Do your little ones get the sniffles, the sneezing, and the itchy, watery eyes during allergy season? Or throughout the year (this is Texas, after all)? If so, you may recognize the usual symptoms and problems associated with allergies. However, it’s easy to overlook the fact that they can also have some effect on your children’s oral health. To be sure you’re looking out for common changes with your kids’ smiles (and to help you avoid worrying that something serious might be going on), we suggest learning a bit more about how high pollen counts can have a wider impact than you realize.
We’ve been doing our best to keep you feeling prepared and on top of things this summer, so your kids’ smiles are all ready for a new school year by the time that first bell rings and class is in session! However, we know that time flies, summers can get busy, and you might wake up one morning, wondering where on earth the vacation went and how to optimize the time you have left. Not to worry, we are experts in all things children’s dental care related! Make your way through our checklist of reminders, so you get to the finish line with a smile on your face.
Are you a busy parent looking for a dental practice for your child? We know that the initial process of meeting with a new dental team and getting things set up can feel a bit stressful, which is why we would like to provide you with a helpful Q&A session for new patients. For the details you’re still curious about, please feel free to contact us. In the meantime, we welcome you to our practice and invite you to gather a few helpful details!
Have you ever looked around a yoga studio and thought to yourself that connecting with your breath might be easier and more enjoyable out in nature? If so, say goodbye to the indoors and welcome the outdoors with the upcoming Yoga In Nature Workshop!
A sweet tooth is when you get a hankering or craving for something sweet. Adults get them and so do children. Recent studies show that children may be biologically wired to crave something sweet to gain the energy they need to grow. During growth spurts, children may get a sweet tooth more often. However, with the abundance of candy, sweetened cereal, and junk food, the craving for sweet energy drifts away from natural fruit towards the unhealthy stuff. Processed sugar increases the risk for obesity, diabetes, cavities, and other health problems. Developing healthy habits at a young age can set children up for healthy habits through life.
Resetting dessert habits
A habit could be formed where the sweet tooth comes out after a meal. Bodies become conditioned to expect dessert after the savory food. Try serving dessert along side dinner. Keep the portion small, and prevent seconds from happening. Having the piece of chocolate between the chicken and the green beans can start to re-train the brain from the post-meal dessert craving.
Rethink the drinks
Soda is loaded with sugar. Even natural fruit juice can be very sugary. A small glass of juice in the morning is okay if it is balanced out with water for the rest of the day. Save the sugary drinks for special occasions.
Mindful meal choices
Breakfast can be the most sugary meal of the day between pancakes and syrup, sweet cereal, or flavored yogurt. Being mindful of labels can help. Incorporate more eggs and savory elements into breakfast. Throughout the day, check the labels on everything and find more natural alternatives. You would be surprised how much added sugar could be in bread or peanut butter.
Protection from bad choices
On the special occasions with the special treats, remember to drink lots of water. Water will help the mouth to produce saliva to rinse harmful bacteria away. Brushing and flossing twice a day is super important to prevention, as well as regular visits to the dentist.
A sugar tooth can be tamed
Dr. Marr can help protect your child’s teeth even from a sugar tooth. Schedule a visit to Pediatric Dental Care at Casa Linda in Dallas, TX, by calling 214-321-4880. We proudly welcome patients from Dallas, TX, and all surrounding communities, including Casa Linda, Lakewood, Lake Highlands, Forest Hills, East Dallas, Mesquite, Garland, Richardson, and more.
Thumb-sucking is a natural, soothing reflex for children. Babies often suck on their thumbs, fingers, pacifiers, or other objects as a way to feel calm. They often do it before falling asleep. In fact, thumb-sucking often happens when babies are still in the womb. Children usually stop sucking on their thumbs or pacifiers between the ages of two and four years old. Generally, a pacifier habit is a bit easier to break because it can be taken away. A thumb is always available for the child. What happens if a thumb-sucking habit is not broken? (more…)
A good oral hygiene routine is key to preventing major dental problems. A good routine at bedtime is helpful for children to develop habits and ease stress. The American Academy of Pediatrics developed a simple routine called “Brush, Book, Bed” for parents and children to do together. Every night there are the same three easy-to-follow steps: helping your child brush their teeth, reading a book together, and keeping a consistent bedtime. Brushing with your child ensures that you are their to help them. If you are brushing with them, they will want to be cool and brush just like you! Just remember how important it is that the toothbrush is the last thing to touch the teeth before bed. (more…)
If you’ve ever experienced a movies in the park event during summer, you know that your kids love it, you love it, and it’s an exceptional way to make family memories. For those of you searching for options, you won’t want to miss the upcoming Movies In The Park: Moana event happening at a park near you!
Do you have kids who love being active? Yep, we thought so! As you’ve noticed, your little ones love to be on the move and this commonly includes joining sports teams and taking up other athletic ventures. What you might not have considered yet, however, is the fact that it’s wonderful for your children to enjoy themselves through sports, it also presents a bit of an oral health hazard. Just about anything that can end up coming into powerful contact with your child’s smile can lead to injury. So, what to do? Learn more.
Do you generally speed through the store when you’re picking up personal care items, tossing dental hygiene products into the cart as you rush? If so, we’re guessing you’re not letting your kids get in on the decision making. While you may have a lot to do in a single day and not a lot of time to do it, we encourage you to include them when possible. Why you wonder? Let us explain!
