Ask anyone at CDCI why they work in the dental field and they'll tell you it's because they love helping people! Our doctors and staff make helping the kids of our community their daily mission - and we don't let that limit us to just your dental appointments! We host an annual food drive, serve as a designated Toys for Tots drop off center, and much, much more throughout the year. Check out our community outreach gallery to learn more!
We love inviting our patients and their families to join us in giving back to the community by participating in our events. Make sure you follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@cdci_kuba) to keep up with our latest activities. We hope to see you at our next event!
Earlier this month we celebrated National Dental Hygienists Appreciation Week and spotlighted our 3 superstar hygienists, Maria, Rocio, and Darby!
So what does a dental hygienist do? . . . So much more than "just clean teeth!" Dental hygienists are trained to:
Remove bacteria-filled plaque and tartar from the mouth
Administer fluoride treatments
Apply sealants
Take x-rays
Assess a patient's oral health and report to the dentist
Complete chart notes and clinical documentation
Educate patients about their oral health
What does it take to become a dental hygienist? . . . In the state of Texas, a registered dental hygienist completes a 2 or 4 year degree in dental hygiene studies - including biology, chemistry, and pharmacology - and then must pass a state board licensing exam. Hygienists are also required to complete continuing education every year to maintain their licensure. This equips the hygiene team to be fantastic oral health educators!
What kind of experience can my child expect with a pediatric trained dental hygienist? . . . At Children's Dental Centre of Irving, our top priorities are keeping kids cavity-free and creating positive dental memories! Hygienists who are trained to work with kids have multiple techniques and strategies to keep the visit positive and upbeat. They are also enthusiastic about patient education and enjoy encouraging children to take part in their oral health care at home.
Staying up to date with regular 6 month dental check-ups is a key element in building healthy habits for life! If your family is due for dental check-ups, please give us a call today at 214-484-3199 or book online.
The quality of our sleep has a major impact on a child's overall health and development!
Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?
What About Sleep Quality?
Quality sleep = restful sleep. When sleeping quality is poor, you may notice:
Snoring
Pauses, gasps, or snorting when breathing while asleep
Restless sleeping or sleeping in unusual positions
Hard time waking your child in the morning
Child is sleepy and/or inattentive during the day
Why is Sleep Health Important to Your Pediatric Dental Specialist?
Sleeping habits can affect your oral health! Your pediatric dental specialist may ask you questions about your child's sleeping habits, tonsils, and medical history at your child's check up. This may seem unrelated to their dental health, but habits like mouth-breathing, snoring, and grinding/clenching can put your child at a higher-than-normal risk for cavities!
Not only does sleep affect your child's oral health, but the structures inside the mouth, nose, and throat can affect your child's sleep! Our pediatric dental specialist regularly screen for signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, tongue posture, and other factors that could negatively affect your child's growth and development. We frequently coordinate referrals to pediatricians and/or an ENT specialists for follow up on concern areas.
Please keep in mind that this post is a general overview of sleep health and there are other risk factors and symptoms that can be associated with sleep disorders, oral health, and overall bodily well-being. Visit your pediatric dental specialist and your pediatrician regularly to discuss your child's specific medical and dental needs.
Traditionally, our hygienists spend the month of February visiting local preschools and daycares performing fun and engaging "Tooth Talks" to teach kids how to keep their smiles healthy and strong, but COVID-19 social-distancing precautions have prevented us from visiting this year. So we got creative and put together this fun kid's video that can be enjoyed all year round!
