As a parent with a small child, I know the feeling of worrying about the safety of my child at all times. So many children go missing each year without a trace. So I thought it was important to make sure my child attended our Children’s Health & Safety Awareness Day.

On Saturday August 21st, Bright Side Dental partnered with the Masonic Lodge to provide parents the opportunity to receive a free child identification kit. The completed child ID package contains all the vital information necessary to expedite law enforcement efforts to locate a missing child.

The Michigan Child ID program by the Masonic lodge includes everything needed for the Amber Alert system and it’s considered one of the most comprehensive child recovery and identification programs in the nation by the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

In addition to the ID kits, the Livonia Police Department and Fire Department shared safety tips. Meijer and St. Mary Mercy Hospital provided health and wellness information. Our own Senator Anderson and State Representative Walsh provided safety coloring books for the children.

While parents obtained important information, the kids had a blast in the bouncy house provided by Foresters Financial Partners and Jet’s Pizza provided the food.

We know as parents, educators and citizens the importance of doing our part to insure a healthy and safe lifestyle for children.  With this event, we are doing our part to promote health and safety and we plan to continue doing it for years to come.

At the age of 4, it was hard for me to understand why my great-grandmother kept asking me how old I was. It wasn’t until years later that my parents told me that she was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. It was hard to see her fade away, but I am glad that now so much is being done to bring awareness and understanding to this complex disease.

On Saturday August 28th, Bright Side Dental will be participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk. We will join hundreds of walkers at the Detroit Zoo to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer care, support, and research.

We are already doing our part by raising funds for the Memory Walk and providing helpful dental information for the families of Alzheimer’s patients. You can help us reach our fundraising goal by clicking here to donate.

The Alzheimer’s Association’s vision is a world without Alzheimer’s disease. We want to do our part in the elimination of Alzheimer’s disease by raising funds for research, supporting the Association’s efforts and promoting brain health.

As a member of the Special Care Dentistry Association, we are aware that seniors with Alzheimer’s disease may need special care during dental procedures. We want families to know the options available to their loved ones that can provide solutions to their dental problems.

With most living things, with age comes deterioration, but our memories never age or fade away. The efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association go towards making sure that memories are never lost, but cherished forever.

I read some staggering statistics today from the American Diabetes Association.  7.8% of the population in the United States has diabetes.  That’s 23.6 million children and adults.  And these numbers are rapidly increasing as 1.6 million new cases of diabetes are diagnosed each year. 

If you have diabetes you probably already know the various ways the disease can affect your body, but did you know that it can affect the health of your mouth, too?  According to the American Dental Association (ADA), diabetes can “lower your resistance to infection and can slow the healing process.” 

This lowered resistance to infection directly affects your dental health.  Periodontal disease is the infection of your gums and the bones that hold your teeth in place.  It is often common in people with diabetes.  The ADA explains that because diabetes “reduces the body’s resistance to infection, the gums are among the tissues likely to be affected.”  Lowered resistance to infection coupled with a longer healing process make people with diabetes more susceptible to periodontal disease.

If you have diabetes it is vital that you see your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.  Because you have a higher chance of developing an infection of your gums, it is very important to be monitored closely.  The American Dental Association recommends that everyone see a dentist at least every six months for a cleaning and examination.  Your dentist may recommend you visit more frequently if you have a history of periodontal (gum) disease.

The ADA also stresses the importance of taking good care of your oral health at home by maintaining good blood sugar levels, eating a well-balanced diet, and taking good care of your teeth.  Remembering to brush and floss twice daily will help maintain a healthy mouth.  The ADA recommends using fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush.  Your dentist will give you any other instructions necessary to help protect your teeth during your check-up. 

The American Dental Association offers a wealth of information about diabetes and oral health on their website at www.ada.org.  The ADA explains that periodontal disease isn’t the only dental problem associated with diabetes.  According to the ADA, the most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are:

• tooth decay;
• periodontal (gum) disease;
• salivary gland dysfunction;
• fungal infections;
• inflammatory skin disease;
• infection and delayed healing;
• taste impairment.

 The ADA urges you to report to your dentist any changes in your medical history, including being diagnosed with diabetes.  If you have diabetes, it is important to share the details of your diabetes with your dentist at your next visit.  Your dentist will want to know whether or not your diabetes it is under control and the names of all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are currently taking. 

Take a step to care for your dental health.  Call your dentist today to schedule your next cleaning and check-up.  If you need to find a dentist, visit the American Dental Association’s website at www.ada.org or the Michigan Dental Association’s website at www.smilemichigan.org to find a dentist in your area. 

Bright Side Dental is a dental group with locations in Sterling Heights, Livonia, Canton, and Royal Oak, Michigan.