Latest news with #pediatricdentistry
Wall Street Journal
2 days ago
- General
- Wall Street Journal
A Dentist's Perspective on Water Fluoridation
I am a pediatric dental specialist who respects fluoride's historical role in advancing public oral health but who now questions the appropriateness of systemic fluoridation in contemporary clinical practice ('The Folly of Investigating Fluoride Toothpaste,' Letters, May 20). The public-health rationale for fluoridating municipal water was compelling in the mid-20th century, when alternative methods of delivery were limited. That's no longer the case. Children now routinely receive fluoride through toothpastes and professionally administered topical treatments—interventions that are effective, safe and tailored to individuals without systemic exposure. Systemic fluoride, however, enters the circulatory system and accumulates in osseous tissue. An expanding body of research has associated chronic ingestion with skeletal fluorosis, diminished bone resilience and elevated fracture risk. These findings are no longer theoretical abstractions: Geriatric and adolescent fracture rates are surging, and orthopedic practices in numerous regions have reported exponential growth, suggesting a possible link to cumulative fluoride burden.
Globe and Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Globe and Mail
Desert Kids Dental Continues to Provide HealthyStart® Program for Long-Term Pediatric Wellness in Las Vegas
"Dr. Sandra Thompson at Desert Kids Dental in Las Vegas, NV." Desert Kids Dental, a trusted kids dentist serving Las Vegas communities has long offered the HealthyStart® program to support children's oral development and overall health. Desert Kids Dental, a trusted kids dentist serving Las Vegas communities including Providence, Skye Canyon, Summerlin, and Centennial Hills, has long offered the HealthyStart® program to support children's oral development and overall health. Under the experienced care of Dr. Sandra Thompson, this non-invasive treatment continues to help children achieve better sleep, healthier airways, and properly aligned smiles—all without braces or surgery. What Is the HealthyStart® Program? The HealthyStart® system is a series of soft, comfortable oral appliances designed to address sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children. Worn primarily at night, the appliance gently guides the growth of the jaws, expands the airway, and aligns teeth as they develop. This early intervention can prevent the need for future orthodontic treatment while also improving sleep and behavior. Dr. Sandra Thompson and her team have successfully used HealthyStart® to support children struggling with mouth breathing, snoring, grinding, bedwetting, or signs of ADHD—all of which are often linked to undiagnosed sleep issues. By identifying these concerns early, Desert Kids Dental provides families with effective tools to promote both oral health and overall well-being. Why Families in Las Vegas Choose HealthyStart® Non-Invasive & Drug-Free: No surgery or medications—just gentle guidance through custom-fit oral appliances. Better Sleep = Better Behavior: Improved breathing at night can lead to better focus, mood, and learning during the day. Supports Natural Tooth Alignment: Guides teeth into their ideal position during growth, often eliminating the need for braces. Addresses the Root Cause: Focuses on airway development and jaw positioning, not just symptoms. Leading Care from a Dedicated Kids Dentist Dr. Sandra Thompson is known throughout Las Vegas as a compassionate, knowledgeable kids dentist who focuses on preventive care and whole-child wellness. Her commitment to offering advanced solutions like HealthyStart® reflects the clinic's broader mission—to give every child the healthiest start possible. At Desert Kids Dental, families find a supportive environment where concerns are heard, children feel safe, and early intervention is always the goal. Whether it's a routine checkup or a comprehensive evaluation for airway health, Dr. Thompson ensures each treatment plan is tailored to the child's needs. Serving Providence, Skye Canyon, Summerlin, and Centennial Hills Located conveniently in Northwest Las Vegas, Desert Kids Dental continues to be a trusted choice for families across Providence, Skye Canyon, Summerlin, and Centennial Hills. Parents looking for a reliable kids dentist who offers innovative, child-friendly solutions find peace of mind knowing their child's growth and development are supported at every stage. Desert Kids Dental also offers a wide range of pediatric dental services—from cleanings and fluoride treatments to sealants and restorative care. The integration of the HealthyStart® program reflects the clinic's belief in treating the root causes of dental and developmental concerns, not just the symptoms. Book Your Child's HealthyStart® Evaluation If your child shows signs of restless sleep, difficulty breathing at night, or crowded teeth, it may be time to schedule a consultation. Desert Kids Dental offers comprehensive evaluations to determine if the HealthyStart® program is right for your child. For families searching for a trusted kids dentist in Las Vegas, Desert Kids Dental remains a leading provider of expert pediatric care and early developmental support. Media Contact Company Name: Desert Kids Dental Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email Phone: 702-660-7099 Address: 9859 W Deer Springs Way STE 110 City: Las Vegas State: NV 89149 Country: United States Website:
Associated Press
12-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Summirow Dental Hospital Introduces Nitrous Oxide Sedation for Stress-Free Dental Care in Surat
Summirow Dental Hospital enhances patient care with the introduction of nitrous oxide sedation, offering pain relief and relaxation during dental procedures. SURAT, GUJARAT, INDIA, May 12, 2025 / / -- Summirow Dental Hospital, a leading dental care provider in Vesu, Surat, proudly announces the introduction of nitrous oxide sedation - a proven, safe, and effective solution to ensure stress-free dental experiences. This new service is designed to help children and anxious adult patients receive high-quality dental care without fear or discomfort. With the addition of nitrous oxide, commonly known as 'laughing gas,' Summirow Dental Hospital enhances its commitment to patient-centered care. This sedation technique reduces anxiety, minimizes pain sensation, and promotes relaxation, all while maintaining patient awareness and cooperation. The benefits are numerous: nitrous oxide takes effect within minutes, wears off quickly after the procedure, and allows most patients to resume their daily activities without delay. Its use is especially valuable in pediatric dentistry and for nervous adults who previously avoided dental treatments due to fear or discomfort. Summirow Dental Hospital ensures the highest standards of safety, employing trained professionals to monitor sedation levels throughout the procedure. The technique is versatile, suitable for a range of treatments including cleanings, fillings, extractions, and more. With a soft nose mask delivering the gas, patients can experience gentle care without the need for injections or oral medications and even those with a strong gag reflex benefit from smoother procedures. About Summirow Dental Hospital Summirow Dental Hospital is a premier dental care facility in Vesu, Surat, dedicated to providing advanced, patient-focused services across all specialties. With a team of experienced dentists and cutting-edge technology, Summirow offers comprehensive solutions for patients of all ages in a compassionate and professional environment. Kaushal Kakkad Summirow Dental PVT. LTD + +91 93777 77303 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram Facebook YouTube X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Associated Press
09-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Las Vegas Pediatric Dentist Offers Gentle, Drill-Free Cavity Treatment with Silver Diamine Fluoride
Desert Kids Dental, a trusted pediatric dental clinic serving Las Vegas communities, is proud to offer Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) as a painless, non-invasive treatment for cavities in children. Desert Kids Dental, a trusted pediatric dental clinic serving Las Vegas communities, is proud to offer Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) as a painless, non-invasive treatment for cavities in children. Dr. Sandra Thompson, an experienced pediatric dentist, leads the clinic in providing this innovative solution that puts kids' comfort first. A Stress-Free Alternative to Fillings for Kids Silver Diamine Fluoride is a breakthrough treatment that stops cavities without drilling or anesthesia. As more families search for a 'Pediatric Dentist' or 'Kids Dentist' who offers gentle care, SDF is becoming an increasingly popular option for young patients who may be anxious about traditional dental procedures. SDF is applied topically to areas of decay. The silver in the formula works as an antimicrobial agent, killing bacteria, while fluoride helps to remineralize and strengthen the tooth. This process halts the progression of cavities, helping children maintain their natural teeth with minimal discomfort. Why Parents Are Choosing SDF for Their Children Community-Focused Pediatric Dental Care Desert Kids Dental is known for delivering compassionate, preventive-focused dental care in a fun and friendly environment. Dr. Sandra Thompson, a board-certified pediatric dentist, understands the unique needs of growing smiles and works closely with parents to provide tailored treatment options. Her approach combines advanced technology with child-centered care, ensuring positive dental experiences that build lifelong oral health habits. Located in Northwest Las Vegas, the clinic proudly serves families in Providence, Skye Canyon, Summerlin, and Centennial Hills. Whether it's a toddler's first check-up or a treatment plan for tooth decay, Dr. Thompson and her team are committed to offering expert care that prioritizes comfort and safety. Helping Parents Find a Trusted Kids Dentist in Las Vegas Finding a Las Vegas based Pediatric Dentist is essential for every growing family. Desert Kids Dental stands out as a go-to clinic for families seeking honest advice, modern treatment options, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The team emphasizes communication with parents, education for children, and preventative strategies that keep kids cavity-free. Silver Diamine Fluoride is just one of the many progressive services offered, all designed to support the health and happiness of your child's smile. Book Your Child's Appointment Today Parents interested in learning more about Silver Diamine Fluoride or scheduling a consultation with Dr. Sandra Thompson are encouraged to call Desert Kids Dental. Dr. Thompson continues to set the standard for gentle, effective, and child-friendly care in every neighborhood—from Providence to Summerlin. Media Contact Company Name: Desert Kids Dental Contact Person: Media Relations Email: Send Email Phone: 702-660-7099 Address:9859 W Deer Springs Way STE 110 City: Las Vegas State: NV 89149 Country: United States Website: Press Release Distributed by To view the original version on ABNewswire visit: Las Vegas Pediatric Dentist Offers Gentle, Drill-Free Cavity Treatment with Silver Diamine Fluoride
CNN
07-05-2025
- Health
- CNN
Utah's ban on fluoride in public water is a simple change that raises complicated new health risks, experts say
Dentists in Utah can tell rather quickly whether their patients grew up in the Salt Lake City area or in a different part of the state. Salt Lake County, neighboring Davis County to the north and nearby Brigham City – home to about half of the state's population – have been adding fluoride to the public drinking water for decades with local voter approval while other parts of the state generally have not. Related card Is fluoride in our drinking water safe? 'It's pretty obvious. If I have new patients come into my practice, I can guess probably eight or nine times out of 10 if they've grown up in a fluoridated community,' said Dr. Darren Chamberlain, a pediatric dentist who practices a bit farther south in the state. 'The reason I know is because, generally, they don't have cavities.' But that may soon change. Community fluoridation – considered one of the top public health success stories of the last century – has been banned in Utah, with a new law taking effect Wednesday. The change worries dentists and public health experts, who are concerned that it will lead to a rise in avoidable oral health issues, especially among young children from low-income families. Fluoride is a mineral that can be found naturally in some foods and groundwater. It can help prevent tooth decay by strengthening the protective outer layer of enamel that can be worn away by acids formed by bacteria, plaque and sugars in the mouth. Adding fluoride to public water systems started in the United States in 1945. The sponsor of the Utah legislation, Republican Rep. Stephanie Gricius, acknowledged fluoride has benefits, but said it was an issue of 'individual choice' to not have it in the water. Discussions about financial costs of community fluoridation were also raised during legislative hearings in the state, as well as recent studies that raise questions about whether high fluoride levels negatively affect brain development in children. The Trump administration has also ramped up scrutiny of fluoride, and US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has said that he plans to tell the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to stop recommending fluoridation for public drinking water in communities. Utah is the first state to pass a law banning public water fluoridation, and Kennedy championed the move during his visit to the state last month. 'I think it's a moral imperative that we all believe in freedom of choice in this country,' Kennedy said. 'It is one of the bedrock principles of our democracy, and the government shouldn't be making decisions, intimate decisions about our own lives.' Other states are also considering the change or taking action; on Tuesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pledged to sign a bill passed by lawmakers to ban fluoride in municipal drinking water statewide. Public health advocates stress that the amount of fluoride added to public water systems is far below the amount that would pose any health risk and that there is stronger evidence that removing fluoride from public drinking systems causes harm. Experts say it may take a few years for the consequences of the change in Utah to become apparent. One study of Medicaid claims from a city in Alaska shows that five years after community fluoridation ended, there was an average of one additional procedure to treat tooth decay per child. And a city in Canada recently voted to add fluoride back into the drinking water after seeing that local second-graders had significantly higher rates of cavities than those in a neighboring city that fluoridated its water. Health officials and other concerned groups in Utah have been working to get the word out about the change and share information about alternative ways parents can get the protective benefits of fluoride for their children or adults can get it for themselves. On Friday, the Utah Department of Health & Human Services released guidance encouraging residents to talk to their dentist, doctor or pharmacist about fluoride supplements. 'While community water fluoridation will no longer be available, there are measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of developing cavities,' Dr. Stacey Swilling, state dental director, said in a statement. 'We encourage Utahns to have regular checkups with a dentist or healthcare provider to make sure they are doing everything they can to protect their oral health.' The Utah Oral Health Coalition, a volunteer group of dozens of oral health professionals and advocates, is also launching a public awareness campaign centered around the tagline 'My Smile Matters.' It's a comprehensive initiative focused on steps people can take to keep the teeth and mouth healthy, including regular dentist visits, regular brushing and flossing, and use of fluoride supplements. 'Half of our state will be losing water fluoridation. The other half has not had it. So for half of the state, the message is: 'You no longer have water fluoridation. Our job has become a little harder, and here are things we need you to know,' ' said Lorna Koci, program director and chair of the coalition. 'To the other half of the state that hasn't had it, it's still a wonderful message: 'Here are the things you need to do to really have good oral health.' ' The hope is to use a wide range of partners – including health departments, community clinics, hospital systems, insurance companies, dental schools and school districts – to get the message out in as many different ways and places as possible. The coalition also plans to partner with local universities to develop a plan to track the impacts of the fluoride ban. The goal is to collect information that many advocates wish the state legislature had before passing the fluoride ban. 'When we asked the governor to veto this bill, we said we really don't have the information that's needed to make a decision of this impact,' Koci said. 'We wish we had more data available.' The new law in Utah allows pharmacists to provide fluoride directly, without a prescription from a dentist or doctor. While this broadens access for some, experts say supplements are an insufficient alternative to community water fluoridation – and may create new risks. Fluoride supplements tend to have poor compliance, said Dr. Scott Tomar, professor and associate dean at the University of Illinois College of Dentistry and the American Dental Association's spokesperson on community water fluoridation. There's a financial burden as well as a steep logistical burden that falls on the family to administer the supplement every day, he said. 'We're all just dealing with lots of other demands in our in our daily routine. You're talking busy parents of young children, expecting them to now add one more thing to their daily routine,' Tomar said. 'We just know from experience that the families that would benefit the most from that are probably the ones least likely to ensure compliance with daily administration.' Fluoride supplements are available in the form of a chewable tablet or a lozenge that is sucked for at least a minute, according to the CDC. They are meant to be used every day and typically geared toward children. Fluoride supplementation is not indicated for adults, Tomar said, so there's no strong alternative for adults in areas that are stopping community water fluoridation. The appropriate dosage for fluoride supplements varies, and experts worry that pharmacists and health care providers who are new to prescribing it – or haven't had to do so in many years – may not have all the training or information they need. The CDC has historically put out a report that providers use to assess the baseline level of fluoride in a community water system before supplementing it with tablets or drops, but Trump administration cuts to the federal agency's oral health department leaves a critical gap. These challenges could lead to overprescribing fluoride – a key argument for ending community water fluoridation in the first place. 'So now the Utah Dental Association is doing a lot of research to be able to help pharmacists, and we're hoping to give reports out to say, 'Hey, this is the natural amount of fluoride in these communities,' because we are nervous about that,' said Chamberlain, who is a past president of the Utah Dental Association. 'We want to make sure that the public is protected and that they're getting the right amount of fluoride prescribed from whatever source it is from.' Community water fluoridation was effective at preventing cavities, but now the burden falls on public health for more active messaging about prevention in oral health, said Brian Hatch, the Davis County health director. That will require a lot more public health resources, which are already stretched thin. 'Public health will have to do more in the future to make sure that we reinforce that message going out to every individual in the community,' Hatch said. 'There hasn't been a huge need to do a lot of that outreach, but now there is a need to make sure that it's a reoccurring message.' It will require more effort from individuals to support their own health, he said. 'The big shift that I'm probably most concerned about is how we make sure that we get the same bang for the buck by moving people to an active role in their own personal health instead of it being a passive system,' Hatch said. The logistics around stopping the flow of fluoride into public water systems in Utah have been simple. Three water treatment plants in Salt Lake City had already disconnected the system before the May 7 deadline. The fluoride was stored in a large tank and pumped into water in measured doses as it came out of treatment plants and ground water wells. 'The process of removing additional fluoride from the system is essentially just disconnecting the tanks that are used to store the acid from the treatment system,' said Laura Briefer, director of the Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities. 'It's basically just removing the feed pumps that are used to dose the water. It's quite simple.' But the department has been planning for this change for months, she said. Fluoride is bought in bulk like other treatment chemicals, and there are strict regulations around disposing of excess, so it made sense to start tapering off before ordering more. There is some naturally occurring fluoride in the Salt Lake City water system, but the water company estimates that any additional fluoride will be processed through the system in a matter of days. The Utah Department of Environmental Quality is in charge of ensuring that water systems across the state are complying with the new law, and it's requested photo documentation that treatment has been disconnected. In the weeks since the legislation was passed, the Salt Lake City public utilities department has had a 'diversity of feedback from community members,' Briefer said; some residents have called to ask that fluoride be removed immediately while others have suggested that they should go against the law and keep adding fluoride. 'As a public water system, we're charged with implementing the regulations before us,' she said. 'We are also ultimately involved in protecting the public health.' The Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities was not supportive of a fluoride ban in Utah and had lobbied legislators for a 'compromise bill' that would include some monitoring of fluoride levels instead of 'outright prohibition,' Briefer said. And it hasn't determined whether it will dispose of the equipment used for community water fluoridation or save it for the possibility of future use. 'One of the things that I would like to see as an outcome of this is some additional monitoring about public health outcomes once the fluoride is removed from the systems that has been historically added to in our state,' Briefer said. 'Since we've taken this action, I feel like, as a community, we have an obligation to understand what those impacts are, so that we can mitigate any negative impacts to the community we serve.'
