children should visit their Dentist by age one or within 6 months after the first tooth. Every child should have an Orthodontic evaluation by age 7 to detect and treat problems early.” Dr. Chase suggests parents ask about New Patient Specials for children.

Pediatric Dentistry is only available at the Stoughton office. Parents should call now to take advantage of ARCH’s $99 New Dental Patient Special that includes Exam, X-rays, Fluoride and Cleaning -- a savings of $250 (for patients with no insurance.) For Orthodontic patients, ARCH offers free initial consultation (a $500 value), and interest-free financing.. For more info and/or a no-obligation appointment at one of ARCH’s 9 offices, contact ARCH: smilemaker@archorthodontics.com / 781-209-6776. www.archorthodontics.com - By Stan Hurwitz / 508-269-0570 / stanhurwitz@gmail.com