Small Smiles of Roanoke Helps Children Learn to Read

Small Smiles of Roanoke is pleased to be partnering with Smart Beginnings of Roanoke and the United Way to help children in the area learn to read.

Smart Beginnings works with you children to prepare them to enter the classroom. The United Way is also participating in the program has dontated books to help encourage children to read at home.

Small Smiles of Roanoke is pleased to be distributing books from the program to their patients. Office Manager Mandy Dilley reports, "The children are excited to get a book of their own that they can take home."

Acid Reflux in Children Linked to Dental Health

Dentists such as those at Small Smiles dental centers and other caregivers who regularly treat children are aware that a variety of factors can impact a child's dental health. It is also important for parents to be familiar with health issues that could impact their children.

News today from the University of California says that children who have symptoms of chronic acid reflux are significantly more likely to have dental erosions than those without reflux symptoms, according to a new study.

The study, which is the first to examine the relationship between acid reflux and dental health in pediatric patients, was presented today, May 4, 2009, at the Pediatric Academic Societies annual meeting in Baltimore, Md.

The research is also among the first to find a conclusive link between chronic acid reflux and dental erosions in any age group, as previous studies have produced inconsistent results, according to Melvin Heyman, MD, chief of pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at UC San Francisco's Children’s Hospital and the study’s senior author.

“These findings demonstrate that we really need to start looking for dental erosions in pediatric patients with chronic acid reflux and integrate proper dental care into their treatment regimens,” Heyman said.


Small Smiles dental clinics recommend that parents talk to their child's dentist about a variety of health issues to help safeguard lifelong dental health.

Small Smiles of Holyoke Participates in Healthy Kids Day

Earlier this month, Small Smiles of Holyoke participated in the Healthy Kids Day at the Greater Holyoke YMCA.

The "Put Play In Your Day" event featured games and activities for children and their families. The event also featured short fitness demonstrations to help children and their parents live more active lifestyles.

Small Smiles of Holyoke was proud to be included in the event. Having a healthy smile plays an important role in a child's overall health. At the event, Small Smiles caregivers demonstrated the sugar content of popular beverages and explained how these beverages can have a negative impact on dental health.

Small Smiles Dental Center is committed to keeping the children of Holyoke healthy. To read more about the event, please click here.

Layoffs, High Costs Make Many Put Off Dental Care

The Ventura County Star recently published an article titled "Layoffs, high costs make many put off dental care."

The article illustrates the choices that many Americans face in difficult economic times when it comes to health care.

"“I’m grinding my teeth,” said the 66-year-old Ventura woman. “And I need to have a teeth cleaning.”

But she figures the thing “whizzing around” in the engine of her 2004 Toyota Matrix is more pressing, so the teeth are going to have to wait."

While many people are forced to make difficult decisions, putting off dental care should not be one of them, especially for children. At Small Smiles, we work every day to expand access to dental care for those who need it most.

Small Smiles of Youngstown Featured in Office Hours Magazine

Small Smiles of Youngstown is featured in the most recent edition of Office Hours Magazine.

The article discusses the need for dental care among the low income population and the extra steps that caregivers at Small Smiles take to make children and parents comfortable during their visit.

“We are set up specifically to provide care for underprivileged children in our area,” said Dr. Whitney Moore, lead dentist at the Youngstown Small Smiles. “Children and their parents find a comforting and professional environment that is focused on providing the best possible care for children who may be taking their first steps toward life-long dental health.”

To view the article, click here.

Small Smiles of Roanoke Sponsors Easter Bunny at Tanglewood Mall

Beginning on Saturday, March 28, the Easter Bunny will be appearing at Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke, VA.

Small Smiles, in coordination First Baptist Church Roanoke and Tanglewood Mall, will sponsor a “Wake Up with the Bunny” breakfast at 9:30am on Saturday, March 28. Breakfast will be provided by Chick-fil-A for each registered child, ages 10 and under, and a parent or guardian. Following the breakfast, there will be activities for the children including crafts and games, and face-painting.

Space is very limited, so parents should call to register today! To register, please call Customer Service at (540) 989-4388.

The Easter Bunny will be at Tanglewood Mall for visits and pictures with children through Saturday, April 11th.

To read more about the event, please click here.

USA Today: Many Americans Say They Forgo Routine Dental Care

Recently, USA Today ran a story titled, "Many Americans Say They Forgo Routine Dental Care." According to a recent Gallup-Healthways poll, more than 34% of Americans did not visit a dentist last year. Furthermore, the poll indicated that over half of those polled who made less than $2,000 a month skipped regular visits. Nicholas Mosca, Director of the Office of Oral Health with the Mississippi State Department of Health said:

"Studies show there is a widespread ignorance in the state about the importance of good oral health - that without treatment, over time oral health diseases can lead to serious health problems. Only 54% of the state's public water supplies have water fluoridation programs."

During times when there is increased pressure on budgets and families are losing their insurance coverage, Small Smiles dental centers provide a place for parents to get high-quality, cost-sensitive dental care for their families.