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GROW UP SMILING
from SCL V13i2 V1
by kn creative
Names of Doctors
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Early intervention is a phrase we often hear regarding many subjects, especially in matters of health. Dentistry, and especially children’s dentistry, is no different. Saline County Children’s Dentistry opened 13 years ago with Dr. Derek Marks’ desire to serve his surrounding hometown community and provide premium dental care to the youth of Saline County. His wife, Dr. Kathleen Marks, joined the practice in 2008,then Dr. Sarah Farmer in 2012. Two associates recently joined the team: Drs. Thomas Jenkins and Chelsea Brashears. “Our goal is to make dental visits fun and enjoyable for the kids whenever possible,” says Dr. Farmer. “We try and help them build good feelings toward dental visits that will stick for a lifetime.”
Saline County Children’s Dentistry serves about 8,000 children, ages 1-18, per year, averaging 100 patients per day. The main issue affecting children’s
oral health is diet, Dr. Farmer says. “Our kids snack on more carbs and sugar-filled foods than ever before.” In addition to sugarfilled foods, items such as juice and sugary beverages like sports drinks and sodas can be a challenge to maintaining a healthy mouth, she says. One way to combat this unhealthy trend is to encourage your child to eat or drink their snack in one sitting. “Snacking frequently or grazing on a few chips or crackers at a time over the course of a few hours is harder on your teeth than eating the same amount in one sitting,” she notes. “Drinking juice or sipping sugary drinks over longer periods is much worse.” The silver lining is the positive changes that have been made to dietary recommendations, Dr. Farmer says. “Most recently, the juice recommendation has changed to be limited to, at most, four ounces per day with a meal or snack for toddlers ages 1-3.”
She adds, “One big change we have seen over the past few years is the push for early visits for children under 1. Previously, the recommendation was at 3, but it was realized that many children had lots of cavities by that time.”
Children are now recommended to see the dentist by the age of 1 or the appearance of their first tooth. “This can accomplish a few things,” Dr. Farmer says, “but most importantly, it allows us to help provide information and early intervention regarding habits that can cause decay at a young age. It also allows us to start working early with the kids so they become more comfortable over time and the new things associated with dental visits like X-rays, cleanings and a new environment can be more easily tolerated.”
Another positive change is a shift toward more parental involvement. One parent can accompany each child through their dental visit at Saline County Children’s Dentistry, Dr. Farmer says.
The evolution of dentistry tools also helps improve how the clinic is best able to treat children. “Silver diamine fluoride is a new liquid that can be placed on a cavity to help slow the growth of a cavity,” Dr. Farmer says. “We also offer sedation and even general anesthesia in certain cases to help kids who are very anxious and have more extensive dental needs. Certainly, there are many factors that come into play when making these decisions and Mom or Dad are part of that discussion.”
Just like with most things, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach in dentistry. Dr. Farmer points out that every child is different and it’s important to keep an open mind and consider trying new things when helping your child
stay on top of their dental hygiene. “Making dental hygiene fun is always a good approach,” she says. “We have seen people have success with sticker charts and even new apps that turn brushing teeth into a game.”
Whatever you do, staying consistent is key. “We always recommend brushing twice daily and flossing at night,” Dr. Farmer says, adding, it’s helpful for parents of smaller children to follow close behind and assist to ensure no areas are missed. “This might be a good idea for older kids, too.” One other tip the dentistry crew always reiterates, Dr. Farmer says, is to cut off snacks and certain drinks at night after children complete their teeth-brushing routine. “Having snacks, sugary drinks or milk after nighttime brushing can be a big cause of cavities for some people and avoiding this habit is very helpful for preventing early decay.”
Decay can happen at an early age and lead to infection, abscess and pain. Dr. Farmer says the clinic tries to save decaying baby teeth when possible as early tooth loss can lead to spacing problems later. Children eventually lose their baby teeth naturally, but starting healthy oral hygiene habits as early as possible is vital to ensuring a child has the best oral health possible. Saline County Children’s Dentistry strives to bring that point home and set children up for a lifetime of healthy oral hygiene practices. Jillian Jacuzzi
Childhood is a time of wonder. During early childhood, children begin to discover and learn about the world around them in a variety of ways. Whether it’s dressing themselves, learning to communicate using a few sentences at a time, or peddling a tricycle down the driveway, it’s important to note that every child’s developmental journey is unique.
Developmental milestones are important guidelines for how your child grows into the next stage of life. Every child achieves these milestones at a different rate, but if you are concerned that your child may be behind, there are many resources available for parents. Tara Armstrong is the Early Childhood & Assistant Special Education Director for Bryant Public Schools. She oversees the more than 300 children aged 3-5 years old in the Bryant Pre-K education
program. Her team aims to maximize every resource available for the best quality of life while preparing children for a typical classroom. After serving five years as an elementary school principal, Tara received her Early Childhood Education certification and began working with children with disabilities. “Coming to this position has reinforced my belief that early intervention is important,” explains Tara. “Therapy and early interventions make a big difference. Everyone grows at a different rate. Parents will contact us if they have a concern: for instance, if their child is not using words or sentences by age 3, if they are struggling to communicate.” Providing a Better Future for All Children
Every public school in Arkansas must abide by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act or IDEA. According the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, IDEA is a national special education law, which “ensures that all children with disabilities (ages 3 to 21) in Arkansas receive a Free
Appropriate Public Education.”
The Bryant School District provides special education and related services in public school at no cost to parents. The Early Childhood Special Education program provides occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy and developmental instruction to medically fragile children ages 3 to 5. The program has three speech pathologists, three special education teachers, two paraprofessionals that support the special ed teachers, two occupational therapists, and a physical therapist. Tara and her team ensure that every child needing early intervention or special education receives care. “If we have a child with an address in the Bryant School District ages 3-kindergarten, we will provide an in-home or an office visit. We test for cognitive ability, gross and fine motor skills and speech language. If tests indicate the need for further evaluation, we will provide it.”
IDEA also ensures inclusivity inside the classroom by allowing children of all abilities to learn together with their peer group. “Inclusion is the best option—in our preschool you’ll see all of our students together,” explains Tara and her team ensure that every child needing early intervention or special education receives care.
Tara. “They will learn alongside their peers and receive inclusion therapy for the classroom. Sometimes children may leave the class for therapy, but they are able to be a part of the same pre-k class as typical kids.” Kindergarten Readiness
While kindergarten-readiness skills are accomplished at different ages, working with your child on social, academic, fine and gross motor skills will help your child be prepared. Play is a major part of learning. With supervision, allow your child to use items like crayons, paints and Play-doh. These activities “build
muscles and sensory input,” says Tara. “Through play, children develop so many skills." Limit tablet time. It’s easy to give them the phone. But set boundaries on the amount of screen
time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time to an hour per day of programming for children ages 2-5 years old.
Be a sportscaster. Kids learn from their environment; be the sportscaster of their world by narrating for your child. “I see a house, do you see a house, we are at the park.” By narrating, children “will build their own vocabulary,” says Tara.
Here are some examples of skills parents can foster in their children before beginning kindergarten: • Listening to the teacher • Understanding and following directions • Standing in line • Holding a writing utensil such as crayons, etc. Seeking Services If you are interested in pre-K enrollment or special education support for your child, contact your local school district to learn more.
“I think we are making a difference," says Tara. "There is research out there that suggests if you can give kids early intervention it will make a positive impact on their education and cost less on families.” Ashley Leopoulos Kids Education
If you would like to know more about the Bryant Early Childhood Pre-K and Special Education Program, email Tara Armstrong at earlychildhood@bryantschools.org.
