SMILEHEALTH® for Patients of Burleson Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry | December 2019

WHAT’S INSIDE Ask One of the Specialists

Before and After Q. How safe are Pictures Pg. 2 dental x-rays? A. Exposure to all sources of See some of our patients’ radiation - including the sun, smile transformations! minerals in the soil, appliances in your home, and dental X-rays – can What You Need to damage the body's tissues Know About and cells and lead to the development of cancer. Pg. 2 Wisdom Teeth Fortunately, the dose of Learn more about wisdom radiation you are exposed to teeth, including when and why during the taking of X-rays is they should be removed extremely small. Serving With Confdence Advances in dentistry over What Parents the years have lead to the Tis month’s newsletter features two of our former patients, the Gist brothers, who low radiation levels emitted Need to Know proudly serve in our armed forces. Tank you for your service, Grayson and Galen! by dental X-rays. Some of About Positive the improvements are new digital X-ray machines that Lieutenant Grayson Gist is a 2012 graduate of NKC High School’s Parenting Pg. 6 limit the radiation beam to International Baccalaureate program and a letter winner in academics, the small area being X-rayed, Parenting styles play a big role football, and wrestling. He went on to become a 2016 graduate of the United in a child’s development. and higher speed X-ray films States Air Force Academy, where he served in a number leadership positions. that require shorter exposure Learn some tips and He is now at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, assigned to fy the B-2 techniques on how to raise time. Also, the use of lead- Stealth Bomber as one of a select few to pilot the Air Force’s foremost more optimistic, happy kids. lined, full-body aprons strategic asset. protects the body from stray radiation (though this is 2nd Lieutenant Galen Gist is a 2014 IB graduate of Northtown who lettered Braces Friendly almost nonexistent with the in academics, football, wrestling, and golf. He went on to be a Magna Cum modern dental X-ray Pg. 7 Recipes Laude graduate of Simpson college, where was a three-year captain and four- machines.) Some of our favorite braces- year letterman in football. He is currently a frst year medical student at friendly dishes, snacks and Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, the military’s elite In addition, federal law now more! academy to prepare physicians to serve our nation’s armed forces. requires that X-ray machines be checked for accuracy and Te Gist family has a history of service to the United States dating from safety every two years, with precolonial times. Te initial immigrant from Wiltshire was Captain some states requiring more Christoper Gist, who arrived ca 1650 to Baltimore County, MD. His son, frequent checks. Captain Richard Gist, was the surveyor who platted the City of Baltimore and taught surveying to his son, Christopher--who, in turn, taught the art to (continued on page 7)

SMILEHEALTH BEFORE AND AFTER Check Out Some of Our Patients’ Smile Home Care Tips Transformations! for Patients

Daily flossing and rinsing are great ways to clean between the teeth and under the gumline, as well as make sure you cleanse your mouth of bacteria.

Here are some tips on how to most effectively do both:

Flossing:

1. Take 12-16 inches of dental floss and wrap it around your middle fingers, leaving about 2 inches (5cm) of floss between the hands.

2. Using your thumbs and forefingers to guide the floss, gently insert the floss between teeth using a sawing motion.

3. Curve the floss into a “C” shape around each and under the gumline.

Rinsing:

It is important to rinse your mouth with water after brushing and after meals if you are unable to brush. If you are using an over-the- counter product for rinsing, it’s a good idea to consult with your dentist or dental hygienist on its appropriateness for you.

Use other dental aids as recommended by your dentist or dental hygienist: interdental brushes, rubber tip stimulators, tongue cleaners, irrigation devices, fluoride, medicated rinses, etc., can all play a role in good dental home care.

SMILEHEALTH BRACES & INVISALIGN What You Need to Know About Wisdom Teeth

At any given time, ask half a dozen adults around you about their wisdom teeth, and there is a good chance you will fnd that most have had them removed. Tis is common, considering what they are and some of the risks that they may pose. Many people have them removed during their younger years, for valid reasons, making it a good idea to be familiar with the ins and outs of these teeth, so that you will be better able to deal with them for you and your family.

What Tey Are, Why Removed

Wisdom teeth, also referred to as your third molars, are the larger teeth at the very back of the mouth. Tey are the last teeth to come in, usually somewhere between the ages of 15 and 25, which is considered to be the reduced as time goes on. Also, the third set of molars are usually easier to “age of wisdom,” hence their name. While some people have no problems remove when you are younger, and the recovery period is also shorter with their wisdom teeth erupting, many others fnd that they present a during that time. challenge and can be risky to the health of your other teeth. Te presence of your third set of molars is usually associated with an increased risk of periodontitis, which is an infammation of the About the time that this third set of molars begins erupting, some which can lead to , abscesses, infections, and tooth shifting. It is common problems also emerge as a result. Some of the problems important to note, as well, that an absence of symptoms does not mean associated with erupting wisdom teeth include: that there is no problem or disease. Additionally, research regarding people who did not have their wisdom • Impaction. According to the National Institutes of Health, wisdom teeth removed demonstrates that, the older they got, the more common it teeth are the most common teeth to become impacted. When a tooth was for them to have cavities in those teeth, as well as in the adjacent is impacted, it means that the tooth has failed to emerge through the ones, due to the difficulties of keeping them properly cleaned. In fact, a surface of the gum, or that only a portion of it has emerged. 2011 study published in the “Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery” reported that, of the nearly 7,000 older adults they studied who had at • Caries. An impacted third leads to a high probability of creating least one third molar, most of those people had caries or periodontal dental carries, or cavities, both in that tooth and in the one next to it, pathology involving those teeth, and that few had visible molars that as well. Tis is because they often trap plaque in the area, which is were free of disease. difficult to reach and to clean. • Cysts. When wisdom teeth are impacted, it can cause cysts and tumors Additional Concerns to form around the area. Tis can lead to additional problems because it can affect the bone, and even damage the jaw. Risks with this involve Tere is some controversy regarding whether those who wear a retainer infections, as well as tooth abscesses. or have had braces in the past need to continue wearing their retainer once the wisdom teeth have been removed. Because there is a risk of • Misalignment. Te emerging wisdom teeth may not be coming in relapse if the retainer is not worn, it is recommended that patients straight or, even if they do, can cause problems with the other teeth. As continue wearing theirs, as recommended by their orthodontist. Doing so they emerge, they often push the other teeth out of alignment. will help to eliminate the risks associated with shifting teeth. • Discomfort. Te vast majority of people who have dealt with emerging or know just how uncomfortable the If you are experiencing the emergence of your wisdom teeth, or someone experience can be. From headaches to , to pain and swelling, in your family is, be sure you know the facts, risks, and options that are the discomfort associated with wisdom teeth can make you miserable. currently available. Having wisdom teeth removed is a common procedure today, one that most people recover from without issue. Removing third molars can be an important step to take if you are having When to Remove problems now, or as a preventative measure to avoid issues that can arise Te best time to have your third set of molars removed really depends on later. the tooth’s development. A good professional rule of thumb is to have Either way, it is important to speak with your doctor to learn more about them removed when two-thirds of the root has formed. Ideally, it is your specifc third molar development, risks, and options. When you are recommended that people have them removed by the time they turn 24 dealing with your third molars, it may seem as if they steal the show, due years old. Tis is because it will help to prevent all of the problems listed to the discomfort they can cause. But it doesn’t have to be like that, since above, and because the ability to re-grow bone in that area of the jaw is this is an issue that can usually be addressed without difficulty.

SMILEHEALTH How Can I Prevent the Braces from Breaking? From the Almost everyone in orthodontic treatment experiences a broken bracket once or twice Doctor’s Desk during their stint in braces. Te key is avoiding

Thinking about braces a few types of foods and habits that are most Before you spend the time often the culprits of broken appliances. and money to straighten your teeth, here are some First, make sure your child is aware that they things you should know. should not eat hard, sticky and chewy foods like

• If you don't already have caramel and hard candy. Your child may have an an orthodontist, get easy time remembering this rule when you are recommendations from near, but it may be harder if they are around friends or your regular friends who are not in treatment and are dentist. partaking in these types of treats, so make sure that friends’ parents and teachers also • Get at least two opinions, if know about this and can avoid these types of snacks. possible, as a "sanity check." Orthodontists can Also, if you hear your child grinding their teeth or notice them clenching, please let us vary in their treatment know. Sometimes this can cause broken brackets and often we can fabricate a bite guard approach. Consultations are usually free. to help prevent damage to their appliances.

• How much do braces cost? Cost will vary, depending on what is needed and INSURANCE & FLEX SPENDING where you live. Research pricing along with treatment. Avoiding Costly Mistakes at Your Dental Visit

• Find out if your health plan Nobody wants to spend more at the dentist office than will cover the cost of the they have to. Yet there are numerous people who walk out braces, and if so, what of the dentist’s office each day who will end up spending a percentages so you can great deal more than they had planned. Tat’s because budget your out of pocket they went in unprepared and without the information costs accordingly they need to save themselves money! • Discuss which options you have with your Most people call a dentist’s office and ask if the place orthodontist. Traditional takes their insurance. But that’s usually the wrong metal braces or Invisalign? Top and bottom teeth or question to ask! Whether or not an office takes your just top? Will any teeth insurance doesn’t mean they are actually in your network. need to be extracted? A What you really want to know is if they are in your good idea is to make a list network. Some people hear that the place takes the of questions and bring it insurance, they go in for the appointment, and a week later they get a bill in the mail that with you to your initial shocks them. It’s typically about 40 percent higher than they thought it would be. consultation, so you can address these issues with the doctor and make an Dental offices will usually “take” your insurance and bill for it, but that doesn’t mean they are in informed choice. your network. When your insurance receives the bill and verifes this information you will be left holding the bill. Tis is one of the most costly mistakes that people make when it comes to • Be realistic about your own expectations, and the going to the dentist. impact of braces in your daily life. Are you ready to If you want to avoid this costly mistake, be sure to ask the office if they are in your network, have them in your mouth and even call your insurance company to confrm it. Tat’s the best way to avoid receiving a bill and deal with them 24/7? that’s much larger than you had thought when you set up the appointment. A couple of quick phone calls to confrm someone is in your network can save you a lot of money!

SMILEHEALTH PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

What’s the Big Deal About Straight Teeth?

Straight teeth help you to effectively bite, chew and speak. Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and laws may alleviate or prevent physical health Popular Questions problems. Teeth that work better also tend to look better. An attractive smile is a “pleasant side from Patients effect” of orthodontic treatment. Q. What are some One of the most important things that straight teeth give children is a sense of self-confdence. braces-friendly foods Tis is an excellent quality to instill in a young child, as they carry it with them into their teen that I can give my years where they need all the help they can get. Confdent teens are more likely to become child as a treat or for confdent adults, and so by having a smile to be proud of when they are young, they are given a great tool for success that they will appreciate for life. special occasions? A. When holidays or other A person’s self esteem at any age improves as orthodontic treatment brings the teeth, and special days come around, it face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic treatment can beneft social and career success, as can be challenging to come well as improve a person’s general attitude towards life. up with ideas on what kinds of treats you can give kids with braces that won’t create You may be surprised to learn that straight teeth are less prone to decay, gum disease and injury issues with their wires. as well. Straight teeth collect less plaque (which is a colorless, sticky flm that is composed of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. Decay results when the bacteria in plaque feeds on But you do have some good carbohydrates (sugar and starch) we eat or drink to produce acids that can cause cavities. - and delicious -options for sweet treats, including these popular favorites: Plaque also increases the risk of periodontal (gum) disease. When teeth are properly aligned, and less plaque collects, these risks decline. And when teeth are properly aligned, it is also easier to keep teeth clean. As for injuries to teeth, protruding upper teeth are more likely to be broken • Cotton Candy in an accident. When repositioned and aligned with other teeth, these teeth are most probably • Peanut butter cups going to be at a decreased risk for fracture. • Hershey kisses Untreated orthodontic problems may become worse with time, therefore the best time to get started with care is as a child. Having the proper orthodontic care early will help prevent things • Decorated brownies like abnormal tooth wear, inefficient chewing function, and excessive stress on gum tissue as an • Iced sugar cookies adult as well. It is also more cost effective to treat a child than to do the restorative dental care to treat an adult. • Soft cereal bars

Call our office today and schedule a consultation for your child or for yourself to discuss your • Homemade jellies options. It’s the frst step you can take in having a beautiful and healthy smile…for life! • Fresh fruit

• Hard-boiled eggs

• Bottled smoothies

• Pudding cups

• Chocolate eggs

• Marshmallows

• M&Ms

• Skittles

• Lollipops

SMILEHEALTH TIPS FROM THE DOCTORS What Parents Need to Know About Positive Parenting

• Catch them doing good more. It’s easy for parents to pick out the mistakes kids make, but they don’t always catch them doing good and provide the feedback on it. When kids get praise for good behavior, they are more likely to want to exhibit more of it. • Avoid being overly critical. Even if they have brought home a grade in math that you feel is below their potential, rather than being overly critical and criticizing them, let them know you are happy for the effort they made, but you really believe that if they apply themselves a little more that they are capable of doing even better. • Help your child to develop a healthy self-image. Tis will go a long way toward helping them to be more confdent, avoid bullying, and be more willing to try new things and be socially engaged. • Try to avoid overreacting. It’s easy to overreact to situations, but it tends to distract attention from the real matter. In parenting, it is important to pick your battles, so you are not trying have a disagreement with your kids about everything. Famous psychiatrist Carl Jung once said, “If there is anything that we wish to change in the child, we should frst examine it and see whether it is not something that could better be changed in ourselves.” He was • Te punishment should always ft the crime. Tere are times when a pointing out that parents often have issues with behaviors that their teen may need a consequence for their actions, but there are also times children have, yet parents may be doing things to bring about that when there are natural consequences that should be enough. For behavior or they may be repeating parenting style patterns that learned example, if they don’t study for a test and get a poor grade, then that is from their own parents. If a cycle is being repeated and it’s not based on their natural consequence and they will have to deal with the fallout positive parenting, it may be a good time to consider the benefts of that comes from that. taking a more optimistic approach. • Be clear about goals and expected behavior with kids so they know what is acceptable and desired. Be honest and direct and help guide If you spend any time on social media you are bound to have come across them in the right direction when making decisions, but try to let them the image that people post that states they were raised with things like ultimately make some decisions on their own. spankings and yet they turned out just fne. Well, that may be so, but • As difficult as it may be for some parents, it is important to try to there’s a host of research that backs up the fact that taking a more respect a teen’s privacy to a certain extent, and to let them know their positive approach to parenting also comes with a wide variety of benefts. opinions are respected. Even if you may not agree with them, you still Because of this, there has been a movement to try and get more people to focus on positive parenting. It tends to go along with the old saying that respect the right for them to have and express them. you can catch more fies with honey than you can with vinegar. • When kids do something that parents don’t approve of, it’s important to separate the child from the behavior so that they understand it’s the behavior you don’t like, rather than them. Why Go Positive • If there are behaviors that need to be changed, work with your child to Most adults know that being positive in life is associated with more set goals to help make it happen. By discussing it and setting concrete happiness, being more confdent, and a host of other benefts. But they goals, you will both have something to measure the changes by to see if don’t always see how taking that same approach to their parenting style progress has been made. Tey will also feel good and confdent by can be benefcial. Te good news is that moving toward a more positive being a part of setting those goals and then working to achieve them. parenting style can bring about great changes in kids and help them develop in a healthy way that has lifelong benefts. Positive parenting is Having a positive outlook doesn’t mean that you never get upset or that believed to help grow kids who are more peaceful, more confdent, have you never experience negative emotions. But it does mean that you know fewer behavioral issues, are less aggressive, and who have a better how to deal with them in a calm manner and are able to bounce back relationship with their parents. Plus, kids end up happier, more quickly when you do experience them. Parents set an important example empathetic and are usually less stressed when their parents take a positive for their kids of how to behave if they don’t care for someone’s behavior. approach to raising them. Tey are always watching and learning. Optimistic parents who engage in positive parenting tend to lead to kids who grow up to be more Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to using positive resilient and positive, too, which is always a good thing. parenting techniques:

SMILEHEALTH TIPS FROM THE DOCTORS Delicious Braces-Friendly Recipes

Fruit Burrito

Ingredients: 1/2 cup buckwheat four

3/4 cup coconut milk

2 tablespoon coconut sugar

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon baking powder

Directions: Combine all ingredients and whisk. One at a time, pour crepe recipe in a pan of low-med heat. Flip when it is 90% cooked. Serve with fresh fruit and pure maple syrup.

COVER FEATURE ARTICLE

Serving with Confdence (continued)

George Washington. He also served as a captain in the colonial militia, acting as Washington's guide and principal scout in the French and Indian War. Christopher's son, Richard, was killed in battle during the Battle of King's Mountain; another son, Nathaniel, was chartered by Washington to for Gist's Additional Regiment and served as a colonel, including capture in South Carolina and subsequent escape of he and his regiment. Nathaniel's nephew, Mordecai, served as a general of the Revolution. Nathaniel, while living among the Cherokees, fathered a son, George, who was the sole survivor of a raid on Nathaniel's plantation while he was in Kentucky, Since George was a half-breed, he was taken by the raiding Cherokees and raised as Sequoyeh (Cherokee for "pig foot" due to a club foot deformity); he is well known in Native American history as the originator of the written language of the Cherokees--a necessity since, as a silversmith, he had to be be able to execute various documents to engage in trade. Both Grayson and Galen's grandparents and all but one of their great uncles and aunts served as officers in WWII. All were Navy except one uncle on their paternal side who was Army Air Corps and was lost returning from a mission over Japan toward the end of the confict. He commanded a B-29 Superfortress, making Grayson successor to a lineage of elite bomber pilots.

SMILEHEALTH Your Pediatric Dental Specialists in Kansas City

Are you looking for a pediatric dental specialist for your family? The specialists at Burleson Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry are trained to help your child feel at ease during dental appointments. With more early morning and after-school appointments than any other dental office in Kansas City, our time is not more important than your time. Guaranteed.

(816) 929-6916 www.BurlesonOrtho.com