Re: Help!!!!! Tooth Brushing

[Guest guest]

Sorry to hear about all of this, We use to have the same problem with but

he has gotton better over time we still have to hold him down only because he

thinks it's a game and will only let us do it without holding him down for a

short time but he still does not give us alot of problems he just laughs at us

while we are doing it and shakes his head no the whole time. Have you tried a

electric toothbrush? maybe jack would like one of them sense they give

simulation to the face and gums. It might also let him think he has more

control over the situtation. Hope this helps.

mom to 8years.

Help!!!!! Tooth Brushing

Hi,

Advise needed !!!!!

Jack saw the community dentist on Thursday for his check-up. We have been

having major problems trying to clean his teeth and have to hold him down to

clean them. It takes 2 of us and Elise to hold him down and it is very

distressing for us all. We haven't been brushing them everyday recently as

his gums bleed so much and I really just can't face putting him through that.

He has not been accepting it any better than he did at the beginning and he

is bigger and stronger now . I have been managing to get a bit of toothpaste

on my finger and rubbing it on his front teeth (still with protest from Jack)

but that's all.

Anyway, his gums are very inflamed and the dentist has said that we really

have to hold him down and brush them everyday. The gums will bleed but this

should stop in time and he reckons that Jack will get used to it. I tried to

tell him that he won't get used to it as it's been going on for 3yrs so far

and he's not accepting it any easier. He said (which I knew deep down) that

it is so important to stop infection as he is high risk for endocarditis.

I spoke to his OT and PT on Friday at his weekly session and they were

horrified. As they said his oral aversion is so deep rooted that to

physically hold him down and force a toothbrush into his mouth is torture for

Jack. We are now working on more exercises/massage on the face and mouth to

try and help and get him to accept the toothbrush. We have tried every

imaginable toothbrush and games etc over the years.

I know there is no easy answer but I am feeling so bad and so guilty about

the whole thing. If he ended up with endocarditis I would never forgive

myself

Does anyone have any suggestions?????

Elaine, wife to Jim

Mum to Elise (9yrs) HH, peanut allergy,asthma

Jack (4.5yrs) DORV, VSD, PS all repaired 31/1/01, PAPVD,

Pulmonary & Tricuspid regurgitation, PS, CHARGE Syndrome

Dumfries

[Guest guest]

Sorry to hear about all of this, We use to have the same problem with but

he has gotton better over time we still have to hold him down only because he

thinks it's a game and will only let us do it without holding him down for a

short time but he still does not give us alot of problems he just laughs at us

while we are doing it and shakes his head no the whole time. Have you tried a

electric toothbrush? maybe jack would like one of them sense they give

simulation to the face and gums. It might also let him think he has more

control over the situtation. Hope this helps.

mom to 8years.

Help!!!!! Tooth Brushing

Hi,

Advise needed !!!!!

Jack saw the community dentist on Thursday for his check-up. We have been

having major problems trying to clean his teeth and have to hold him down to

clean them. It takes 2 of us and Elise to hold him down and it is very

distressing for us all. We haven't been brushing them everyday recently as

his gums bleed so much and I really just can't face putting him through that.

He has not been accepting it any better than he did at the beginning and he

is bigger and stronger now . I have been managing to get a bit of toothpaste

on my finger and rubbing it on his front teeth (still with protest from Jack)

but that's all.

Anyway, his gums are very inflamed and the dentist has said that we really

have to hold him down and brush them everyday. The gums will bleed but this

should stop in time and he reckons that Jack will get used to it. I tried to

tell him that he won't get used to it as it's been going on for 3yrs so far

and he's not accepting it any easier. He said (which I knew deep down) that

it is so important to stop infection as he is high risk for endocarditis.

I spoke to his OT and PT on Friday at his weekly session and they were

horrified. As they said his oral aversion is so deep rooted that to

physically hold him down and force a toothbrush into his mouth is torture for

Jack. We are now working on more exercises/massage on the face and mouth to

try and help and get him to accept the toothbrush. We have tried every

imaginable toothbrush and games etc over the years.

I know there is no easy answer but I am feeling so bad and so guilty about

the whole thing. If he ended up with endocarditis I would never forgive

myself

Does anyone have any suggestions?????

Elaine, wife to Jim

Mum to Elise (9yrs) HH, peanut allergy,asthma

Jack (4.5yrs) DORV, VSD, PS all repaired 31/1/01, PAPVD,

Pulmonary & Tricuspid regurgitation, PS, CHARGE Syndrome

Dumfries

[Guest guest]

Elaine,

This is a pretty far-fetched idea but have you thought of an alternative

approach? This is a water-based cleaning instrument. Is there any chance he

might tolerate this? Just a thought.

http://www.bodyandmindshop.com/listings/028.php

Good luck!

Betsy

Betsy McGinnity

Information Specialist

Perkins DB-LINK

betsy.mcginnity@...

[Guest guest]

Elaine,

This is a pretty far-fetched idea but have you thought of an alternative

approach? This is a water-based cleaning instrument. Is there any chance he

might tolerate this? Just a thought.

http://www.bodyandmindshop.com/listings/028.php

Good luck!

Betsy

Betsy McGinnity

Information Specialist

Perkins DB-LINK

betsy.mcginnity@...

[Guest guest]

this toothbrushing thing can be such an ordeal. is terrible at his

oral hygiene still at 15. But he doesn't want us to do it, so I just tell

him I won't tuck him in at night until his teeth are clean. You need to

find something he cares about as a reward, like reading at night. if he

does a crummy job I make him do it again. He finally found grape flavored

dental floss which he likes. Dentists say between the teeth is just as

important, if not more so, so this could be a start. Let him do it, wasting

as much as he needs to to get a long piece, maybe in front of the mirror if

that helps, or even if bed if not. We also have the Sonicare electric

toothbrush, which brushes 40,000 times each second or something, and they

just have to hold it on each tooth for a second without being coordinated

for brushing etc. it is an on-going problem, so goes to the dentist

for professional cleaning more often (every 4 mos I think), which he doesn't

like either, but the pediatric dentist has video games to do while he waits,

and he gets a prize and tolerates it, so they get a thorough cleaning then.

I am totally worried about this summer getting braces now! We'll probably

have to anesthetize him to tolerate that!! Egads, it's always something.

Good luck, Barbra Mousouris, Mom to Marina (19) (*who looks and acts 24)

and (CHaRGE aged 15) !! (who looks and acts 10) :-)

Help!!!!! Tooth Brushing

>

>

> Hi,

> Advise needed !!!!!

> Jack saw the community dentist on Thursday for his check-up. We have

been

> having major problems trying to clean his teeth and have to hold him

down to

> clean them. It takes 2 of us and Elise to hold him down and it is very

> distressing for us all. We haven't been brushing them everyday recently

as

> his gums bleed so much and I really just can't face putting him through

that.

>

> He has not been accepting it any better than he did at the beginning and

he

> is bigger and stronger now . I have been managing to get a bit of

toothpaste

> on my finger and rubbing it on his front teeth (still with protest from

Jack)

>

> but that's all.

> Anyway, his gums are very inflamed and the dentist has said that we

really

> have to hold him down and brush them everyday. The gums will bleed but

this

> should stop in time and he reckons that Jack will get used to it. I

tried to

> tell him that he won't get used to it as it's been going on for 3yrs so

far

> and he's not accepting it any easier. He said (which I knew deep down)

that

> it is so important to stop infection as he is high risk for

endocarditis.

> I spoke to his OT and PT on Friday at his weekly session and they were

> horrified. As they said his oral aversion is so deep rooted that to

> physically hold him down and force a toothbrush into his mouth is

torture for

>

> Jack. We are now working on more exercises/massage on the face and mouth

to

> try and help and get him to accept the toothbrush. We have tried every

> imaginable toothbrush and games etc over the years.

> I know there is no easy answer but I am feeling so bad and so guilty

about

> the whole thing. If he ended up with endocarditis I would never forgive

> myself

> Does anyone have any suggestions?????

>

> Elaine, wife to Jim

> Mum to Elise (9yrs) HH, peanut allergy,asthma

> Jack (4.5yrs) DORV, VSD, PS all repaired 31/1/01, PAPVD,

> Pulmonary & Tricuspid regurgitation, PS, CHARGE Syndrome

> Dumfries

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

this toothbrushing thing can be such an ordeal. is terrible at his

oral hygiene still at 15. But he doesn't want us to do it, so I just tell

him I won't tuck him in at night until his teeth are clean. You need to

find something he cares about as a reward, like reading at night. if he

does a crummy job I make him do it again. He finally found grape flavored

dental floss which he likes. Dentists say between the teeth is just as

important, if not more so, so this could be a start. Let him do it, wasting

as much as he needs to to get a long piece, maybe in front of the mirror if

that helps, or even if bed if not. We also have the Sonicare electric

toothbrush, which brushes 40,000 times each second or something, and they

just have to hold it on each tooth for a second without being coordinated

for brushing etc. it is an on-going problem, so goes to the dentist

for professional cleaning more often (every 4 mos I think), which he doesn't

like either, but the pediatric dentist has video games to do while he waits,

and he gets a prize and tolerates it, so they get a thorough cleaning then.

I am totally worried about this summer getting braces now! We'll probably

have to anesthetize him to tolerate that!! Egads, it's always something.

Good luck, Barbra Mousouris, Mom to Marina (19) (*who looks and acts 24)

and (CHaRGE aged 15) !! (who looks and acts 10) :-)

Help!!!!! Tooth Brushing

>

>

> Hi,

> Advise needed !!!!!

> Jack saw the community dentist on Thursday for his check-up. We have

been

> having major problems trying to clean his teeth and have to hold him

down to

> clean them. It takes 2 of us and Elise to hold him down and it is very

> distressing for us all. We haven't been brushing them everyday recently

as

> his gums bleed so much and I really just can't face putting him through

that.

>

> He has not been accepting it any better than he did at the beginning and

he

> is bigger and stronger now . I have been managing to get a bit of

toothpaste

> on my finger and rubbing it on his front teeth (still with protest from

Jack)

>

> but that's all.

> Anyway, his gums are very inflamed and the dentist has said that we

really

> have to hold him down and brush them everyday. The gums will bleed but

this

> should stop in time and he reckons that Jack will get used to it. I

tried to

> tell him that he won't get used to it as it's been going on for 3yrs so

far

> and he's not accepting it any easier. He said (which I knew deep down)

that

> it is so important to stop infection as he is high risk for

endocarditis.

> I spoke to his OT and PT on Friday at his weekly session and they were

> horrified. As they said his oral aversion is so deep rooted that to

> physically hold him down and force a toothbrush into his mouth is

torture for

>

> Jack. We are now working on more exercises/massage on the face and mouth

to

> try and help and get him to accept the toothbrush. We have tried every

> imaginable toothbrush and games etc over the years.

> I know there is no easy answer but I am feeling so bad and so guilty

about

> the whole thing. If he ended up with endocarditis I would never forgive

> myself

> Does anyone have any suggestions?????

>

> Elaine, wife to Jim

> Mum to Elise (9yrs) HH, peanut allergy,asthma

> Jack (4.5yrs) DORV, VSD, PS all repaired 31/1/01, PAPVD,

> Pulmonary & Tricuspid regurgitation, PS, CHARGE Syndrome

> Dumfries

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,,Barbara, Betsy and anyone else I've left out,

Thank you so much for all your help and advise regarding this. I'm certainly

going to try out anything and everything. Jack doesn't put anything in his

mouth or chew on anything but perhaps the reward system might work for him.

He's a very bright boy and knows exactly what is going on and what buttons to

push to get what he wants,so to speak !!!

--- very interesting stuff and it does make sense doesn't it ?

Thanks again.

Elaine, mum to Elise (9yrs) & Jack (4.5yrs) CHaRGE

Dumfries, Scotland

[Guest guest]

,,Barbara, Betsy and anyone else I've left out,

Thank you so much for all your help and advise regarding this. I'm certainly

going to try out anything and everything. Jack doesn't put anything in his

mouth or chew on anything but perhaps the reward system might work for him.

He's a very bright boy and knows exactly what is going on and what buttons to

push to get what he wants,so to speak !!!

--- very interesting stuff and it does make sense doesn't it ?

Thanks again.

Elaine, mum to Elise (9yrs) & Jack (4.5yrs) CHaRGE

Dumfries, Scotland

[Guest guest]

,,Barbara, Betsy and anyone else I've left out,

Thank you so much for all your help and advise regarding this. I'm certainly

going to try out anything and everything. Jack doesn't put anything in his

mouth or chew on anything but perhaps the reward system might work for him.

He's a very bright boy and knows exactly what is going on and what buttons to

push to get what he wants,so to speak !!!

--- very interesting stuff and it does make sense doesn't it ?

Thanks again.

Elaine, mum to Elise (9yrs) & Jack (4.5yrs) CHaRGE

Dumfries, Scotland

[Guest guest]

Elaine,

I'm so sorry to hear about Jack's dental woes. Does he have a doll he likes?

Maybe Bob the builder (I think you mentioned he liked that before.) What about

giving Jack a toothbrush and brushing the doll's teeth. Maybe trying to just

start out by making it a play game might help.

I'm sorry I don't have any better ideas than that Elaine, but we have been

extremely lucky with the dental side of things, Kennedy is addicted to brushing

her teeth...

Good luck,

Weir

Mom to Kennedy 4yr old CHARGEr, 12, 10, and wife to Graeme

New Brunswick, Canada

Visit the " Weir homepage " at: http://personal.nbnet.nb.ca/gweir

ICQ #1426476

" In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on. "

- Frost

Help!!!!! Tooth Brushing

Hi,

Advise needed !!!!!

Jack saw the community dentist on Thursday for his check-up. We have been

having major problems trying to clean his teeth and have to hold him down to

clean them. It takes 2 of us and Elise to hold him down and it is very

distressing for us all. We haven't been brushing them everyday recently as

his gums bleed so much and I really just can't face putting him through that.

He has not been accepting it any better than he did at the beginning and he

is bigger and stronger now . I have been managing to get a bit of toothpaste

on my finger and rubbing it on his front teeth (still with protest from Jack)

but that's all.

Anyway, his gums are very inflamed and the dentist has said that we really

have to hold him down and brush them everyday. The gums will bleed but this

should stop in time and he reckons that Jack will get used to it. I tried to

tell him that he won't get used to it as it's been going on for 3yrs so far

and he's not accepting it any easier. He said (which I knew deep down) that

it is so important to stop infection as he is high risk for endocarditis.

I spoke to his OT and PT on Friday at his weekly session and they were

horrified. As they said his oral aversion is so deep rooted that to

physically hold him down and force a toothbrush into his mouth is torture for

Jack. We are now working on more exercises/massage on the face and mouth to

try and help and get him to accept the toothbrush. We have tried every

imaginable toothbrush and games etc over the years.

I know there is no easy answer but I am feeling so bad and so guilty about

the whole thing. If he ended up with endocarditis I would never forgive

myself

Does anyone have any suggestions?????

Elaine, wife to Jim

Mum to Elise (9yrs) HH, peanut allergy,asthma

Jack (4.5yrs) DORV, VSD, PS all repaired 31/1/01, PAPVD,

Pulmonary & Tricuspid regurgitation, PS, CHARGE Syndrome

Dumfries

[Guest guest]

Hi, sorry, I have no advice other than the oral stuff--timmy still does not

like his teeth brushed, but it's not that bad---luckily. hope it gets

better soon, for all your sakes.

maria, mom to timmy 6 ChARGE, keegan 4, liam 18 mo, wife to pat

Help!!!!! Tooth Brushing

> Hi,

> Advise needed !!!!!

> Jack saw the community dentist on Thursday for his check-up. We have been

> having major problems trying to clean his teeth and have to hold him down

to

> clean them. It takes 2 of us and Elise to hold him down and it is very

> distressing for us all. We haven't been brushing them everyday recently as

> his gums bleed so much and I really just can't face putting him through

that.

>

> He has not been accepting it any better than he did at the beginning and

he

> is bigger and stronger now . I have been managing to get a bit of

toothpaste

> on my finger and rubbing it on his front teeth (still with protest from

Jack)

>

> but that's all.

> Anyway, his gums are very inflamed and the dentist has said that we really

> have to hold him down and brush them everyday. The gums will bleed but

this

> should stop in time and he reckons that Jack will get used to it. I tried

to

> tell him that he won't get used to it as it's been going on for 3yrs so

far

> and he's not accepting it any easier. He said (which I knew deep down)

that

> it is so important to stop infection as he is high risk for endocarditis.

> I spoke to his OT and PT on Friday at his weekly session and they were

> horrified. As they said his oral aversion is so deep rooted that to

> physically hold him down and force a toothbrush into his mouth is torture

for

>

> Jack. We are now working on more exercises/massage on the face and mouth

to

> try and help and get him to accept the toothbrush. We have tried every

> imaginable toothbrush and games etc over the years.

> I know there is no easy answer but I am feeling so bad and so guilty about

> the whole thing. If he ended up with endocarditis I would never forgive

> myself

> Does anyone have any suggestions?????

>

> Elaine, wife to Jim

> Mum to Elise (9yrs) HH, peanut allergy,asthma

> Jack (4.5yrs) DORV, VSD, PS all repaired 31/1/01, PAPVD,

> Pulmonary & Tricuspid regurgitation, PS, CHARGE Syndrome

> Dumfries

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Casey, and , I love this list. I'm amazed at the great things that

come out in these discussions.

I thought I'd add a few thoughts to this discussion about Jack's dental

health. I'm thinking about going in the back door so to speak in addition

to all the other wonderful suggestions. In other words, in addition to the

brushing and cleaning, I'm thinking about focusing on the immune system's

ability to heal the gums and teeth as well.

In order to do this I was thinking about a lot of stuff that I read this

weekend in Barb's sister-in-law's book: The Schwarzbein Principle. Kendra

was in the hospital for several days for bi-pap evaluation and so on and I

had time to read a little bit.

This book is revolutionary in many ways. If you are considering reading

it, do it for sure as it has important information about staying healthy

and about the ability of our cells to stay healthy. I HIGHLY recommend it.

In the book, Schwarzbein, MD, (Barb's sister-in-law) and

Deville have strong opinions about what our bodies need to work right, and

maintain health when diabetes, heart disease and cancer are so prevalent in

modern society.

>They talk about the dangers in artificial sugar, the dangers in packaged

>foods and the dangers in high carbohydrate consumption and ingestion of

>margarine and other non- 'natural' foods among very many other topics. It

>discusses in great length the importance of protein and fats for our

>health and lower carbohydrate vegetables in closer to natural (uncooked

>when possible) states and the drinking of water.

>

>So, what I'm thinking is that by improving diets we can improve many

>aspects of our health and maybe this information could help in our kids'

>abilities to have healthier gums and teeth.

>

>I know it may seem like kind of a stretch, but reading this book really

>inspired me to think about how much affect we can have when we look at the

>effects certain foods and lifestyle choices have on our overall health.

>

>I feel sad that the doctor puts so much stress on the family when brushing

>does not go well. That really is the last thing any of us needs when we

>are trying our hardest to do the right things. The stress on Jack to

>brush doesn't help matters at all.

>

>I'm wondering (and I'm sorry Elaine, I just can't remember how Jack eats)

>if Jack could do somethings that might stimulate healthy teeth and gums

>such as chewing on raw carrots or celery if possible. If he doesn't eat

>that kind of thing by mouth, there are ways to chew on it and then discard

>it as we did with Kendra during feeding therapy. The nutrients and enzymes

>are very healthful from some foods. Or, if that is out of the question,

>including these pureed nutrients to his diet might be helpful.

>

>This book suggests a plan for healing and a plan for maintenance of

>health. Here is a recipe I thought looked really good:

>

>ANYTIME SOUP (this is for use during the healing phase and can be eaten

>anytime, such as at snack time or between meals)

>

>Makes 8 servings - each serving 17 grams protein - 10 grams carbohydrate

>

>1 pound chicken parts or soup bones

>1/2 head shredded green cabbage

>1 minced garlic clove

>2 chopped celery stalks

>2 pounds diced fresh tomatoes

>3 chopped carrots

>2 tbl chopped fresh parsley

>1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)

>1/2 tsp. dried basil (optional)

>freshly ground black pepper, to taste

>4 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock or 4 cups water

>1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or 1-2 tablespoons cider vinegar to taste

>

>In a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot, bring all ingredients, except lemon

>juice to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 1 hour. Remove chicken parts or

>soup bones. Shred chicken meat and return to pot. Add lemon juice or vinegar.

>

>The book discusses cell health and ways we can all improve our bodies'

>ability to stay in good health by what we do and what we eat.

I think that if Jack's gums are bleeding it could be a sign of some kind of

nutritional deficiency in addition to or instead of even of a lack of

brushing. I think that healing nutrients can be helpful in avoiding

endocarditis, too. I myself would look into zinc and other

deficiencies. Kendra has a condition that causes zinc and Vitamin B6 to be

exreted in excess leaving a deficiency. Zinc is important to the immune

system.

A friend's father has great teeth and very surprisingly brushes very

little. Apparently his immune system does amazing things keeping his teeth

in good shape. I think the immune system could be part of the answer for Jack.

Elaine you are doing a wonderful job as a mother and I hate to see you

having any kind of guilt at all. I hope Jack's teeth and gums improve very

soon.

With best wishes,

Mom to Kendra, and Camille

[Guest guest]

Casey, and , I love this list. I'm amazed at the great things that

come out in these discussions.

I thought I'd add a few thoughts to this discussion about Jack's dental

health. I'm thinking about going in the back door so to speak in addition

to all the other wonderful suggestions. In other words, in addition to the

brushing and cleaning, I'm thinking about focusing on the immune system's

ability to heal the gums and teeth as well.

In order to do this I was thinking about a lot of stuff that I read this

weekend in Barb's sister-in-law's book: The Schwarzbein Principle. Kendra

was in the hospital for several days for bi-pap evaluation and so on and I

had time to read a little bit.

This book is revolutionary in many ways. If you are considering reading

it, do it for sure as it has important information about staying healthy

and about the ability of our cells to stay healthy. I HIGHLY recommend it.

In the book, Schwarzbein, MD, (Barb's sister-in-law) and

Deville have strong opinions about what our bodies need to work right, and

maintain health when diabetes, heart disease and cancer are so prevalent in

modern society.

>They talk about the dangers in artificial sugar, the dangers in packaged

>foods and the dangers in high carbohydrate consumption and ingestion of

>margarine and other non- 'natural' foods among very many other topics. It

>discusses in great length the importance of protein and fats for our

>health and lower carbohydrate vegetables in closer to natural (uncooked

>when possible) states and the drinking of water.

>

>So, what I'm thinking is that by improving diets we can improve many

>aspects of our health and maybe this information could help in our kids'

>abilities to have healthier gums and teeth.

>

>I know it may seem like kind of a stretch, but reading this book really

>inspired me to think about how much affect we can have when we look at the

>effects certain foods and lifestyle choices have on our overall health.

>

>I feel sad that the doctor puts so much stress on the family when brushing

>does not go well. That really is the last thing any of us needs when we

>are trying our hardest to do the right things. The stress on Jack to

>brush doesn't help matters at all.

>

>I'm wondering (and I'm sorry Elaine, I just can't remember how Jack eats)

>if Jack could do somethings that might stimulate healthy teeth and gums

>such as chewing on raw carrots or celery if possible. If he doesn't eat

>that kind of thing by mouth, there are ways to chew on it and then discard

>it as we did with Kendra during feeding therapy. The nutrients and enzymes

>are very healthful from some foods. Or, if that is out of the question,

>including these pureed nutrients to his diet might be helpful.

>

>This book suggests a plan for healing and a plan for maintenance of

>health. Here is a recipe I thought looked really good:

>

>ANYTIME SOUP (this is for use during the healing phase and can be eaten

>anytime, such as at snack time or between meals)

>

>Makes 8 servings - each serving 17 grams protein - 10 grams carbohydrate

>

>1 pound chicken parts or soup bones

>1/2 head shredded green cabbage

>1 minced garlic clove

>2 chopped celery stalks

>2 pounds diced fresh tomatoes

>3 chopped carrots

>2 tbl chopped fresh parsley

>1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)

>1/2 tsp. dried basil (optional)

>freshly ground black pepper, to taste

>4 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock or 4 cups water

>1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or 1-2 tablespoons cider vinegar to taste

>

>In a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot, bring all ingredients, except lemon

>juice to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 1 hour. Remove chicken parts or

>soup bones. Shred chicken meat and return to pot. Add lemon juice or vinegar.

>

>The book discusses cell health and ways we can all improve our bodies'

>ability to stay in good health by what we do and what we eat.

I think that if Jack's gums are bleeding it could be a sign of some kind of

nutritional deficiency in addition to or instead of even of a lack of

brushing. I think that healing nutrients can be helpful in avoiding

endocarditis, too. I myself would look into zinc and other

deficiencies. Kendra has a condition that causes zinc and Vitamin B6 to be

exreted in excess leaving a deficiency. Zinc is important to the immune

system.

A friend's father has great teeth and very surprisingly brushes very

little. Apparently his immune system does amazing things keeping his teeth

in good shape. I think the immune system could be part of the answer for Jack.

Elaine you are doing a wonderful job as a mother and I hate to see you

having any kind of guilt at all. I hope Jack's teeth and gums improve very

soon.

With best wishes,

Mom to Kendra, and Camille

[Guest guest]

, I am so glad to see you took 's book to heart! She is amazing.

Great job for being an informed mother and Charge advocate! Let me know

when you can get together in Santa Barbara! Barbra Mousouris

Re: Help!!!!! Tooth Brushing

> Casey, and , I love this list. I'm amazed at the great things that

> come out in these discussions.

>

> I thought I'd add a few thoughts to this discussion about Jack's dental

> health. I'm thinking about going in the back door so to speak in addition

> to all the other wonderful suggestions. In other words, in addition to

the

> brushing and cleaning, I'm thinking about focusing on the immune system's

> ability to heal the gums and teeth as well.

>

> In order to do this I was thinking about a lot of stuff that I read this

> weekend in Barb's sister-in-law's book: The Schwarzbein Principle. Kendra

> was in the hospital for several days for bi-pap evaluation and so on and I

> had time to read a little bit.

>

> This book is revolutionary in many ways. If you are considering reading

> it, do it for sure as it has important information about staying healthy

> and about the ability of our cells to stay healthy. I HIGHLY recommend it.

>

> In the book, Schwarzbein, MD, (Barb's sister-in-law) and

> Deville have strong opinions about what our bodies need to work right, and

> maintain health when diabetes, heart disease and cancer are so prevalent

in

> modern society.

>

> >They talk about the dangers in artificial sugar, the dangers in packaged

> >foods and the dangers in high carbohydrate consumption and ingestion of

> >margarine and other non- 'natural' foods among very many other topics. It

> >discusses in great length the importance of protein and fats for our

> >health and lower carbohydrate vegetables in closer to natural (uncooked

> >when possible) states and the drinking of water.

> >

> >So, what I'm thinking is that by improving diets we can improve many

> >aspects of our health and maybe this information could help in our kids'

> >abilities to have healthier gums and teeth.

> >

> >I know it may seem like kind of a stretch, but reading this book really

> >inspired me to think about how much affect we can have when we look at

the

> >effects certain foods and lifestyle choices have on our overall health.

> >

> >I feel sad that the doctor puts so much stress on the family when

brushing

> >does not go well. That really is the last thing any of us needs when we

> >are trying our hardest to do the right things. The stress on Jack to

> >brush doesn't help matters at all.

> >

> >I'm wondering (and I'm sorry Elaine, I just can't remember how Jack eats)

> >if Jack could do somethings that might stimulate healthy teeth and gums

> >such as chewing on raw carrots or celery if possible. If he doesn't eat

> >that kind of thing by mouth, there are ways to chew on it and then

discard

> >it as we did with Kendra during feeding therapy. The nutrients and

enzymes

> >are very healthful from some foods. Or, if that is out of the question,

> >including these pureed nutrients to his diet might be helpful.

> >

> >This book suggests a plan for healing and a plan for maintenance of

> >health. Here is a recipe I thought looked really good:

> >

> >ANYTIME SOUP (this is for use during the healing phase and can be eaten

> >anytime, such as at snack time or between meals)

> >

> >Makes 8 servings - each serving 17 grams protein - 10 grams carbohydrate

> >

> >1 pound chicken parts or soup bones

> >1/2 head shredded green cabbage

> >1 minced garlic clove

> >2 chopped celery stalks

> >2 pounds diced fresh tomatoes

> >3 chopped carrots

> >2 tbl chopped fresh parsley

> >1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)

> >1/2 tsp. dried basil (optional)

> >freshly ground black pepper, to taste

> >4 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock or 4 cups water

> >1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or 1-2 tablespoons cider vinegar to

taste

> >

> >In a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot, bring all ingredients, except lemon

> >juice to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 1 hour. Remove chicken parts or

> >soup bones. Shred chicken meat and return to pot. Add lemon juice or

vinegar.

> >

> >The book discusses cell health and ways we can all improve our bodies'

> >ability to stay in good health by what we do and what we eat.

>

> I think that if Jack's gums are bleeding it could be a sign of some kind

of

> nutritional deficiency in addition to or instead of even of a lack of

> brushing. I think that healing nutrients can be helpful in avoiding

> endocarditis, too. I myself would look into zinc and other

> deficiencies. Kendra has a condition that causes zinc and Vitamin B6 to

be

> exreted in excess leaving a deficiency. Zinc is important to the immune

> system.

>

> A friend's father has great teeth and very surprisingly brushes very

> little. Apparently his immune system does amazing things keeping his

teeth

> in good shape. I think the immune system could be part of the answer for

Jack.

>

> Elaine you are doing a wonderful job as a mother and I hate to see you

> having any kind of guilt at all. I hope Jack's teeth and gums improve

very

> soon.

>

> With best wishes,

>

> Mom to Kendra, and Camille

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Membership of this email support groups does not constitute membership in

the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation.

> For information about the CHARGE Syndrome

> Foundation or to become a member (and get the newsletter)

> please contact marion@... or visit

> the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation web page

> at http://www.chargesyndrome.org

> 6th International CHARGE Syndrome Conference, Cleveland, Ohio,

> July 25-27, 2003. Information will be available at our website

> www.chargesyndrome.org or by calling 1-.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

, I am so glad to see you took 's book to heart! She is amazing.

Great job for being an informed mother and Charge advocate! Let me know

when you can get together in Santa Barbara! Barbra Mousouris

Re: Help!!!!! Tooth Brushing

> Casey, and , I love this list. I'm amazed at the great things that

> come out in these discussions.

>

> I thought I'd add a few thoughts to this discussion about Jack's dental

> health. I'm thinking about going in the back door so to speak in addition

> to all the other wonderful suggestions. In other words, in addition to

the

> brushing and cleaning, I'm thinking about focusing on the immune system's

> ability to heal the gums and teeth as well.

>

> In order to do this I was thinking about a lot of stuff that I read this

> weekend in Barb's sister-in-law's book: The Schwarzbein Principle. Kendra

> was in the hospital for several days for bi-pap evaluation and so on and I

> had time to read a little bit.

>

> This book is revolutionary in many ways. If you are considering reading

> it, do it for sure as it has important information about staying healthy

> and about the ability of our cells to stay healthy. I HIGHLY recommend it.

>

> In the book, Schwarzbein, MD, (Barb's sister-in-law) and

> Deville have strong opinions about what our bodies need to work right, and

> maintain health when diabetes, heart disease and cancer are so prevalent

in

> modern society.

>

> >They talk about the dangers in artificial sugar, the dangers in packaged

> >foods and the dangers in high carbohydrate consumption and ingestion of

> >margarine and other non- 'natural' foods among very many other topics. It

> >discusses in great length the importance of protein and fats for our

> >health and lower carbohydrate vegetables in closer to natural (uncooked

> >when possible) states and the drinking of water.

> >

> >So, what I'm thinking is that by improving diets we can improve many

> >aspects of our health and maybe this information could help in our kids'

> >abilities to have healthier gums and teeth.

> >

> >I know it may seem like kind of a stretch, but reading this book really

> >inspired me to think about how much affect we can have when we look at

the

> >effects certain foods and lifestyle choices have on our overall health.

> >

> >I feel sad that the doctor puts so much stress on the family when

brushing

> >does not go well. That really is the last thing any of us needs when we

> >are trying our hardest to do the right things. The stress on Jack to

> >brush doesn't help matters at all.

> >

> >I'm wondering (and I'm sorry Elaine, I just can't remember how Jack eats)

> >if Jack could do somethings that might stimulate healthy teeth and gums

> >such as chewing on raw carrots or celery if possible. If he doesn't eat

> >that kind of thing by mouth, there are ways to chew on it and then

discard

> >it as we did with Kendra during feeding therapy. The nutrients and

enzymes

> >are very healthful from some foods. Or, if that is out of the question,

> >including these pureed nutrients to his diet might be helpful.

> >

> >This book suggests a plan for healing and a plan for maintenance of

> >health. Here is a recipe I thought looked really good:

> >

> >ANYTIME SOUP (this is for use during the healing phase and can be eaten

> >anytime, such as at snack time or between meals)

> >

> >Makes 8 servings - each serving 17 grams protein - 10 grams carbohydrate

> >

> >1 pound chicken parts or soup bones

> >1/2 head shredded green cabbage

> >1 minced garlic clove

> >2 chopped celery stalks

> >2 pounds diced fresh tomatoes

> >3 chopped carrots

> >2 tbl chopped fresh parsley

> >1/2 tsp dried thyme (optional)

> >1/2 tsp. dried basil (optional)

> >freshly ground black pepper, to taste

> >4 cups chicken stock or vegetable stock or 4 cups water

> >1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or 1-2 tablespoons cider vinegar to

taste

> >

> >In a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot, bring all ingredients, except lemon

> >juice to a boil. Lower heat and simmer 1 hour. Remove chicken parts or

> >soup bones. Shred chicken meat and return to pot. Add lemon juice or

vinegar.

> >

> >The book discusses cell health and ways we can all improve our bodies'

> >ability to stay in good health by what we do and what we eat.

>

> I think that if Jack's gums are bleeding it could be a sign of some kind

of

> nutritional deficiency in addition to or instead of even of a lack of

> brushing. I think that healing nutrients can be helpful in avoiding

> endocarditis, too. I myself would look into zinc and other

> deficiencies. Kendra has a condition that causes zinc and Vitamin B6 to

be

> exreted in excess leaving a deficiency. Zinc is important to the immune

> system.

>

> A friend's father has great teeth and very surprisingly brushes very

> little. Apparently his immune system does amazing things keeping his

teeth

> in good shape. I think the immune system could be part of the answer for

Jack.

>

> Elaine you are doing a wonderful job as a mother and I hate to see you

> having any kind of guilt at all. I hope Jack's teeth and gums improve

very

> soon.

>

> With best wishes,

>

> Mom to Kendra, and Camille

>

>

>

>

>

>

> Membership of this email support groups does not constitute membership in

the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation.

> For information about the CHARGE Syndrome

> Foundation or to become a member (and get the newsletter)

> please contact marion@... or visit

> the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation web page

> at http://www.chargesyndrome.org

> 6th International CHARGE Syndrome Conference, Cleveland, Ohio,

> July 25-27, 2003. Information will be available at our website

> www.chargesyndrome.org or by calling 1-.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Boy it is nice to have warnings as to what we have to start working on

with our small babies............

http://community.webtv.net/maryechick12/

http://community.webtv.net/maryechick12/pets

[Guest guest]

Boy it is nice to have warnings as to what we have to start working on

with our small babies............

http://community.webtv.net/maryechick12/

http://community.webtv.net/maryechick12/pets

[Guest guest]

This is going to sound very simplistic, and perhaps it's only something to

keep in mind for the future. is a good bit older than your son, too,

but in recent years, Perkins started counting with her while brushing. Now,

she just grins when the counting starts (and counts with the adult). For

instance, she'll brush to an extremely slow count of ten on the upper left

quardrant, then move to the right. It wasn't easy in the beginning - and I

certainly remember the early days. Consistency and giving the child a role

were probably the most important issues. Also note, after does the

count, the adult has a turn. Again - this is probably just for the future.

Martha

[Guest guest]

re counting, we also did an hourglass from a board game, and knew he

had to brush until the sand ran out, I think it's a minute or 2??

Re: Help!!!!! Tooth Brushing

> This is going to sound very simplistic, and perhaps it's only something to

> keep in mind for the future. is a good bit older than your son, too,

> but in recent years, Perkins started counting with her while brushing.

Now,

> she just grins when the counting starts (and counts with the adult). For

> instance, she'll brush to an extremely slow count of ten on the upper left

> quardrant, then move to the right. It wasn't easy in the beginning - and I

> certainly remember the early days. Consistency and giving the child a role

> were probably the most important issues. Also note, after does the

> count, the adult has a turn. Again - this is probably just for the future.

> Martha

>

>

>

> Membership of this email support groups does not constitute membership in

the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation.

> For information about the CHARGE Syndrome

> Foundation or to become a member (and get the newsletter)

> please contact marion@... or visit

> the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation web page

> at http://www.chargesyndrome.org

> 6th International CHARGE Syndrome Conference, Cleveland, Ohio,

> July 25-27, 2003. Information will be available at our website

> www.chargesyndrome.org or by calling 1-.

>

>

>