Fun Ways to Get Kids Excited About Caring for Their Smiles

Do your children try to sneak off to bed without brushing their teeth, every single night? Is their morning routine filled with lots of whining about having to brush their teeth? If so, you are probably tired of feeling like one of the hardest parts of your job, as a parent, is simply making sure they take basic steps to keep their smiles healthy in between dental checkups. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to feel like torture trying to ensure your kids enjoy oral health. A few simple tactics can help make oral care more fun for the whole family. (more…)

Got Questions? Ask a Pediatric Dentist: Part Two

You have probably heard the expression that knowing you have a problem is half the battle. Unfortunately, when it comes to parenting identifying problems can seem like a very uphill battle. After all, when your children are young you cannot always trust that they will talk to you when they are not feeling well, much less when something seems wrong with their smiles. They probably don’t know, themselves, what constitutes a dental problem or even an emergency. Fortunately, that is why pediatric dentists work closely with parents, to help educate them about how to best care for their children’s smiles, as well as how to spot potential problems early on, when restorative treatment is often fast and effective!

(more…)

What Are Dental Sealants? And Other FAQs

Dental sealants are made of a durable plastic material that coats the chewing surfaces of one or more teeth. As a cavity prevention tool, sealants block bacteria and tooth decay from affecting the sealed-off tooth. The sealant will smooth over crevices and hiding places for food particles so that your child’s teeth are better protected against cavities and acid erosion. As an investment for their oral health, dental sealants are highly-effective at protecting vulnerable teeth from cavities for up to five or ten years. (more…)

What is Your Dentist Looking for During a Checkup?

Every six months (and for some patients, more often), children and adults alike should attend a dental checkup and cleaning appointment. Besides removing plaque and tartar from your teeth, the visit allows your dentist to thoroughly examine your oral tissues to make sure they don’t exhibit signs of issues that may require treatment.

However, a dental checkup involves more than just a cursory glance into your mouth. The examination includes a visual inspection of the hard-to-see areas of your mouth and throat, as well as every surface of your teeth, the soft tissues at the root and floor of your mouth, and more. (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…)

Does Your Child Need a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are frequently used as restorative treatment. That’s because they are versatile and strong ways to deal with many dental issues, including chips, cracks, deep cavities or even to seal and protect a tooth after root canal treatment. Yet many parents don’t realize that dental crowns are sometimes the best restorative treatment for their children. If your child has been struggling with a dental issue, or is overdue for restorative treatment, ask your pediatric dentist if a dental crown could help him or her smile and chew more comfortably and confidently, without fear of losing a tooth due to dental decay or another issue. (more…)

Fact or Fiction: Learning About Your Family’s Smiles: Part Two

All parents wants to help keep their kids healthy, including the precious smiles they have come to love. Unfortunately, not all parents understand what it really takes to maintain great oral health, either in their own adulthood or for their children. If you want to teach your kids how to have beautiful and healthy smiles as they grow up, you must first know what that requires, yourself. Your children’s pediatric dentist can help lead the way, educating you about all that can be done to ensure you and your entire family enjoy great oral health. (more…)

Fact or Fiction: Learning About Your Family’s Smiles: Part One

Before you can effectively help keep your kids’ smiles healthy, you first need to understand what it takes to develop and maintain oral health. Sure, you probably already know it means daily tooth brushing and regular dental checkups. But what else is necessary to keep your family’s smiles healthy? Many people don’t realize all that effective preventive care entails. Fortunately many of the key steps in preventing dental issues like cavities and gum disease are simple. You can learn more about the oral health initiatives you can take from your children’s pediatric dentist. These steps can help you take better care of your own smile, but they are also critical if you want to be an even better ally for your kids’ oral health. (more…)

My Kid Has a Cavity; Now What?

As a parent, it can be frustrating and sometimes frightening to learn that your child has a dental issue like a cavity. Your first reaction may be to worry what restorative treatment will entail, followed quickly by questions about how his or her smile will be affected cosmetically. You may also be wondering what can be done to prevent future cavities. Pediatric dentists offer ways to address cavities that can improve your child’s comfort while chewing, and his or her confidence. Plus, the dentist can help teach you and your child how to prevent dental decay in the future. (more…)

What Makes Pediatric Dentists Special?

Do you sometimes wonder if you should simply take your children to a general dentist, who can also care for you and your spouse’s smiles? The idea might at first seem like an easy and harmless way to streamline your oral care. After all, how much difference can it really make? There are actually several compelling reasons to take your kids to a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry!

(more…)