Apple Juice: Inorganic Arsenic Levels Found in Popular Brands

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

The Food and Drug Administration has reiterated its finding that apple juice sold across the US is safe to drink when looking at the amount of naturally occurring arsenic levels. Although these levels are well below the agency’s “level of concern,” new guidelines need to be set for the appropriate level of inorganic arsenic.

“Arsenic and apple juice have become a recurring theme in food safety politics. Consumer groups point out that most U.S. apple juice is imported from China and other countries, and they fear some of it may be tainted with arsenic and other heavy metals,” (FoodSafetyNews.com). 

The FDA has previously stressed the importance of distinguishing between organic and inorganic arsenic.  

Organic arsenic is considered part of the natural environment, present in small amounts in drinking water and foods and essentially harmless.

Inorganic arsenic is the poison made famous by mystery writer Agatha Christie.

This issue became more popular earlier this year when The Dr. Oz Show publicized results of private tests showing arsenic levels higher than the FDA level of concern (23 parts per billion) in a number of popular brands of apple juice (FoodSafetyNews.com). 

Dr. Stacey Reynolds and Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City suggest avoiding ALL juices! Not only do they have harmful additives, they are destroying children’s teeth! 

To read the full article published by FoodSafetyNews.com, click HERE. If you have any questions, post them on our Facebook Wall: Facebook.com/PediatricDentistryofGC.

When can my child start brushing his own teeth? Your question answered in Parents Magazine!

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

 

Chewing Sugarless Gum Protects Your Teeth...

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Although there is a negative connotation on gum chewing and the effects it has on your teeth, the American Dental Association (ADA) has placed its’ ADA Seal of approval on a few types of sugarless gum. 

Chewing gum has been viewed as a kind of candy, which turns parents and dentists off from the product. This category of the ADA Seal recognizes chewing gum that has demonstrated scientifically that it can protect the teeth! 

According to the ADA, the physical act of chewing increases the flow of saliva in your mouth. If you chew gum after eating, the increased salivary flow can help neutralize and was away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on your teeth. Increased saliva flow also carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel. 

Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for about 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay. Look for chewing gum that has the ADA Seal of approval, which gives you assurance that the product has been objectively evaluated for safety and effectiveness by an independent body of scientific experts, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. You can trust that claims made on packaging and labeling for ADA-Accepted products are true, because the companies must verify all of the information with the ADA. 

A company earns the ADA Seal for its product by showing with scientific evidence that the chewing gum is effective for one or more specific indications, such as reducing plaque acids, promoting remineralization of tooth enamel, reducing cavities and/or reducing gingivitis. The studies must also show that the gum is safe to oral tissues.

Choose sugarless gum with the ADA Seal, such as Dentyne Ice Sugarless Gum, Stride Sugarless Gum, Trident Sugarfree Gum, Wrigley’s Extra Sugarfree Gum and Wrigley’s ORBIT Sugarfree Gum. These are sweetened by non-cavity causing sweeteners such as aspartame, sorbitol or mannitol. Chewing sugarless gum has been shown to increase the flow of saliva, thereby reducing plaque acid, strengthening the teeth and reducing tooth decay. 

Before you trade your tooth brush for a pack of gum, realize that chewing gum is an adjunct to brushing and flossing, not a substitute.

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City is Giving a Very Special Gift This Holiday Season

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

This holiday season, Dr. Stacey Reynolds and everyone at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City is going to give a very special gift to a very special cause for children.

For every NEW Facebook “LIKE” in the month of December, Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City will donate $1 to the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association. 

The Prader-Willi Syndrome is the most common known genetic cause of life-threatening obesity in children. Although the cause is complex, it results from an abnormality on the 15^th chromosome. It occurs in boys and girls equally, and across all races. 

Children suffering from Prader-Willi Syndrome typically have low muscle tone, short stature, incomplete sexual development, and a chronic feeling of hunger that, couple with a metabolism that utilizes drastically fewer calories than normal, can lead to excessive eating and life-threatening obesity.

The excessive food compulsion makes constant supervision necessary. Additionally, the average IQ of children with Prader-Willi Syndrome is 70, but even those with normal IQ’s almost all have learning disabilities. Social deficits exist in conjunction with motor insufficiencies. 

At birth, the infant typically has low birth weight for gestation, hypotonia (weak muscles), and difficulty sucking due to the hypotonia which can lead to a diagnosis of failure to thrive. 

The second stage (“thriving too well”), has a typical onset between the ages of two and five, but can develop later. The hyperphagia (extreme unsatisfied drive to consume food) lasts throughout the lifetime. 

Children with Prader-Willi Syndrome have sweet and loving personalities, but this phase (hyperphagia) is also characterized by increased appetite, weight control issues, and motor development delays along with some behavior problems and unique medical issues.

All you have to do is spread the word to “LIKE” the Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City Facebook page and the money raised will directly help the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association with medical funding for research; hosting the annual medical conference about Prader-Willi; medical updates, consultations and emergency aid; support through a crisis intervention program and 800 number; crisis intervention funding; education materials; support the state chapters; endowment funding and numerous support programs for new parent and grandparent mentoring and bereavement. 

Please help us this holiday season to give a beautiful gift to a wonderful cause! Spread the word on your personal Facebook account to “LIKE” Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City to help the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association!

When Should Your Child Brush His Own Teeth? A surprising answer...

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

When should your kid’s start brushing their own teeth? 

You should definitely be helping your child brush his/her teeth until he/she turns about seven or eight years old. Up until that point, little kids simply don’t have the dexterity to reach every tooth properly. A rule of thumb to follow: if your child can’t write in cursive, then he/she can’t brush their own teeth.

While you should be brushing your child’s teeth until he/she reaches age seven or eight, keep in mind that they do need to practice in order to learn the proper techniques. So, take turns! Let your child brush first and then you go in and do another round, or vice versa. 

A second rule of thumb about brushing is you should brush for no less than two minutes; one minute on the top and one minute on the bottom, minimum. Turn the timing into a game! Play a song, tell a story or go on a “germ” hunt with a timer set. You can come up with some pretty creative ideas to keep your child interested in brushing for two minutes! 

Don’t forget about flossing! Although it can be tough to get your child to stand still for it, it’s the only way to slough off the plaque that accumulates between teeth and below the gums, where a toothbrush can’t reach. 

For more information, visit PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com.

Frequently Asked Questions about Children's Oral Health

 Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City

585 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530

516-222-5100 

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has answered some of your most frequently asked questions about children’s oral health. Below are a few of the Q’s&A’s. To read through all the “Frequently Asked Questions,” visit AAPD.org, or click HERE.

What should I use to clean my baby’s teeth?

A toothbrush will remove plaque bacteria that can lead to decay. Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically for infants, should be used at least once a day at bedtime. 

When should I take my child to the dentist for the first check-up?

In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a pediatric dentist when the first tooth appears, or no later than his/her first birthday.

What is the difference between a pediatric dentist and a family dentist?

Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. A pediatric dentist has two to three years specialty training following dental school and limits his/her practice to treating children only. Pediatric dentists are primary and specialty oral care providers for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health needs. 

Are baby teeth really that important to my child?

Primary, or "baby," teeth are important for many reasons. Not only do they help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming a path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. 

What should I do if my child has a toothache?

First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water and place a cold compress on the face if it is swollen. Give the child acetaminophen for any pain, rather than placing aspirin on the teeth or gums. Finally, see Dr. Reynolds at Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City as soon as possible. 

How can I prevent decay caused by nursing?

Avoid nursing children to sleep or putting anything other than water in their bed-time bottle. Also, learn the proper way to brush and floss your child's teeth. Take your child to Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City regularly to have his/her teeth and gums checked. The first dental visit should be scheduled by your child's first birthday. 

Do you still have questions? If so, post them on Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City's Facebook wall for Dr. Reynolds to answer!