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A traumatized 8-year-old boy was missing several front teeth when Dr. Erik Harrington saw him at the emergency room, the result of a particularly vicious attack from school bullies. Harrington, owner of Highland Park Dental in the Park Cities and a father himself, was moved by the sad story.

Replacing teeth takes time and the boy didn't have much of that. This was a Friday evening. He had to return to school on Monday and was afraid the bullies would laugh at him in front of his classmates.

"The boy's Mom started to cry. As a parent, I knew exactly how she felt," said Dr. Harrington. "Showing up on school on Monday without his front teeth would have been another notch on the belts of the bullies. I didn't want to let that happen."

Harrington opened his Park Cities office that weekend and went to work, quickly fabricating temporary teeth that the boy could wear to school on Monday before getting new permanent teeth.

Harrington didn't charge for this work. His payment was a "thank-you" note from the boy.

"That note was one of the most moving things I have ever read," Harrington said. "It was wonderful. It was one of the most inspirational letters that I have ever received from anyone."

This story might sound unusual. But it's not, at least for Dr. Harrington and Highland Park Dental. Harrington is no stranger to giving his patients the extra attention they need, whether they're scheduled for major oral surgery or a simple round of teeth cleaning.

It's why Harrington and his office were recently selected as a "Mom's Pick" by Dallas Child Magazine. The "Mom's Pick" section recognizes kid-friendly businesses.

"I receive a tremendous high from being of service to others," Harrington said. "That tends to result in the kind of service that moms and kids like. I know that kids are not miniature adults, that they have their own way of looking at the world. I keep that in mind as I work with them. You have to see the world as if you were a child when you are working with kids."

The 8-year-old boy in the bullying case was able to return to his school on Monday with a new set of teeth. The evidence of his bullying was gone.

“It’s not often that you are in a position where you can really help someone,” Harrington said. “In this case, I was in that position. I was able to make a positive difference in that boy’s life, and in the life of his family. It’s an honor to be able to help.”

And the letter? Harrington says that he uses it to remind him of how important medical work can be. It is a cherished gift.

"When you put on those teeth, I was the happiest person in the world," reads one of the lines in the boy's letter. "When those boys had hit me, I felt like I was never going to be normal in my life. You helped me realize that I would be normal, and you made me feel safe and confident about myself."

“I don’t always remember the procedures I perform that generate the most money,” Harrington said. “But I will remember the work I did for this boy. These are the kind of cases that you never forget.”

If you want to learn more about the special care that Harrington provides to his patients or want to schedule an appointment, call Highland Park Dental at 214-499-9455. The office is located at 6725 Hillcrest Ave. in Snider Plaza in Dallas.

Highland Park Dental
6725 Hillcrest Avenue
(next to Starbucks in Snider Plaza)
Dallas, Texas 75205

214-499-9455
www.hpdentist.com

 

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Taking care of your teeth and gums makes you healthier, but if you fail to replace your toothbrush often enough, it could be making you ill.

Many people only change their toothbrush once or twice a year – typically at the same time they visit the dentist. But the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or when the bristles become frayed. Children’s toothbrushes may need to be replaced even more frequently.

Why replace your toothbrush more often?

  • Normal wear and tear can make your toothbrush less effective at removing plaque and germs from your teeth and gums.
  • A toothbrush can provide a breeding ground for germs of all kinds. Germs come from the mouth and can accumulate in the bristles of a toothbrush over time
  • After a cold, flu or other infection, you can prolong illness – or become infected again – if the germs are still living on your toothbrush.

Follow these five tips to keep your toothbrush clean and healthy:

  1. Rinse. After brushing, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly to remove toothpaste and plaque residue.
  2. Dry. Shake the toothbrush to remove any excess water. Then, place it upright in a toothbrush holder to dry and air it out. Moisture allows germs, bacteria and fungus to multiply.
  3. Separate. Don’t share toothbrushes. If more than one person uses your bathroom, ensure that your toothbrushes do not touch one another. This will prevent germs from passing back and forth. Invest in separate toothbrush holders, or store the toothbrushes upright in labeled cups.
  4. Protect. When travelling, store your toothbrush in a plastic case. Most travel cases have small holes to allow for good air circulation. Be sure to let your toothbrush dry before putting it away.
  5. Replace. Do not attempt to sanitize your toothbrush in the microwave or dishwasher. This can damage the bristles and make the toothbrush less effective. If you have been ill or suspect contamination, simply throw the toothbrush away and replace it.

Finally, don’t waste your money on products that claim to sanitize toothbrushes. According to the ADA, toothbrush sanitizers have not been show to provide a health benefit. If you do wish to try one, be sure to purchase a sanitizer that has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

If you have questions about your oral health or what toothbrush is best for you, make an appointment with the experts at Highland Park Dental at 214-521-3730.

Highland Park Dental
6725 Hillcrest Avenue
(next to Starbucks in Snider Plaza)
Dallas, Texas 75205

214 521-3730
www.hpdentist.com

 

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It happens to all of us sometimes. Colleagues and friends turn their heads to the side when we are talking to them – sometimes they take a step back and press their lips together to avoid blurting out the truth: You have bad breath. Your kinder friends will offer you a mint or gum.

Bad breath, or halitosis, can kill sales deals, strain relationships and even cause people to treat you badly. Even worse, we usually can’t tell our breath is bad and may not realize we are alienating people around us. While mints can mask the problem for a few minutes, how can you eliminate bad breath in the first place?

According to Aaron Jones, DDS of Highland Park Dental, the solution for most people can be quite simple. Here’s the basic halitosis elimination list he gives his patients:

  1. Avoid known offenders - Foods and drink such as onions, garlic, coffee, alcohol, dairy products, meat and orange juice, can have a powerful affect on breath odor. When we digest, food goes into our bloodstream and then the lungs, which is why brushing your teeth or mints don’t last after having garlic bread with your lunch.
  2. Eat regularly - Many dieters or people with eating disorders suffer from bad breath due to the foods they eat or infrequent eating.
  3. Brush your teeth, tongue and floss at least twice daily - this will get rid of rotting bacteria in your mouth that can cause bad breath.
  4. Don’t smoke or chew tobacco - there aren’t enough mints in the world to fix the breath of a smoker because they inhale into their lungs. Tobacco chewers stimulate bacteria in their mouths with their habit. Teeth brushing and gum are very short-term aids.

If your problem persists, you should talk to a dentist. Sometimes bad breath is a symptom of a larger problem. Dry mouth, for example, causes bad breath because there’s not enough saliva to push all the food particles down the throat. It is a common side effect of some medications or it could signal a problem with your salivary glands.

“Drinking more water helps with dry mouth and halitosis because it stimulates your own saliva,” said Dr. Jones. “Your dentist can help identify the source of your bad breath and give you specific advice. He can also refer you to a doctor if he suspects a medical problem.”

Dr. Jones practices at Highland Park Dental in Snider Plaza. Make an appointment at 214-521-3730 today to cure this embarrassing social disease.

Highland Park Dental
6725 Hillcrest Avenue
(next to Starbucks in Snider Plaza)
Dallas, Texas 75205

214 521-3730
www.hpdentist.com

 

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A recent article in the New York Times indicates an increase in preschoolers with tooth decay so severe that they have to undergo major dental surgery with general anesthesia. According to interviews with more than 20 dentists and dental professionals, the problem is wide spread. There are cases where dentist are finding an average of 6-8 cavities in preschoolers.

Parents can imagine how difficult it would be for themselves to have to sit still in the dental chair long enough to have 6 – 8 fillings done.  That is difficult for anyone.  Imagine how hard that would be on a 4 year old.  Even more challenging is what happens with a 1 year old or a 2 year old has cavities.  Some children as young as 2 are now reporting to their first dental visit with multiple cavities.  Prevention is the key and early visits to the dentist.

Treating children in the dental office can be a big challenge for the dentist, the patient and the parents.  Some children are very cooperative and the treatment can be completed with local anesthesia and maybe nitrous oxide (laughing gas). However, in the rising number of cases of preschoolers with cavities so severe that up to 12 teeth have to be treated, local anesthesia will not keep children in their seats for the entire procedure. General anesthesia for kids under 6 is usually the option of choice for treatment.  It allows the dentist to treat the entire mouth in one sitting and it is the best way to create an excellent experience for the child.

So how can parents prevent such drastic measures for their children?

Most snacks and juices for children are sugar bombs and are one of the major reasons for the increase in tooth decay in young kids. Parents get busy and do not always have the time to fix their children healthy snacks made from whole foods instead of processed foods. Trips to the grocery store are times to stock up on packaged fruit roll ups, fruit juices, chips and yogurt to go. These snacks sound like healthy options, but really they have tons of sugar, food coloring and other processed additives to make them look fun, enhance the taste and last longer.

These snacks may be quick and cheap, but investing in whole foods such as whole fruits, nuts and vegetables is worth your money, rather than the $2,000-$5,000 bill from the surgery to treat several cavities.

In addition, using tap water instead of bottled water is beneficial- tap water has added fluoride, helping your child’s teeth grow stronger. Teaching your child to brush their teeth regularly and doing it for them when they are still learning how to themselves, will help keep your child’s teeth clean while brushing off bacteria and acid causing cavities. Of course bringing your child to see your dentist regularly will ensure early detection and treatment for any oral health issues.

Take time to be proactive instead of reactive! And of course, check with your dentist if you have any other questions.

To read more, click here.

Highland Park Dental
6725 Hillcrest Avenue
(next to Starbucks in Snider Plaza)
Dallas, Texas 75205

214 521-3730
www.hpdentist.com

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Flossing isn’t something any of us really enjoys doing. Nonetheless, it should be something we do daily.

We visit the dentist every six months for our regular cleaning, and every time we have to embarrassingly admit that we still don’t floss on a regular basis. Flossing covers nearly 40% of the work to remove sticky bacteria (plaque) that stays on and between your teeth. These bacteria can turn into acid, which attacks your teeth and, in turn, causes cavities, irritated gums and left untreated can lead to gum disease, or periodontitis.

Each tooth has 5 surfaces, and brushing twice a day will clean 3 of the 5 surfaces, but what about the other 2? We grind and chew at every meal, causing food to be wedged between our teeth.  Floss is the only thing that can really get into those spaces and clean out the bacteria, making sure all surfaces of your teeth are properly cleaned.

The simple fact is that lack of flossing causes cavities and gum disease, which in turn can also ruin the aesthetics of your smile. A beautiful smile is one of the biggest parts of not just a first impression, but also a sign of how we take care of our hygiene, our physical appearance and ourselves.

Gum disease causes gums to recede, exposing the roots of your teeth, making your smile look less youthful. It also attacks the bones that support your teeth and your lower face. To maintain a youthful look as you age, it is important to preserve the bone you have in your face to keep your gums and teeth in place.

How can you choose the floss that is right for you? Some people tend to get better results when using a wide, flat dental tape, typically made out of either nylon or Teflon, which are both effective. This kind of floss works best for people with larger spaces between their teeth. If you teeth are very close together, you might want to try thin floss, which is easier to slide in and out between your teeth.

Don’t worry if flossing generates a little bit of blood. Bleeding typically means that you have inflamed gums due to plaque built up, which the flossing will help clean away. If using regular floss with your fingers is a struggle, try floss picks. They are made a little piece of floss strung between two little arms on one end and a toothpick on the other end.

If you have any questions or concerns about flossing, contact Highland Park Dental. We will be more than willing to answer your questions or get you in for a cleaning.

Click here for a special Spring Cleaning Offer that includes a cleaning and whitening treatment at Highland Park Dental.

Highland Park Dental
6725 Hillcrest Avenue
(next to Starbucks in Snider Plaza)
Dallas, Texas 75205

214 521-3730
www.hpdentist.com

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Getting to Know a Park Cities Dentist: Dr. Jones, an Ironman Competitor  

The Ironman 70.3 Competition isn’t a walk in the park. In fact it consists of a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride followed by a 13.1 mile run.

Highland Park Dental’s very own Dr. Jones, an avid, dedicated runner for quite some time now, recently completed the Ironman 70.3 Competition. He enjoys running races and competing in a variety of running challenges to continuously test his limits and add to his medal collection.

In 2011, he competed in several triathlons, which typically consist of 350 meter swims, 12-16 mile bike rides and a 5K (3.1 miles) run to finish. These are not something easily achieved and require months of rigorous training.

Dr. Jones takes great pleasure in triathlons, which allows him to switch up his training and makes it impossible for him to get bored with the sport. Over time he successfully tackled multiple 5Ks, 10Ks and 15Ks, as well as half marathons and the 70.3 Mile Ironman distance race!

“The 70.3 Iron Man was a great experience, a total challenge of the mind and body,” Dr. Jones said. "It was pretty tough. The half marathon alone took me longer than expected, because I had basically nothing left in the tank, and it was close to 95 degrees in October in Austin for some reason.”

So far this year, Dr. Jones has completed another half marathon and two 5Ks - and it’s only March! Up next for him is a full marathon (26.2 mile run) later this year and a training program for a 140.6 Mile Ironman competition in 2013.

Dr. Jones is an inspiration to any runner and athlete, as well as anyone looking for motivation to establish healthy habits for a healthy lifestyle. Way to go, Dr. Jones! We will keep you posted on his accomplishments and success.

Highland Park Dental
6725 Hillcrest Avenue
(next to Starbucks in Snider Plaza)
Dallas, Texas 75205

214 521-3730
www.hpdentist.com

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More than half of children ages 5-9 have had at least one cavity or filling, according to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s crucial to start good oral hygiene habits at an early age. A healthy mouth is important to your child’s overall well-being. Below are some reasons I’ve heard from parents as to why they haven’t taken their young ones to the dentist.

I don’t know even know when to start taking my child to the dentist…

Parents are encouraged to bring their child to the dentist within the first six months of teeth erupting.  This is typically by the end of the first year.  Much like the pediatrician well visits, these first pediatric dentist appointments at Highland Park Dental are to develop a rapport with the child, as well as evaluate growth, development and of course…check for cavities.

Aren’t they just baby teeth?

They are baby teeth and they are so important.  They are important for speech, eating and holding the proper amount of space for adult teeth to come through.  Not to mention the potential pain and discomfort from dental infections.  Did you know that cavities are the most prevalent disease condition in America now?  Yeah five times more common than asthma, and a possible contributor to asthma.  Our mouth is a Window to the Body™…and we want to keep that window clean!

I am so afraid of how my child will act…

We love the challenge that comes with each and every child.  Some children jump right into the dental appointment, while some children prefer more encouragement.  This is about developing the trust of a young person towards a profession and way of life, good oral health.  At Highland Park Dental, you will be amazed at how much your child means to us. 

What are you waiting for?  Check our website!  Ask around!  We are the best!

- Dr. H

Highland Park Dental
6725 Hillcrest Avenue
(next to Starbucks in Snider Plaza)
Dallas, Texas 75205

214 521-3730
www.hpdentist.com

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Braces are used to adjust an array of dental issues, which can consist of uneven tooth alignment or distended teeth (teeth that cross over one another). Some children require braces simply to help align their teeth and correct their bite.

Many children, when chewing or biting, experience a crooked bite, which is what causes jaw, mouth and/or gum pain. If the misalignment is ignored (or not diagnosed early on), the issues continue when the second teeth come in and will not resolve on their own.

The Facts About Braces

  • Current technological advancements have developed; braces are not just made of metals nowadays. Children can have colorful dental work or even invisible ones to help correct crooked teeth and misaligned bites.
  • Typically, braces are worn for a period of one to three years.
  • The current price ranges for braces are between $3,000.00 and $6000.00. The cost depends on the child and parent, what the dentist or orthodontic needs are and what parents can afford.

Whether now is the best time to start braces depends on your child’s visit to the orthodontist or dentist. Your child’s needs, how much they are suffering, whether their second teeth have developed completely and so forth are some of the determining factors.

If it comes down to finances, many dental and orthodontic offices offer payment arrangements for parents. Braces, for many parents and children, have been great investments for their future.

It is important to take your child for dental checkups regularly and if there are any issues with incorrect bite, crooked teeth, bunched teeth or additional troubles, it is vital to obtain early diagnosis and treatment. If parents wait too long, they might find out that adjustments and/or correcting dental problems might be additionally challenging later, and possibly more costly.

What are you waiting for?  Check our website!  Ask around!  We are the best!

Dr. H

Erik Kern Harrington, DDS, PhD
Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

Highland Park Dental
6725 Hillcrest Avenue
(next to Starbucks in Snider Plaza)
Dallas, Texas 75205

214 521-3730
www.hpdentist.com

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Dear Neighborhood,

It’s the end of your cleaning appointment. X- Rays are completed. The cleaning is almost finished.  The visit is almost over.  You wonder, are there any cavities?  Are there major problems?  What’s the doctor going to say?  The nervous feeling starts in the pit of your stomach.

This is how patients typically think. Well guess what, it’s also what is going through the mind of your dentist! We are completely aware and understand dental anxiety. The fear of the unknown is out there.

Dr. Harrington and I would love nothing more than to tell every patient that walks through that door, “Everything looks great! You have perfect teeth and always will.”

But unfortunately this is not the case for all or even most. There are usually a wide variety of issues that can surface at your regular visits. Small cavities, fractures, gum disease, gum recession, old dental work failing or any number of issues. Even the patients that have never had a cavity, sometimes actually get a cavity. 

It's an art to be able to tell a patient when we see something that concerns us.  We have a list of questions that go through our mind as well.  How are they going to act when I tell them they have a cavity?  Are they going to be upset, angry, and nervous, accept it, or storm out! Are they going to believe me? Are they going to be suspicious when I say there is a crack in a tooth and needs a crown?

There are all kinds of dental practice management firms that are hired by dental offices to help you learn how to address these issues with patients.  There are so many philosophies on how patients supposedly like to be approached.

How do you want to be approached? Everyone is different and we want to be providing exactly what our patients want.  So please email us at Highlandparkdental@yahoo.com with your thoughts.  Help us help you!

Sincerely,

Dr. Aaron Jones, DDS

Highland Park Dental
6725 Hillcrest Avenue
(next to Starbucks in Snider Plaza)
Dallas, Texas 75205

214 521-3730
www.hpdentist.com

BubbleLife Staff

Have You Smelled Your Floss Lately?
By Karli Bock, RDH at Highland Park Dental 

Well, have you? I can only imagine most of you reading this have a puzzled look on your face. For the others who secretly smell their floss and then make a face to which I can only imagine can resemble that of ones who smells their old gym shoes.  Although I would love to ask this question to a handful of patients, I do not. I did however have one patient ask me after I pulled floss out of their own mouth, “What is that awful smell?” I felt bad for responding with “…..Your mouth.”

The bad smell after flossing can mean a handful of things. It can mean you are leaving behind that amazing home cooked meal of chicken cordon bleu and asparagus that your wife prepared two weeks ago. It could mean cavities starting in between your teeth, or infection in the gums. Many people think brushing their teeth gets the job done. However, it does not. The plaque that is left behind from not flossing can cause halitosis also known as “bad breath”.

Usually people, who do not floss enough, often have gums that bleed. Bleeding gums are not healthy gums. Some see bleeding gums and tend to shy away from flossing because they think flossing cause their gums to bleed. In reality, the more you floss, the healthier the gums are, and the less they bleed.  I often think, “If my hands started to bleed every time I washed them I would go to the hospital.” Why do most of us think it is normal for our gums to bleed?

Gums that bleed are indications of gingivitis or gum disease. The plaque that is left behind from not flossing or brushing well travels below causing you gums to become flamed. Once the gums are inflamed and infected, the gingival tissue swells and starts to bleed. This can eventually turn in to periodontitis or gum disease if not taken care of. This means the plaque turns into tarter and other harmful bacteria below the gum line and can infect the entire support system for your teeth. This is why your grandmother takes out her teeth, places them on the table, and only eats mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving.

So I encourage everyone to not only floss, but go in the bathroom, shut the door and smell it. If there isn’t any blood and it does not smell like your Great Aunt’s fish tank she hasn’t cleaned since the Reagan Administration, you are doing a good job!

 

Highland Park Dental
6725 Hillcrest Avenue
(next to Starbucks in Snider Plaza)
Dallas, Texas 75205

214 521-3730
www.hpdentist.com