Smiles 4 A Lifetime

Denistry Because We Care Event

editor — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:54:20 +0000

We are proud to announce our 2nd Annual Dentistry Because We Care Event.

Dr. Neil Berman and the team at Smiles 4 A Lifetime
are proud to announce our second annual

DENTISTRY BECAUSE WE CARE EVENT
Our dental practice has served the Five Towns Community for over 40 years. As our way of saying thanks, we would like to give back!

We understand that many people cannot afford dental care.
On March 4th, starting at 9:00a.m., our team is donating our time to provide free dental care. We realize that in these hard economic times people may not have the resources to go to the dentist. If you know of anyone who is in need of care, please have them give us a call to schedule an appointment.
We feel that everyone should have the opportunity for treatment to maintain a Smile 4 A Lifetime.

We will be seeing patients by appointment only.

A Different Tongue for Everyone!

editor — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:21:03 +0000

Like fingerprints and snowflakes, everyone has a uniquely patterned tongue created by different configurations of taste buds. Look in the mirror with your child and point out small bumps responsible for tasting food. Mention that brushing your tongue gets rid of bacteria and germs that make breath smelly.

What does a Tooth Look Like?

editor — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:14:01 +0000

Did you know there are two parts to a tooth? The CROWN and the ROOT.

The Crown is the part of the tooth we can see inside of our mouths.

The Root of the tooth keeps the tooth steady while it does its job. The root is “planted” into our jawbone and is unable to be seen.

The crown and the root meet at the neck of the tooth, which is normally just below the gum margin.

Teeth also have 3 Layers.

Enamel is a hard protective outer layer covering the crown of the tooth.

Dentin is a second protective layer covering the nerve of the tooth

Pulp, (also called the Nerve) is the soft middle of the tooth that had a blood supply and nerve endings.

Teeth are different shapes because they do different jobs.

Incisors are for cutting

Canines are for tearing

Molars and Pre-Molars grind up food until it is small enough to swallow

YOUR ATTITUDE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

editor — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 15:34:44 +0000

Parent’s have the most important role in a child’s dental experience. Any anxiety a parent displays can quickly be picked up by the child.

The following tips will help the dental visit go more smoothly.

Tell your child about the visit but let the details be provided by the dentist. He has been trained to describe details in a non-threating way, using words that are easy to understand.
Never tell a child that something will hurt or be painful.
Don’t tell your child about a unpleasant experience you have had at the dentist.
Make sure the child knows the importance of healthy teeth and gums. Explain that it is Dr. Berman’s job to help him/her maintain a healthy Smile 4 A Lifetime.
Never promise a reward for going to the appointment. They will be going to the dentist throughout their lifetime. If they don’t cooperate during the visit, they will still want to be rewarded.

It is perfectly normal for a child to be fearful. Allowing the child to enter the room on their own will allow them to be in control. If they are willing, let them go. Sometimes a child can react differently in front of their parent. Dr. Berman will usually start a conversation to draw attention away from the procedure. Before they know it, they will be out of the chair! We want to provide your child with a positive experience. They will leave asking when they can come back?

BEYOND BRUSHING

editor — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:38:26 +0000

Proper nutrition is an essential part in preventing cavities. A diet that is high in sugary foods and beverages can increase the rate of tooth decay, forming plaque build up on the child’s teeth. Always offer your child fresh, healthy fruits and vegetables, proteins, dairy and grains. Limit treats and junk food. Stay away from sticky foods, like fruit roll ups and limit soda intake. Remember to set a good example. Offer healthy snacks and always have them drink enough water throughout the day.

The Importance of Baby Teeth

editor — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:48:20 +0000

Many parents overlook the importance of their child’s teeth, especially their baby teeth (also called primary teeth). Some parents do not realize teeth serve functions other than biting and chewing.

Your baby’s teeth perform the following functions:

Help provide nutrition
Help make speech possible
Aid in the normal development of the jaw bones and facial muscles
Add to attractive appearance
Reserve space for the permanent teeth and help guide them into position

In the chart below, you can see the approximate ages when primary teeth should erupt and also when they should loosen. Healthy habits start early. The responsibility to provide care to these primary teeth will, in many ways, help the child develop good oral hygiene practices in the future.

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S DENTAL HEALTH MONTH!

editor — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:13:20 +0000

During the month of February, the American Dental Association kicks off National Children’s Dental Health Month! Developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits will help children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, teacher or friend, you can help raise awareness that taking good care of your teeth and gums really do matter! Dr. Berman and our team at Smiles 4 A Lifetime are devoting this month to children. We will be providing helpful information daily on our website and our Facebook page www.facebook.com/drneilberman. Throughout the month, you may want to share this information with your children or your family and friends. By providing this tool for you, we hope you will gain valuable ideas to help children maintain a Smile 4 A Lifetime!

SUPER BOWL BOUND!!

editor — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:01:03 +0000

Could it be? We have this great opportunity and we’d like you to be part of it! With your help, we can get Dr. Neil to the Super Bowl (or at least close). I know some of you are saying, “Why should I help him, when I would love to be there myself?” Actually, he won’t really be in Indianapolis at Super Bowl XLVl. He’ll be in a room somewhere, watching it on T.V. just like the rest of us. Personally, for me, the best part of the day would be the commercials. That’s it! We can get him to be a STAR in his own commercial! More like in someone else’s commercial! Dr. Berman’s, nephew, Tyler, produced the video. We think he’s amazing and we wish him luck! The voting starts in January but NOW is your chance to see him BEFORE he makes it to the big screen! Check out gallery?video=12105 and let us know what you think!

If the video makes it to the top five, we’ll let you know!

SHARE THE WARMTH!

editor — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 13:57:09 +0000

SMILES 4 A LIFETIME will be holding our 2nd annual Coat Drive through December 22nd, so start emptying out those crowded closets. Last year, we donated over 50 coats. We hope this year we can do even better!! You may drop your gently used, clean coats off at our office. We thank you for helping us help others.

“That best portion of a good man’s life; his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and love” ~William Wordsworth

What Is A Comprehensive Exam?

editor — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 21:52:38 +0000