Archives for October 2015

All About Teething Symptoms

Signs that your Child may be Teething

The process of teething is never the same from child to child. Some have their teeth grow in early and rapidly, and others have a longer wait. No matter how fast or slow a child’s teeth are growing in, there are a number of teething symptoms to watch out for. It is important to be aware of these symptoms so you can help your child through the teething process.

Some of the main signs that your child is teething are:

Increased drooling
Irritability
A tooth visible below the gum
Swollen, bulging gums
Turning away food
Pulling on ears
Difficulty sleeping

One of these symptoms alone does not mean that a child has a tooth growing in. But if you observe a few of these symptoms at the same, then teething is the likely culprit. For even more signs and information check out our Teething Video. It is advised that you schedule an appointment to make sure the teeth are growing in properly and that everything is alright with your child’s oral health.

Symptoms that may not be Teething

There are some symptoms that are occasionally related to teething, but it is important to be aware of non-related symptoms that could be something more serious.

These symptoms include:

Fever over 102^oF
Decreased appetite for liquids
Rash other than facial rash
Cough and congestion

If your child is experiencing some of these symptoms and none of the teething symptoms listed above, it is advised to call a Doctor to make sure something more serious is not happening.

Overall, teething is a natural process that every child will experience. To learn more or if you believe your child is teething, contact Dr. Payam for a visit.

A Hearty and Healthy Pasta Recipe!

Here is a hearty and healthy pasta recipe! Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish and is naturally high in complex carbohydrates, a storehouse of energy. To get more health benefits use whole-wheat or vegetable versions of pasta. We all know kids love pasta but not vegetables. To encourage them to get the benefit of a variety vegetables, we combined vegetables with pasta in a dish that sure to become a kid favorite. Lots of vegetables add a healthy dose of vitamins!

Ingredients:
12 Ounce of your favorite pasta
2 Zucchini, diced
4 Cloves of garlic
2 Tablespoon minced peeled fresh ginger
1 Small red bell pepper
2 Cups chopped onion
2 Cups chopped mushroom

Salt, as you wish
Black pepper, as you wish
1/2 Tablespoon turmeric

2 Cups broccoli florets, chopped into bite sized pieces
1 Cup chopped parsley
1 Cup chopped kale

2 Tablespoon vegetable oil
4 Tablespoon olive oil

A jar of Alfredo sauce, or if you would like to stay healthier you can eliminate Alfredo sauce and just add more olive oil and/or Parmesan cheese.

Directions:
Bring water to boil and add salt. Italians know how to prepare pasta. They say NEVER add pasta to boiling water until everyone’s nearly ready to eat.

Meanwhile, chop the zucchini, garlic, mushroom, onion, ginger, and red bell pepper and put in a saucepan

Add some black pepper as you wish
Add a pinch of turmeric
Add oil and stir-fry over high heat, until it begins to soften.
Add broccoli, parsley, and kale to the pan and fry for 2 more minutes.

Whisk olive oil and Alfredo sauce into the vegetables, stir for 1 minute. Your sauce is ready.

Drain pasta

Toss pasta, and sauce in your heart-healthy fiber plate. Buon appetite!

Cook’s clue:
Feel free to remove any ingredient you don’t like or add what you like. It is so much fun when you have control over your cooking.

Cook’s Secrets:
Wine? Only for kids over age 21.
Love? Can also protect the heart.
Exercise? Get at least 30minutes of moderate activity a day.
A bath, a book, a movie, a phone call to a relative all are so much fun.

Now time to floss and brush your teeth!

Are Dental Sealants Safe? The Pro’s and Con’s

Pros and Cons of Dental Sealants

If you are considering getting dental sealants for your child, check out our list of pro’s and con’s so that you can be more informed. Contact Dr. Payam if you want your child to have the best dental sealants in Stafford, Va.

Pros

Significantly reduces the chance of a child getting cavities

Dental sealants prevent plaque and bacteria from getting into the grooves of the back teeth that even a tooth brush has trouble cleaning which helps limit the chance of cavities

Dental Sealants are cheaper than filling cavities

Filling a cavity on average can cost up to four times as much as applying a dental sealant does!

The process is quick and painless

Dental sealants are easy for a dentist to apply and the process is completely painless. The dentist will clean the tooth and then brush the coating on top of the tooth, covering the groves that are hard to clean. View our Dental Sealants video to learn more.

Cons

Dental Sealants are not a solution to existing cavities

If a child already has a cavity on a tooth, dental sealants are not helpful. They are a preventative measure that will reduce the risk of cavities on a tooth, but are not the solution if one is already present.

Rare chance that a cavity may be covered under the sealant

There is a very small possibility that an unnoticed cavity is covered by a the sealant, but the sealant would deprive the cavity of the bacteria that would make it grow so it will not get any larger.

They don’t last forever

Dental sealants last on average 10 years, because they are eventually worn down through the use of the tooth. This means they need to be reapplied around this time to make sure that they are truly protecting the tooth for bacteria.

If you have any further questions about dental sealants come in to the office or contact Dr. Payam! You can also take a look at our 5 Fun Facts About Dental Sealants Post

All About Teething Symptoms

Signs that your Child may be Teething

Some of the main signs that your child is teething are: