9 | The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,A pril 22,2021 theifp.ca Find local professionals here every Thursday! For advertising information please call 905-234-1018 or email kkosonic@theifp.ca Professionals Ask the 905-877-CARE (2273) DR. ANOOP SAYAL DR. ANOOP SAYAL Family and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Georgetown Marketplace Mall Q:Is thumb sucking bad? A:Yes and no. First, it must be understoodthat thumb sucking is a "natural reflex". An ultrasound test on a developing baby will often show him or her sucking a thumb.When this habit goes on for too long, however, orthodontic problems can often occur. By the age of six or seven, the child's permanent teeth are just beginning to arrive. Before then, thumb sucking will cause few problems. After permanent teeth arrive, abnormal pressure from the thumb can cause the front upper teeth to become "bucked". The bottom front teeth then become crowded backward. A misalignment of the teeth occurs. So, how do you stop thumb sucking for your four or five year old? Some have found gloving the hand, dipping the thumb in vinegar and increased attention to the child help. In the end, though, treatment depends on how long and often the thumb sucking occurs. To avoid any permanent damage, don't delay your attempts to stop this habit. DR. ANOOP SAYAL905-877-CARE (2273) DR. ANOOP SAYAL Family and Cosmetic Dentistry located in Georgetown Marketplace Mall Q:How old would you say children shouldbe for their first dental exam? Five or Six? In years past, it was rare for a child to see a dentist before five or six years old. Would most dentists agree that is too long to wait? Today, most dentists recommend the first dental exam to be scheduled around the age of two. Because not all the teeth are present, this visit is mostly a consultation. Parents can ask questions about their child's teeth.The dentist can also show how to best clean the infant's teeth and advise the parents on the best dietary habits for their child's optimum development, This visit also helps the child to realize the dental office isn't something fear. As the child gets older, it is important that the parents not discuss their own negative experiences with dentists. Questions should be answered truthfully and with a positive attitude. Modern day dentistry is much better than when we were children. Keeping your children's teeth healthy begins with timely visits to your dentist. A: The Town's annual Earth Day celebrations continue to look a little different due to COVID-19. We miss celebrating with our community and while we can't gather yet, there are lots of ways we can celebrate together while apart. • Conservation Halton Workshops • Take part in Conservation Halton's 'Healthy Neighboursheds' series of homeowners workshops. Registration required. • Credit Valley Conservation Webinars • Join Credit Valley Conservation for two free webinars on caring for your green yard. Registration required. • Climate Change Exhibit at Helson Gallery • Take a virtual tour of 'Field Notes: Observations on Climate Change', an exhibition examining the causes and impacts of global warming through 12 artists. • Earth Week with the Library • The Halton Hills Public Library is celebrating Earth Week all month with great earth-themed resources. • Family Activities and Downloads • Download earth-themes activities to enjoy with your family. Visit haltonhills.ca/earthweek for full details and more activities! The Halton Hills Public Library Board has elected a new chair and vice-chair. Both positions will guide the direction of the library for a term of two years. Keith Medenblik was elected as board chair and Betsy Cosper was elected as vice- chair. The library board is appointed by the Town of Halton Hills and consists of nine community volunteers and two town councillors. The outgoing chair, Tamara Smith- Miksic, and vice-chair, Lisa Caissie, will continue to serve as board members. "We're very grateful for the ongoing support of the Town of Halton Hills, our community and the staff of the library," Medenblik said. "I am honoured to take on the role of chair for this vital community resource that brings everyone together in a safe space, provides literacy and learn- ing opportunities, and supports every age group, skill level and diverse background." Medenblik added he was thrilled to play a key role in helping residents reach their full potential through the library's pro- grams, services and resources. "The library board and staff are dedi- cated to working with the community, act- ing on their behalf to guide, strengthen, grow and meet the unique and diverse needs of our area, through the pandemic and beyond," Cosper said. More information about the Halton Hills Public Library board is available at www.hhpl.on.ca. NEWS LIBRARY ELECTS NEW BOARD CHAIR AND VICE-CHAIR The Halton Hills Public Library has elected a new chair and vice-chair to the library board. Metroland file photo BRYAN MYERS bmyers@metroland.com