AboutDr. Randolph Myerson Expertise Please limit your inquiry to questions about orthodontics (braces) and children's dentistry. I am both an Orthodontist and a Pediatric Dentist, having been trained in both of these dental specialty fields. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that treats problems of tooth, bite and jaw alignment using braces and removable appliances. Pediatric Dentistry is the dental specialty also known as dentistry for children, which deals specifically with the dental problems of this special age group from infants to adolescents. I am also experienced in Forensic Dentistry, the application of dentistry to law enforcement and identification using dental records.
Experience I have been in the private practice of orthodontics and pediatric dentistry for over 20 years. Prior to that I served for three years on the Cleft Palate and Cranio-facial Reconstruction team at Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia and was an Assistant Professor of Dentistry at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. I also served as a dentist in the U.S.Air Force, stationed at Andrews AFB in Washington, DC.
Organizations I am a Fellow in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and a member of the American Association of Orthodontics, as well as a member of the American Dental Association and the Dental Society of the State of New York.
Education/Credentials I received my BA in Biology from Frankin & Marshall College in 1969, and my dental degree from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1973. In 1978 I received both my Certificate in Orthodontics from University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, and my Certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Children''s Hospital of Philadelphia after completing a three year Teaching Fellowship in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry in 1978.
Question My 9 year old son takes Focalin XR for the treatment of ADHD, which causes him to have a dry mouth. I now notice him gums are swollen. He's due for his dental checkup in a month. However he brushes his teeth twice a day and does not eat a lot of sweets and I let him drink very little pop. Is there a connection with this medication to his swollen and sometimes tender gums?
Answer A persistently dry mouth can contribute to gingival inflammation and swelling. Excellent oral hygiene including gingival stimulation with a soft toothbrush can certainly help alleviate the condition. Brushing twice daily will be helpful if that brushing is thorough and effective. Use of a disclosing agent like Trace (ask your dentist) can help you evaluate if your son's brushing is effectively removing the plaque from his teeth since plaque is the main irritant that causes gingival inflammation and swelling. Using an electric toothbrush like the Sonocare or the SonicComplete can also improve the effectivness of oral hygiene and gingival stimulation.
