When a kids ask “is the tooth fairy real” or “what does the tooth fairy look like”, one might be tempted to give a simple yes or no answer and then makeup something that sounds like what one was told when they were a kid. Nevertheless, there actually is an origin story to the myth, and it’s a convoluted one that reaches further back in time than one might think.

Bountiful, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/22/2021 -- If one has kids near the ages of four to six years old then the topic of the tooth fairy has probably come up a time or two (or on a daily basis if they're excited about a loose tooth). 

When a kids ask "is the tooth fairy real" or "what does the tooth fairy look like", one might be tempted to give a simple yes or no answer and then makeup something that sounds like what one was told when they were a kid. Nevertheless, there actually is an origin story to the myth, and it's a convoluted one that reaches further back in time than one might think: nearly a millennium. Moreover, research is showing that saving those baby teeth could have health benefits later on in life. First, we'll go back in time, and then we'll talk about the future.

Baby Teeth and Mythology
Yes, baby teeth were a talisman of sorts in the old Norse and Northern European cultures as far back as the tenth century. In the earliest writings of these cultures, the Eddas, references to a tradition of exchanging money for a baby tooth can be found. Baby teeth were believed to bring luck to a warrior in battle, and some cultures even made necklaces of them. This superstitious tradition was known as the "tand-fe" which translates to tooth fee. Interestingly and perhaps completely benign, the German word for fairy is "Fee". Moreover, one Norse myth involves the god Frey who received an entire fairy kingdom as a "tooth gift".

In the Middle Ages in England, children were instructed to burn their baby teeth to save themselves hardship in the afterlife. Children who refused to do so were warned they would search for their baby teeth forever in the afterlife. Other cultures have children bury their teeth, or throw them into the air. Nevertheless, these baby teeth mythologies and superstitions didn't actually involve a tooth fairy until much more recent times: 1908 to be exact.

Where did the Tooth Fairy Come From?
In 1908, the Chicago Daily Tribune Household Hints section featured a helpful tip from reader Lillian Brown and the tooth fairy was born. In response to the concern that children didn't want to have their loose teeth pulled, Ms. Brown wrote,

"Tooth Fairy.
Many a refractory child will allow a loose tooth to be removed if he knows about the Tooth Fairy. If he takes his little tooth and puts it under the pillow when he goes to bed the Tooth Fairy will come in the night and take it away, and in its place will leave some little gift. It is a nice plan for mothers to visit the 5-cent counter and lay in a supply of articles to be used on such occasions."

Of course, it's entirely possible that this was a long-standing tradition in Ms. Brown's family going back generations, or maybe her family ran the 5-cent counter and she was cleverly thinking to drum up more business. Regardless, that is the first written mention of the tooth fairy as we know it.

Should One Pull a Loose Tooth?
Just because it seems parents were looking for ways to pull loose teeth in 1908 does not mean one should be doing that in 2021. We should take special note that we do not believe in pulling a loose tooth unless absolutely necessary. We prefer to allow a loose tooth to fall out, on its own time and without force. A child's body, including the workings of their mouth, is a powerful and intentional force and we should trust that the tooth will fall out when it's good and ready.

If the gum around the loose tooth is inflamed, give us a call. There are certain circumstances in which we may decide pulling a tooth is best.

What Does the Tooth Fairy Do with Teeth?
This one can be a stumper for parents. Because really, their little but very rational and inquisitive minds are investigating and asking questions about everything as they learn about the world around them. Why would anyone want to collect a bunch of fallen-out teeth since our warriors don't wear teeth necklaces anymore?

Save Those Baby Teeth for the Future
Well, there's some really interesting research out that shows one should collect and store a kids' baby teeth for later on in life. The advancements being made today in both medicine and science are astonishing and baby teeth may be an integral part of the future.

Baby teeth, and wisdom teeth, have adult stem cells that are referred to as "mesenchymal stem cells". These stem cells are important because they can be applied to bone and tissue regeneration treatments. As of today, more than 2,000 clinical trials have been completed or are in the process to study how these mesenchymal stem cells can help with treatments for a wide range of diseases including (but not limited to) the following:

- Type 1 diabetes
- Stroke
- Parkinson's
- Alzheimer's
- Muscular dystrophy
- Bone loss
- Multiple sclerosis
- Cardiovascular disease
- Neural injuries
- Cancers (Leukemia, Lymphoma)

In order for a child's baby teeth to be viable in the future, they require proper storage. There are a few services already established for exactly this purpose such as Store-A-Tooth, or The Tooth Bank. If one is interested in this idea for the future, do a little research about the companies to decide which one feels right.

About Utah Pediatric Dentists
Our offices are open and we want to see happy healthy smiles in the community. Contact us today at 801-948-8880 to schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient locations. 

Our mission is to provide comprehensive dental services to children of all ages from infant to adolescence, of all needs including special needs, in a compassionate and caring manner. Our pediatric dental professionals are educated, experienced, and specially trained to provide dental hygiene education and dental services in a fun and inviting environment that will ensure a child has a positive experience in our offices.

 

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Spring is almost here, and with it often comes later bedtimes, busier days and fuller weekends. One relatively small part of a morning and evening routine one might consider focusing on brushing teeth for both themselves and their children.

Bountiful, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/06/2021 -- Tooth decay, early cavities, and bad breath are all products of poor oral hygiene that we've seen in kids. It's not because parents don't care about their children's teeth. On the contrary, One's experience has shown us that parents care, very much. The issue is usually education. Parents need more guidance in how to care for their children's teeth and how to teach and instill good dental hygiene habits. 

Here we've put together a healthy teeth guide for kids (and parents) to help one right here in one's own home.

Healthy Guide to Prevent Tooth Decay in Children

When Should We Start Brushing Teeth?

The answer to this one is simple. Start earlier than one may think before the first tooth has even erupted. Yes, one might not see a tooth in a sweet baby's gummy smile, but they are there. The primary teeth begin to form, usually, during the second trimester of the pregnancy. 

Before any teeth have come through, one will want to take a clean, wet washcloth and gently rub it over the baby's gums. This will wipe away bacteria, and begin to familiarize the baby with the idea of something being put in their mouth that does not have drinking, eating, or chewing purpose.

Once a tooth has erupted, a parent will consider a switch to an infant toothbrush and use a dab of fluoride toothpaste no larger than the size of a single grain of rice. Start flossing when the baby has two teeth side by side.

At three years of age, a baby can graduate from grain of rice size to pea-sized dab of toothpaste. Around two years old a parent can work with the child to practice spitting out the toothpaste instead of merely swallowing it.

When Should the First Dentist Visit Take Place?
It is recommended that kids have their first dentist office visit by the age of one year. We'll take the time to explain brushing and flossing to a toddler, and even do a quick dental exam. It's important for kids to become familiarized with the dentist's office early on to both normalize it, and minimize the potential for anxieties and fears to develop and become associated with a trip to the dentist. 

Moreover, by the age of one, the little one is likely drinking more than just milk or water and has definitely graduated to foods. We can identify potential problems early on and help the little ones get on track to having a healthy and happy smile.

Why Should One Take Their Kids to a Pediatric Dentist?
The importance of establishing healthy oral hygiene early on in life makes a huge difference when kids are older and more independent. A pediatric dentist is specially trained to work with children. In fact, pediatric dentists do an extra two years of dentistry school. We are trained to handle the communication and development limitations that young children have, pediatric dentist offices are designed to be appealing and comforting to children.

Can a Parent Prevent Cavities?
Yes! Cavities occur when food is left on, in between, or around the teeth instead of being brushed away. Bacteria forms, acid can collect and from there a cavity can form.

There are several things a parent can do to help prevent cavities. As one might have guessed, routine brushing and flossing make the top of that list. Make it part of their morning and nighttime routines if it's not already. Nevertheless, there are other things we can add to this list.

Fluoride toothpaste is important because fluoride introduced at regular intervals will strengthen a child's teeth. If their town or city water supply doesn't have fluoride added, One can talk to their pediatric dentist about what they can do to make sure their child's getting enough fluoride. 

Limit their sweets, sodas, and even juices. All those sugars can cause enamel erosion and damage to their teeth. Substitute for water when one can, or try watering down the juice. We recommend one doesn't provide soda at all, and if or when one does place limits on how much and encourage them to rinse their mouths out with water.

Can One Get Rid of Cavities?
Yes, if we determine that one's kid does have a cavity, whether it be a cavity on a front tooth or one more hidden in the back, we can treat cavities. This is typically done by doing a filling, where we literally fill the cavity. For front teeth, we may recommend a composite resin filling that will match the color of the tooth.

Pediatric Dental Treatment Options for Cavities
In spite of all prevention and routine brushing, it's not uncommon for us to find cavities in the kids we see. Sometimes we may recommend fluoride treatments. Sometimes we may recommend sealants, which is a seal that covers the tooth to protect the enamel all while maintaining the appearance of the tooth. 

We are currently offering $25 gift cards for kids who come in to sit in the big chair and have their teeth cleaned and checked from now through to April 15. 

We have offices in four convenient locations in the Salt Lake City area, thereby making it easier for one to get their kids in to see us. For more information about those gift cards, go here.

About Utah Pediatric Dentistry
We provide comprehensive dental services to children of all ages from infant to adolescence, of all needs including special needs, in a compassionate and caring manner. Our pediatric dental professionals are educated, experienced, and specially trained to provide dental hygiene education and dental services in a fun and inviting environment that will ensure a child has a positive experience in the dental office.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Halloween itself has come and gone, but probably not the enormous bag of candied goodies kids have managed to acquire. And honestly, we’re just winding up to the most wonderful time of the year. Most wonderful for family fun and joyous feelings, but not the most wonderful time of the year for teeth.

Bountiful, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 11/18/2020 -- Holiday Season is Here: Seven Tips for a Teeth Healthy Holiday

Halloween itself has come and gone, but probably not the enormous bag of candied goodies kids have managed to acquire. And honestly, we're just winding up to the most wonderful time of the year. Most wonderful for family fun and joyous feelings, but not the most wonderful time of the year for teeth.

As the leaves on the trees turn and then fall, our holiday spirit lifts and typically with it, our sugar intake. This time of year doesn't have to result in cavities, and no I'm suggesting throw away Halloween candy treasure trove. I don't even mean to try the onerous task of enforcing kids to abstain while they are surrounded with goodies everywhere they go. So, what is Utah Pediatric Dentistry recommending for one to do? Here, I have put together a list of seven things that can do to ensure kids get through the glorious holiday season with their beautiful smiles healthy and happy.

Seven Tips for a Teeth Healthy Holiday Season

- Control the Halloween Treasure Trove 

Don't just throw away all of their Halloween candy, instead take control of it. Place limits on how many pieces of candy they can have per day. Caramels and marshmallows are particularly bad for teeth as they really like to stick. If possible sorting through the candy and throw away pieces that aren't their favorites, or any pieces that seem to be of lower quality.

- Enjoy Goodies in Moderation

Homemade pies, brownies, and cookies are not only fun to eat, but they're fun to make as well. Don't give up this pleasurable activity, just enjoy it in moderation. Instead of kids eating all the fresh baked cookies in one day, give them a couple, and save some for the next few days, and there are more, consider sharing with a neighbor or friend.

Alternatively, if the baking of the goodies isn't something one's family doesn't do, keep one in check when at the stores. Don't be drawn into all the bright holiday packaging. Place limits on oneself for how many sugary desserts one may buy.

- Play Around with Recipes

For those who do the baking, take a moment to consider the recipes. Many recipes have high levels of sugar. Perhaps one will find that those brownies are still sweet enough but with less sugar than the recipe calls for. Moreover, one can use a sugar alternative such as honey, applesauce, or mashed bananas?

The internet has revolutionized our lives in many ways, and one of those ways can be access to healthier baking recipes. One will be shocked to see how many sugar-free or sugar alternative recipes there are out there in the internet universe that is absolutely delicious.

Play around with one's recipes, or try new ones. One might just find new favorites that are even healthier.

- Swap Out Candy for Fruit When One Can

Fruits have the benefit of being naturally sweet without the processed sugars of candy. Consider some Christmas or Thanksgiving traditions. For example: does one normally include candy in Christmas stockings or gifts? Does one leave out cookies for Santa to eat? Perhaps Santa will be tired of eating cookies in every single house, and would appreciate a sandwich or some fresh fruit for variety instead?

- Drink Lots of Water (with Fluoride)

With the influx of sweets and sugars in the form of food, it's important not to forget about what kids are drinking. Limit sodas, sports drinks, and juices as much as possible, and focus on water with fluoride. Bottled water is better than the juices or sodas but doesn't have fluoride added. One will want the water with fluoride because fluoride is an integral defense for dental health. Follow up snacking and sweets with a good drink of water. Water will help rinse out one's mouth and remove the larger chunks of leftover sugary foods that get stuck in between teeth. Find some fun holiday-decorated refillable water bottles, or choose some that have a kids' favorite character or superhero and keep those babies handy.

- Have Set Eating Times and Avoid Grazing

What does one mean by grazing? By grazing, One means those days when one just casually snacks here and there throughout the day. Holiday times are notorious for grazing because a lot of people and places have candy dishes just sitting out, and it's so easy to snag a treat whenever one walks by. The problem with grazing is that it causes a continuous assault on one's teeth of sugar and bacteria. Work on sticking with a schedule for meals and snacks, and put that candy bowl out of sight and out of mind. 

- Brush and Floss Routinely

Many times you might have heard it in our office in the office, this list wouldn't be complete without it being stated again. Holidays often mean late nights and tired kids when ones' kids get home. One might recommend for a person no matter how tempting, skip the brushing and flossing routine for one's kids. Their teeth are running a gamut during the holidays and it's ones' job (and a kids' job) to give them a good brushing at least twice a day, and good flossing. One will even go so far as to suggest that during this time of year, to bump up the number of times they're brushing. If one can get them to brush their teeth sometime during the day, on a day when there's been a lot of grazing (hello, Thanksgiving anyone?) their teeth will be grateful.

If one is concerned that their kid might already have a cavity, or they're simply due for a cleaning and checkup, give us a call! Utah Pediatric Dentistry is here during the holidays and happy to see the kids of our communities and hear about their holiday plans. For appointments or questions one can call at 801-948-8880 for a free pediatric dental consultation or visit our blog for more pediatric dental tips. Utah Pediatric Dentistry has 4 convenient locations in the Utah vallery including Redwood Pediatrics, South Davis Pediatrics , Herriman Pediatrics and Sainsbury Park Pediatrics .

About Utah Pediatric Dentists
Going to the dentist can be a scary experience for kids, but it doesn't have to be. There is a better way to handle pediatric dentistry. When one can trust specialized dentists who have spent numerous years only working with pediatric patients, one is choosing the very best option for their child. Click Here to Visit Utah Pediatric Dentistry or give us a call at 801-948-8880

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Bountiful, UT -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/19/2019 -- Dr. Jason had the opportunity to extend his practice from Salt Lake County to Davis County. He had been practicing for the previous 18 years in the Taylorsville area and had wondered if a location closer to home would be in his future. Building the location had its challenges and its unexpected extensions, but ended up with a beautiful, state of the art, award winning office.

Dr. Jason and his wife put their heart and soul into designing and creating an office that was warm, fun and inviting for our patients and their families. From a three-story tree house, a very large fish tank, and TV's above every dental chair loaded with all the kids' favorite movies, this is definitely not an average dentist office. Looking back after these first 5 years the team is grateful that Dr. Jason took that opportunity to build his practice in Davis County.

With great doctors and staff join the team over the years here in Davis County. The doctors and staff have been meticulously hand-picked. Doctors at South Davis have all completed specialist training and additional education to specifically treat infants, children, and adolescents.

In the past five years, they have been able to accomplish so much. From holiday donation drives, yearly parade routes in North Salt Lake, Bountiful, West Bountiful, Centerville, Farmington, Layton, Kaysville, and our personal favorite, the annual patient appreciation back to school carnival right there at the office.

They truly enjoyed serving the community and being able to give back in some fun and exciting ways! It is definitely one of the highlights in what they do and are always thinking of new ways to give back to their patients in the future.

They are grateful to have been able to meet, treat, and become friends with all of the amazing patients and their families. They are grateful to be able to live and work in such a community where they feel the authentic and genuine love towards those they are able to serve on a daily basis.

At South Davis Pediatric Dentistry #WeMakeTeethFun. Our knowledge and experienced staff differentiate them from the rest. South Davis Pediatric Dentistry strives to make sure children have the best possible experience. From paddles to crowns of princesses and all the favorite Disney movies, the office is an experience those visiting will not forget. Many enjoy meeting our down-to-earth fun-loving staff and find out how at South Davis Pediatric Dentistry they are more than employees, they are friends.

South David Pediatric Dentist, Pediatric Dentist Bountiful Utah

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm