Be Your Child’s Healthy-Smile Role Model
If asked how to ensure your child’s good oral health for years to come, most parents would answer that teaching children to care for their teeth properly is the most effective method. These parents would be correct, yet if that was their only solution, then they would be neglecting an important part of their child’s development.
Good oral health, like most of the life lessons that we teach our children, is best taught by example. So, today, we explore how to care for your child’s teeth, and observe how a parent’s example can influence a child’s oral health well beyond their earliest years. (more…)
How Do I Know If My Kid Has a Cavity? Part Two
Now that you know common symptoms of a cavity, like grey lines, discomfort and sensitivity to hot or cold foods, are you wondering what to do if your kid develops one? It can still be difficult to diagnose a cavity, at home, especially if your children are not very observant or good at telling you when they experience dental symptoms like these. That is yet another reason regular dental checkups are so important. By taking your children to see the dentist every six months, you reduce their chances of developing cavities, in the first place. Just as importantly, though, you also increase the chance of catching any cavities that do exist, early, which can mean the difference between simple and extensive restorative treatment.
How Do I Know If My Kid Has a Cavity? Part One
Most parents know that one of the biggest threats to their kids’ oral health is cavities. They can be caused by a number of factors, including a diet too high in sugar, poor dental hygiene, or simply genetics. Due to all these reasons, dental decay is quite common, in children as well as adults. However, that does not mean that cavities are inevitable. It just takes a lot of work to properly prevent them, through a healthy diet, regular dental checkups and also great dental hygiene, at-home. What should you do if your kid does develop a cavity, though? As a parent, it’s especially helpful to know the warning signs of a cavity, so that if your child does develop one, you will know how to react, so that his or her oral health can quickly be restored!
Could Sugar-Free Gum Help Protect Your Kids’ Smiles?
Every parent wants to help his or her children keep their teeth and gums as healthy as possible. It’s why great parents teach their kids how long to brush their teeth, and how to properly floss between each tooth. They also take their kids for regular preventive dental checkups, and even attend cleanings, themselves, to set a good example. But according to a recent study, there is something else parents could be doing to help their kids keep their smiles in great shape, and it’s something most kids will even enjoy! It’s chewing sugar-free gum, as an extra step of preventive care! (more…)
Does Your Child Need Emergency Dentistry? Part Two
Even if you know your child needs to visit the dentist as soon as possible, due to a dental emergency, that doesn’t mean there is nothing you can do in the meantime. In fact, there are likely a few simple steps you can take to help preserve your child’s damaged tooth and to make sure their restorative dental treatment is as effective as possible. Just remember, your most important job, as a parent, is to reassure your child that everything is going to be okay, and to let them know the dentist is going to help. (more…)
Prevent Trauma to Their Teeth with Custom Mouthguards
Is your son or daughter excited to start a new sport this year, but one that has you nervous? Sports can be great for kids’ esteem, coordination, physical health and team-building skills. Unfortunately, some sports can also be dangerous for their smiles. Full-contact sports are somewhat notorious for damaging kids’ teeth. Fortunately, your pediatric dentist can offer a simple solution, in the form of custom mouthguards! (more…)
Help Your Kids Get the Dental Care They Need, Fear Free
Education is often the easiest and most effective way to help kids overcome their fears. From being scared of the big diving board at camp, to worrying she’ll never be able to properly use a butter knife, chances are high that you have already helped your kids conquer a number of fears that once held them back from enjoying a day in the sun, or a delicious, self-made peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The question is, have you helped them overcome their dental fears? If not, one of the best things you can do for them, is simply to teach them why dental checkups are important, and also that there really is nothing to fear, when it comes to visiting their pediatric dentist! (more…)
Avoid Cavities This Year with Simple Preventive Care: Part Two
Sugar, and simple starches that convert into sugar, are one of the biggest contributors to cavities. That’s because the plaque bacteria responsible for acidic erosion, feeds on sugars. When your kids eat too much sugar, the plaque is feasting on it, and able to multiply much more quickly, leading to further plaque growth, which calcifies into tartar buildup. Since tartar can only be removed through a professional dental cleaning, preventing tartar is a key step in preventive care. This is also an excellent example why regular dental checkups are essential to healthy smiles. It should also be a compelling reason to make sure your kids are getting well-balanced meals, which can help keep their young smiles looking great for many years to come. (more…)
3 Ideas For A Smile-Friendly Valentine’s Day
Are you all excited about Valentine’s Day and can’t wait to see the look on your children’s faces when you hand over their special Valentine’s presents? Does the realization that you want to see those smiles but you don’t want to load your children’s teeth up with sugar cause you some hesitation? Don’t worry – there are fun ways to celebrate this love-filled holiday without negatively affecting oral health.
3 Ways You’re Sabotaging Dental Hygiene Time
You may not realize it but keeping your little one’s daily dental hygiene session as uniform and consistent as possible is extremely important. The more the act of brushing and flossing every day, twice daily, at the same time is engrained into your child, the easier it is to build a foundation for a future of very healthy teeth and gums. We suggest you consider a few ways you may be sabotaging an otherwise wonderful routine, so you can reestablish those good-for-your-child habits.