Baby teeth may one day help identify kids at risk for mental disorders later in life

The team analysed 70 primary teeth collected from 70 children enrolled in the Children of the 90s study (also known as the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children) based at the University of Bristol. Parents donated primary teeth (specifically, the pointed teeth on each side of the front of the mouth known as canines) that naturally fell out of the mouths of children aged 5 to 7.

The results of this study could one day lead to the development of a much-needed tool for identifying children who have been exposed to early-life adversity, which is a risk factor for psychological problems, allowing them to be monitored and guided towards preventive treatments, if necessary.

The origin of this study traces back several years, when senior author Erin C. Dunn, ScD, MPH, learned about work in the field of anthropology that could help solve a longstanding problem in her own research. Dunn is a social and psychiatric epidemiologist and an investigator in MGH's Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit. She studies the effects of childhood adversity, which research suggests is responsible for up to one-third of all mental health disorders. Dunn is particularly interested in the timing of these adverse events and in uncovering whether there are sensitive periods during child development when exposure to adversity is particularly harmful. Yet Dunn notes that she and other scientists lack effective tools for measuring exposure to childhood adversity. Asking people (or their parents) about painful experiences in their early years is one method, but that's vulnerable to poor recall or reluctance to share difficult memories. "That's a hindrance for this field," says Dunn.

However, Dunn was intrigued to learn that anthropologists have long studied the teeth of people from past eras to learn about their lives. "Teeth create a permanent record of different kinds of life experiences," she says. Exposure to sources of physical stress, such as poor nutrition or disease, can affect the formation of dental enamel and result in pronounced growth lines within teeth, called stress lines, which are similar to the rings in a tree that mark its age. Just as the thickness of tree growth rings can vary based on the climate surrounding the tree as it forms, tooth growth lines can also vary based on the environment and experiences a child has in utero and shortly thereafter, the time when teeth are forming. Thicker stress lines are thought to indicate more stressful life conditions.

Dunn developed a hypothesis that the width of one variety in particular, called the neonatal line (NNL), might serve as an indicator of whether an infant's mother experienced high levels of psychological stress during pregnancy (when teeth are already forming) and in the early period following birth.

To test this hypothesis, Dunn and two co-lead authors -- postdoctoral research fellow Rebecca V. Mountain, PhD, and data analyst Yiwen Zhu, MS, who were both in the Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit at the time of the study -- led a team that analysed the teeth. The width of the NNL was measured using microscopes. Mothers completed questionnaires during and shortly after pregnancy that asked about four factors that are known to affect child development: stressful events in the prenatal period, maternal history of psychological problems, neighbourhood quality (whether the poverty level was high or it was unsafe, for instance), and level of social support.

Several clear patterns emerged. Children whose mothers had lifetime histories of severe depression or other psychiatric problems, as well as mothers who experienced depression or anxiety at 32 weeks of pregnancy, were more likely than other kids to have thicker NNLs. Meanwhile, children of mothers who received significant social support shortly after pregnancy tended to have thinner NNLs. These trends remained intact after the researchers controlled for other factors that are known to influence NNL width, including iron supplementation during pregnancy, gestational age (the time between conception and birth) and maternal obesity.

No one is certain what causes the NNL to form, says Dunn, but it's possible that a mother experiencing anxiety or depression may produce more cortisol, the "stress hormone," which interferes with the cells that create enamel. Systemic inflammation is another candidate, says Dunn, who hopes to study how the NNL forms. And if the findings of this research can be replicated in a larger study, she believes that the NNL and other tooth growth marks could be used in the future to identify children who have been exposed to early life adversity. "Then we can connect those kids to interventions," says Dunn, "so we can prevent the onset of mental health disorders, and do that as early on in the lifespan as we possibly can."

Dunn is also an associate professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. Mountain is now a postdoctoral research fellow at Maine Medical Center Research Institute. Zhu is now a doctoral student at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

6 Celebrity Smile Makeovers

Hollywood’s hottest celebrities have plenty to smile about — but as this list suggests, fame and fortune don’t always guarantee the perfect smile. Many stars struggle with the same dental problems as everyone else, including gaps between teeth, extended gum lines, and overbites. So we asked dental health experts which famous faces need the most help with their grins.

While some dentally-challenged celebs claim to love their quirky smiles (and we agree!), our experts filled us in on the fixes — from teeth whitening to gum reshaping — they’d perform if they got them in the dentist’s chair.

Lindsay Lohan

Although she rose to fame for playing a squeaky-clean teen in the remake of The Parent Trap, Lindsay Lohan, 25, may be more known for her rehab visits and court appearances. Also now infamous: her uneven, decaying teeth, which were on display during a recent red carpet appearance.

“This type of damage appears to be from a combination of smoking, drug use, and lack of personal care,” says Pankaj Singh, DDS, of Arch Dental Associates in New York City. “At Lohan’s young age, smoking alone wouldn’t cause the decay and browning you see around her gums. Damage like that is something we might see in patients who are using or have used drugs.”

Dr. Singh would recommend Lohan immediately stop any dental-damaging behavior. “Then she would need local gum therapy and to rebuild the teeth using veneers or crowns,” he says.

Cynthia Nixon

Just because Cynthia Nixon is one of Sex & the City’s original fab four, doesn’t mean she couldn’t use some help with her smile. According to Richard Winter, DDS, of Hampton Dental Associates, who specializes in reconstructive dentistry in Milwaukee, this famous redhead has a class 2, division 2 overbite. That means that the teeth surrounding the front teeth stick out further than they should. “She would benefit from braces to correct the overbite,” he says.

Another dental dilemma? Nixon’s smile reveals a bit too much of her gums, says Dr. Winters. “She would benefit from some gum reshaping [a procedure that trims away the gum via laser or surgery] to make her front teeth more symmetrical.”

Kirsten Dunst

She’s dubbed them her “snaggle fangs,” but Kirstin Dunst likes her trademark pointy teeth just the way they are. “They give me character, and character is sexy,” she recently told Elle UK. But if Dunst wanted to smooth out her smile, Theodore Ritota, DDS, of Ritota & Ritota in Delray Beach, Fla., would recommend crowns on her six front teeth to keep them from protruding. Dunst also has an overbite, which could be corrected with braces that would level and align her teeth, says Winter.

Steve Buscemi

Steve Buscemi is known for his offbeat characters — and his off-kilter smile definitely helps him play the part. But that doesn’t mean his smile is healthy. “It looks like he has gum disease, and we’d need to correct his bite,” Dr. Ritota said of Buscemi’s oral health. Gum disease can be treated with regular profession deep cleanings, medications (such as antibiotics like chlorhexidine, doxycycline, and tetracycline, or the antibiotic-containing toothpaste triclosan) or — in severe situations — surgery. Ritota also recommends braces and crowns to straighten out his smile.

Anna Paquin

Oscar-winning actress Anna Paquin receives blood-sucking bites from vampires on the hit HBO show True Blood, but she could also use a little help with her own set of fangs. “The space between her two front teeth is overpowering her smile,” says Ritota. “Closing the gap makes for a much prettier smile.” Dr. Winter suggests orthodontics, which would realign the teeth, as well as veneers, which could make her teeth more symmetrical and her smile more aesthetically pleasing.

Woody Harrelson

Though Woody Harrelson’s smile seems to suit him (even Ritota agrees that Harrelson’s dental problems give him character), “he could probably get away with having his front four teeth veneered, closing the space and giving him a more symmetrical smile.” In addition, Winter says Harrelson’s teeth are on the small side, and that he could benefit from gum reshaping and crown lengthening to create a wider tooth surface. “By reshaping his gums, the teeth could become wider and sexier.” And don’t forget bleaching — brightening his pearly whites would help make Harrelson’s smile look younger, says Winter.

How to Deal With a Dental Emergency

Like cavities and gum disease, many dental problems develop gradually after months (or years!) of dental-health neglect. But sometimes, pain or sensitivity in your teeth can come on suddenly, and you may need immediate dental care, either at the emergency room or from your dentist.

It's not always easy to know whether a tooth, gum, or mouth problem requires emergency care — or what to do about it. In fact, most Americans are unprepared to handle a dental health emergency, according to a survey of 1,000 participants.

Think your mouth issue is a dental health 911? Here’s a handy guide to situations that are generally considered dental emergencies:

• Lip or tongue bite with excessive bleeding. If you accidentally bite your lip, tongue, or other soft tissue in your mouth, clean the area and apply a cold compress to decrease swelling. If the bleeding is severe, or will not stop, go to the emergency room.

• Broken or cracked tooth. In the case of a broken or cracked tooth, call your dentist immediately. Until you can get to your dentist's office, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress outside the affected area.

• Damaged braces. If your braces become damaged, call your orthodontist right away. Some instances of damaged braces need to be fixed immediately; others can wait until your next appointment.

• Injury to your jaw. If you suspect you may have broken your jaw, apply a cold compress to the area and immediately go to your dentist's office or to the emergency room.

• Loose tooth. If one of your teeth is partially dislodged, see your dentist right away — they may be able to save the tooth. Until you can get to your dentist's office, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply a cold compress to the affected area to relieve pain.

• Tooth that has been knocked out. Grasp your lost tooth by the crown and rinse its root if it is dirty, avoiding scrubbing the tooth or removing pieces of tissue that may be attached. You can attempt to reinsert the tooth into its socket in your mouth, but if that doesn't work, you'll need to see your dentist quickly. The American Dental Association recommends placing the tooth in milk, which acts as a preservative until you can get to a professional.

• Lost filling or crown. When one of your fillings or crowns falls out, put the filling or crown in a safe place and call your dentist to make an appointment. Applying clove oil to the sensitive areas in your mouth and dental cement from the drug store on your tooth's surface can help decrease sensitivity, but check with your dentist before doing these things.

• Object lodged between your teeth. If something gets stuck between your teeth, try to gently remove it with dental floss. If the object still won't come out, call your dentist. Depending on the situation, he or she may want to see you quickly.

• Painful swelling. Call your dentist to schedule an appointment if you have painful swelling in your mouth, as you may have an abscess, an infected pocket of pus that can lead to a serious systemic infection. Until you can see your dentist, try rinsing your mouth with saltwater to relieve the pain and pressure.

• Pericoronitis. This is an infection that occurs when your wisdom teeth don't come into your mouth properly. If you experience symptoms of pericoronitis, which may include swollen and irritated gums, a bad taste in your mouth, or bad breath, or you are not able to fully open your mouth, see you dentist as soon as you can.

• Sudden or severe toothache. If your tooth is aching, rinse out your mouth with warm water and gently floss around the tooth to make sure there is nothing lodged between your teeth. Call your dentist if your toothache does not go away.

Some dental emergencies can lead to life-threatening infections or permanent damage if not treated rapidly, so if you're in doubt, always call your dentist. The earlier you seek treatment for a dental problem, the better your chances are for a full recovery and continued dental health.

Christmas Vacation

Our Office will be closed from December 17th- January 3rd. If you are experiencing a true dental emergency please call our on call number 904-762-5616 or text Dr. Henley directly 904-434-7883 

Causes of a white tongue and how to get rid of it

White tongue is a term used to describe any area of the tongue that has a grayish-white coating on it. The coating may cover the entire tongue, or it may appear in patches.

There are a few different reasons for a white tongue, and each has a specific treatment. A white tongue is usually a harmless symptom, but in rare cases it can indicate a serious condition.

In this article, we look at common causes of a white tongue and home remedies to get rid of the problem.

Causes

The most common cause of a white tongue is poor oral hygiene. Small bumps on the tongue called papillae can swell up and become inflamed in a mouth that is not cared for well.

Plenty of germs, debris, food particles, and dead cells can get stuck between these papillae. This causes the tongue to appear white as the particles build.

Oral and hygiene issues that can lead to a white tongue include:

• dry mouth caused by mouth breathing or sleeping with the mouth open

• not brushing or flossing the teeth correctly

• not cleaning the tongue

• dehydration

• irritation from sharp edges inside the mouth, such as teeth, braces, or dentures

• regular alcohol consumption

• smoking, chewing, or dipping tobacco

Basic oral hygiene is essential for everyone, but some conditions cause a white tongue even in people who take great care of their mouths. These include:

Oral lichen planus

Oral lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory condition that can affect the mouth and tongue. It can also affect the lips, inside of the cheeks, and gums. Researchers are unsure what causes it, but it may be due to an immune response or genetic factors.

Symptoms that affect the mouth include:

• white, lace-like patches of skin

• ulcers

• pain, including discomfort, soreness, or a burning sensation

• swelling and redness

Treatment

Oral lichen planus is a chronic condition, and in many cases, a doctor or dentist will simply monitor it to make sure lesions heal properly.

In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe topical or oral corticosteroids.

Leukoplakia

Irritants such as tobacco and alcohol can lead to leukoplakia. It may also result from inflammatory conditions and irritation from dentures. It can affect all areas of the mouth, including the tongue, cheeks, and gums.

Leukoplakia may appear as thick, white patches that cannot be scraped off. Sometimes, the patches may appear red and white.

The patches that leukoplakia cause are harmless by themselves. In rare cases, leukoplakia can progress to cancer, so it is best to have a doctor diagnose this right away.

Treatment

A healthcare professional should monitor leukoplakia to make sure it is not getting worse. They may recommend cutting down the amount of alcohol a person drinks or stopping smoking.

Sometimes, a doctor needs to remove the patches with surgery.

Oral thrush

Oral thrush is another condition that may cause the tongue to appear white. Oral thrush is a fungal infection caused by the  yeast.

Symptoms include:

• white or off-white patches in the mouth and on the tongue

• unpleasant taste or loss of taste

• pain, especially when eating or drinking

• redness or soreness

People who have a weakened immune system may be more likely to develop oral thrush. This includes people who have recently taken antibiotics or undergone chemotherapy. Poor oral hygiene or wearing poorly fitting dentures are other risk factors.

The use of inhaled corticosteroids for asthma can also cause oral thrush. Certain conditions, including diabetes and HIV, may increase the risk of infection.

Treatment

Treatment for oral thrush typically includes antifungal medications. A person applies these medications to the inside of the mouth for 1 to 2 weeks until the condition has run its course. For severe cases, a healthcare professional may prescribe oral or intravenous antifungal medications.

Syphilis

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that can lead to symptoms in several areas of the body, including the mouth.

Symptoms include:

• white patches on the tongue

• red and white sores, known as chancres, on the tongue or lips

• firm, raised lesions in the mouth

These symptoms typically arise 10–90 days after a person comes into contact with the bacteria. Chancres may resolve on their own with time, but the disease can remain in the body and progress without treatment.

Treatment

Syphilis requires medical treatment with the antibiotic penicillin. This antibiotic kills the bacteria that cause the disease. People who are allergic to penicillin may take a different type of antibiotic.

Reducing irritants in the mouth, such as alcohol and tobacco, may also help clear up the white patches.

Other conditions

Rarer but sometimes serious conditions can lead to white patches on the tongue.

Mouth or tongue cancer may cause a white tongue. Common causes of these types of cancer include chronic tobacco or alcohol use and human papillomavirus (HPV) infections.

Underlying chronic inflammatory disorders may influence a white tongue as well.

When to see a doctor

Most appearances of a white tongue will clear up easily, although this is not always the case.

If the symptoms do not respond to basic oral care or occur alongside other symptoms, a person should speak with a doctor.

Home remedies

Some home remedies and habits may also help with getting rid of a white tongue.

Probiotics

Probiotics are another way to influence oral symptoms, such as a white tongue. Probiotics are strains of bacteria that are good for the digestive system.

While lots of research on probiotics focuses on improving gut health, probiotics may also be helpful for the mouth and tongue.

A 2017 review noted that probiotic bacteria can occupy the mouth as well as the gut. In some cases, these bacteria can help fight off infectious yeasts and other bad strains of bacteria.

While the evidence is not conclusive, probiotics may still help balance the environment in the mouth and prevent a white tongue.

A range of probiotics is available for purchase online.

Baking soda scrub

Adding food-grade baking soda to a toothbrush and scrubbing the tongue, teeth, and gums may help reduce the bacteria that cause a white tongue.

One study found that a baking soda oral rinse can reduce harmful bacteria that commonly cause infections in the mouth, such as Streptococcus.

Raw garlic

Eating garlic may help the body fight off infections caused by bacteria and fungi. Research noted that garlic has both antibacterial and antifungal properties, including the ability to fight off Candida.

People may eat a clove of raw garlic whole each day or chop it up and eat it with a little olive oil.

Tongue scraping

Gently scraping the tongue from back to front may also help reduce and remove the bacteria and debris that settle in the mouth.

Many companies make specific tools for tongue scraping, which are available for purchase online. However, a person can use the edge of a spoon just as easily.

Prevention

While it is not always possible to avoid getting a white tongue, basic oral hygiene can help prevent many cases. This includes brushing the teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day.

Many people also benefit from using a tongue scraper every day or brushing the tongue with a toothbrush.

Additionally, lifestyle choices may help prevent a white tongue at times. Avoiding tobacco products and alcoholic drinks may help, as well as eating a varied and nutritious diet.

Going to a dentist every 6 months for a checkup will help keep the mouth as clean as possible. People should report any worrying symptoms to a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Outlook

The outlook for a white tongue is typically very good. In many cases, it is harmless, even if it may be distressing to see.

Symptoms may not always respond immediately to improvements in hygiene or lifestyle choices, but improving oral health is suggested for anyone with a white tongue.

In rare cases, a white tongue is an indication of a serious underlying condition. Following the treatment plan set out by a doctor is the best way to relieve symptoms.

What to know about fluoride in toothpaste

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that people add to water, food, and other products. Many toothpastes contain fluoride as it has benefits for protecting tooth health. Too much fluoride can pose risks to health, but the amounts contained in toothpaste are generally safe if a person uses the toothpaste as advised.

Toothpaste is an important part of good oral hygiene. With many options available, it can be difficult to know which one is the right choice.

Many toothpastes contain fluoride, a mineral that is naturally found in soil and rocks. This article examines what fluoride is and why manufacturers add it to toothpaste. It also covers the benefits and risks of fluoride and tips for choosing the best toothpaste.

Toothpaste ingredients

Producers have designed toothpaste to control dental plaque. Plaque is a thin layer that forms on teeth after eating sugars. The bacteria in plaque break down tooth enamel, cause decay, and lead to cavities.

People use toothpaste with a toothbrush to gently sweep away plaque and other debris from their teeth. All toothpastes share some common ingredients :

• Abrasives such as calcium carbonate or calcium phosphate. These remove anything sticking to the surface of the teeth without scratching them.

• Binders like sodium alginate or xanthan gum. These provide elasticity and form to the toothpaste, and help prevent it from drying out by binding water to it.

• Humectants such as glycerol or propylene glycol. These retain water to prevent hardening of the toothpaste.

• Foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium alkylsulfo succinate.

• Preservatives, to prevent the growth of microorganisms.

Some toothpastes contain other ingredients, depending on their formulation:

• fluoride, which strengthens enamel and prevents cavities

• flavorings like spearmint, peppermint, or menthol

• sweeteners, including sorbitol, glycerol, and xylitol

• anti-sensitivity agents including strontium chloride or potassium nitrate

What is fluoride and why is it in toothpaste?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral which exists in:

• soil

• rocks

• water

• many foods

It is an important part of tooth development in children under the age of 7, as it strengthens developing enamel. In children and adults it also slows down the acid-producing capability of plaque, which protects teeth from decay.

In many cities and countries, local authorities add fluoride to the drinking water, which has been shown to reduce tooth decay by at least 25%. Fluoride toothpaste provides an additional layer of protection against dental decay and plaque buildup.

Benefits of fluoride

Fluoride protects teeth against decay by helping strengthen developing enamel and slowing acid production of bacteria caused by plaque.

Fluoride protects teeth against a process called demineralization. This occurs when bacteria combine with sugars to create acid that erodes the tooth.

Further, fluoride promotes remineralization. This process brings calcium and phosphate ions to the tooth to create to new surface area which is acid resistant.

Risks

Too much fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis. Fluorosis is a condition that produces a change in the color of tooth enamel. This discoloration usually manifests as white or sometimes brown spots.

Fluorosis usually occurs when children who are in the teeth forming years swallow toothpaste rather than spitting it out. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, the teeth forming years are before the age of 8.

Most cases of dental fluorosis are very mild to mild. In moderate to severe cases, more noticeable and extensive enamel changes happen, including dark spots and pits in the teeth.

The risk of getting too much fluoride from toothpaste is low and primarily a risk for children, who are more likely to swallow toothpaste.

To reduce the risk of dental fluorosis parents should:

• supervise children age 6 and under to discourage swallowing toothpaste

• use only a pea-size amount of toothpaste between the ages of 3 and 6

• consult with a doctor or dentist about the use of fluoride toothpaste for children under 2 years of age. Typically a rice-sized amount of toothpaste is OK for children under 2.

Chronic exposure to high levels of fluoride can also lead to skeletal fluorosis. This occurs when fluoride builds up in bones, causing stiffness and pain. In the most severe cases, ligaments can calcify, causing pain and trouble moving. Typically this is a problem in areas with naturally occurring high levels of fluoride in drinking water.

Is fluoride safe?

While fluoride in toothpaste is generally considered safe, there is a larger, ongoing discussion of overall fluoride intake, from water, food, mouthwashes, and other sources.

The International Association of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT), which advocates against the use of added fluoride in water and products, lists the following health problems which it associates with fluoride consumption:

• acne

• cardiovascular problems, including high blood pressure, cardiac insufficiency, and myocardial damage

• diabetes

• low fertility rates and early puberty in girls

• osteoarthritis, temporomandibular joint disorder, and bone cancer

• immune system complications

• lower IQ

• cognitive deficits, attention deficity hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and neurological deficits

• thyroid dysfunction

One 2016 study of children in Mexico found that higher levels of fluoride exposure before birth could result in lower cognitive abilities for babies when tested at ages 4 and 6–12. Researchers tested fluoride levels in 299 pregnant women, and in their children at ages 4 and 6-12. The results suggested a link between high levels of fluoride in the mothers and lower IQ scores in their children.

But other researchers who evaluated this study said the fluoride level used was double or triple the level found in drinking water in the United States. Researchers also failed to take into account other factors that could have contributed to lower IQ scores in the study.

Researchers evaluating other health concerns have also found problems with unreliable data and poor study design.

Overall, researchers have determined that studies linking major health conditions with fluoride are unreliable.

Fluoride has been used in drinking water for 75 years and research has proven its safety. As with many substances, too much can lead to problems such as fluorosis, but the right amount can provide important dental protection and minimal negative health effects.

How To Avoid Catching Your Child's Cold

When your children are too sick for childcare or school, you might wonder whether it’s just a matter of time before you get the bug, too.

“Preventing transmission, especially if with small children in the house, is not easy,” admits Larry Anderson, MD, a professor of pediatric infectious diseases at the Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta. One of the biggest challenges for a healthy mom, he says, is that a lot of transmission happens early in the illness, well before symptoms cue you in that you have sick kids. 

On the flip side, it’s possible for healthy moms and healthy dads to stay that way while caring for sick kids. Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that having sick kids at home doesn’t automatically mean you’ll get sick too. An analysis of 216 households in which one person had the flu showed that another person in the house came down with it just 21 percent of the time. Illness spreading to more than one other person in the house was even less common, occurring only 6 percent of the time.

One way to stay healthy is to practice healthy home habits. Here’s what you can do when your home is filled with sniffling and coughing sick kids: 

• Wash your hands. Your own mother’s advice is still relevant today. “The best and most time-tested way to protect against colds is hand washing,” says pediatrician Jonathan Gold, MD, an associate professor in the department of pediatrics and human development at Michigan State University in Lansing. Wash your hands regularly, for 30 seconds each time. A regular bar of soap will do just fine; it's doesn't have to be antibacterial.

• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. If you or your children can’t wash your hands, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will help control the spread of germs. Tuck a small bottle in your purse so you can protect against catching a bug from other people’s sick kids too.

• Stay safe from sneezes. Teach your children to cough or sneeze into their elbows or a tissue. Second to regular hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes is the most important step in stopping the spread of illness in your home. Promptly throw away any tissues used to collect coughs, sneezes, or sniffles. If collecting them becomes your job, wash your hands thoroughly afterward.

• Wipe down surfaces. When you have sick kids, you’ll need to step up your home cleaning routine a notch or two. Regularly wipe down any surfaces that your children touch frequently. Try using bleach-based sprays or wipes (avoiding contact with your clothes). “For toddlers and older infants who mouth everything they touch, wipe down toys,” advises Dr. Gold. Pay attention to surfaces that lots of hands touch, such as door knobs, faucets, and handles on the refrigerator and freezer.

• Don’t share. You want your kids to share when they're healthy, but encourage sick kids to be selfish. Cups, forks, spoons, toothbrushes, thermometers, medicine syringes, and anything else that goes near their eyes, mouth, or nose should be washed thoroughly before anyone else uses it. If you’re using saline nasal sprays to help relieve congestion, get a bottle for each child and label them.

• Vaccinate. Cold and flu season comes around every year, so you know what you’re facing. “Get flu shots for everybody,” advises Gold. Illness often spreads before you realize you have sick kids. You can’t vaccinate against the common cold, but you can take a stand against the flu.

• Set up a mini-quarantine. Sick kids can’t go to school, and they shouldn’t have the run of the house either, at least until their symptoms ease up. “A sick child will do better in a limited area,” says Dr. Anderson. Limiting the places your child can rest while sick will also limit exposure for the rest of the family.

• Take care of yourself. Even when you’re caring for your sick kids and keeping up with your other obligations, try to get enough sleep and eat healthy. You’ll resist illness better if you stay strong, rested, and well-nourished.

Happy Thanksgiving

We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a joyful holiday. Our office is currently closed, and we will return to the office on November 29, 2021. If you are experiencing a true dental emergency, please call our on-call number 904-762-5616 or text Dr. Henley directly at 904-434-7883

Is Your Thanksgiving Feast Good for Your Teeth?

Turkey

The Good: This main course is packed with protein.

The Bad: "Turkey can be difficult to eat because it sometimes gets stuck between your teeth," says ADA spokesperson Dr. Kim Harms. "That’s where flossing can help."

The MouthHealthy: It's the star of the Thanksgiving table. Gobble it up!

Cranberry Sauce

The Good: It's a tasty Thanksgiving tradition.

The Bad: Cranberries are naturally tart, so sugar or sugar substitutes are often added to recipes. This side dish can be sticky, acidic and may temporarily stain your teeth.

The MouthHealthy: If eaten alone the sugar content, stickiness, tendency for the little berries to get stuck between your teeth and acidity make it one of those foods that needs to be eaten with a meal."

Yams

The Good: Sweet potatoes are rich in Vitamins A and C, which help keep your gums healthy. They can also be prepared in many ways.

The Bad: Candied yam recipes call for marshmallows. Sticky foods can damage your teeth since they tend to stay on your teeth longer than other types of food.

The MouthHealthy: If candied, enjoy in moderation and drink plenty of water with your meal to help wash away any leftover food.

Green Bean Casserole

The Good: “Green beans are healthy, mushrooms are healthy, onions are healthy,” Dr. Harms says.

The Bad: “It can be sticky and little beans may get stuck in your teeth,” Dr. Harms says.

The MouthHealthy: Dig in! But you may want to keep a floss pick handy. “This is good stuff,” Dr. Harms says.

Macaroni and Cheese

The Good: Say cheese! Many recipes call for cheese and milk. The calcium from these ingredients helps strengthen teeth.

The Bad: “Good cheese can be gooey,” Dr. Harms says. White pastas are also starchy and can leave sugar behind on your teeth.

The MouthHealthy: As with many feast-worthy foods, eat a sensible portion and break out your brush and floss later.

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

The Good: “Potatoes are an important dietary source of vitamin C, B6 and potassium,” Dr. Harms says.

The Bad: Potatoes are starchy, and cavity-causing bacteria loves the sugar that makes up starch.

The MouthHealthy: “If covered with gravy, the health benefits of the overall dish are diminished to some extent, but this is a holiday and only comes once a year,” she says.

Pumpkin Pie

The Good: Pumpkin has Vitamin A, which helps keep your gums healthy and builds the hard outer shell of your teeth (enamel).

The Bad: There’s the added sugar in the pie itself and whatever whipped topping you put on top.

The MouthHealthy: This is usually a once-a-year treat, but dish it out after dinner. Eating sweets shortly after meals helps keep saliva flowing to wash away leftover food.

Best Foods for Healthy Teeth

You probably know that gooey, sticky candy isn't exactly great for your teeth. But when it comes to diet and your teeth, what you should eat is just as important as what you shouldn't.

"Variety and moderation are key to a diet for healthy teeth," says George Shepley, DDS, a dentist in private practice in Baltimore and a spokesperson for the Academy of General Dentistry. Strive for a balanced plate incorporating different options from each of the five major food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein. "Limiting or eliminating one of these groups can lead to vitamin or mineral deficiencies, which can affect your oral health," he says.

What’s more: Poor nutrition can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to other health problems, including gum disease, Dr. Shepley says.

Here are nine best things to eat and drink for healthy teeth:

Water.

Nothing hydrates like plain water — and it's good for your oral health, too. "It’s especially good to drink water after eating sugary foods because it helps rinse food particles from the teeth,” Shepley says. “This dilutes the acids produced from bacteria that are converting the sugar into acid.” It's best to drink water with fluoride to help strengthen teeth, and most tap water in the United States has it. It's especially important for children to get fluoride. Adding fluoride to the local water supply helped reduce tooth decay in children, according to research published in February 2015 in the journal Caries Research. Check with your local water company to make sure your tap water contains fluoride. If bottled water is your preference, find out if it contains fluoride. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bottled water manufacturers aren't generally required to include fluoride amounts on the label. Check with the manufacturer about fluoride in your preferred bottled water.

Milk.

Milk provides calcium, protein, and vitamin D, which helps the body better absorb calcium. "Vitamin D deficiency can lead to burning mouth syndrome — a painful condition in which a person feels a scalding sensation in the tongue, lips, palate, or throughout the mouth," Shepley says.

Lean protein.

Include plenty of lean cuts of meat, poultry, fish, and eggs in your diet. Your body needs the protein and your teeth need the phosphorous these foods contain. Phosphorous is important in protecting enamel, the protective layer on your teeth. Chicken and fish boast vitamin B3 (niacin), and almonds and other nuts offer vitamins B2 (riboflavin) and B12 as well as iron, all of which are important for healthy teeth and gums.

Sweet potatoes.

Shepley suggests these nutrient-rich root vegetables because they're a great source of vitamin A, which also helps protect the enamel on your teeth and ward off cavities.

Cheese and other dairy foods.

Cheese is a good choice for healthy teeth because it's rich in both calcium and protein, and it reduces acidity, Shepley says. Protein is an essential building block for growth, and calcium is important for strong teeth. "Yogurt is a good choice, and it also has probiotics, which supply healthy bacteria."

Leafy greens and crunchy produce.

Spinach, kale, and other leafy greens offer a healthy dose of nutrients for teeth and gums. Spinach is rich in both vitamin A and vitamins B2 and B12. Shepley suggests eating a crunchy apple, carrots, or celery to promote saliva production, which dilutes acids and helps remove debris from your teeth.

Tea.

Both green and black teas can help inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth, Shepley says. Green teas also offer antioxidants that promote overall health.

Oranges, strawberries, and other vitamin-C-rich fruits and veggies.

Vitamin C promotes healthy gums and quick healing of wounds, Shepley says. "Severe vitamin C deficiency can result in bleeding gums or loose teeth.”

Sugar-free gum.

In between meals, pop in a stick of sugar-free gum. "Chewing sugarless gum is very useful for stimulating saliva and cleaning teeth," Shepley says. Just avoid chewing for long periods of time to prevent your jaw from getting sore.