Worried About Your Baby’s Pacifier Habit?
Do you spend a lot of time worrying about your baby’s undying love for his pacifier? Does he go to sleep with it, cry for it when he wakes up, and freak out if it’s dropped for even a second? Maybe your child sucks his or her thumb religiously, instead, much to your chagrin. The good news is that, in most cases, the use of pacifiers or thumb sucking is not a cause for alarm. Many babies self soothe through these means, without any detrimental affects to their dental or overall health. That said, when it comes to your baby’s precious smile, any questions or concerns you have are best posed to your children’s dentist, who is the best ally you have in helping to protect your child’s teeth and gums, long-term. (more…)
Celebrate MLK’s Birthday in Dallas, Texas
Are you hoping to find a fun, family-friendly way to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this year? If so, there are lots of opportunities to do just that throughout Dallas and the metroplex. One of the biggest and best options is the 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration, which will include a variety of events held throughout the weekend and on Monday, January 16, 2017. These events are being hosted by the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Board and Staff. This year the group has chosen the theme, “Breaking the Chains of Injustice.” (more…)
What Is Xylitol and Is It Good for Your Kids?
Have your kids struggled with several cavities over the years? In fact, do they seem even more prone to dental decay than other kids their age? Genetics, hygiene habits, and diet can all affect a child’s likelihood of developing cavities. Fortunately, recent studies indicate that your children’s pediatric dentist might be able to help them prevent tooth decay through the use of a product called xylitol. Not only has this been shown to help minimize tooth sensitivity, it is now being studied as a means of preventing decay, in the first place. (more…)
It’s Never Too Cold for Fun Times at the Dallas Zoo
It might be getting colder outside, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun family adventures. In fact, now is actually a perfect time to visit the Dallas Zoo. Now through February 28, 2017 the zoo will be hosting its annual promotion known as Penguin Days, a fun chance to see the African penguins along with all their four-legged, furry and feathered friends throughout the zoo. Discounted admission prices means you and your kids can go visit the penguins and their 2,000 closest pals, while spending even less than usual, and what parent doesn’t love that?
When Will My Baby’s Teeth Begin Coming In? Part Two
Watching your baby experience discomfort can be incredibly troubling, as a parent. Fortunately, when it comes to teething pain, there are several simple steps you can take, to help keep your child more comfortable as he or she teethes. According to both pediatricians and dentists alike, some of the safest ways to soothe your child through teething discomfort, happen to be simple yet effective. (more…)
When Will My Baby’s Teeth Begin Coming In? Part One
As a first-time parent there is so much to learn, from how hot to make your baby’s bath to how often your newborn will need to be fed. Of course, you are also likely to wonder when your baby will be reaching milestones, such as rolling over, crawling, and eventually standing on his or her own. What about your baby’s smile, though? Are you curious, even clueless, about when to expect teething to begin, much less how to help your child cope with this uncomfortable part of growing up? If so, your child’s pediatric dentist can be a huge help in your quest to keep your child healthy and comfortable, both during the teething process and far beyond. (more…)
Can You Do More To Protect Your Baby’s Teeth?
Do you ever wonder if your baby really needs any dental care? After all, his or her smile is likely only gums at this point. How could invisible teeth need protecting? The truth is even babies are susceptible to oral health problems, including baby bottle tooth decay. To prevent this, you should consider gently wiping your baby’s gums clean after feedings, to help prevent decay. But there is more that should be done, too, in order to help keep your child’s smile healthy, and your pediatric dentist can help! (more…)
Can You Do More to Help Your Kids Prevent Cavities?
In your quest to keep your kids’ smiles healthy and beautiful, do you ever feel like you’ve gone to great lengths, only to see them struggle with cavity after cavity? Sadly, some children and adults are more susceptible to dental decay, either due to genetic factors, underlying health concerns, medications being taken, or dietary factors. So while in most cases a healthy diet, daily hygiene and preventive checkups and cleanings can generally help prevent acidic erosion, there is still benefit in seeking other ways to help protect the smile, as well. Dental sealants are one option, which many pediatric dentists offer and even recommend. Fortunately, there may be another “secret weapon” in the fight against cavities, and that is a product called xylitol, which is a natural sugar substitute. (more…)
Can Fluoride Be a Substitute for Children’s Fillings?
Do you spend a great deal of time worrying about your kids’ teeth, namely whether or not they will struggle with cavities? In fact, have your school-aged children already experienced troubling or uncomfortable tooth decay? Sadly, some studies indicate that nearly one third of the children in American will deal with decay before they have even reached adolescence. Fortunately, many pediatric dentists now offer an alternative to traditional metal fillings, for helping kids cope with cavities. In fact, you might be pleasantly surprised, as a parent, to learn how a product called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) could help ensure your kids can enjoy their meals, again, without pesky dental discomfort getting in the way. (more…)
Worried About Your Child’s Pacifier Habit?
Like many kids, do your children soothe themselves by sucking on their thumbs, fingers, or pacifiers? In fact, do they refuse to take a nap without a pacifier, or throw tantrums in the car if they get caught without their beloved pacifiers, even for a second? Unfortunately, prolonged thumb-sucking or pacifier use can potentially create problems for children’s oral health. So, if your child is growing more and more dependent on a pacifier, or if you notice your child sucking on his or her thumb more and more frequently, now is a great time to talk to your pediatric dentist about how this could potentially lead to problems, and whether it might be best to start weaning him or her from this self-soothing habit. (more…)