Reasons Your Kids Really Should Learn to Floss
It might seem hard enough teaching your kids how to and why they need to brush their teeth everyday. Do you really have to teach them to floss too? Even many adults admit they don’t floss as regularly as their dentists recommend. In fact, some studies indicate that more than 30 percent of adults only floss occasionally, and nearly that many admit they never floss at all. Unfortunately failing to floss can contribute to plaque buildup, which can lead to issues for both the teeth and gums, including the development of gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. So, if you really care about your kids’ smiles, why not make this the year your whole family commits to flossing everyday? Not only will your next dental checkups go much smoother, your smiles will look and likely feel much better, too! (more…)
Smile-Friendly Foods Your Kids Will Love!
It may sometimes feel like a chore, just trying to get your kids to eat healthy foods that are good for their bodies and their smiles. Most children won’t pick fresh veggies over fried foods and processed snacks, given the choice. Still, there are smart ways you can help incorporate more nutrient-rich foods into your kids’ diet, without causing grumbles and protests every time they open the pantry. Not only will your kids likely enjoy more energy and better health, their smiles will benefit from these simple snack swaps, too! So if you want to help your children ace their next dental checkup, consider these alternatives to traditional snack foods.
Just for Fun Facts About Dentistry: Part One
Do your kids eye roll every time you ask them to brush their teeth. No matter how hard you try, does it seem impossible to get them to care about their smiles? Sometimes the best way to get your kids interested in caring for their oral health is simply by making dental care more fascinating. Relaying fun facts about their teeth and dental care, in general, is one way to do so. You might even learn something new yourself, which could make taking care of your own teeth more essential. (more…)
Got Questions? Ask a Pediatric Dentist: Part One
Is your child is facing a dental problem? Is that causing you stress because you are not sure what to do about it? Or, do you struggle with knowing just how to best care for your children’s smiles as they begin to grow? If so, don’t be afraid to speak with your pediatric dentist. He or she is a great asset when it comes to helping your kids develop great dental habits, and maintaining healthy teeth and gums. A little knowledge goes a long way, especially when it comes to preventive care! (more…)
Are Your Kids Really Caring for Their Smiles? Part One
Every parent knows the basic tricks to monitoring their kids’ dental hygiene, like checking to make sure the toothbrushes are wet, before trusting that their kids actually brushed their teeth when they said they did. Still many parents wonder what else they could do to ensure their kids’ smiles are getting the oral care they need. If you are one of those concerned parents, your pediatric dentist has a number of tips for making sure the smiles you love stay healthy for many years to come.
Does Your Child Need Restorative Dentistry? Part Two
Are you concerned that your child may be struggling with a dental issue, like a cavity or even an infection? It can sometimes be hard for parents to determine if their children are suffering from dental issues, because many kids are not great at communicating when there is a change to their teeth or gums. Fortunately, there are some common warning signs you can watch for, as a parent, to determine if your kids’ smiles are staying healthy. Just remember, if you do suspect there is a dental problem, it is best to schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist, who can help restore your kid’s smile in the case of an issue. (more…)
Can Children Get Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is usually a more prominent concern for adults than for younger patients. That’s because the conditions that lead to it can often take years to develop enough to show symptoms, or to become a significant threat to your oral health.
However, that does not mean that children are immune. Though not as common as cavities, gum disease is a product of inadequate hygiene and dental care, and in some cases, children can become at-risk for gum disease before reaching adulthood. (more…)
Celebrate This Easter with Smile-Friendly Treats
With Easter just around the corner, are you busy making last-minute plans to fill your kids’ Easter baskets with goodies, and their holiday with glee? If so, it can be tempting to fill the basket with chocolates and other candies. Sweet treats are readily available, inexpensive, and most kids love them, which explains why they’re considered gift staples in many households. Unfortunately, all that sugar can have a negative impact on kids’ teeth! In fact, sugar is a main contributor to the development of cavities, which can require restorative treatment. So, if you would like to elicit smiles without endangering them, this Easter season, here are some great alternatives to sweets that won’t pose harm to those precious smiles!
Does Your Child Need a Dental Crown?
You might think that restorative dental crowns are only necessary for adults. But crowns can actually be incredibly helpful for kids with dental issues, as well. Crowns are generally used to help protect damaged teeth, often helping to prevent infection, or worse, the need for an extraction. Though often associated with permanent teeth, dental crowns can even be used to protect damaged baby teeth, which can be helpful in allowing the permanent teeth to grow in safely and in a more proper alignment. So if your child is in need of restorative dental treatment, because of a dental issue like a cavity, trauma or some other problem, be open to the possibility of a dental crown, as a form of restoration. (more…)
Oral Health and Its Connection to the Body: Part Two
Now that you know oral health is important to the entire body, are you curious what more you could be doing to help keep your kids’ smiles and the rest of their bodies healthy? Well preventive dental care is key, both through daily hygiene, at-home, and also regular dental checkups and cleanings. Combined, these are the best line of defense against dental problems, and the subsequent risks to a person’s overall health, that could potentially be caused by issues like gum disease. So, if you want to keep your kids’ smiles looking their best, and just as importantly, help them take better care of their entire well-being, here are a few more tips preventive dentists think people should know! (more…)