Is Fluoride OK For Kids?

When it comes to our kids we always want what is best, whether their schools, opportunities, or products related to their health. As parents know, good oral hygiene begins before your child pops their first tooth. However, just what products to use that are safe—both for their teeth and their body as a whole—can be confusing. Just like with adult products, the options are endless for toothbrushes, toothpastes and mouthwash. 

 

So, what about fluoride? 

 

First, should you use a toothpaste that contains fluoride for your children? Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical ion found in rocks, soil, and water; however, it does not exist on its own. To harness its benefits, it must be produced though a scientific process. Harnessing the ion was a scientific achievement in the early 1900s, and its benefits are so widespread that it was added to water in the 20th century. 

 

Naturally-occurring bacteria in your mouth feed on the outer surfaces of your teeth, which leads to plaque, and then cavities and decay. Fluoride works by protecting your teeth and making them stronger and more resistant to this acid. Fluoride has been added in toothpaste since 1914, and has led to a significant decline in cavities.  

 

Is it safe for kids? 

 

As you know, most adult toothpaste contains fluoride; however, there were some concerns with children ingesting it in large quantities. The American Academy of Pediatrics has realized the benefits of fluoride and officially recommends choosing a toothpaste for children that contains it.  

 

It’s recommended to choose a fluorinated toothpaste for children as soon as they get their first tooth. Since children this young lack the ability to spit out excess, it’s also important to only use a rice grain-sized amount on the toothbrush. This will allow for enough distribution on the teeth to begin forming the cavity-fighting layers. Fluoride toothpastes has been shown to reduce cavities in kids between 15 and 30 percent. 

 

How about fluoride in mouthwash? 

 

Unlike toothpaste, experts recommend waiting until a child is older to introduce mouthwash. Ensuring children do not ingest too much fluoride—which could result in a condition called fluorosis—is important when considering when to introduce mouthwash. Prior to allowing your child to try it, make sure they are physically capable of holding a liquid in their mouth, swishing, and spitting. While it seems easy, children are conditioned to swallow liquids in their mouth. If your child can do these steps with water, then they are likely ready to move on to mouthwash. 

 

Mouthwash is intended to boost the benefits of brushing and flossing your teeth. Make sure your children know it’s in addition to, and not a replacement of, brushing or flossing. Mouthwash can be beneficial to all children, however, for those with braces, they could find it’s an especially good tool to get food out of all the hard-to-reach places. Prior to incorporating a mouthwash into your child’s routine, speak to your dentist to make sure they are ready.  

 

While fluoride is an essential tool to fighting cavities, it’s important to be on the lookout for dental fluorosis. This condition is caused prior to age eight and is caused by getting too much fluoride when the teeth are forming in the gums. It’s estimated that fewer than one in four people have this purely cosmetic condition. To minimize the risk, use the appropriate amount of toothpaste and teach your children how to spit it out instead of swallowing. If you have any concerns about the products you’re using, feel free to reach out to discuss it with us.

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Family Halloween Costume Hacks

Halloween is just around the corner, along with Trick-or-Treat, school and church Trunk-or-Treats, and Halloween parties. You know what’s scarier than ghosts or ghouls? Waiting until the last minute to figure out Halloween costumes for the whole family. With back to school and Labor Day, and fall sports starting again, it’s understandable how Halloween sneaks right up. Before you know it, it’ll be the end of October! 

 

Instead of panicking and enduring unnecessary stress the weekend (or days) before, we’ve curated an easy and affordable list of costume ideas and tips for you. From scary to silly, your whole family is sure to be set this Halloween! 

 

Toy Story Family 

 

Kids and adults alike are drawn to the classic movie, Toy Story. Parents can easily repurpose their wardrobe to go as Woody and Jessie by simply donning jeans, boots, and a cowboy hat. Kids can choose from a number of characters, from Hamm the Piggy Bank to Buzz, or the trio of aliens. This is a great option for families of all sizes, because the options are endless. 

 

Sweet Treats  

 

Get inspiration from the very treats you will be receiving, and send the family out as assorted candy bars. This costume can be affordably assembled by making a sandwich board out of old boxes. Have the kids get to work, either painting or coloring the cardboard to finish it off. If cardboard is too difficult to find or cut, felt is another easy material that is both easy to move in and warm if Trick-or-Treat night is cooler than expected! 

 

Tall, Grande, and Venti 

 

Can’t get enough of your morning brew? Dress the family up in corresponding coffee-cup sizes for a latte fun! Coffee cups can easily be molded from poster board or extra cardboard, and stuffed with tulle to mimic foam. Use a pool floaty noodle as a straw and make sure to spell your name incorrectly on the side of the cup. Why say boo, when you can say brew! 

 

Work with what you have 

 

Want to add a little pizazz to your family costumes? Consider adding in your wagon or stroller to complete the ensemble. For the littlest of family members who may have a hard time keeping up, consider upgrading your wagon to an airplane or space ship for the night. Styrofoam can be cut into the shape of wings or thrusters to give real liftoff. The whole family can dress as corresponding astronauts or pilots. If you want to really outdo yourself, many of the Star Wars ships can be replicated with a little (or a lot of) extra effort.  

 

Fit Together  

 

Everyone loves the game Tetris, so why not send the family as individual pieces who all fit together when standing still? This costume is geared for the older kids, since it is somewhat complicated to navigate walking in a larger than life game piece. 

 

While you won’t need to be an engineer to make this costume, it will take a little ingenuity and time. But the reactions you’ll get from your neighbors will make it well worth it! First, the boxes should all hit (around the shin) at the same place for the whole family, so for the shorter family members, you will need smaller boxes as opposed to longer ones for taller participants. Once you shape the boxes, paint them different colors and add the corresponding lines to make individual blocks. Don’t forget to cut in a hole for you face! Once assembled, test out all the possibilities on how you fit together as a unit.  

 

Use this Halloween to flex your creative muscles, and as an opportunity to do something as a family. Save the stress for after Halloween — when you have to figure out what you should do with all that candy!

The post Family Halloween Costume Hacks appeared first on Fort Worth Dentist | 7th Street District | H. Peter Ku, D.D.S. PA.

Work-Life Balance…?

No matter how much you love your job, there’s always the internal tension on how to best achieve work-life balance. The demands of raising children or caring for aging parents can directly impact how you feel about your job, schedule, and priorities. Here at Dr. Ku’s office, we are proud of our talented employees and encourage each of them to make decisions that best fit the needs of their work and home schedule. We work together as a team to support each other in both our professional and personal endeavors. 

 

If you are looking to create more of a work-life balance—or any balance—we’ve outlined a set of our best practices that guide our team to be the very best. 

 

Examine what works and what you want 

 

First, if you’re even thinking about work-life balance, there’s probably a chain of (stressful) events that led you here. Find some quiet space and think about why you are looking to make a change. This will help you separate the emotional reasons from the logical reasons. Be sure to talk to important people in your life, too, like your spouse or best friend to come up with a plan that provides the balance you want. They sometimes have insight or ideas that you’ve already missed.  

 

Company policies 

 

If you determine that real changes need to be made at work, it can be intimidating to talk to your employer. Before taking that first step, examine what policies your organization currently has on the books. There is no need to recreate the wheel if there’s a functioning procedure in place. Look to your company handbook or meet with HR to determine what options currently exist.  

 

Communicate 

 

When the time comes to raise the issue with your supervisor, communicate the plan that would work best for you as well as why this will be beneficial to the company. Make sure to emphasize how both parties will be benefit in this equation. 

 

For example, if your office has a West Coast presence and you are open to staying up later, volunteer to take the calls with California off a coworker’s plate. Consider having backup plans to pitch as well. Don’t take initial resistance as failure. Many workplaces are just now considering options for increased work-life balance. 

 

Practice saying “No” 

 

Work-life balance is not just about your work schedule. Don’t feel guilted into accepting every volunteer position or opportunity thrust upon you. Make room in your schedule for things that bring you joy! If you’re stressed from running your school’s carnival, and being a room mom, and a full-time job, then there is no doubt that tension between home and work life will be a manageable feat. Saying no doesn’t make you a bad person—it makes you a responsible person, for your own well-being and that of your family. 

 

Let go of guilt 

 

So, you said no, and now you feel guilty. Release that guilt. Just like it will take time to get used to saying no, it will take time to get used to releasing the subsequent guilt. While we all wish for “more time in the day” to accomplish everything, it’s just not possible. Prioritize what you love, and don’t look back on what could have been. Allow yourself to cherish pockets of personal time to complete a loved hobby, or to just sit in a coffee shop! 

 

Work-life balance doesn’t have to be a modern-day unicorn. By following these steps, you will set yourself up for success in both your professional and personal life.

The post Work-Life Balance…? appeared first on Fort Worth Dentist | 7th Street District | H. Peter Ku, D.D.S. PA.

Work-Life Balance…?

No matter how much you love your job, there’s always the internal tension on how to best achieve work-life balance. The demands of raising children or caring for aging parents can directly impact how you feel about your job, schedule, and priorities. Here at Dr. Ku’s office, we are proud of our talented employees and encourage each of them to make decisions that best fit the needs of their work and home schedule. We work together as a team to support each other in both our professional and personal endeavors. 

 

If you are looking to create more of a work-life balance—or any balance—we’ve outlined a set of our best practices that guide our team to be the very best. 

 

Examine what works and what you want 

 

First, if you’re even thinking about work-life balance, there’s probably a chain of (stressful) events that led you here. Find some quiet space and think about why you are looking to make a change. This will help you separate the emotional reasons from the logical reasons. Be sure to talk to important people in your life, too, like your spouse or best friend to come up with a plan that provides the balance you want. They sometimes have insight or ideas that you’ve already missed.  

 

Company policies 

 

If you determine that real changes need to be made at work, it can be intimidating to talk to your employer. Before taking that first step, examine what policies your organization currently has on the books. There is no need to recreate the wheel if there’s a functioning procedure in place. Look to your company handbook or meet with HR to determine what options currently exist.  

 

Communicate 

 

When the time comes to raise the issue with your supervisor, communicate the plan that would work best for you as well as why this will be beneficial to the company. Make sure to emphasize how both parties will be benefit in this equation. 

 

For example, if your office has a West Coast presence and you are open to staying up later, volunteer to take the calls with California off a coworker’s plate. Consider having backup plans to pitch as well. Don’t take initial resistance as failure. Many workplaces are just now considering options for increased work-life balance. 

 

Practice saying “No” 

 

Work-life balance is not just about your work schedule. Don’t feel guilted into accepting every volunteer position or opportunity thrust upon you. Make room in your schedule for things that bring you joy! If you’re stressed from running your school’s carnival, and being a room mom, and a full-time job, then there is no doubt that tension between home and work life will be a manageable feat. Saying no doesn’t make you a bad person—it makes you a responsible person, for your own well-being and that of your family. 

 

Let go of guilt 

 

So, you said no, and now you feel guilty. Release that guilt. Just like it will take time to get used to saying no, it will take time to get used to releasing the subsequent guilt. While we all wish for “more time in the day” to accomplish everything, it’s just not possible. Prioritize what you love, and don’t look back on what could have been. Allow yourself to cherish pockets of personal time to complete a loved hobby, or to just sit in a coffee shop! 

 

Work-life balance doesn’t have to be a modern-day unicorn. By following these steps, you will set yourself up for success in both your professional and personal life.

The post Work-Life Balance…? appeared first on Fort Worth Dentist | 7th Street District | H. Peter Ku, D.D.S. PA.

The Secret to Getting Kids to Brush Their Teeth

When tasking children to brush their teeth, all adults know exactly what we’re asking of them. This straightforward request can take on new meanings in the simple, yet very literal mind of a child. In our house, to avoid loopholes and “forgetfulness,” we allowed the kids to practice brushing their teeth while a parent looked on, and then had Mom or Dad provide a little helping hand at the end to make sure all the nooks and crannies were reached. 

 

One night, after what I can only assume was a long day, I sent the little one in with the instructions to brush his teeth. I didn’t even stop to think about the Hallmark that this was as his first “solo drive,” as it was the same routine we’d practiced together for what seemed like years on end. 

 

After a few minutes of silence (which is always worrisome in the parenting world), I decided to venture into the bathroom to bat cleanup on the toothbrushing. To my utter and complete amazement, there stood the little one, high on their tiptoes using a hair brush to meticulously brush his teeth. Utter confusion faded into hysterical laughter. In between gasps for air, I asked what he was doing. “I’m brushing my teeth, Mommy,” my boy said with an air of confidence.  

 

Well, of course you are. You are literally doing exactly what I asked. 

 

But, back to the point… 

 

After this, I knew that “brushing your teeth” would never mean the same thing in my family again. While I wish this funny experience made all of our teeth-brushing woes fade away, the truth is, making this habit stick can be hard. Kids evade brushing their teeth like the plague. They’ll even release the tap to let running water give off the sounds that they’re being obedient, and even think to wet the toothbrush in case of examination. 

 

It seems like the time that goes into scheming these elaborate cover-ups would be better spent actually accomplishing the task. 

 

So, how do you get kids to regularly brush their teeth? Bottom line, you have to make it fun.  

 

While ranking somewhere above doing your taxes, we all know brushing your teeth doesn’t ring high on the fun-o-meter. To make this a fun activity, consider letting your child brush your teeth first. This is particularly great for the younger set who love to mimic what adults are doing. One word of warning, watch out for their quick movements—they love to jab you with the brush! 

 

If you aren’t quite up for a kid-controlled toothbrush in your mouth, have your child brush their stuffed animals’ teeth. To make it more interactive, grab a puppet and open its mouth nice and wide. This is a quick activity that can be easily added into the bedtime routine. In addition, kids, just like us, have preferences. Take your kids to the store and let them pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. Even consider using this as a reward. The more you brush, the sooner you will need fancy new toothbrushes or your preferred-flavor of toothpaste. Thank goodness for Disney-themed toothbrushes! 

 

When you’re out, and the sitter is in 

 

Finally, if you think it is hard for you to brush their teeth, don’t forget how hard it might be for a babysitter or grandparents who are staying with your kids at night. Set your sitter up for success by laying out your kids’ favorite toothbrush and toothpaste. Also, if your child enjoys brushing someone else’s teeth (or their stuffed animals’), make sure the caregiver knows to expect this step. 

 

On nights you’re away, encourage your child to brush a stuffed animal’s teeth to “show” the sitter how to do it before they brush the child’s. This will make the child feel more in control of the situation and hopefully ease any anxieties. All in all, remember it is only one night.   

 

Encouraging good oral health starts at a young age. Even when it seems hard, or your child has figured out every trick in the book to deceive you, creating and sticking to a good routine will help support a lifetime of good habits.

The post The Secret to Getting Kids to Brush Their Teeth appeared first on Fort Worth Dentist | 7th Street District | H. Peter Ku, D.D.S. PA.

The Secret to Getting Kids to Brush Their Teeth

When tasking children to brush their teeth, all adults know exactly what we’re asking of them. This straightforward request can take on new meanings in the simple, yet very literal mind of a child. In our house, to avoid loopholes and “forgetfulness,” we allowed the kids to practice brushing their teeth while a parent looked on, and then had Mom or Dad provide a little helping hand at the end to make sure all the nooks and crannies were reached. 

 

One night, after what I can only assume was a long day, I sent the little one in with the instructions to brush his teeth. I didn’t even stop to think about the Hallmark that this was as his first “solo drive,” as it was the same routine we’d practiced together for what seemed like years on end. 

 

After a few minutes of silence (which is always worrisome in the parenting world), I decided to venture into the bathroom to bat cleanup on the toothbrushing. To my utter and complete amazement, there stood the little one, high on their tiptoes using a hair brush to meticulously brush his teeth. Utter confusion faded into hysterical laughter. In between gasps for air, I asked what he was doing. “I’m brushing my teeth, Mommy,” my boy said with an air of confidence.  

 

Well, of course you are. You are literally doing exactly what I asked. 

 

But, back to the point… 

 

After this, I knew that “brushing your teeth” would never mean the same thing in my family again. While I wish this funny experience made all of our teeth-brushing woes fade away, the truth is, making this habit stick can be hard. Kids evade brushing their teeth like the plague. They’ll even release the tap to let running water give off the sounds that they’re being obedient, and even think to wet the toothbrush in case of examination. 

 

It seems like the time that goes into scheming these elaborate cover-ups would be better spent actually accomplishing the task. 

 

So, how do you get kids to regularly brush their teeth? Bottom line, you have to make it fun.  

 

While ranking somewhere above doing your taxes, we all know brushing your teeth doesn’t ring high on the fun-o-meter. To make this a fun activity, consider letting your child brush your teeth first. This is particularly great for the younger set who love to mimic what adults are doing. One word of warning, watch out for their quick movements—they love to jab you with the brush! 

 

If you aren’t quite up for a kid-controlled toothbrush in your mouth, have your child brush their stuffed animals’ teeth. To make it more interactive, grab a puppet and open its mouth nice and wide. This is a quick activity that can be easily added into the bedtime routine. In addition, kids, just like us, have preferences. Take your kids to the store and let them pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. Even consider using this as a reward. The more you brush, the sooner you will need fancy new toothbrushes or your preferred-flavor of toothpaste. Thank goodness for Disney-themed toothbrushes! 

 

When you’re out, and the sitter is in 

 

Finally, if you think it is hard for you to brush their teeth, don’t forget how hard it might be for a babysitter or grandparents who are staying with your kids at night. Set your sitter up for success by laying out your kids’ favorite toothbrush and toothpaste. Also, if your child enjoys brushing someone else’s teeth (or their stuffed animals’), make sure the caregiver knows to expect this step. 

 

On nights you’re away, encourage your child to brush a stuffed animal’s teeth to “show” the sitter how to do it before they brush the child’s. This will make the child feel more in control of the situation and hopefully ease any anxieties. All in all, remember it is only one night.   

 

Encouraging good oral health starts at a young age. Even when it seems hard, or your child has figured out every trick in the book to deceive you, creating and sticking to a good routine will help support a lifetime of good habits.

The post The Secret to Getting Kids to Brush Their Teeth appeared first on Fort Worth Dentist | 7th Street District | H. Peter Ku, D.D.S. PA.

Wings Over Dallas

The Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow is up in action again! This weekend, October 6-8, a blast from the past can give the whole family liftoff. 

 

Whether by enjoying the airshow, getting some education about WWII aircraft, or purchasing rides to experience these planes first-hand, this event will be a family favorite (if it isn’t already). Enjoy the best selection of vintage aircraft at the 2017 CAF Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow. 

 

The biggest aircraft museum in the country 

With over 165 functional retro airplanes, CAF stands as the largest aircraft museum. Unsurprisingly, their airshow Wings Over Dallas represents the premium WWI airshow in the country. This is an event where you can fly back in time and encourage a memorable educational experience for your kids, while crossing off a bucket list item for yourself. 

 

From incredible vintage flight demonstrations and cockpit tours, to an endless spread of family activities and appearances by decorated war veterans, there’s something here for every member of your family.  

 

What’s different this year? 

Last year was the first time this spectacle was held, and this year it’ll launch once again at Dallas Executive Airport. The show attracted almost 20,000 visitors from more than 30 states in 2016. Organizers expect an even bigger show this year, and so prepared for significantly increased attendance—this year, there are four times the seats provided in last year’s airshow. Some guests this year will even be flying in during the course of events. 

 

“Last year’s event was the first airshow in Dallas for more than 30 years”, explained CFA President Robert Stenevik. “This year will be bigger and better, with a goal to make CAF Wings Over Dallas the nation’s preeminent annual World War II-themed airshow and military reenactment event.” Mr. Stenevik’s comments were published in the Globe Newswire. 

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid, and the organizers promised a reenactment of this post-Pearl Harbor attack on Japan. Besides eight B-25 bomber planes, the Doolittle Raid reprise will include accompaniment by pyrotechnics with dramatic sound effects. 

 

Aircraft rides 

Aerial demonstrations will be performed by more than 80 WWII-era aircrafts. You can apply in advance for the majority of these offerings in order to secure your spot. Aircraft rides can be experienced in heavy bombers, fighters and cargo/trainer planes. Some of these can be requested on-site, and some of them have a fixed schedule. Be sure you check the Wings Over Dallas website for the detailed schedule of aircraft rides. 

 

The event will also showcase famous military ground vehicles. 

 

 

Take your kids or students to Education Day 

Education Day falls on October 6, the first day of the Wings Over Dallas Airshow. On Friday, October 6th, parents or educators can take their kids on a free fieldtrip-gone-history-class. As visiting veterans take the time to share their war experiences with children, the history will unfold once again in Dallas over the course of this spectacular event. Education Day will also incorporate other activities, and the Airshow’s organizers have invited local schools to bring their students to provide them with this top-notch living history lecture. 

The post Wings Over Dallas appeared first on Fort Worth Dentist | 7th Street District | H. Peter Ku, D.D.S. PA.

Wings Over Dallas

The Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow is up in action again! This weekend, October 6-8, a blast from the past can give the whole family liftoff. 

 

Whether by enjoying the airshow, getting some education about WWII aircraft, or purchasing rides to experience these planes first-hand, this event will be a family favorite (if it isn’t already). Enjoy the best selection of vintage aircraft at the 2017 CAF Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow. 

 

The biggest aircraft museum in the country 

With over 165 functional retro airplanes, CAF stands as the largest aircraft museum. Unsurprisingly, their airshow Wings Over Dallas represents the premium WWI airshow in the country. This is an event where you can fly back in time and encourage a memorable educational experience for your kids, while crossing off a bucket list item for yourself. 

 

From incredible vintage flight demonstrations and cockpit tours, to an endless spread of family activities and appearances by decorated war veterans, there’s something here for every member of your family.  

 

What’s different this year? 

Last year was the first time this spectacle was held, and this year it’ll launch once again at Dallas Executive Airport. The show attracted almost 20,000 visitors from more than 30 states in 2016. Organizers expect an even bigger show this year, and so prepared for significantly increased attendance—this year, there are four times the seats provided in last year’s airshow. Some guests this year will even be flying in during the course of events. 

 

“Last year’s event was the first airshow in Dallas for more than 30 years”, explained CFA President Robert Stenevik. “This year will be bigger and better, with a goal to make CAF Wings Over Dallas the nation’s preeminent annual World War II-themed airshow and military reenactment event.” Mr. Stenevik’s comments were published in the Globe Newswire. 

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Doolittle Raid, and the organizers promised a reenactment of this post-Pearl Harbor attack on Japan. Besides eight B-25 bomber planes, the Doolittle Raid reprise will include accompaniment by pyrotechnics with dramatic sound effects. 

 

Aircraft rides 

Aerial demonstrations will be performed by more than 80 WWII-era aircrafts. You can apply in advance for the majority of these offerings in order to secure your spot. Aircraft rides can be experienced in heavy bombers, fighters and cargo/trainer planes. Some of these can be requested on-site, and some of them have a fixed schedule. Be sure you check the Wings Over Dallas website for the detailed schedule of aircraft rides. 

 

The event will also showcase famous military ground vehicles. 

 

 

Take your kids or students to Education Day 

Education Day falls on October 6, the first day of the Wings Over Dallas Airshow. On Friday, October 6th, parents or educators can take their kids on a free fieldtrip-gone-history-class. As visiting veterans take the time to share their war experiences with children, the history will unfold once again in Dallas over the course of this spectacular event. Education Day will also incorporate other activities, and the Airshow’s organizers have invited local schools to bring their students to provide them with this top-notch living history lecture. 

The post Wings Over Dallas appeared first on Fort Worth Dentist | 7th Street District | H. Peter Ku, D.D.S. PA.