Photo by Ray Bryant , Bryant Studios
Dr . Rozas limits her practice to hygiene and restorative dentistry and wants children to view her office as a friendly , fun place . Treatment rooms are each separated from the hygiene bay by glass , making the entire area open and bright .
Information – the best prevention
Dr . Rozas also believes in motivating parents with information and being proactive to prevent decay . “ Parents need the tools to help their children learn good habits . It ’ s not always possible to prevent cavities — even a pediatric dentist ’ s child can develop a cavity ,” she laughs . “ But we provide helpful tips that aid in cavity prevention , and support parents in their efforts to encourage healthy hygiene .”
Everyone knows that brushing is important , but Dr . Rozas shares many other facts about oral health with her patients and their families . In North Texas , there is a high incidence of asthma and allergies . Treating symptoms with certain medications can cause dry mouth that may contribute to the development of cavities , or can lead to dental staining . Prescription medicines given in a liquid form on a daily basis can also contribute to cavities because of the flavoring and sugar additives .
Dr . Rozas explains that dietary choices play a major role in cavity prevention . “ While parents generally accept that milk is a healthy choice , some overlook the fact that chocolate milk is high in sugar . And , while diet sodas may not have sugar , they are highly acidic . During a hot Texas summer , many children consume massive quantities of these drinks . For active children involved in outdoor sports , something like Propel or plain water is a better choice than Gatorade to avoid excessive sugar exposure .
She adds , “ We like for children to begin making their own choices , since Mom and Dad can ’ t be around all the time to enforce the rules . We encourage our kids to make smart choices in the lunch line at school or at a friend ’ s house . White milk and water are really the ideal choices .”
Recognizing that children ’ s dental hygiene isn ’ t always perfect , Dr . Rozas recommends sealants and fluoride varnishes to help prevent cavities from forming . Orthodontic patients with appliances or braces must be especially disciplined about their dental hygiene to avoid the build-up of plaque that can lead to gum problems or enamel defects . “ We see our orthodontic patients every three months to help ensure that their smile will be beautiful and healthy after their orthodontic treatment is completed .”
Putting high-tech tools to work
Dr . Rozas and her associates are avid learners who keep up with the latest advances in dentistry . Dr . Rozas has brought technology into her practice that she believes enhances patient care . “ Digital x-rays allow us to visualize cavities and fractures better with less radiation exposure .” The office also has two intraoral cameras , one that shows decay and the other used for soft tissue like gums and cheeks . “ We use these images to educate patients and parents , as well as communicate with other dental specialists .” In addition , Dr . Rozas has incorporated the minimallyinvasive Picasso Lite dental laser into her practice which is used for removal of soft tissue .
12 NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY | www . northtexasdentistry . com