Growing a Healthy Child: Secrets from a Wise Old Doc

By William P. Smith Jr. D.D.S.

Raising a child is a parents most important job. But theres a lot to learn and know. In Growing a Healthy Child, author Dr. William P. Smith offers a step-by-step reference guide starting at pre-pregnancy and going through eighteen years old.

From a dental perspective, Smith discusses a wealth of information about a variety of topics, including how to grow a:

healthy parent-child relationship; healthy TMJ system; positive sense of self-worth and self-esteem; great smile; mouth with no cavities and no need for shots, drilling, or fillings; and healthy child.

In addition, Smith shares his knowledge about: dental emergencies, new orthodontic treatments for overall health, the airway and sleep, healthy jaw joints, posture, Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, dental insurance, and more.

Filled with practical advice, Growing a Healthy Child offers a well-rounded resource to help parents promote their childrens health and wellness and provide the healthiest possible start to life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Nov 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781480838741

William P. Smith Jr. D.D.S.

William P. Smith, Jr., D.D.S., graduated from the University of Missouri at Kansas City School of Dentistry in 1965 and has extensively studied child development, TMJ, sleep, and orthodontics. He raised four children and has treated countless child patients. Dr. Smith currently lives in Sedona, Arizona. This is his debut book. SleepBetterDoc.com [e-mail]

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Copyright © 2016 William P. Smith, Jr., D.D.S..

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Original Sculpture DOC on Front Cover

By Joanie Wolter, Cave Creek, Arizona

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By Hans L. Churchill, D.D.S., Marana, Arizona

Archway Publishing

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-4808-3873-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-3875-8 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-3874-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2016917057

Archway Publishing rev. date: 11/21/2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Special Thanks

Introduction to the Author: William P. Smith, Jr., D.D.S.

Disclaimer and Disclosure

Preface

Chapter 1. The Basics

Chapter 2. What Is Dental Decay? Can It Be Prevented?

Chapter 3. Protected Teeth = Fewer Cavities

Section I. Fluoride

Section II. Sealants

Section III. Heredity

Chapter 4. Fewer Bacteria = Less Acid = Fewer Cavities

Chapter 5. Less Sugar = Less Acid = Fewer Cavities

Chapter 6. How Can I Prepare My Child For A Dental Visit?

Chapter 7. What Should I Be Doing For My Child Year By Year?

Section I. Before Pregnancy

Section II. During Pregnancy

Section III. Your Child’s First Year

Section IV. Age One through Five Years

Section V. Age Six through Seven Years

Section VI. Age Eight through Eighteen Years

Chapter 8. Dental Emergency Care

Chapter 9. Orthodontics

Chapter 10. Posture

Chapter 11. Sleep Disorders and/or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Chapter 12. Dental Insurance

You Will Find GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD Essential If:

You want to have a child

You have a child age fetus through adult

You need a wedding gift

You need a shower gift

You want to raise your child decay free

You want to have no new cavities yourself

You would like a reference for use in case of dental emergency

You are interested in headaches, migraines, facial pain, or TMJ issues

You are interested in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

You are interested in sleep disorders

You are a dentist, dental assistant, or dental hygienist

You are a health care provider

You are a care giver

You are an insurance company

You are a public health organization

You want to win the fourth quarter

You are interested in growing a healthy child

Dedicated to:

My wife, Anne, who helped me better understand the temporomandibular joint, and who encouraged me to follow my dream to write this book

My four children who were the basis of proof that the lessons in this book are valid

SPECIAL THANKS

John I. Haynes, D.D.S. 1934-July 23, 2014

Dr. Haynes was a lifelong professor and clinical instructor at the University of Missouri at Kansas City, School of Dentistry. He was one of those unique instructors who was loved by every student. He always had time to consult, encourage, or console.

Dr. Haynes encouraged me to pursue a general dental practice instead of a specialty practice. I would not be in a position to write this book without that encouragement. As a general dentist I became educated and experienced in all areas of dentistry. Only because of that broad knowledge and experience was this book possible.

My patients who used these lessons to raise their children decay free

They gave me encouragement to share their results with you.

The parents who trusted me with the orthodontic care of their children

During their children’s treatment I learned the importance of a large airway and the importance of healthy temporomandibular joints (TMJ).

Harold Gelb, D.D.S., who introduced me to concepts of healthy temporomandibular joints (TMJ)

John W. Witzig, D.D.S., and Terrance J. Spahl, D.D.S., who encouraged me to use orthodontics to achieve a healthy airway, and healthy temporomandibular joints (TMJ)

Brendan C. Stack, D.D.S., who refined my orthodontic skills to treat TMJ disorders, and who taught me the relationship between TMJ disorders and movement disorders

Timothy G. Bromage, Ph.D., Steve A. Galella, D.D.S., and William M. Hang, D.D.S., M.S.D. for their significant contributions to current orthodontic care

The countless researchers and instructors for their tireless work and contributions to make this a better world

INTRODUCTION TO THE AUTHOR:

WILLIAM P. SMITH, JR., D.D.S.

I have gained knowledge and experience from over 50 years of treating patients and being a father. I also learned from my father, his brother, and an uncle-by-marriage who were dentists. I grew up in a family that constantly talked dentistry. My junior high school, and my high school, were across the street from my dad’s dental office. Countless after school afternoons were spent observing him or assisting. I am not sure how many years of dental experience that gives me.

"GROWING A HEALTHY CHILD is my attempt to share that knowledge and experience with you. The information in this book is based on my experiences of what works."

Dr. Smith graduated from the University of Missouri at Kansas City, School of Dentistry in 1965. The Vietnam War was in progress and Dr. Smith served the United States as a commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service. For two years he provided dental care for military personal from all branches of service, and for members of the Merchant Marines.

Dr. Smith opened a general dental practice in Bartlesville, Oklahoma in the fall of 1967. For several years he was the youngest dentist in the area. He reports receiving many referrals from older dentists to treat the children of their adult patients. These parents became Dr. Smith’s patients as their dentists retired. His child patients matured, and then brought their children for his care. He greatly enjoyed providing care for 3 generations.

Dr. Smith has helped his child patients grow up decay free or nearly decay free into adulthood. Dr. Smith’s four children were raised decay free using the enclosed techniques.

When Dr. Smith’s child patients became parents, they wanted their children to have the same level of dental care they had received. They wanted to brush their children’s teeth. They wanted their children to be decay free. They wanted orthodontic care with more attention to overall health, than just to straight teeth.

Dr. Smith has obtained extensive education and experience in:

Raising children with no decay

Treating temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD)

Treating sleep disorders

Providing orthodontic care

It is Dr. Smith’s desire to help parents better understand how a growing child’s general health can be improved by dental care.

Dr. Smith’s hobbies include family involvement, time with friends, walking, minor home repairs, home landscaping, wood working, snow skiing, scuba diving, airplane pilot, and water skiing.

Dr. Smith’s history includes active memberships in civic, professional, religious, and fraternal organizations. He has held many committee and officer positions.

William P. Smith, Jr., D.D.S.

SleepBetterDoc.com

[e-mail]

DISCLAIMER AND DISCLOSURE

This book represents the knowledge the author has gained over his life time. All opinions expressed are the author’s. The author shares the knowledge from his education and experiences with you.

The information in this book is not to be considered medical or dental advice.

The information in this book is not meant to be used to treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness.

Consult with your health care provider, or other appropriate advisor, before using information in this book.

Use information provided in this book at your discretion.

Dr. Smith has no affiliation of any kind with any products mentioned in this book.

Dr. Smith is a member of:

American Dental Association

Arizona Dental Association

American Academy of Craniofacial Pain

American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine

International Association for Orthodontics

Arizona Sleep Society

Northern Arizona Network for Dental Excellence Study Club

Dr. Smith is a Diplomate of:

Academy of Clinical Sleep Disorders Disciplines

PREFACE

Congratulations on taking an interest in your child’s health. There are few gifts greater for your child than providing the healthiest possible start on life.

This book includes pre-pregnancy through eighteen years. The book ends when the child leaves for college or work about that age. It is a little late for a parent to teach an 18-year-old to brush, or much of anything else. The information in this book is valid for all ages through death however. There is even information for adult caregivers, and adults with unusual decay problems. Athletes could improve their performance using information in this book.

Dr. Smith hopes parents are able to raise their children with:

Healthy teeth and gums

A great smile

A positive sense of self-worth and self-esteem

No cavities and no need for shots, drilling, or fillings

A healthy airway

A healthy TMJ system (temporomandibular joints)

Hope of a life time of pleasant dental visits

A healthy parent-child relationship

A healthy child-dentist relationship

He wants to provide a reference for better understanding of:

Dental emergences

Orthodontics and its relationship to overall health

The importance of the airway

The importance of nasal breathing

The importance of sleep

The importance of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) health

Posture

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Dental insurance

There is a wealth of information inside. Please dig in.

Jump in where you can. You can begin your journey towards a healthy child at any child’s age.

Just do it!!!!

CHAPTER 1

THE BASICS

Love Between Parent and Child

Love between parent and child is a special love. It is different than love between a person and a pet, between siblings, between husband and wife. A long list could be made of different kinds of love. Do they have anything in common?

It is often said that love is the opposite of hate. It can also be considered to be the opposite of apathy. Let’s consider a possible different definition.

In order to better understand love, consider that love could be the opposite of fear.

Fear is a feeling of possible loss in the future. Fear would be a normal reaction to a weather forecast of a possible tornado or hurricane. There is a definite possibility of loss in the future should either cause damage. Fear is the feeling of future loss.

Anger is a feeling of loss in the past. This is the feeling you could have after weather left you with damage.

If love could be the opposite of fear, love is comfort that another person can be trusted. There is no fear that you will be harmed by the other person. There is trust the other person will stand with you when needed. He will not turn on you. She will not secretly do something to harm you or your emotions. He will not abandon you when you need him. There is no fear when you think of this person.

Love is lack of fear, the presence of trust, and the feeling of comfort with the other person.

In order to have love between parent and child, we need to offer the child the lack of fear of being abandoned or harmed. We also need to offer trust that the parent will be there for the child when needed. When this is present, the child will be comfortable and will have a healthy outlook toward the world, as well as toward the parent.

These are general statements. They are goals to work toward. Children cannot be controlled. In spite of your offering the above, there will be cases where the child reacts in an unpredictable way. Be patient. Be consistent. Look toward the long term.

An infant is very selfish. Its needs are great. Meeting those needs requires time. We are human and cannot be perfect. Do the best you can to respond quickly to the needs of your infant. A two-month-old crying infant will not be spoiled when you respond to it. It is helpless and needs attention. Provide that attention.

Your child needs to be gradually more responsible for its needs as it grows older. You are working your way toward your child leaving the nest. You will always be there for your child however.

As a parent you set the boundaries. You are not to be the best friend. That may come later.

You love your toddler enough to keep it from falling off of a cliff. The toddler may cry and complain, but you will keep it away from the cliff.

You love your adolescent enough to keep it from a questionable activity. Your adolescent will be confident you are the worse parent ever when kept from a questionable activity. The adolescent may strongly let you know that. Quietly and politely stand your ground. Keeping the adolescent from this activity is the same as keeping the toddler from the cliff. This is showing your love. It is what parents do. Be firm with love without creating fear.

Being a parent can be very difficult at times. It is one of the most rewarding endeavors as well.

Here is an example from my life. I was one of several children. When