Key Care for Your Kids’ Smiles This Summer
Summer break is in full swing, now, but soon it will be time for your kids to head back to school. Before they go, make sure to take advantage of their freer schedules, by getting their smiles the care they need to head into another academic year both healthy and beautiful. Summertime is a wonderful opportunity to visit the pediatric dentist for checkups and cleanings, as well as any necessary restorative dentistry they might need. That way, they can walk into their classrooms on the first day of school, with confidence, knowing their smiles look and feel their best! (more…)
Could Your Child Have a Cavity?
Has your child been complaining about tooth sensitivity or discomfort lately? Have you noticed your son shying away from some of his favorite treats, or your daughter turning down offers to enjoy delicacies she once loved? Discomfort when eating hot or cold foods, as well as those high in sugar, is just one warning sign that your child might have a cavity. Discoloration, especially black lines forming along crevices of teeth, is another common symptom of a cavity. Fortunately, your pediatric dentist should be able to help address your child’s cavities through minimally invasive treatment, like a tooth filling, so long as you schedule an appointment quickly. It’s important to remember that the longer a cavity remains untreated, the more likely it is to cause an infection. (more…)
Smile-Friendly Summer Treats the Whole Family Will Love: Part Two
Summer is a great chance to spend a bit more time outside, swimming, hiking, and generally exploring the great outdoors! But hot days sometimes lead to one too many sweet treats, trying to cool off, which can unfortunately lead to cavities and other dental problems. If you are looking for some healthier alternatives to the usual sugary summertime treats, your pediatric dentist has some great alternatives, which are both smile-friendly and healthier choices for the whole family. (more…)
Smile-Friendly Summer Treats the Whole Family Will Love: Part One
During the summer it can be all too tempting to resort to going on runs to grab sweet treats to both fill the time and help you and your children beat the heat. While there is nothing wrong with the occasional trip to the ice cream shop or sno cone stand, over time too much extra sugar can wreak havoc on your smiles. Some iced treats are even dangerous for teeth, as teeth can crack when a person chews on something too hard, like ice. So if you are looking for healthier ways to snack and stay cool with your kids, this summer, consider these smile-friendly and pediatric dentist-approved alternatives to traditional summertime treats! (more…)
Are Your Baby’s Teeth Healthy? Part Two
If you have questions about how to care for your baby’s smile, it is important to talk with your pediatric dentist. Learning the best way to care for baby teeth is essential to helping your child grow up with a healthy smile. Children’s teeth generally begin erupting around six months old, often starting with the front four teeth. Don’t be alarmed, however, if your child is over a year old before his or her first tooth comes in. It is important, though, that you continue gently wiping your baby’s gums clean after feedings until the first is visible. At this point, it is time to begin brushing your baby’s tooth/teeth, instead! (more…)
Are Your Baby’s Teeth Healthy? Part One
Now that your little bundle of joy has finally arrived, your days are probably filled with a mix of pure elation and utter exhaustion. Adjusting to life as a new parent can be exciting, but it can also prove difficult and, at times, overwhelming. Along with learning how to balance work and a dwindling personal life, you also have to learn how to best care for your baby, from developing a feeding and sleeping schedule, to learning what your baby’s body and his or her smile need to remain healthy and to grow strong. Fortunately, your pediatric dentist is there to help guide you in your quest to raise a healthy child with an equally healthy and beautiful smile! (more…)
What Children’s Dentistry Means
Maintaining a healthy smile begins early, and as children’s teeth, jaws, and smiles grow, some issues can arise that complicate one or more aspects of their oral health development. According to the American Dental Association, children should attend their first dental visit by the time their first tooth appears. If any issues are detected, then we can help preserve your child’s smile with the pediatric dental treatment. (more…)
The Unfortunate Truth
Most people are probably not aware that tooth decay can begin within 20 minutes of eating, drinking, or snacking, but it’s an unfortunate truth. They also may not know that, while periodontal disease is the major cause of adult tooth loss, tooth decay is the major cause of childhood tooth loss. Our mouths are naturally rife with bacteria, but some oral bacteria are harmful to your teeth, especially when they come into contact with sugars and starches. Bacteria feed on sugars and starches and in the process secrete acids. The bacteria, acids, left-over food particles, and saliva form a sticky film called plaque. If not removed, plaque eats away at your teeth causing decay. If you knew this, would you put your child to bed with a bottle of sugary milk or juice? Probably not.
Summer Tooth Tips For Kids
Summer vacation means sleeping a little later for some of us, and not being on a regular schedule. While it is great to have a more relaxed pace, don’t let good toothcare habits fall by the wayside. It is still important to nourish your teeth (and body) with a healthy diet. Drink plenty of water. Keep up with preventive care such as twice yearly checkups. Summer is sports time, so wear a mouthguard if you are playing contact sports. Summer tooth tips help keep your teeth in good shape all year! (more…)
Could Restorative Dental Treatment Help Your Child Smile Again?
It might seem like kids can enjoy eating whatever they want, because their baby teeth will eventually fall out anyways? Unfortunately this type of thinking can lead to extremely poor oral health, including cavities, gum disease and other dental problems a child could spend years trying to overcome. Fortunately, if your kid has developed a problem, either due to a poor diet, lax dental hygiene, or simply weak teeth due to genetics and other factors, it is possible to help him or her smile again. Pediatric dentists provide a number of conservative and minimally invasive ways to address children’s dental problems.