February 1 at the Dentist

I had not planned it this way - it's just how it worked out. I had a dentist appointment this morning, on February 1st. So what, you say?

In case you did not know it, February is Children's Dental Health Month. This makes February a bit unique and will give you something to think about besides your bills.

Interesting side-note - I posted on the same topic last year!

For the children's teeth

By the way - no cavities!

Dennis

February is Dental Health Month

To be more exact, February is National Children's Dental Health Month. This is sponsored by the American Dental Association. This awareness program does make February more special.

Have you ever wondered what a dentist might do to make children more comfortable about visiting? Well here are some ideas from the office of a practicing pediatric dentist that you might want to consider or compare.

• Explain healthy habits like healthy snacks, how to take care of your teeth and the importance of regular dental checkups.
• Reception area includes books, puzzles, games, Game Cube and pinball machine. Another office actually had 3 arcade machines.
• A "No Cavities Club" was formed that includes a weekly drawing for prizes.
• Use of air abrasion (drill-less) dentistry. With this technique tooth decay can be removed without the drill, and sometimes without the shot. This technique is not always able to replace the drill.
• A laser cavity detection system makes it possible to find cavities when they are quite small and easier to deal with.
• Nitrous oxide if needed to help decrease anxiety.
• TV's head phones and DVD's to keep them busy.

As you can see, there are quite a number of things that can be done to accommodate children and take away most of the anxiety associated with a trip to the dentist.

Do you need to make an appointment?

Dennis

Children of the Heavenly Father

In a recent post on Romans 8, we discussed the fact that nothing can separate us from the love of God. Because He loves His children, He will always provide for and protect them. He has never failed and never will. At the time I wrote that, this hymn jumped into my mind and I wanted to share it with you. The words are so true and so rich. Enjoy and be edified.

Children of the heav’nly Father
Safely in His bosom gather;
Nestling bird nor star in Heaven
Such a refuge e’er was given.

God His own doth tend and nourish;
In His holy courts they flourish;
From all evil things He spares them;
In His mighty arms He bears them.

Neither life nor death shall ever
From the Lord His children sever;
Unto them His grace He showeth,
And their sorrows all He knoweth.

Though He giveth or He taketh,
God His children ne’er forsaketh;
His the loving purpose solely
To preserve them pure and holy.

Lo, their very hairs He numbers,
And no daily care encumbers
Them that share His ev’ry blessing
And His help in woes distressing.

Praise the Lord in joyful numbers:
Your Protector never slumbers.
At the will of your Defender
Ev’ry foeman must surrender.

Link to the hymn melody
Link to the devotional which references this hymn