Ask. Grin Pediatric Dentistry: When is thumb-sucking a cause for worry?

Many of you have asked us at Grin Pediatric Dentistry about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs.

Is this anything to worry about? In most cases, probably not. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most kids grow out of between the ages of two and four.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

A fun Halloween recipe for kids, from Grin Pediatric Dentistry

In celebration of October's sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Keel and Dr. Ryan would like to share a Halloween recipe with all of our patients, courtesy of the American Association of Orthodontics. We hope that you and your family enjoy this Spooktacular Pumpkin Cake. Happy Halloween!

Spooktacular Pumpkin Cake

Ingredients:

1 pkg. yellow or white cake mix
½ cup vegetable oil
4 eggs
1 cup canned pumpkin
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
¼ cup water (add 2 tbl. of water if eggs are small)

Directions:

Put cake mix in a large bowl. Make an indentation in the center and pour in the oil and one egg. Mix using mixer, then add the rest of the eggs one at a time, beating after each one.

Add pumpkin, sugar, spices, and then water.

Bake in greased and floured tube pan in 350 degree oven for 60-70 minutes (depending on oven calibration). Cool before removing from pan.

More happy patients at Grin Pediatric Dentistry!

Drs. Ryan and Keel and team love getting patient reviews. And lately, Grin Pediatric Dentistry, serving Plano, TX and surrounding communities, has been getting some pretty great patient testimonials! We thought we'd share some with you today! Have a great weekend!

"Dr. Ryan is AWESOME! The office staff is FANTASTIC! The office facilities are the GREATEST! It does not get any better than this! My kids (age 7 & 5) love Dr. Ryan, and are always eager to get to their appt. and never want to leave once they arrive. The office runs on-time and you're in & out quick. It is quite apparent that Dr. Ryan cares about kids and enjoys his work. In the 3+ years we've been patients, I have yet to encounter a staff member who wasn't warm, friendly & patient with the kids."

"We have been patients here for a couple of years now and cannot recommend them more highly. Dr. Ryan is a wonderful dentist. His credentials are fantastic."

"This is by far the best dental operation in town. The doctors and staff are top notch and careful with the kids. They make it fun to go to the dentist. And, they communicate great by keeping on top."

Dr. Ryan and Dr. Keel invite patients to our 4th Annual Candy Buy Back!

Drs. Ryan and Keel invite all of our patients to participate in Grin Pediatric Dentistry's 4th Annual Candy Buy Back. Grin Pediatric Dentistry loves giving back to our community and local schools, which is why for every pound of candy that you bring we will donate $1 to your school, and $1 to you! The Candy Buy Back will take place from Nov. 1 through Nov. 5th, and we look forward to seeing all of our patients there!

If you have any questions about the Candy Buy Back, or your dental treatment at Grin, don't hesitate to give us a call. You can also schedule your next appointment by visiting the Appointment Request page of our website.

Why do you choose Grin Pediatric Dentistry as your Plano, TX dental office?

At Grin, we strive to create a positive and rewarding dental experience for all of our patients. Whether it is your first visit to our office, or if they've been visiting our office for years, our team is committed to providing you with the best possible care in a welcoming, fun, and safe environment. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by your pediatric dentist? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thanks for sharing your story!

-The team at Grin

How are you keeping your gums healthy?

Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be difficult to recognize. Many people do not recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums - as a precursor to gum disease. This month, a national campaign is underway to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we at Grin Pediatric Dentistry wanted to do our part to help spread the word!

Early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as the heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease. These can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with our office as soon as possible. We can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.

Stargazing with Grin Pediatric Dentistry, outdoor learning for the whole family!

When was the last time that your family enjoyed the Plano, TX great outdoors? If you’ve been looking for a great educational activity for your preschooler or kindergartener, search no further! Drs. Patrick Ryan and Courtney Keel recently came across a great article in Nickelodeon Parents Connect, which we would like to share with you today. We know how important it is for your child to discover the magic of science for themselves. That’s why we invite you to let your imagination run wild and take your children on a summer stargazing expedition!

When planning your stargazing trip, whether it is in the backyard, at a local park, or while camping, be sure to choose a warm, clear night. A few constellations to look for: the Big Dipper, Little Dipper, North Star, and Cassiopeia. Don’t forget to pack a flashlight, snacks, water, sleeping bags, paper and crayons, and-of course-your star map!

Have fun & be safe!

-The team at Grin Pediatric Dentistry

Grin Pediatric Dentistry, helping you stay cool this summer!

There's nothing like a hot summer day! Now that the heat wave is sweeping through Plano, TX, our team at Grin Pediatric Dentistry thought that we would share a few sun safety tips with you, courtesy of KidsHealth. Although vitamin D is essential for absorbing calcium, there can be serious health affects if you aren't prepared for the heat. That's why our doctors here at Grin Pediatric Dentistry want to help keep you informed about sun safety!

Sun Safety 101: What to know about UVA, VVB, and UVC rays

1. UVA rays- These rays make of the majority of sun exposure, and can contribute to skin cancer, skin aging, and wrinkling.

2. UVB rays- Known for causing sunburns, cataracts, and immune system damage, these powerful rays are linked with Melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer).

3. UVC rays- Lucky for you, these rays are shielded by the ozone layer and don't reach earth!

To protect yourself from these harmful rays, try to avoid the sun between 10am to 4pm, when it is the most prominent! If you do choose to spend time in the sun, remember to cover up, apply generous amounts of SPF 15 or higher sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours, stay hydrated, and use protective eye wear! Also, remember to check your child's medications for sun sensitivity.

Have a fun & safe weekend,

- Your friends at Grin Pediatric Dentistry

Did you know February is National Children’s Dental Health Month?

For 60 Februaries, the American Dental Association, or ADA, has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. National Children's Dental Health Month began as a one-day event in 1941 in a Cleveland clinic. In 1981, however, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Each February, Drs. Ryan and Keel, as well as thousands of dental professionals focus on the preventive oral care of America's children. Drs. Ryan and Keel and our staff want you to remember developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Has your child visited Grin Pediatric Dentistry the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

The importance of regular checkups, from Grin Pediatric Dentistry

Is your child brushing his/her teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important for your child to visit Drs. Ryan or Keel every six months, in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day. If your child will be visiting our office for the first time, it’s important to bring them in after their first tooth comes through, and no later than their first birthday. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Drs. Ryan and Keel can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth

During an oral exam Drs. Ryan and Keel will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not visited Grin Pediatric Dentistry in the last six months, it’s time to schedule an appointment!

Ask Drs. Ryan and Keel: When is thumb-sucking a cause for worry?

Lots of you have asked us Drs. Ryan and Keel whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs.

Is this anything to worry about? In most cases, no. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most children grow out of between the ages of 2 and 4.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look and visit Grin Pediatric Dentistry. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Meet Dr. Keel

Dr. Courtney Keel, a board Certified Pediatric Dentist, was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She graduated from Southern Methodist University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. She then attended dental school at Baylor College of Dentistry, receiving her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2006.

Following dental school, Dr. Keel pursued her pediatric specialty training at Baylor College of Dentistry, where she received her Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry after completing a two year residency. She began seeing patients in July 2008. During her post-graduate training, she also had the opportunity to spend extensive time working at Children's medical Center and Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children in Dallas. Dr. Keel is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Greater Dallas Pediatric Dental Society, the American Dental Association, and the Texas Dental Association.

In her free time, Dr. Keel enjoys running, traveling, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. She feels blessed to be in such a wonderful profession and to have the opportunity to help touch the lives of children everyday!

Ask Dr. Ryan: When should my child visit Grin Pediatric Dentistry?

A child's first visit to the dentist should be enjoyable and positive, say Drs. Ryan and Keel. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel. Children are not born with a fear of the dentist, but they can fear the unknown. And that's precisely why the team at Grin Pediatric Dentistry makes a practice of using pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe your child's first dental visit and treatment. We want you to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our office.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), children should visit the dentist by their first birthday. It is important that your child's newly-erupted teeth (erupting at 6-12 months of age) receive proper dental care and benefit from proper oral hygiene habits right from the beginning.

For more information on the advantages of pediatric dentistry at our office, please visit our web site. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment and have a great rest of the week!