Oral Health and Its Connection to the Body: Part One

You already know that you need to help teach your kids the importance of oral care, so they can enjoy beautiful and healthy smiles as they grow up. But many parents don’t realize that a child’s dental health affects much more than just his or her smile. Because bacteria in your gum tissue can be carried to other parts of the body, through the bloodstream, inflammation or infection in your mouth can affect your entire well-being, not just your oral health. So as you strive to teach your kids about the importance of dental hygiene and preventive dental checkups, you should also consider teaching them how every aspect of their self-care affects their overall health. That way they can understand, from an early age, that in order to stay healthy, a person needs to take care of his or her whole body, including the smile! (more…)

Keep Those Precious Smiles Healthy with Preventive Care

You probably fell in love with your kids’ smile the first time they made a toothless grin, and you have likely loved seeing every new development since. As teeth come in and fall out, you only love those precious smiles more. So of course you want to make sure that your kids have healthy teeth and gums as they grow up! Fortunately, preventive dental care is simpler than many parents think. With some diligence, you can teach your kids how to best care for their smiles at home, and that dental checkups are an essential part of maintaining great oral health. That way they can spend their lives showing off those same great smiles you have always loved! (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…)

Avoid Cavities This Year with Simple Preventive Care: Part One

Want to know how to help your kids avoid cavities this year? If so, your pediatric dentist can help. While most children and adults will experience cavities at one point or another, they are preventable with excellent dental hygiene and regular professional checkups. Of course, smart dietary choices can help reduce the risk of developing cavities, as well. So teaching your kids the value of eating well, and taking great care of their teeth and gums, can go a long way in avoiding cavities!

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Could a Dental Crown Help Correct Your Kid’s Smile?

Many parents don’t realize that adults aren’t the only ones that may require restorative dental treatment. Even children whose permanent teeth have not yet fully erupted, may struggle with issues like a dental cavity, or worse, an infection. In some cases the dentist may recommend a root canal, or a pulpotomy. But in many cases he or she may also recommend a dental crown. Crowns can protect fragile teeth, and help prevent the need for an extraction or prosthetic tooth. So if you or your child has gone through extensive restorative treatment on a tooth, or needs to have some completed soon, talk to the dentist about the benefits of following that procedure up with a dental crown. (more…)

Does Your Child Need a Pulpotomy? PartTwo

When an adult allows a cavity to progress for some time, it can lead to an infection requiring root canal treatment. But when the same cavity progression happens to a kid, most pediatric dentists recommend a less invasive approach. This often means conducting a pulpotomy, which helps remove infected portions of the tooth, while leaving the rest of the tooth safe and in tact. As a parent, if you’re worried about taking your child for restorative treatment, or just curious what that treatment will entail, here is what you need to know about pulpotomies and how they can help save your kids’ smiles. (more…)

Does Your Child Need a Pulpotomy? Part One

Ah, cavities! They are so common that nearly 90 percent of adults will experience them, and sadly, more than 40 percent of kids under twelve will also struggle with them. Prompt treatment can make recovery simple, though. Often all that is required to restore the smile, after a cavity, is a simple filling. Unfortunately, the longer a person delays treatment, the more likely extensive treatment will be required. In some cases, particularly with kids, this means a pulpotomy. Though the term may sound scary, understanding what it actually entails can help you discuss the treatment with your kids in a way that will make them feel comfortable, and confident as they receive this smile-saving restorative treatment. (more…)

Ways to Make Dental Care More Fun for Your Kids: Part Two

Helping your kids take great care of their teeth is an important responsibility, one that shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth! After all, brushing and flossing are simple and painless tasks. They shouldn’t seem otherwise, just because you are a parent! Even dental checkups are nothing to be afraid of, and the sooner you can teach your kids this, the more likely they are to enjoy lifetimes of good oral health. So if you’d like to make dental care more fun, your pediatric dentist can help. As someone who specializes in keeping young smiles healthy, and parents happy, don’t overlook the great help a pediatric dentist can be for your entire family! (more…)