Recent News & Events
Posted February 2, 2012:Child's First Visit
A child's first visit to the dentist is generally recommended at the age of 1 or within 6 months after his or her first tooth comes in. The first dental visit is usually short and involves very little treatment. This visit gives your child an opportunity to meet the dentist in a non-threatening and friendly way. When the doctor is examining the child, they are looking for the presence of decay, occlusion (the manner in which the upper and lower teeth come together when the mouth is closed), and any potential problems with the gums, jaw, and oral tissues. The dentist will discuss the need for good oral hygiene practices, fluoride, oral habits (thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, lip sucking), teething, and proper nutrition. Most dentists recommend seeing children every 6 months to build up the child's comfort and confidence level in visiting the dentist, to monitor the development of the teeth, and promptly treat any developing problems.
Difference between Pediatric Dentist vs. Regular Dentist
A Pediatric dentist has at least two additional years of training beyond dental school. The additional training focuses on management and treatment of a child's developing teeth, child behavior, physical growth and development, and the special needs of children's dentistry. Although either type of dentist is capable of addressing your child's oral health care needs, a pediatric dentist, their staff, and even the office decor are all designed to care for children and to put them at ease. If your child has special needs, care from a pediatric dentist should be considered.
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/childs-first-dental-visit
Posted January 10, 2012:Diet & Dental Health
To prevent cavities and maintain good oral health, your diet is an important factor. Changes in your mouth start the minute you eat certain foods. Bacteria in the mouth convert sugars from the foods you eat to acids, and it's the acids that begin to attack the enamel on teeth, starting the decay process.
The best food choices listed below are providing calcium and phosphorus to remineralize teeth and restore the enamel that was removed from acid food and beverages. Fruits and vegetables have a high water content that stimulates the flow of saliva which helps protect against decay by washing away food particles. Poor foods contain large amounts of sugar and/or can stick to teeth, providing a fuel source for bacteria. Sugary candy contributes to tooth decay because they continuously coat the teeth with sugar. Limit your consumption of sugar-containing drinks with added sugar. Also, avoid day-long sipping of sugar-containing drinks as it exposes your teeth to constant sugar and, in turn, constant decay-causing acids.
*BEST FOODS: Cheese, Chicken, Nuts, Milk, Apples, Pears
*POOR FOODS: Lollipops, Hard Candy, Mints, Cookies, Cakes, Pies, Breads, Potato Chips, Pretzels, French Fries, Bananas, Raisins, Dried Fruits
*BEST BEVERAGES: Water, Milk, Unsweetened Tea
*POOR BEVERAGES: Soda, Lemonade, Coffee, Sweet Tea
http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/diet-oral-health
Posted August 10, 2010:Dr. Skigen has launched her new website!
Dr. Skigen would like to welcome you to her new practice website - SmilesByCindy.com.
SmilesByCindy.com offers secure electronic scheduling and health history submissions as well as a wealth of useful and interesting information about her warm and comforting practice.
Please take a moment to look around and see what Dr. Skigen's unique practice can offer you today!