Did You Know?

I guess it has been a few weeks since I posted something and we haven't really done anything too exciting but have been keeping busy. Kaelub got to spend 5 straight days with the kids a couple weeks ago because I had my AZ Dental Convention. We were both SUPER excited! :) I listened to speakers talk about all the latest news on prescription drugs, street drugs, how kids are using/making their own drugs, baby teeth and how to make coming to the dentist fun for kids, and my favorite class---Nutritional Supplements! Actually, I learned quite a bit and only got bored a couple times. Here are some of the things that I thought the general public/parent would find interesting (not just us crazy dental professionals):

Kids & Prescription Drugs/Street Drugs
*Vicadin is the #1 most abused prescription drug among teens
*Visit www.FDA.gov for the latest updates on all meds.
*If you have EVER in your life had a joint replacement, you need to take a premed. before getting your teeth cleaned. (www.AAOS.org)
*Inhalant drug use peaks in the 8th grade---usually use items like paint, markers, white out, computer keyboard cleaners, etc. The speaker told us about "whip-its", which kids get from Starbucks. They are a small metal attachment that go on their cans of whipped cream they use and contain nitrous oxide. Kids just ask for them and most of the time emplyees just give them this. Our speaker said he even went in to one Starbucks to try it and he had no problem getting one, no cost.
*"Pharm Parties"/"Pharming": Teens get prescription drugs from parents med cabinets or on the internet, and have parties where they put all the drugs in a bowl and everyone reaches in and takes a handful. Causing more drug overdose deaths now than cocaine & heroine combined!
*www.FIVEMOMS.com for more info on kids abusing over the counter drugs

Baby Teeth
*Don't share utensils/food with your baby unless you have good teeth/no cavities. :) You pass on the bacteria in your saliva to your baby, and if you are prone to getting a lot of cavities even though you brush and floss, you probably don't want your child to be blessed with the same problem.
*Most kids lose their first teeth at age 6-7 1/2
*Don't use words like shots, hurt, pain, etc. when talking to your child about us.

Dietary Supplements
*We should be getting 7-9 servings of fruits/veggies per day.
*90% of women don't get enough folate/folic acid. (Especially important if you are pregnant.)
*If you take Metformin for Diabetes: chronic use can result in a Vit. B12 deficiency which can lead to more advanced neuropathy.
*Many cardiovascular meds, cholesterol lowering drugs, diuretics, & GERD/ulcer meds interfere with the uptake of certain vitamins/minerals. Check to your Dr.
*Vitamin A: If you take more than 5,000 IU/day, it can cause brittle bones.
*You should get 10-15 min of sun exposure per day, 3 times a week, without sunscreen to get Vit. D.
**This is the handout the speaker gave to us with a complete list of guidelines on what amount of each vitamin you should be taking for your gender, age, and health issues. Check it out---it's very informative!http://www.drlowdog.com/Assets/pdf_files/Chicago%20Dental/DS_Chicago.pdf