Wednesday, August 24, 2011

We've Moved!

We've redesigned our website and pulled our blog into the new site. It's really cool, you should check it out. Please update your links and re-subscribe to our feed.

Thursday, August 18, 2011

Utah County Fall 2011 Activities


While the weather may still be summer like, we are quickly headed for Fall.  The kids are headed back to school and it won't be long before our beautiful scenery changes from a lush green to a wonderful mix of reds, oranges, and yellows.  Here are a few fun activities to help you enjoy this Fall to the fullest.  Please comment if you know of any other family friendly activities we should include in this list.

Back-2-School Bash
August 27
Legacy Resorts is hosting a back-to-school party to send off the summer in style.  At Homestead Resort, there will be a slip-n-slide, water games, wacky science experiments, giant bubbles, and a sidewalk chalk contest.  Games will begin at 11:00 am and end at 4:00 pm.  In the evening, enjoy a picnic dinner and a FREE concert on the lawn.

Homestead Resort
700 North Homestead Drive
Midway, UT
Phone: 435-709-9580
Price: Wristband for all activities - $2/child
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Pumpkin Patch Hayride
September 19 - October 31
This year will be our 15th annual hayride season and the best pumpkin patch that we have ever had.  Pick a pumpkin for Halloween, and have some fresh apple cider in the barn.

Rowley's South Ridge Farms
300 West 900 South
Santaquin, UT 84655
Phone: 801-754-5511
Price: $3 Adults, $2.50 child under 8
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Hee Haw Farms Fall Activities
September 23 - October 31
Looking for a family fun night out, here is the place.  Featuring lots of activities for all ages.

Hee Haw Farms
150 South 2000 West
Pleasant Grove, UT 84062
Phone: 801-368-4335
Price: Price varies on activity
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Cornbelly's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Festival
September 30 - October 31
On any given fall day at Cornbelly's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Fest, the sounds and smiles of kids, families and teens will fill the air.

Thanksgiving Point
3003 North Thanksgiving Point Way
Lehi, UT 84043
Phone: 801-368-4335
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Halloween Adventure Cruise
October 1 - October 31
Enjoy an adventure riverboat ride on the lower Provo River.  There are over 100 pumpkins reflecting off the water, with a scary story and song.  A pirate even attacks the boat and ends up handing out candy.

CLAS Ropes
3606 West Center Street
Provo, UT
Phone: 801-373-1897
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Eat Like A Pilgrim
November 17 - November 21
Join us and ye shall partake of our plenty as the Show Barn is transformed to immerse ye in the culture of the pilgrims with the sights, sounds and foods of the 17th century.

Thanksgiving Point Show Barn
3003 North Thanksgiving Way
Lehi, UT 84043
Phone: 801-768-4900
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Earn Your Turkey Run/Walk & Kids Races
November 24
Since 1982, the Orem Fitness Center has sponsored the most prize-laden Thanksgiving Day run/walk in Utah.

Orem Fitness Center
580 West 165 South
Orem, UT 84058
Phone: 801-223-7010



Thursday, August 11, 2011

Brush, Floss, and Clean Your Teeth!

How many times has the following scenario played out nightly in homes across the world? 

Just before your child heads off to bed, you gently remind them to brush their teeth.  Either your request is met with outright resistance comparable to a Civil War battle or, if your child is as sneaky as I was, they run upstairs to "brush" their teeth (read as: do anything and everything except brush their teeth).  I think I was 6 or 7 before I finally figured out that a dry toothbrush was a dead give away to my mom that I hadn't actually brushed my teeth.  Instead of changing my ways and just brushing my teeth when I said I would, most of the time I just went into the bathroom and ran my toothbrush under water for a few minutes.  Sound familiar?

So what is it about brushing teeth that has kids running in fear or concocting all sorts of lies just to get out of doing it?  Its not like its a painful thing, especially if done on a regular basis.  Perhaps its an assertion of independence or maybe the toothpaste just doesn't taste good.  Likely, its just not fun.  After scouring the Internet and accessing the knowledge of our amazing doctors and dental assistants, here are some things you can do to (hopefully) get your kids excited about brushing their teeth.

- Use a tooth brushing chart.  One of our favorites can be found HERE (its free!)
- Lead by example.  Brush your teeth with your children.  Make it a family affair.  As you're brushing your teeth together, shout out areas to be brushed as you go - "Now brush your tongue!"  "Left side!"
- If you child isn't too keen on letting you help brush some of those spots they've missed, let them brush your teeth first and then brush theirs.
- Get an awesome toothbrush.  It may cost a few extra dollars to get a Lightning McQueen toothbrush, but in the end it'll be worth it.
- Does your child take a daily bath?  Have them brush their toys' teeth and then brush their own in the tub.
- Use a plaque detecting pre-rinse to help kids see where they need to brush...and where they've missed.  Try Listerine's Agent Cool Blue (more information HERE).  They've got two yummy flavors: Glacier Mint and Bubble Blast.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Your Child's First Visit

While this isn't our office, the principles in this video teach you exactly what you need to know about your child's first visit to the dentist.  We'll take a video tour of our office soon so you can see how amazing and kid friendly everything is.  For now, visit our Facebook page to see some pictures.



And just remember, there are only 2 1/2 weeks left to get all your entries in for a chance to win a brand new iPod shuffle!!

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Top 7 Reasons To Come See Us

1.  We have a new dentist, Dr. Adam Shepherd.  He's really nice.  You can read all about him here.


2.  Speaking of Dr. Shepherd, he tells some pretty amazing jokes while he's working on our patients to keep them entertained.  Some of our favorites:
  • What do you call a bear with no teeth?  A gummy bear!!!
  • How do you make a tissue dance?  Put a little boogie in it!!!
3.  Our office is air conditioned.  What better way to beat the summer heat than to come visit the dentist?



4.  Our office is fully equipped with a train table and TV in the reception area.  There are also TVs above all of the dental chairs.  There are always 3 movies for your child to pick from -- right now we're showing Toy Story 3, Tangled, and Peter Pan.

4.  Your child will get a goody bag full of amazing treats at the end of their visit.  Who wouldn't want a brand new toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, AND a coupon for a free vanilla ice cream cone from Sonic?



5.  Bubble gum, chocolate, cookie dough, strawberry, orange, grape, raspberry, watermelon, mint...sound like Baskin-Robbins ice cream flavors?  Guess again.  Those are just some of the toothpaste flavors your child can choose from while in our office.

6.  When was the last time you saw Nemo, Marlin, Dorry, Tad, and the rest of the Finding Nemo cast in person?  Well, they live in our office.  Seriously.



7.  Who wouldn't want to come visit these people??

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Tips (and Recipes!!) to Help Kids Protect Their Teeth from Sugar

Sugar can be difficult to pass up, especially when you're a kid. Today's children are regularly subjected to sugary diets and uninformed eating habits. Although parents may not be giving their children foods that are high in sugar intentionally, there are steps that can be taken to help kids avoid the pitfalls of sugar, such as obesity and dental disease.

• Monitor snacking choices. Provide healthy foods to eat. Ration empty-calorie foods such as sugar-packed sweets. Instead, offer healthy alternative snacks such as fresh vegetables and fruits and low-fat yogurt with no added sugars.

• Beware of the juice box. Most fruit drinks are low in vitamins and high in sugar. And many contain less than 10 percent real fruit juice. Look for low- or no-sugar substitutes or provide water when kids are thirsty.

• Teach your kids good oral health habits. Sugars are going to find their way into young mouths eventually. In addition to regular brushing and flossing, make sure to visit the dentist twice a year - chances are, your dental insurance will cover that preventative work 100%.

• Be a role model. Probably the most important step is to practice what you preach. Most children learn by watching their parents. When you try to teach a child good behavior, incorporate these same principles into your own everyday actions. Words that conflict with your actions can be confusing to developing minds.

To get you and your kids started on your new healthy eating and snacking adventure, here are 2 yummy (and healthy) recipes to try. Enjoy!!


Fruit Sundae Cones




ingredients

· ¾ cup cut-up strawberries 
· 3 cups cut-up fruits, such as apples, bananas, cherries, seedless red grapes, kiwifruit, plums, and/or peaches
· 6 large waffle cones
· ¼ cup toasted coconut (optional)

directions

Place strawberries in a blender container; cover and blend until smooth. Place desired fruit in bowl; gently toss together. Spoon fruit into cones. Drizzle with the strawberry puree. If desired, top with coconut. Makes 6 cones.



Yam and Jam Muffins 



ingredients

· 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour
· 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
· 1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
· ½ teaspoon baking soda
· 1 teaspoon apple pie spice or ground cinnamon
· ¼ teaspoon salt
· ½ of a 17-ounce can sweet potatoes, drained (about 1 cup)
· 1 beaten egg
· ½ cup milk
· 1/3 cup fruit jam or preserves (such as plum, strawberry, peach, or apricot)
· ¼ cup cooking oil
· 1 recipe Jam Icing (see recipe below)

directions

1.Lightly grease twelve 2-1/2-inch muffin cups or line with paper bake cups; set aside.
2.In a large bowl combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, apple pie spice, and salt. Make a well in center of flour mixture; set aside.
3.In another bowl mash the drained sweet potatoes with a fork. Stir in egg, milk, jam, and oil. Add sweet potato mixture all at once to flour mixture. Stir just until moistened (batter should be lumpy).
4.Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling each about three-fourths full. Bake in a 400 degree F oven for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden and a wooden toothpick inserted in centers comes out clean. Cool in muffin cups on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from muffin cups. Cool slightly. Drizzle muffins with Jam Icing and, if desired, top with additional jam or preserves. Makes 12 muffins.

Jam Icing: In a small bowl stir together 3/4 cup sifted powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon fruit jam or preserves (such as plum, strawberry, peach, or apricot), 1/4 teaspoon vanilla, and enough milk (2 to 3 teaspoons) to make icing of drizzling consistency. Makes about 1/4 cup.

*** Have you liked us on Facebook??  There are only a few more weeks to get all your entries in for the new iPod shuffle -- and its PINK too!!  ***

Thursday, July 14, 2011

iPod Shuffle Give Away


Like “South Valley Pediatric Dentistry” on Facebook between now and the 1st day of school (August 24) and be entered for a chance to win a new pink iPod shuffle
 Want to increase your chances of winning?
- leave a comment below telling us how much you love South Valley Pediatric Dentistry
- post a link to our blog on Facebook or your own blog.  make sure to leave a comment letting us know where you've posted the link 
- get a friend (or more than one!) to like our Facebook page

Doing each of these things will earn you an extra entry into the drawing!!  Good luck.