Reasons Your Kids Really Should Learn to Floss

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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…)

filed under: General Dentistry, Tips/Advice

Smile-Friendly Foods Your Kids Will Love!

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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.

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filed under: General Dentistry, Tips/Advice

Helpful Tips for Caring for Your Baby’s Teeth: Part Two

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As your baby continues to grow, you will likely take several steps to help ensure your son or daughter enjoys a healthy childhood. Regular doctor visits are essential in a baby’s first few years, but dental visits become equally important! That is because even babies can develop oral health issues, like baby bottle tooth decay, which could contribute to a lifetime of dental problems. Fortunately a pediatric dentist can help prevent this and other potential oral health issues. So to prevent problems, children should visit the dentist, just like adults, for checkups. You can also help maintain your child’s oral health, through these simple steps to be taken at-home.

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filed under: Children's Dental Services, Tips/Advice

Helpful Tips for Caring for Your Baby’s Teeth: Part One

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Can you believe it? Your tiny baby is turning one soon! It probably feels like the time has flown by, and now, not only do you have a great milestone to celebrate, you also have a wonderful reminder how important it is to take great care of your child’s first few teeth. At age one, dentists recommend children start visiting the dentist, since regular cleanings can help prevent dental issues before they develop. (more…)

filed under: Children's Dental Services, Tips/Advice

Just for Fun Facts About Dentistry: Part Two

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Does your mind ever wonder while you’re brushing your teeth? Are you ever curious just how much floss is sold, for instance, or how many bacteria are actually in your mouth? Maybe you would just love some fun dental facts to share with your kids, the next time you are also trying to explain to them the importance of taking great care of their teeth and gums. If so, the good news is that your pediatric dentist is a wealth of information, from helpful preventive care tips to fascinating facts about oral health, in general. (more…)

filed under: Children's Dental Services

Just for Fun Facts About Dentistry: Part One

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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…)

filed under: General Dentistry, Tips/Advice

Fun Ways to Get Kids Excited About Caring for Their Smiles

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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…)

filed under: Children's Dental Services, Tips/Advice

Got Questions? Ask a Pediatric Dentist: Part Two

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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!

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filed under: Children's Dental Services, Preventive Treatments

What Are Dental Sealants? And Other FAQs

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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…)

filed under: Children's Dental Services, Preventive Treatments

What is Your Dentist Looking for During a Checkup?

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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…)

filed under: Preventive Treatments