What’s the most common dental complaint I hear these days? In my Kitsilano practice, where most of our patients are between their twenties and forties, the most frequently mentioned ailment during the initial appointment with new patients is teeth sensitivity. I’ll briefly discuss the top three causes of teeth feeling sensitive with cold, acids, or sweets.
Although some miscarriages are linked to chromosomal abnormalities, sperm antibodies, blood clotting disorders and anti-nuclear antibodies, 50 % of miscarriages are due to an unknown cause. Our chronic life stresses, ie. traffic, bosses, finances, will limit non-essential bodily functions, one of which is reproduction. Stress releases cortisol hormones which in turn suppresses progesterone. Progesterone is essential to maintain the uterine lining and the pregnancy. The question many pregnant moms ask is – can stress cause miscarriages?
If your child or toddler won’t let you brush their teeth, good oral care can get tricky. It’s important to develop good health habits at an early age. Start off by using a clean washcloth to clean your child’s mouth after each meal, as early as possible. This will get your child used to your later oral care efforts. Try this also for your uncooperative two year old: start off with the washcloth approach and gradually move to a toothbrush.
If your child is afraid and scared to go to the dentist, there are a few things that you can try. Start off by being a good role model: children will want to go to the dentist and take care of their teeth when they see you brushing and flossing your own teeth, and having a positive attitude toward dental visits.
How Do I choose a dentist for my kids? Dr. Chris Kan, our resident dental expert, weighs in on this question. He says to look for these factors to help narrow your choices:
(1) Similar goals and easy communication. Your dentist should want the same things you do for your children’s dental health, and be able to explain these goals to you clearly.
During the first 2 years of a child’s life, most parents feel uncomfortable and inadequate in determining how sick their infant is during a cold or other infection. Since the sick infant can’t talk, he can’t help much with the diagnosis. How sick your child looks or acts is much more relevant than the level of fever. Also, a child may look much better 30 to 40 minutes after the fever is reduced with medicine. When should you call your child’s health care provider?
Electrical shocks are no laughing matter. They can kill. The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) publishes more than 700 standards related to electrical products. From fuses to refrigerators, many of these codes are designed to improve safety in the home. Chief amongst these is the Canadian Electrical Code (CE Code), which published its 21st edition in early 2009. Read our electrical saftey tips below.
In June, there were reports that the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, was especially dangerous for pregnant women. The concern is not that pregnant women are more likely to contract this particular strain of the flu, but rather that they are more likely than the average person to have serious complications should they contract H1N1. As a result of this phenomenon, there is a need to vaccinate pregnant women. However, now that the vaccine is soon to be available, there are questions about whether it is safe for pregnant women.
Dressing up, wearing hats, makeup and funny hair is such a great time for children and parents, not to mention the treats that go along with this fun night. Though with all the fun and good times that are about to be had, it’s really important that safety be number one when getting your kids ready to head out with you to Trick or Treat. Urbanmommies.com has some simple Halloween trick or treating tips for tots that will keep the night fun and safe for everyone.
Trick or Treating Tips for Tots
- Ensure that your costumes are flame retardant and that they are loose enough to wear warmer clothing underneath.
- Masks can really obstruct a child’s vision face painting is a safer option.
- Wear reflectors, the Dollar Stores are great for the neon ones that form into necklaces and bracelets plus, your kids will love to wear them!
- Flashlights will help the children see and be seen more clearly
- Feed your kids an early nutritious meal and make sure they are properly hydrated for the walk, little legs get tired out fast so stick close to home
- We live on the coast people, it’s ok to carry an umbrella
- Keep to well lit sidewalks and always remember to walk not run
- Wear proper shoes, the princess shoes are adorable but clearly not a great choice for a long walk!
- Don’t let your kids eat any treats before you get home and have a chance to sample, I mean look them over. There is only a tiny chance that your candy has been tampered with but “when in doubt, throw it out”!
Decorating for holidays can be tricky when you have little ones around. Take a look at the tips below provided by Safe Kids Canada and remember HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
When decorating your home:
- Small children should never carve pumpkins. Instead, let your child draw a face on the pumpkin.
- Make your home safe for trick or treaters. Remove all objects around the outside of your house that could cause children to trip or fall. Turn your outside light on.
- Avoid using candles to decorate pumpkins. Small inexpensive flashlights can be used to light pumpkins safely.
- Keep lit candles out of children’s reach and away from curtains and other objects that could catch fire.
It’s a whole new world for children born with Down syndrome (also known as Down’s syndrome–both are correct). In the past, a child born with the chromosomal disorder may have faced a life of exclusion, ridicule and perhaps even institutionalization. We did not understand the disorder and humans unfortunately tend to isolate and ostracize that which we do not understand.