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…)

Does Your Child Need Treatment for A Dental Cavity?

Wondering if there is any way to help your kids avoid the need for dental fillings? Many parents don’t realize how susceptible children are to dental caries, or as they’re more commonly called cavities. That is, until it is already too late to prevent them. For years, this meant that even young children often required dental fillings to help address decay and to prevent infection. Fortunately, recent studies are showing that there is now a helpful alternative to traditional fillings, which can be particularly beneficial for children. The substance is called silver diamine fluoride (SDF), and it is a liquid that is being used to help stop tooth decay and to protect teeth, while also helping to minimize tooth sensitivity. (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?

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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…)

Enjoy NYE, as a Family, In Dallas!

Is your idea of a rocking New Year’s Eve party the kind you can spend having fun with your whole family, and possibly even the kind that allows you to celebrate in style yet still be warm in your bed before midnight? If so, don’t miss the chance to spend NYE at one of the many Main Event locations throughout the Metroplex, each of which is hosting a fun time with a focus on family-friendly activities like bowling, games, and more! Best of all, there are multiple times to enjoy the events, so you can delight your family of night owls or early birds! (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…)