February is National Children's Dental Health Month! It is also an issue as parents that we should be focusing on all year long. Not only do we start saving for college when our kids are born, most of us at some point will need a savings set aside for our children's dental work.

I was shocked when I learned my second grader was ready to wear a headgear and a retainer to start the first phase of her corrections. Although, when I reflected back at how humiliating I thought it was to wear one in junior high, I began to see that earlier could be better at least for their self esteem. I also learned that when the process starts earlier, the teeth are more responsive since their mouths are still developing. We have amazing pediatric dentists and orthodontists in our community who are wonderful with children and make the experience of getting your teeth cleaned or putting on braces fun. Braces are now much more trendy since you can pick different styles and colors. My daughter was able to pick a tattoo for her retainer and kids actually thought she was lucky to have it.

I think the most important thing to remember when choosing the right dentist is to find someone you and your children feel comfortable with. The kids will love the fun little rewards they get after their visits and the flavored cleaners they use. I would not mind having a few of these incentives when I go to see my dentist!

We have included some great articles below... whether your child is waiting for his/her first tooth or wearing braces. Learn more about the right time to floss, how often to brush, foods to avoid and more. Teaching your kids to brush and floss the correct way is one of the best ways to prevent more issues later on and to create healthy habits now.

THE TOOTH FAIRY... And on a side note, what about the tooth fairy? Does she come to your house? How much does she leave under the pillow? Does she have any special routine, perhaps leaving gold fairy dust behind? We invite you to share on family favorites for those of us who forget and then have tearful children in the morning.

SAVE THE DATE! There will be more than 100 businesses/nonprofits and 3 great discussion panels.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by age one.  In support of this goal, Drs. Ruby and Rochon are offering complimentary “well infant” dental visits for infants younger than age one.  The visit is centered around education and prevention and will include an infant hygiene and caries prevention kit ($25 value).  Both the “well infant” exam and kit are free of charge.  Please call to schedule.  Santa Barbara office - (805) 963-4404.  Santa Ynez office - (805) 686-2400.

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According to the Surgeon General's Oral Health in America report, children miss more than 51 million hours of school each year due to dental-related health conditions. Also, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, nearly 50% of children have tooth decay before age 5. This is a staggering figure, but is reversible. Because young children’s teeth are very important for eating and speaking clearly, helping a child maintain a proper dental health care routine is key to his/her overall development.

First 5 Santa Barbara is helping raise awareness about the importance of oral health for young children and encourages parents and caregivers to begin taking care of children’s teeth and gums early on with the following helpful tips:

• As soon as the child’s first tooth comes in, begin brushing every day.
• Visit the dentist when the child’s first tooth comes in, and every year after that for a check-up.
• Monitor what the child eats, as it can affect his or her dental health. Avoid candy and sugary drinks like soda that can cause cavities.
• Prevent tooth decay by not letting the child suck on a bottle or sippy cup filled with milk or juice for a long time. If he or she needs a bottle at bedtime, fill it with water.

One of the major factors affecting the success, efficiency and comfort of orthodontic patient treatment is the accuracy of how the braces are placed on the teeth. While it is possible to place the braces directly on the patient's teeth, the process is tedious for both the orthodontist and the patient, often requiring the patient to remain with their mouth open for an extended period of time while the braces are placed one by one. As you can imagine, it is a challenge for both the patient and the orthodontist when the braces are placed on a moving target that is upside down, backwards, dark and wet with saliva!

With the indirect method, the orthodontist carefully places the braces on a model of the teeth taking the time to position them precisely using the patients x-rays and photographs for reference. This process is completed without the patient needing to be present. When the patient arrives for their appointment to place the braces, everything is waiting for them. The patient is seated and the teeth are prepared comfortably. The braces are then transferred all together to the teeth using a custom silicone transfer tray and the process is complete in just a few minutes!

Patient comfort is improved but so is accuracy. The time spent in braces is often shortened by 4 to 6 months with a better result.

~Submitted by Raymond G. W. Kubisch, DDS, MSD l Kubisch Orthodontics