Top Men’s Health Issues

To live long and remain healthy, adult males must pay close attention to specific men’s health issues. Whether you’re concerned about common men’s health problems or interested in learning more about the health of men in general, understanding the risks is the first step. That’s why we’ve researched the top men’s health problems, so you can enjoy good health now and in your later years. With regular medical checkups and some lifestyle changes, you should be able to reduce the risk of developing the top men’s health issues or learn how to manage the condition.

Contact Us Today 717-232-9971

What Do All Men Have In Common When It Comes To Health?

While every individual is unique, male adults often share certain risk factors and health concerns. Recognizing what men have in common can help with early intervention and prevention of these major men’s health issues.

Heart-Related Diseases

Heart attack, stroke and diseases affecting the arteries are among the top 10 men’s health issues worldwide. These ailments are collectively known as cardiovascular diseases.

In the U.S., about 697,000 people die of heart-related diseases, and over half are men. So, you need to be aware that:

More than one out of four adult men are at risk of dying from cardiovascular disease.
African American people are at higher risk for high blood pressure.
High blood pressure occurs more often in men over 45 years of age.

To prevent death from cardiovascular disease, you must have a medical checkup at least once every six months at a one-stop medical center like Hamilton Health. You should also monitor your blood pressure and eat lots of fruits and vegetables.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a terrible disease because it can spread rapidly before you notice its symptoms. It’s difficult to treat or cure this disease when it’s discovered.

Lung cancer can kill within a year after it’s diagnosed, and more people die from lung cancer than any other type. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer in men, causing about nine out of 10 cases. While the number of men smoking has dropped, it’s still a leading cause of death among adult men.

Unfortunately, there is no early detection test for lung cancer. The best way to avoid the disease is to stop smoking. If you are or have ever been a chronic smoker, visit your doctor for a medical examination.

COPD and Other Respiratory Diseases

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) refers to several conditions — including emphysema and chronic bronchitis — that cause breathing problems or block airflow. This disease often causes symptoms like frequent coughing, excess phlegm production, trouble taking a deep breath and shortness of breath. More than 15 million Americans struggle with the disease, and it is more common in former smokers and people who are multiracial and non-Hispanic.

Prostate Cancer

Only men can develop this ailment because women don’t have prostate glands. The prostate is a small gland located behind the penis. It produces fluids that are important for releasing semen during sexual intercourse.

As males get older, the prostate easily gets enlarged. Nearly 200,000 men develop this disease in the U.S. every year. This cancer is the most common type adult males have.

Not all cases of prostate cancer result in death. So, as you get older, it’s essential to visit a medical center with the facilities to detect the exact type of cancer you may be at risk of developing.

Liver Disease

Liver disease manifests in several ways, including viral hepatitis, liver cancer or alcoholic liver disease. People with liver disease have a difficult time digesting food and disposing of toxic substances. The body also shows symptoms like swollen abdomen, yellowing of the skin and changing stool.

Contact Us Today 717-232-9971

Stroke

A stroke happens when arteries in the brain become blocked or rupture. Either of these events prevents the cells from getting oxygen, causing parts of the brain to die. This occurrence is a leading cause of death and disability for adults. Medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity can increase stroke risk. Certain behaviors like tobacco and alcohol use may also increase your risk.

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) — or impotence — occurs when a man cannot get or maintain an erection. It occurs occasionally in men during stressful events, but if it happens often, it can be a sign of a severe health problem.

Erectile dysfunction may be caused by atherosclerosis, which is the hardening of arteries. ED is a sign that blood vessels aren’t in good shape. Many doctors see erectile dysfunction as a warning sign of an upcoming cardiovascular or heart disease. If you notice you have ED, please visit a qualified doctor immediately.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say one in five Americans has a sexually transmitted infection (STI). These diseases are also more common among men than women.

You can lower your risks through vaccines and protected sex. Men who are sexually active and have sex with other men should get tested for infections at least once yearly to determine whether they need treatment.

Diabetes

Diabetes occurs when the glucose in your blood becomes very high. It happens when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or the body does not respond to it. This situation leads to excess glucose in the blood.

Two signs of diabetes are the frequent urge to urinate and excessive thirst. Diabetes develops slowly, and most men aren’t aware of it until they see the first two major signs.

Excess glucose in the blood can cause other diseases, including strokes, heart attacks and blindness. This disease is also the leading cause of kidney failure and lower limb amputations. Obese and overweight men in the U.S. are more likely to develop diabetes. To prevent this disease, you need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily, and you should eat a diet with a balanced combination of macronutrients.

COVID-19

When men contract COVID-19, the effects on health are often more serious than for women. The disease is more likely to cause severe symptoms and death in men. The rise of several vaccines can lower the chances of contracting the disease or enduring severe symptoms.

Unintentional Injuries

Injuries from falls, motor accidents, poisoning and other unintended events are the fourth most common cause of death in the United States. Overall, men are more likely to die from such events than women. While some unintentional injuries are unavoidable, you can do certain things to lower your risk, like following proper safety measures and going to the emergency room when injured before it becomes more serious.

Contact Us Today 717-232-9971

Depression

While statistics show depression is slightly higher among females, depression is still quite common among males, with about 6% of men experiencing major depressive episodes yearly.

Some men go undiagnosed because the condition manifests in different symptoms, like anger and aggressiveness, rather than sadness. Talking to a medical provider can guide you toward the help you need when struggling with this condition.

Take Steps to Address the Top Men’s Health Threats Early

You can find medical treatment regardless of your financial situation. If you’ve observed any signs of the issues highlighted above, please call us now to book an appointment with a doctor at Hamilton Health. We offer help to all men who need medical assistance, including low-income earners and those without health insurance.

STI Prevention Tips

Advice For Avoiding STIs

The prevention and control of sexually transmitted diseases is critical for sexually active people. The best way to prevent a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is to abstain from all sexual activity— but that’s not practical for most people. So, we will give you proven STI and STD prevention tips that’ll help you enjoy an active sex life without the health risks.

Communicate Openly With Your Partner

Many young adults avoid talking about sex at the beginning of a relationship, but it’s vital to talk about it if you want to prevent STIs.

Speak with your partner openly about sexual health and STIs before you engage in sexual activities. Practicing open communication about sex enhances trust and mutual respect. Be sure to talk to your doctor about your sexual practices.

Use Condoms

Use condoms correctly each time you have sex — and particularly casual sex. Condoms may not have a 100% guarantee against infection or pregnancy, but they’re quite effective when used correctly. Remember to:

Make sure the condom hasn’t expired
Use only water-based lubricants to avoid damaging the condom
Always leave enough room at the tip of the condom
Don’t reuse a condom or remove it and wear it again

Abstain From Sex When You Think a Partner Has an STI

Always avoid sexual contact with anyone who has a discharge, rash, genital sores or any symptoms of an STI. It’s best practice to:

Let you or your partner see a doctor and get treated before you resume sexual activity
Follow all the instructions of your physician
Always use a condom if you’re having sex with a new partner
Let your doctor give you or your partner an all-clear report before you start having sex again

Avoid Using Recreational Drugs and Alcohol

Getting stoned or drunk can increase your risk of contracting STIs. When you’re intoxicated, you won’t be able to exercise the judgment required to practice safe sex.

Abstaining from recreational drug use can cut your risk of being coerced to have unsafe sex. The use of recreational drugs in public places like nightclubs can easily get you to act against the good decisions you made earlier on. If you must use recreational drugs like marijuana, you should do so at home where the cerebral euphoria can wear off without making any regrettable decisions.

Practice Mutual Monogamy

Do your best to stick with just one sexual partner. The only way to have unprotected sex and remain safe from infections like syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV and chlamydia is for you and your partner to abstain from having sex with other partners. This is called mutual monogamy.

Staying faithful to just one partner will limit your exposure to STIs. The risk of STIs will be very minimal if one or both of you has not had sexual contact with another person.

When one person has had sexual contact with someone else, both of you should get tested for STIs before any sexual contact. Let your healthcare provider know how long ago you or your partner had sexual contact with another person.

Get an STD Prevention Education With Hamilton Health

Hamilton Health provides STD prevention education for a wide variety of patient groups including low-income earners. We’re committed to helping you enjoy good health while you’re sexually active.

Call us at (717) 232-9971 to book an appointment with one of our caring and compassionate healthcare providers today.

View More STD Resources

Common Signs of Hernias

Hernias are a common medical concern among adults. They do not always have an obvious physical cause. Hernias become more of a health risk factor with age, but anyone can experience the discomfort of these medical complications.

What is a Hernia?

Hernias occur suddenly or over time, where there is a weakness or opening in the abdominal muscular wall. This area is called the peritoneum, and its main purpose is to keep abdominal organs in place. When a hole or weakness exists in the abdominal wall muscles, organs and tissues can push forward and create an uncomfortable bulge.

Hernias are simple for doctors to diagnose, but there are a few different types.

What Are The Different Types of Hernias?

Hernias sites are typically found across the groin, stomach, belly button or on an abdominal surgical scar. They are identified through the following categories:

Inguinal hernia: These are the most commonly diagnosed hernias, and they are a result of the intestines pushing through the muscle abdominal wall. The intestines usually push through the inguinal canal found within the groin.
Hiatal hernia: These hernias are a result of part of your stomach pushing up through your diaphragm. These occur frequently in adults over 50 years old and can have impacts on your bowel movement.
Umbilical hernia: A hernia taking place when a baby is under six months old. These are noticeable near the lower stomach, but they happen when the intestines stick out through the abdomen wall. This hernia corrects itself as the child grows older and muscles strengthen.
Incisional hernia: This hernia complication happens after abdominal surgery. The intestines push past weak muscles, scarring or tissue.

How Do You Know if You Have a Hernia?

You can usually tell if you have a hernia if a bulge is coming from your abdominal area. These bulges are easier to find when you are standing or bending as opposed to lying down flat. Inspecting your body for hernias is done by feeling your abdominal muscles for any lumps that don’t match the opposite side.

There are a few other hernia symptoms. Other common symptoms of a hernia include:

Pain or aches in the abdomen
Nausea
Vomiting
Heartburn
Straining when using the restroom

Signs of Hernia for Women

While women are less likely to experience hernias than men, they are still at risk. If a hernia occurs in a woman, it is often smaller and deeper and doesn’t have the typical bulge. In most cases, these hernias cause chronic, deep pain in the pelvis accompanied by an occasional stabbing feeling that seems to occur suddenly and continues to linger.

Exercising, coughing, laughing or straining in any way can also cause hernia pain to increase. While it may be hard to find the exact words to describe signs of a hernia in a woman, some common phrases include:

Shooting
Sharp
Aching
Burning
Dull

Most women experience inguinal hernia pain near their groin and report more severe symptoms during their period. Their hernia can also worsen through activities that put additional pressure on the pelvic floor, like:

Bending
Entering and exiting a car
Sitting and standing for a prolonged period

Signs of Hernia for Men

Hernias in men are often closer to the surface and have apparent swelling. However, the exact signs will largely depend on the type of hernia and where it is in the body. For incisional, umbilical, femoral and inguinal hernias, some symptoms include:

Swelling beneath the abdomen and groin that disappears when you lie down
A heavy feeling in the stomach with accompanying constipation or bloody stool
Discomfort in the abdomen whenever you lift something or bend over
A burning sensation in the swollen areas
Heartburn
Groin weakness or pressure
Shooting pains
Vomiting
Constipation

For a hiatal hernia, a man may experience symptoms like heartburn or pain in the upper abdominal area. The signs and symptoms of a hernia may also differ if it is a strangulated hernia and can include the following:

Nausea
Fever
Sudden pain that quickly increases
A swollen bulge that becomes red or purple
Extreme constipation

When Should I Worry About Hernia Pain?

The best tip with hernias is to watch them regularly. If pain levels become excruciating and prevent you from living a normal life, surgery might be your best option. Depending on the location and type of hernia, you might need open or Laparoscopic repair surgery.

Open surgery involves sealing off the hernia using mesh or bone while Laparoscopic repair requires smaller incisions for a shorter recovery period. Both methods repair a hernia in the same way, but Laparoscopic repair uses a small camera to guide instruments and lighting through the abdomen. Talk to your doctor to discuss these treatment options in more detail.

Are You at Risk?

It’s always proactive to monitor your body and health. Your risk factors of a hernia increase if you have a family history of hernias, are overweight, experience long-term constipation or smoke. If you are concerned about hernias or think you might have one, Hamilton Health Center is here to help.

By making an appointment with Hamilton Health Center, we can guide you on the best path toward overall well-being. Welcome to your new home for health. Call Hamilton Health Center today.

Dr. Bolanle Limann Named New Chief Medical Officer

Hamilton Health Center is proud to announce that Dr. Bolanle Limann M.D, M.DA, M.P.H has been named the new Chief Medical Officer of Hamilton Health Center.

Dr. Limann will provide leadership for all of our clinical departments and ensure that we are providing consistent top-quality patient-center care across all of our different clinical departments. Her primary responsibility will be to direct our various departments and make certain that all departments are following the regulatory standards and policies and procedures that are the cornerstone of Hamilton Health Center.

Dr. Limann comes to Hamilton Health Center with an impressive background of experience in the medical field. She has over 15 years of experience in patient care and is passionate about both quality improvement and cost-effectiveness.

Dr. Limann has worked in the Harrisburg area for many years and is excited to start this new journey at Hamilton Health Center. She served on our board of directors prior to being named the Chief Medical Officer of Hamilton Health Center so she has a deep understanding of Hamilton Health Center’s values and beliefs.

How to Manage Diabetes

Managing Diabetes

In honor of Defeat Diabetes Month (April 2018), we’d like to offer some tips for those living with Type I and Type II Diabetes.

When you have an illness like diabetes, it can be hard to accept that there’s currently no permanent medical cure for the disease. There are two major types of diabetes. With type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce insulin. With type 2 diabetes, the body neither produces nor utilizes insulin well.

If you’re wondering how to fix diabetes now that you have a sugar problem, here are some tips that can teach you how to manage type I and type II diabetes.

How to Manage Type 1 Diabetes

Managing type 1 diabetes involves the following:

Taking Insulin

Anyone with type 1 diabetes must take insulin for life. Unfortunately, insulin cannot be received through oral tablets. Since the stomach enzymes will break it down, you must receive it through an insulin pump or via injections.

Doing Regular Blood Sugar Monitoring

You need to monitor and keep a record of your blood sugar for a minimum of four times daily. The American Diabetes Association recommends that you monitor your blood sugar before snacks or meals, just before going to bed and before doing any workout or driving.

Eating Health Boosting Foods

While there’s no real diabetic diet, you need to base your daily diet on highly nutritious foods rich in fiber and low in fat, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Your dietitian will usually suggest you consume fewer refined carbohydrates like sweets and white bread, as well as fewer animal products.

You need to constantly count the number of carbohydrates in the foods you consume so you can use this measure to determine the amount of insulin you’ll require afterward. Consult our experienced dietitian now to help you create a new meal plan that will satisfy your needs.

Maintaining an Exercise Routine for a Healthy Weight

First, consult your doctor to determine if it’s OK to start doing regular exercise. Then, select a few activities like swimming, walking or jogging, and include them in your daily routine. Strive for at least 20 to 25 minutes of aerobic exercise per day, and avoid going more than two days without exercise.

How to Manage Type 2 Diabetes

The management of this kind of diabetes involves the following:

Eating a Healthy Diet

Base your diet on foods that are high in fiber and low in fat, such as whole grains, vegetables and fruits. Eat fewer animal products and refined carbs. Also, low glycemic-index foods will help you achieve stable blood sugar levels.

Doing Regular Exercise

With the consent of your doctor, you should start a daily exercise program. Activities like cycling, walking, swimming and running could help you make physical activity a part of your daily routine. You should do aerobic exercise for about half an hour daily, five days a week.

Monitoring Blood Sugar

Depending on the type of treatment plan you’re on, you need to monitor your blood sugar at least twice daily. If you’re taking insulin, you need to do this several times a day. Ask your doctor to state the number of times you should monitor your blood sugar daily.

Taking Diabetes Medication/Insulin Therapy

Some patients can achieve their desired blood sugar levels with improvements in their diet and exercise only, while others also need insulin therapy and diabetes medications. The severity of your condition will determine which form of therapy is best.

We Can Help

At Hamilton Healthcare, we offer a one-stop health care solution for everyone. If you’re living with diabetes, we can provide all the information, care, medication and counseling you need to live a healthy life. We’re waiting to help you. Give us a call at 717-232-9971 now.

View More Helpful Resources

What are the first steps in Detecting Colon Cancer?

Detecting Colon Cancer Before it Spreads

Detecting colon cancer early is crucial because it is a highly prevalent and potentially deadly form of cancer. The colon, also known as the large intestine, is responsible for processing and eliminating waste from the body. If cancer cells form in the colon, they can grow and spread to other parts of the body, leading to severe health consequences and even death.

The early stages of colon cancer often have no noticeable symptoms, which is why regular screening is critical. When colon cancer is detected early, it is much more treatable and has a higher chance of being cured. Colon cancer screening tests, such as colonoscopies, can detect precancerous growths (polyps) before they turn into cancer or identify cancer in its early stages.

One in 20 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer. It is the third most common diagnosed cancer in both men and women. Most cases appear in people 50 years or older, however cases among younger adults in America are dramatically increasing. With early screening 60% of colorectal cancer deaths could be prevented. As you age you become more at risk that’s why it’s important to be continually screened.

Hamilton Health Center offers several ways to screen for colorectal cancer, including the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) and the newer Cologuard Stool DNA screening. These screening methods differ and should be seen as the first step in testing for colon cancer. A positive result from either method should be followed up with a colonoscopy, which is procedure that examines the large intestine using medical equipment and a camera that records the process so that the doctor can identify and remove abnormal growths (polyps) that are found.

The FIT Test

Blood in your stool can often go unnoticed. The FIT test detects hidden blood which is an early sign of cancer. That means you can treat it before it spreads further.

The FIT test is a relatively simple process you can do on your own in the privacy of your home.

Steps to Check For Colon Cancer with FIT Test

Flush the toilet before use
Place the used toilet paper in the waste bag provided do not put it in the toilet
Use the brush from the kit and scrape the surface of the stool
Wipe the brush gently on the space indicated on the test card
Add the brush to the waste bag
Throw it away then simply mail the used kit to the lab to be tested

Upon completion of the FIT test, your provider at Hamilton will contact you with the results.

Cologuard® Testing

In addition to the FIT test, Hamilton also uses the FDA approved Cologuard test, which is a noninvasive screening test used to detect colon cancer and precancerous polyps. DNA testing for colon cancer detection is on the rise because of the accurate findings. This test is approved by the FDA and is recommended for people aged 50 and older who are at average risk for colon cancer.

Cologuard tests work by detecting DNA and blood biomarkers in a stool sample. The sample is collected using a kit that is sent to the patient’s home. The kit includes a collection container, a preservative, and a mailing container. The patient collects a stool sample and sends it back to the lab for analysis.
The Cologuard test analyzes the DNA in the stool sample for the presence of abnormal cells that may indicate colon cancer. It also tests for the presence of blood, which may also be a sign of colon cancer or polyps.

If the test results are positive, it does not necessarily mean that the patient has colon cancer. A positive result means that further testing, such as a colonoscopy, is needed to confirm the diagnosis. If the test results are negative, it does not completely rule out the possibility of colon cancer, but it does indicate that further testing is not necessary at that time.

Colon cancer screening tests are a convenient and noninvasive option for detecting colon cancer. It is important to note that this test is not a substitute for regular colonoscopies, which are the gold standard for detecting colon cancer and polyps. However, it can be a useful tool in detecting colon cancer in its early stages, when it is most treatable.

Be one of the 1 million colorectal cancer survivors in the US. Use the FIT test to detect symptoms early when it’s most curable.

Hamilton Health Center wants to make sure all of our patients are cancer-free. Contact your provider today to learn more about colon cancer screenings.

CEO Jeannine Peterson Featured On PennLive

Our CEO Jeannine Peterson was recently featured in a PennLive article discussing our new satellite center near Newport, PA which is set to open this fall. This new facility will help provide individuals access to medications that can help them overcome addiction to heroin and opioid pain killers. The facility will also set up addicted individuals with caseworkers who will help guide them through the drug treatment system. Check out the Penn Live article to learn more about our Newport facility https://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/03/opioid_addiction_help_more_med.html

Learn How to Prevent HIV/AIDS

HIV and African Americans

Recent statistics from the CDC on HIV prevention show that African Americans have a greater proportion of new HIV/AIDS diagnoses than other racial/ethnic groups. In 2015, African Americans had 45 percent of HIV diagnoses.

The report further revealed that:

In the U.S., 17,670 of those diagnosed with HIV were African Americans.
Over half (58 percent) of new African American HIV cases were bisexual or gay men.
38 percent of African American men who had sex with men (MSM) were between the ages of 13 and 24 years.
8,702 (48 percent) of people diagnosed with AIDS were African Americans.
The total number of African American women diagnosed with HIV in 2015 fell by 42 percent.
In 2015, the HIV diagnoses among African American women was over 4,500.
The number of HIV cases among African American MSM increased by 22 percent.

In different ways, the African American population has had a greater increase in HIV cases than all other major ethnic groups in the U.S. This means there are more deaths caused by HIV/AIDS among this group. Unfortunately, many black children are becoming fatherless and many women are becoming widows. The future of the children of such men will be adversely affected by the rise in HIV cases because their fathers and mothers will not be able to provide adequately for their needs due to sickness or untimely death. As we observe National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, we’d like to share some suggestions for a healthy and safe sex life.

Ways to Prevent HIV/AIDS

There’s an urgent need to focus on how to prevent HIV/AIDS among the African American community. As an African American, here are two things you can do to ensure you don’t get infected or spread the virus.

Get Tested

Make it a point of duty to go for an HIV test at least twice a year. You don’t need to be afraid of asking your doctor, “Do I have AIDS?” There are no stigmas attached to this and early detection can help you begin taking appropriate medication to prevent untimely death.

Use Condoms

To prevent HIV infection, you need to practice safe sex. Discuss with your partner and assess their awareness. Ask questions like:

“What is HIV?”
“Do you know your status?”
“Do you mind using a condom?”

Use a condom each time you have sex. Using condoms correctly can help you prevent the transmission of HIV and STDs through blood, seminal, vaginal or rectal fluids.

Sterilize Injection Equipment and Don’t Share With Others

Never share injection instruments such as needles or syringes with anyone and make sure you only receive sterilized injections. After sexual relations, sharing drug syringes and needles with another person who has HIV is the most common way African Americans contract HIV. Sharing needles allows HIV to spread through blood contact.

Ways to Treat HIV/AIDS

Take Medicine: HIV medication may be used to diminish the risk of HIV infection shortly after exposure to the virus. This type of medication is known as post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PEP works after a person has had sex without using a condom with an infected partner. To be effective, it must be taken within 72 hours after exposure. This medication needs to be taken for about four weeks to be fully effective.
Similarly, women infected with HIV can take medicine to prevent transmitting the disease to their unborn child. The newborn child will also receive HIV medication for about four to six weeks after birth. This medicine will reduce the chances of infecting the baby with the virus in utero.
Use Condoms: To prevent your partner from getting infected with HIV, you must use a condom correctly each time you have sex. Using condoms the prescribed way will prevent the transfer of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases each time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex. It will prevent the mixing of vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, pre-seminal fluids, semen or blood, which allow the spread of HIV.

Ask Us for Help!

At Hamilton Healthcare, we offer HIV testing and counseling. We’re a Federal Qualified Health Center and we don’t discriminate against anyone based on sexual orientation. So, we encourage you to be open about your needs and ask all the questions you wish. To get more information about HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment, give us a call at (717) 232-9971 today.

View More STD Resources

How to Keep Your Kid’s Teeth Clean

Children’s Dental Care

As soon as the first tooth appears, parents should start thinking about their infant’s dental hygiene. As they get older, parents should teach their children how to maintain healthy teeth.

Good oral hygiene is critical to your child’s overall well-being. Gum disease is the leading risk factor for heart disease, diabetes and other conditions. Whether it’s to maintain a great smile or prevent disease, follow the tips below to keep your kid’s teeth in good shape. In celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month (February 2018), we’d like to share some tips for you to try with your family.

Tips To Try

Use Fluoride

Once the baby grows teeth, start brushing them using an infant toothbrush. Make sure to use toothpaste that has a bit of fluoride. Brush using a very small amount. Fluoride strengthens your kid’s tooth enamel and helps repair any signs of damage to the teeth. Buy fluoride toothpaste that has the ADA (American Dental Association) seal of approval.

If you’re using infant toothpaste with no fluoride, still use a tiny amount, because you want to minimize how much toothpaste they swallow.

Brush 2 Minutes, 2 Times a Day

Two minutes is how long your kids should brush their teeth, two times a day. You can make it fun for the kids by using a timer. Think of it as splitting the child’s mouth into four portions: top-right, top-left, bottom-right and bottom-left. Then, let your kid brush each portion for around 30 seconds.

Floss Regularly

The earlier you can teach your kids to floss, the better. It’s good to start once they grow two teeth that touch each other — usually at the age of two. Begin with small interdental brushes. These will help your kid learn the movements of brushing in and out of teeth to help prevent the build-up of plaque.

Show Them How To

Kids learn by watching, so allow them to watch you brush. Make sure you’re brushing correctly in a circular motion on the teeth. Don’t use water to rinse your mouth. Spit out the toothpaste, but don’t use water, as you’ll be washing out valuable fluoride. It’s important that you supervise your kid as they brush until they reach the age of seven.

Make Dental Appointments Fun

Never instill fear in your kid about visiting the dentist. The dentist should inspect your baby’s teeth from an early age, because it will help them understand everything that’s going on. Dental check-ups should be done every six months for kids. Don’t forget to talk to your dentist about fluoride use — especially after the age of two.

Feed Them Low Sugar Food

Tooth decay is one of the leading causes of children’s hospital admissions before the age of nine, and sugar is usually the main culprit. Fizzy drinks contain large doses of sugar and acids that erode the surfaces of teeth. Never give your kids sugary drinks in baby bottles, because the sugar stays in contact with the teeth for longer, causing dental decay. Feed them low-sugar foods like milk from 12 months to 2 years of age.

Come to Us!

When you need access to comprehensive, affordable family dental services, contact Hamilton Healthcare Center. We’re a multilingual, multicultural, family-centered medical home. If you’ve been asking yourself, “Where can I find a kids’ dentist near me?” then you have come to the right place. Call us at (717) 232-9971 today.