Some of the most interesting animals have teeth outside their mouths. We usually think of these "teeth" first when we hear their names: elephant, narwhal, walrus, warthog, etc. What do they use them for? Are they necessary for them to survive?
We will explore these questions by discussing some animals with external teeth that may surprise you!
Yes, an elephant's tusks are teeth! They are long incisors, front teeth that grow forward beyond the mouth of this mammal. The tusks have a smooth surface and a gently curved shape, and they continually grow throughout an elephant's life.
You may have heard that elephant tusks are made of ivory, so how can they also be teeth? The answer is simple - ivory is made of dentine (a hard, dense, bony tissue) wrapped in a thin layer of enamel (the hardest tissue in an animal’s body). The tusk also has a pulp cavity (that holds nerves and blood vessels) - but this is only in the part of the tusk inside the head. Do you remember what teeth are made of? A layer of pulp surrounded by dentin (dentine if you use British English), covered by enamel. So, they have the same main components. However, ivory is unique when viewed in cross-sections - it is made of criss-cross lines that form a series of diamond shapes.
Elephants use their tusks as tools to adapt their environments to their benefit and to show dominance over other male elephants. Tusks have nothing to do with biting or chewing but help defend them against attackers. They also use their tusks to dig and create holes. Tusks are unnecessary for the elephant to survive, but they certainly make it easier!
Interestingly, female Asian elephants do not have tusks at all, but female African elephants do. African male elephants usually have longer tusks than females and have a pair of tusks growing on either side of the mouth. The longest and heaviest African elephant tusk ever recorded is 236 pounds and 11.5 feet long!
Let's get to one of the smallest animals with teeth outside their mouths! The Naked Mole Rat, a native of East Africa, has large protruding teeth outside its upper and lower lips. They use these teeth to dig through the dirt and mine for food and shelter. With their teeth outside, they can keep the dirt from getting in their mouths.
Naked Mole Rats are hairless, can live for up to 31 years, and have never had a single instance of cancer ever known or recorded!
The narwhal also has a tusk, which is a tooth outside its mouth - although some people call it a horn since it looks like illustrations of a unicorn horn. The males have a long, straight tooth protruding from the left upper jaw that grows in a counterclockwise spiral. It can get as long as two to three meters and is very flexible, bending a foot in any direction. Female narwhals usually don’t have tusks. Narwhals don’t have teeth in their mouths and swallow their prey (fish) whole!
While we don’t know everything about the purpose of a narwhal’s tusk, we do know that they don’t use their tusk for fighting. Strangely, they are known to rub them together with another narwhal's tusk to clean them. The tusk senses the environment around it, such as if prey is nearby, and certain types of changes, like differences in water temperatures and salt levels.
Much like the narwhal, walruses live in the Arctic and sub-Arctic areas. Walrus males and females have tusks, but male tusks grow much longer and wider than females. Walruses use their tusks to aid in climbing onto ice in the water and dig up clams to eat. They do use them to defend themselves, and the males may use them during the breeding season to fight.
Walrus tusks are canines that can grow as long as 40 inches and weigh as much as 12 pounds! These walrus teeth are ivory (like the elephant’s tusks!), but their protective enamel coating wears away during their youth, making them susceptible to wear and bacterial infections.
The Warthog is a native of the African Savannah. They tend to take over the burrows of other animals for shelter and to raise their young in the grasslands and woodlands.
Warthogs run as fast as 30 miles an hour when trying to flee from predators! They will ward off the attack if cornered using their lower tusks, which can be anywhere from 6 to 24 inches long! While warthogs are peaceful animals and do not fight unless provoked, males may fight and use their tusks to show dominance over other Warthogs during mating season.
You will find babirusas in Indonesian rainforests. The babirusas are otherwise known as deer-pigs. Both male and female babirusas have a pair of lower tusks growing upward. Males also have upper canines that emerge from each side of the upper jaw and curve up and over the face towards the forehead. If the male does not grind off the upper tusks regularly, they can grow long enough to penetrate the skull and even kill the animal!
The babirusas do use their tusks to fight among themselves. The upper tusks are used for defensive maneuvers, and the lower tusks are offensive weapons.
The tufted deer is another interesting animal with teeth outside its mouth. Although its body is small, it has two protruding fangs at each side of its mouth that can be as long as one inch. The males use their tusks to defend against predators trying to enter their territory or fight with other males over mates.
The tufted deer lives in southern China, in the eastern Tibetan mountains and the lower coastal mountains. They prefer being active only at dawn and dusk and like the forest and shrubby habitats.
Most animals with external teeth are not native to North America, so we must visit our zoos here in the United States to see them. One animal we see at the zoo that we may think has an external tooth is the rhinoceros. Fun fact - their horn is not a tooth. It is made of keratin, the same material that our fingernails are made of!
Why don’t humans have teeth outside their mouths? When you look back on why these animals have external teeth, you see that humans don’t need them. The main reasons that the animals have teeth outside their mouths are:
Just as humans need healthy teeth, so do animals. Painful, cracked, or broken tusks or fangs can leave an animal defenseless or unable to provide food for themselves. In the wild, this can be a detriment to an animal's health and well-being, just as it can for humans.
Please don’t forget to make an appointment with us to keep your teeth as healthy as possible. We look forward to seeing you!
Welcome to Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, where we're dedicated to creating bright smiles for your little ones. Today, we're exploring the essential role of oral hydration in maintaining excellent dental health for children. Discover why staying hydrated is vital and how it can benefit your child's smile.
The Significance of Oral Hydration for Your Child's Dental Health
At Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, we emphasize the importance of proper hydration for optimal dental health in children. Here's why oral hydration matters:
Preventing Dry Mouth:
Adequate hydration helps prevent dry mouth, a condition that can lead to discomfort, bad breath, and an increased risk of cavities in children.
Supporting Saliva Production:
Drinking water stimulates saliva production, which plays a key role in maintaining a healthy mouth by rinsing away food particles and neutralizing acids that can harm teeth.
Promoting Healthy Gums:
Hydration helps keep gums moist and healthy, reducing the risk of gum disease and supporting overall oral health in children.
How Oral Hydration Impacts Children's Dental Health
Ensuring your child stays well-hydrated is not only crucial for their overall well-being but also significantly impacts their dental health. Here's how oral hydration can positively influence your child's oral health:
Preventing Tooth Decay:
Regular water intake helps wash away food debris and sugars that can lead to tooth decay, keeping your child's teeth healthy and cavity-free.
Maintaining Fresh Breath:
Staying hydrated promotes saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth and helps combat bad breath in children.
Supporting Healthy Gums:
Proper hydration assists in keeping gum tissues hydrated and healthy, reducing the risk of gum inflammation and disease in children.
Encouraging Good Hydration Habits for Your Child
At Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, we recommend these tips to encourage good hydration habits and promote excellent dental health in children:
Offer Water Regularly:
Encourage your child to sip on water throughout the day, especially after meals, to keep their mouths hydrated and fresh.
Limit Sugary Drinks:
Reduce the intake of sugary beverages like soda and juice, as they can contribute to tooth decay and other oral health issues in children.
Make Hydration Fun:
Add slices of fruits like berries or citrus to water for added flavor, making hydration more enjoyable for your child while boosting their vitamin intake.
Trust Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics for Your Child's Dental Health
At Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry and Orthodontics, we believe in nurturing healthy smiles through excellent dental care and education. By prioritizing oral hydration and promoting good hydration habits, you can help your child maintain optimal dental health. Contact us to schedule a dental checkup and discover more ways to support your child's healthy smile. Together, let's create a foundation for a lifetime of dental wellness and beautiful smiles for your little ones.
Did you know our orthodontic staff at Jungle Roots can treat both you and your children? We provide orthodontic treatments for people of any age.
Obviously, the most significant advantage of braces is a healthy, straighter, more functional, and beautiful smile.
But what are some of the specific reasons adults need dental appliances?
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (ADA), one in every three adults (33%) over 18 has—or will have— orthodontic treatment. It's never too late to have your teeth properly aligned. It will contribute to good health and a terrific smile! Feeling healthy and having a gorgeous smile makes you feel more confident. Whether the orthodontic treatment you seek is cosmetic or to address a dental concern, correcting the issue ensures an aesthetic and functional improvement in your mouth and jaw.
When you decide to meet with our orthodontic team, we begin with a complimentary orthodontic consultation. We will sit down with you and conduct an assessment and take appropriate tests to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the health of your bite. We'll take a health history, do a clinical exam with X-rays of your mouth and head, and may take photos of your face and teeth. With these results, we will work with you to develop a treatment plan. We may also need to collaborate with your dentist to help you reach optimal dental health.
Orthodontic treatment is often as successful for adults as it is for children and teens. The differences in treatment for adults are mainly due to the bones of the face. Children and teens have jaws and facial bones that are still growing, and braces can help guide the growth as it happens. Adult facial bones are fully formed, and the procedures needed to correct the issues may be different. Adults often take better care of their mouths and comply with recommendations, which helps minimize the length of treatment.
We move your teeth by placing controlled but gentle forces with braces or other appliances to manipulate them where they need to be. These forces cause the teeth to move to the corrected position.
Here are a few appliances and tools we use to move your teeth:
The orthodontist will consider factors such as how far the teeth need to move and how complex the issue is. Based on your assessment and what they feel will best fit your needs, the orthodontist will discuss your options to achieve your most beautiful smile! The time that you wear your braces will be unique to your requirements. Our team will also walk you through financial planning throughout treatment, explaining customized payment options, working with your insurance company, and helping you maximize HSA and FSA benefits.
Your entire orthodontic process is completed at the Jungle Roots office. You can even schedule your consultation while your child has an appointment with the dentist or orthodontist! We want this experience to go well for you and will transition you through the process quickly, smoothly, and efficiently. We are happy to discuss your concerns and answer any of your questions. At Jungle Roots, we are privileged to provide orthodontic services for your entire family!
Did you know that throughout history, people have believed some funny and incredibly unbelievable myths and urban legends about human and artificial teeth? Here are just a few for you to enjoy.
Toothaches were not simply ignored in ancient times. Here are some of the more interesting beliefs about their causes and the ways they were treated.
In the Middle Ages, people thought a toothache was from a worm living deep in a tooth that caused pain. They coated the tooth with honey and waited up all night to pluck out the worm when it emerged!
Others treated their toothaches with earthworms! They dug up the worms, boiled them, and poured that liquid into the ear on the same side as the toothache. This is definitely not something to try, as it could permanently damage your ear.
Stories tell of wearing a dead person’s tooth on a string around your neck to get rid of a toothache. If that didn’t work, you could try sniffing the tooth of a corpse to drive away the pain.
Of course, if any of these remedies worked, it was all in the mind of the believer!
We all know that the Tooth Fairy looks under your pillow for teeth that have fallen out that day. Somehow, they are alerted that your tooth has wiggled loose and you are leaving it under the pillow for pick-up. Looking forward to the Tooth Fairy making her rounds under your pillow can make losing your teeth a fun adventure!
According to the movie Santa Claus 2, the Tooth Fairy is friends with Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, and the Sandman! Notice how all of them arrive only at night when you’re asleep?
One urban legend about the Tooth Fairy is that they collect children’s teeth to build their castle! What do you think? Does the Tooth Fairy use teeth as construction material?
The Tooth Fairy Legend is an eight-page playlet for children written by Esther Watkins Arnold and printed for the first time in 1927. Children in Switzerland, Belgium, Morocco, and France leave their teeth under their pillow for the “Little Mouse,” who takes their teeth and leaves money in their place. This tale is from the 17th-century story about “The Good Little Mouse,” who hides under the king’s pillow and steals his teeth as he sleeps!
It is not recommended to try to save money by doing your own dentistry. Check out these stories of people who have had terrible luck trying to treat themselves.
One lady decided to glue her teeth back into her mouth where they had broken off. She continued doing this for over ten years whenever one of her teeth broke. She was scared of going to the dentist, but when the pain in her mouth became unbearable, she decided she’d better face her fears.
The dentist found that the super glue she was using to fit her teeth back in had eroded her upper jaw, and she had significant bone loss. She then had to have ALL of her teeth replaced with artificial ones. Too bad she didn’t go and have that first broken tooth fixed by the dentist! It would have saved her years of pain and would have cost much less.
This is an excellent example of why it is important for children to feel safe and comfortable at the dentist—so they don’t become adults who avoid necessary treatment out of fear!
Most of the tales we talk about in this article are based on stories told in the past. Now, we will touch on a few myths that are still being told today.
Tooth fillings can play music or Morse code is a myth! Lucille Ball (from I Love Lucy!) reported that she could hear music coming from her mouth and thought she was losing her mind! She had recently gotten temporary lead fillings. When she told Buster Keaton about the incident, he laughingly told her that the same thing had happened to a friend of his - and she was picking up radio transmissions through her fillings! Reportedly, a week later, she picked up Morse code the same way and reported it to MGM security, who passed the information to the authorities, and eventually, Japanese spies were found and arrested!
There have been other reports of fillings picking up AM radio signals through fillings and even of one man who could pick up transmissions through metal shrapnel that remained in his head after a combat wound! However, this has never been able to be duplicated, and we definitely don’t use lead fillings anymore.
“If you put a tooth in Coca-Cola, it will dissolve overnight” is a myth! While any soda is very acidic, and many have tons of sugar, they are not acidic enough to do that kind of damage overnight. However, we don’t recommend drinking it, as soft drinks have been proven to be damaging to your teeth and gums. (Read more HERE.)
The statement “Don’t visit the dentist while pregnant” is a myth! Pregnant women must continue receiving their dental hygiene appointments with their dentist. Prompt treatment of any dental condition is crucial while carrying a child, as women are more likely to develop gum disease when pregnant. When you see your dentist, make them aware of your pregnancy. Some treatments may be postponed, such as removing fillings or taking antibiotics, but regular appointments are recommended.
“Women lose a tooth each time they bear a child” is a myth! Hormonal changes during pregnancy CAN increase the bacterial levels in a woman’s mouth, and this can lead to gingivitis or bleeding gums. Tooth loss is highly unlikely because of regular and effective tooth brushing and flossing.
One familiar urban legend is that George Washington’s false teeth were wooden. They were not! John Greenwood crafted President Washington’s new grin of ivory, brass, and gold. He proudly wore his dentures during his first inaugural address.
The Mount Vernon library says the rumor that George Washington’s teeth were made of wood was based on their appearance. The ivory was stained, making the teeth look like grained wood. The dentures were said to cause the President discomfort in his jaw and cause his lip to bulge, making him look dour and odd. This is seen in the picture on the one-dollar bill.
Whether you have heard these myths and urban legends about dentistry in the past or not, you must admit that these stories and notions leave you saying, “What were they thinking?!
So, before you try the latest popular dental treatment, do some research!
Better yet, ask Dr. Culp or any staff member if the information you’re hearing is actually true. Some claims are funny and obviously wrong, but with others, there may be a question of whether they are real, and some may actually be harmful. We are always happy to answer any of your questions about dental health and provide advice and information about treatments!
Summer is a time for fun, sun, and making memories. At Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics, we know that while the kids are out enjoying their summer activities, maintaining good oral hygiene can sometimes be overlooked. But don't worry! We’ve got you covered with seven easy and effective summer dental care tips to keep those smiles bright all season long.
Summer schedules can be unpredictable, but it’s important to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine. Encourage your children to brush their teeth twice a day for two minutes each time and floss daily. You can make it fun by playing their favorite song while they brush!
With the Phoenix heat, staying hydrated is crucial. Water not only keeps your kids cool, but it also helps wash away food particles and bacteria that can lead to cavities. Make water the drink of choice over sugary drinks and sodas to promote healthy teeth and gums.
Summer snacks are often synonymous with ice cream and sugary treats. While it’s okay to indulge occasionally, try to balance it with healthier options like fruits, veggies, and cheese. These snacks not only provide essential nutrients but also help to clean teeth naturally.
If your child is involved in sports, make sure they wear a mouthguard. This simple protective gear can prevent dental injuries and keep their smile safe while they’re having fun.
Summer is a great time to schedule your child’s dental checkup. At Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics, we provide comprehensive pediatric dental care in Phoenix, AZ. A checkup can help catch any potential issues early and ensure your child's teeth are healthy and strong.
Make oral hygiene fun! Create a reward system for consistent brushing and flossing, or let your child pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. The more involved they are, the more likely they’ll stick to good habits.
While not directly related to oral hygiene, keeping your child's lips protected with a lip balm that contains SPF can prevent sunburn and damage to the delicate skin on their lips. A happy, healthy smile includes healthy lips!
At Jungle Roots Children's Dentistry & Orthodontics, we’re here to help you keep your child's smile bright and healthy all summer long. Our friendly team is ready to provide top-notch pediatric dental care in Phoenix, AZ. Schedule an appointment with us today and let’s make this summer one to smile about!
Remember, good oral hygiene is the key to a lifetime of healthy smiles. Let’s make this summer the best one yet with happy, healthy teeth!
At Jungle Roots Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we are dedicated to ensuring the best possible dental health for your child. Habits such as thumb sucking and pacifier use are common among young children, but they can impact pediatric dental development in various ways. Our aim is to provide parents with valuable insights into these habits and their dental implications.
Thumb sucking is a comforting activity for many infants and toddlers. While it is a normal part of early childhood, extended thumb sucking can lead to several dental issues that may need professional intervention.
Pacifiers are widely used to soothe infants, but like thumb sucking, they can affect dental development if used for too long.
Addressing these habits early is crucial for preventing long-term dental issues. Here are some effective strategies to help your child reduce thumb sucking and pacifier use.
If you are concerned about the impact of thumb sucking or pacifier use on your child’s dental development, it is important to consult with a dental professional. Our team at Jungle Roots Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to provide expert advice and support.
At Jungle Roots Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics, we specialize in pediatric dental care, understanding the unique needs of young patients. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is dedicated to guiding you through every step of your child’s dental journey. Trust us to provide the highest quality care and personalized attention.
Schedule an appointment today. We look forward to helping your child maintain a healthy and beautiful smile.
Recently, we discussed the restorative procedures that we do here at Jungle Roots Dentistry. We understand that some children are sensitive to coming to the dentist and having a procedure where there may be even minor discomfort may bring them anxiety. We want to make sure that your child is comfortable during ANY procedure or office visit.
We specialize in pediatric dentistry and our office environment captures the feel of the jungle so that children feel at ease as they walk in the door! Dr. Culp and our staff are trained in safe and effective techniques designed to alleviate fear and discomfort during procedures, no matter their length. We assure you that your child is in the skillful hands of highly qualified and experienced professionals. If sedation is needed, we administer it, keeping your kiddo calm and comfortable.
Please keep in mind at Jungle Roots Dentistry, we do not restrain your child or take action while they are in distress. We do not work that way. Comfort and cooperation from your children are vital for good outcomes from the procedure. Our definition of a successful outcome is that the child allows everything to occur with zero to minimal protest.
For some children, the best way to achieve success is some form of sedation. Sometimes, sedation may allow us to complete the steps all in one visit. In these cases, we will discuss this with you before the procedure and explain everything. We are fortunate to have Dr. Jason Brady, a nationally and internationally deep sedation specialist, as part of our team. He will oversee any anesthesia used to keep your child comfortable.
Let’s discuss the different types of sedation or anesthesia your child may need.
Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) is the mildest form of sedation and is an effective and simple tool to help your child stay calm during a procedure. Sedation happens by breathing the gas in through a scented nasal hood covering only the child’s nose. In five minutes or less, the gas will allow them to relax. A local anesthetic will also be used. After the treatment, the child is given 100% oxygen for approximately eight to ten minutes and should feel no ill effects. For this method of sedation, the child must provide permission to work with them.
This is the best and most effective mode of sedation in the conscious realm. Nitrous oxide combined with an oral sedative provides profound relaxation and comfort when utilized in this method. It does not put your child to sleep but allows them to use their coping skills to remain calm and comfortable for longer, and allows us to complete treatment quickly. Again, because this is a conscious way of sedating the child, they must give their consent to be sedated. This technique is 90-95% successful in keeping children comfortable during dental procedures.
We want children to be safe during and after the procedure. This means they should not eat anything before the visit to avoid the possibility of vomiting during the procedure. A local anesthetic may be used in their oral cavity, so after the procedure, wait to give them food until this wears off so they do not accidentally chew or bite on their tongue, cheeks, or lips.
There are times when children have not developed the coping skills to deal with a restorative dental procedure without becoming emotionally distressed. Conscious sedation may not have worked, or the parents or dentist may not feel it will work long enough for the procedure to be completed. If the child has multiple areas of decay and needs more extensive work done, has a history of dental trauma, or needs extractions, the only option for the treatment to proceed may be unconscious sedation.
In unconscious sedation, the anesthesiologist will first give nitrous oxide to the child to help calm them. Then, they will administer medications through an IV line to keep the child safely asleep throughout the procedure. The child is still breathing independently; they are just in a “twilight” sleep state. After the restorative procedure is completed, the anesthesiologist gives them medications through the IV to bring them out of the sedation. The child may continue to be groggy for the rest of the day, so they should not be left unattended.
Our dental staff will instruct you regarding the steps needed before your child has any sedative procedure. To help your child be comfortable and help everything go smoothly, please keep these things in mind:
We will carefully monitor your child during any sedation. We will monitor heart rate, blood pressure, temperature, and oxygen levels in the blood. Dr. Culp, Dr. Brady, and all our staff are trained extensively in safety methods. We want only the best for your child, and we ensure that we are skilled to care for any occurrence.
We will continue to monitor your child after the procedure until it is safe for you to take your child home. We’ll give you instructions that include how to care for your kiddo and when it is okay for them to eat and drink. We will discuss possible side effects and when and how to reach us for any questions or concerns.
We want you and your children to feel safe and know that you can have confidence in our staff and understanding why sedation is beneficial or when it is necessary while having a dental procedure is important, so we will always take as much time as needed to answer any questions you and your child may have. We assure you that safety and comfort are vital to the overall experience here at Jungle Roots Dentistry. We appreciate your trust and are privileged to treat your family each time you have an appointment!
School is almost out and Phoenix is having fun this summer! We all enjoy capturing great moments while doing activities with the kiddos, and we want to give you some ideas to make your days special for your entire family. To help you out, we’ve created a list of some of the most fun areas and events and even added some places to take your kids that they won't suspect are educational! Whether outside or in, sunny or stormy, we've got the scoop on some fun things to do in Phoenix for the next few months!
All the Maricopa County parks are great outdoor activity hubs and FREE to the public! Most have shaded pavilions and playgrounds, and some have water features for your family to stay comfortable. You can bring your snacks or picnic lunch and enjoy time outdoors.
Some of the parks have great pools with minimal admission costs. Many also offer swimming lessons for your kiddos!
Note - There is a $7 parking fee for some of the parks and some events or tours also charge a fee; you can get more info on the website.
Of course, your local public library always has excellent programs created for kids and families. Check into the ones closest to you! You may find weekly storybook times, reading activities, computer use, and lots of books to keep your child using their minds as actively as their bodies!
The Pioneer Living History Museum
Ninety acres of pathways and 19th-century buildings form this interesting place where the whole family can take a step back in time to Territorial Arizona, circa 1863 to 1912.
You can tour and explore some of the original homes of people who helped the Wild West progress.
Admission:
The village is open Wednesday - Sunday.
October 4 – May 31: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
June 1 – October 1: 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Downtown Phoenix is the home of Chase Field and the Arizona Diamondbacks Major League Baseball team. The stadium has many unique features, like a retractable roof and an outfield pool!
A D-backs game is a fun, family-friendly experience! The "D-backs Kid's Clubhouse" has activities and games for the younger fans in their play area.
Admission depends on where you'd like to sit and you can check online for discounts and special events.
Since the forecast usually calls for heat that will cook your lunch without a stove, you'll want to take advantage of the great water parks in and around Phoenix. Let's look at a couple of options!
Hurricane Harbor has a lot of thrilling water slides and relaxing pools. Family fun is what they are all about, from Adventure River, where you can experience fast-flowing water and waterfalls, to Hurricane Bay, the massive wave pool with gently rolling waves at the shallow end.
Admission to the park is $45 per day per person, but for the same price, get a Gold Pass and enjoy the Hurricane Harbor and monthly rewards through the end of 2024!
Just one of the many parks in the Phoenix area, Mesa's newly renovated Riverview Park has a Community Fishing Lake and the Spray Ground with multiple water features, a Playground Extraordinaire with a climbing tower and a mesh rope climbing structure. It features two designated playgrounds, one for ages 2-5 and the other for 6-12 and above.
There are shaded picnic and play areas, and the park connects to the Rio Salado Pathway. This path runs along the Salt River Bank and is accessible to wheelchairs and assistive devices. You can run, walk, and bike along miles of pathways!
Kids have so much energy! When you don’t feel like being outdoors Phoenix has endless programs and activities to help the little ones (and families!) burn off some of that energy! Think about museums, kid's art studios, and libraries that are cool and educational while helping your child learn something new or creative.
With five rows of trampolines, a ninja warrior course, trampoline basketball, Glow-in-the-Dark Jump Nights, and food, Stratosphere will deliver fun for the entire family! You can have your child's birthday party or any group event here! There are special times designated for kiddos four and under. Stratosphere even has a parkour course (a series of obstacles from points A to B)! 
Admission:
90-minute jump session - $12.99
120-minute jump session - $14.99
All Day open jump session - $24.00
Monthly memberships are available for individuals and families.
Now in its 40th year, the Arizona Science Center (ASC) still inspires those who enter the doors with the captivating and engaging world of science!
Enroll your child in one of the Camp Innovation sessions, which are five-day hands-on programs. As space is limited, you'll need to pre-register for summer sessions.
You can also visit for the day. There are over 300 exhibits and live demonstrations to enjoy.
Admission to the center is:
Children 3-17 - $19.95
Adults - $29.95
Parking, special exhibitions or events, presentations in the Dorrance Planetarium, or shows in the Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater can be purchased separately.
Keeping your children physically active and mentally stimulated can sometimes be a challenge. In summer, it can be particularly difficult to keep them in motion and exercise their minds.
Hopefully, we've got you thinking about some options or inspired you with the endless possibilities the Phoenix area offers, inside and out! If you want more ideas, you can check out this website, KidsOutandAbout.com, for a long list of places to visit!
If you want ideas of various crafts, activities, games, and fun water play that can be done at home check out our past articles at jungleroots.com/dental-phoenix-news/ and click on the link to “Fun Activities & Crafts.”
Summer is also a great time to schedule your child’s dental exam and cleaning with us, or even a complimentary orthodontic consultation for anyone considering braces. (We offer orthodontic services to adults, too!) We hope you have a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you soon!
What happens when your child has a cavity?
What happens when a tooth gets broken?
Why is it important to see the dentist when anything happens to your child's teeth?
These are questions that parents may encounter as their children grow. Most parents know about the importance of daily maintenance and are taking good care of their children's oral health routines: brushing twice daily, flossing at least once a day, and, of course, seeing the dentist every six months for regular check-ups.
But what if the day-to-day maintenance isn't enough? What do you do if your child gets a tooth chipped when playing or munching on something hard? What if, no matter how hard you try to prevent it, they get a cavity? What if they get an abscessed tooth that needs to be removed?
We hope these things don't happen, but sometimes they do. Let's discuss what we may suggest and how we can help in these situations.
At Jungle Roots, we take a conservative approach to treatment, preferring to focus on prevention and education. For minor damage or early in the decay process, we may be able to wait and watch. Sometimes though, cavities or damage do need treatment to restore the tooth, and this is called restorative treatment.
For example, what if your toddler chips part of their tooth from a fall or because they decided to chew on a rock? Or, what if an older child has a sport-related injury that causes a broken tooth? What happens when a cavity is discovered at a routine exam?
In these scenarios, the dentist will assess the nature of the damage and where it is located in the mouth. If the root is not affected, there is just a small amount of damage to the enamel, and your child is at an age when the tooth may be falling out soon to allow an adult tooth to erupt, Dr. Culp may decide to wait and watch the tooth.
However, if the damage (or a cavity) needs treatment to prevent further damage and restore the tooth’s function, we will recommend one of the following types of restorative treatment.
At Jungle Roots, three procedures are most commonly done to restore your child's damaged teeth, whether the damage is from a cavity or trauma: filling, mini-root canal/crown, or extraction. The choice depends on how much damage there is to the tooth, as any restorative procedure needs to restore the function and appearance of the tooth and keep the restoration reliable for years. Our team will discuss the procedures with you and recommend the right one for your child.
When treating cavities, the most important thing is to be sure that ALL of the decay is removed. So, treatment will depend on how big the cavity is and how far the bacteria has made it through the tooth.
Fillings are used when all the decay can be removed without exposing any pulp (which holds the nerves and blood vessels in the tooth), and there is also enough healthy tooth structure remaining. Fillings restore the tooth's structure and allow it to function as it should.
If the tooth's pulp is affected because a cavity has reached the pulp at the inner core of the tooth, or the pulp is exposed due to trauma, your child may need a mini-root canal and crown.
You may wonder why such a meticulous procedure would be necessary for a baby tooth, but saving the baby tooth can prevent other issues until the adult teeth are ready to erupt and grow.
If your child's tooth is severely damaged, it may not be able to be saved. Sometimes, bacteria gets into the nerve of the tooth, causing the pulp to die and the tooth to be infected. In this case, the dentist may need to extract (pull out) the tooth. If it will be a while until the adult tooth erupts, a space maintainer (spacer) is put in its place. Occasionally teeth are extracted for orthodontic reasons. Learn more about this and spacers HERE.
When any restorative dental procedure is necessary, it can leave you and your child with many concerns. Our staff at Jungle Roots is happy to answer any of your questions and help you feel comfortable that the method chosen is the right one for your child.
Our compassionate team is trained in calming techniques to lessen your child's anxiety during any procedure at our office, helping them feel safe and comfortable.
We may offer different forms of sedation if they would benefit your child during any procedure. We are fortunate to have Dr. Jason Brady, a world-recognized unconscious sedation specialist, working with us. His extensive knowledge of and experience using this technique, combined with his bedside manner, make him a great doctor to have if sedation is needed.
We are privileged to walk your children through any dental care they receive, from routine exams and cleanings to restorative procedures and orthodontic services. We wish that every child could experience a dental home where they feel safe and comfortable - and even leave feeling happy! It is our privilege to offer this to even our littlest patients and help set all children who visit us on the path to a lifetime of optimal dental health!
The jungle is in our name and our office! Yes, that's right! Jungle Roots used this theme to bring our office to life and make it an incredible experience for your child as they go to the dentist.
Let's talk about the plants in the real jungle and rainforest. Some of these plants will make your jaw drop, and others will make you want to run! You'll be surprised that some of the most beautiful plants and flowers eat bugs and small mammals, and many provide delicious foods full of great nutrients. We will explore some of the most beautiful, colorful, and useful plants and find interesting facts about each.
Ahh! The Beauties of the Jungle
1. Acai Palm
You may have heard of this one or maybe even had it in your smoothie. Palm trees are the most plentiful trees in the forest but come in many different varieties. The Acai Palm grows to over 65 feet tall, and there are more of these than any other palm tree. Monkeys, parrots, toucans, and other animals feed on the berries from the acai, and humans collect them for the nutrients for their food.
2. Orchids
Did you know that the vanilla bean that flavors our ice cream, puddings, cakes, and coffee comes from an orchid that grows in the jungle? That's right! The vanilla beans grow on the same vine as the orchid and are picked and dried for their yummy flavor. The vanilla orchid is the only orchid that is grown for commercial use.
Orchids are the most abundant flower in the jungle in various beautifully colored species. They are fragrant, and you can even grow a few of the varieties of orchids at home.
3. Heliconia
The heliconia flower is otherwise known as the "hanging lobster claw" plant because of its brightly colored flowering cone shapes. These brightly colored "claws" hold nectar that the hummingbird relies on for food. Other insects and birds are also attracted to the plant.
4. Passion Flower
The Passion Flower is one of the jungle's most gorgeous and unique flowers. It grows in the canopy of the trees. Its purple and white color looks plastic-like but gives off a lovely smell.
The fruit of this plant is edible. The Amazonian tribes use the leaves of this flower for medicine, such as pain relievers and sedatives.
5. Cacao
Does this plant look like a chocolate football to you? You are half correct. Football—no! Chocolate—yes! This is the cacao (cocoa) plant, and its "bean" is inside this pod. Ancient cultures living in the Amazon Rainforest have traded the seeds of this bean for thousands of years.
The seeds from the cacao bean become chocolate in one form or another. The technical name for this tree is Theobroma, which means "food for the gods." Everyone who loves any chocolate product can surely agree that this name is a good fit!
6. Giant Water Lily
The giant water lily grows in the Amazon Rainforest's water. Its size—it can reach over nine feet wide—is the reason for its name. These large leaves have sharp spines in rows on their undersides, which keeps manatees (yes there are manatees in the Amazon rivers!) and other water animals from eating them.
Pretty white flowers that turn pink as they mature grow on vines and float on the water like the leaves.
More interesting facts: The plant grows upward from the bottom of the riverbed or lake and can grow as long as 26 feet and the leaves can support the weight of a small child!
Insects and Small Mammals Beware!
Many plants in the jungle are meat eaters! They get some of their nutrients from the insects and small mammals living around them. Since the plants cannot get all of the food necessary to keep them alive from the soil, they lure their prey to them with color, smell, etc.
Let's talk about some of these “meat-eating” plants!
7. Pitcher Plant
Pitcher plants come in many varieties and can be lots of different colors. Some grow from the ground, and others hang from vines on a tree. Its tube-like structure can hold rainwater or nectar for these insects or small mammals. What insect would see this and not want to investigate?
The bad thing about investigating is that creatures can't get out once they are in! Tiny, hair-like spikes point down in the pitcher's walls, and the bugs can easily slide down these spikes but can't crawl back up. The plant holds them and slowly digests their nutrients for food.
The two pictures above show the pitcher plant's shape and the spider that might be its next meal!
8. Bladderwort
This plant lives in the water and can have a variety of different-colored flowers that rise above the surface. The first photo above shows the yellow flower on this plant. The second photo shows the bladderwort plant’s “bladders” from under the water.
The little bladders suck in water and anything else in their surroundings if they are touched. This is how it gets its nutrients. Small microscopic animals, larvae, and water insects are some things captured by the tiny sacs and digested by the bladders.
9. Corpse Flower
The Corpse Flower is the largest growing flower in the world. The bloom can get as big as three feet in diameter! It grows on vines across the floor of the rainforests in Borneo and Sumatra.
The Corpse Flower smells like rotting flesh. Flies are attracted to the scent, and it lures them into the center of the flower, where they will be captured and digested for food.
10. Sundew Plants
The Sundew can grow in many different forms. Some are flower-like with petals, and others have long, thin bodies.
All Sundew plants have one thing in common: their glistening appearance. The tiny spines of these flowers look like they've just been through a rain shower. The little droplets that look like water are really a sticky substance that insects get stuck in. The plant then digests their bodies for food.
Before We Head Out of the Jungle…
What do you think about these beautiful (and sometimes deadly) plants in the rainforests? All are unique and make people want to say, "Wow!" Isn’t it amazing how many different types there are?
We can't wait to see you next time you visit our Jungle!
