Healthy Kids Pediatric Dentistry Blog

You are likely aware that consistent brushing and flossing habits can prevent tooth decay, but did you know that over 50% of children 6-8 years old have had a cavity in their primary teeth? Many parents are startled to learn that it is a potential problem even before their kid’s adult ones appear.

Then, once it’s diagnosed, they’re even more surprised that their pediatric dentist recommends fillings. It’s easy to assume that repairing cavities is unnecessary if that tooth will be falling out anyway, but that’s not the case! Keep reading to learn more about why filling baby teeth is sometimes necessary.

The holidays are here, and the shopping season is in full swing. Even if you don’t celebrate with stockings, you may want to give these small tooth-friendly gifts a chance. While they may not be as impressive as new electronics or toys, they can be appreciated for what they are. Their improved dental health will thank you.

If you want to find three great dentist-approved stocking-stuffers for your holiday gatherings, continue reading.

As the temperature drops and winter sets in, the arrival of cold and flu season becomes inevitable. While you focus on keeping your little ones warm and cozy, it’s also important to pay attention to their oral health. There are tons of extra germs during flu season, but with the right strategies, you can ensure that your child’s smile stays healthy even when they’re feeling crummy.

Continue reading to learn the best strategies to take care of your child’s oral health during the cold and flu season.

You’ve just come home from a night of trick-or-treating. Dinner needs to be done, but there’s also the matter of sorting out all the candy for the kids. What are you going to do? It could be tempting to simply let them have at it. However, if you want to encourage their continued dental hygiene, you’ll need to sort it all out.

If you need a quick and easy guide to the best and worst offenders for Halloween candy on the sugar list, continue reading. Each candy has been listed and graded depending on its healthiness for teeth.

Trick-or-treating is a time-honored Halloween tradition, but a child getting three months’ worth of sugary candy can lead to real dental harm down the road. While it is important to keep up traditions, it is also important for kids to have healthy teeth that can last for the rest of their lives. In the interest of everyone’s Halloween fun and year-round dental health, here are a few alternatives to candy that you can hand out when the trick-or-treaters come knocking.

It’s that time of year when kids are heading back for another year of learning. With backpacks and lunchboxes in hand, you may wonder what you can do to make sure that they’re not only paying attention to their teacher and studies but also their oral health. Accidents can happen, and toothaches can occur, so if you want to avoid a sudden trip to the emergency dental office, here are 3 back-to-school safety tips to help them keep in mind.

Are you mindful about what you pack for your child’s school lunches? It’s easy to fall into the habit of throwing in a pre-packaged meat, cheese, and cracker tray as well as a small bag of cookies and a juice box, but have you considered how it might be impacting your child’s teeth and gums? Choosing the right foods doesn’t have to be hard, and it can lead to positive feedback from your little one’s dentist during their next visit. Find out which types of food you should pack and which ones to avoid so that cavities do not form.

In America, our version of the tooth fairy typically wears a dress, has wings, and collects teeth left under children’s pillows at night. However, reports and stories from around the globe show that she operates a little differently abroad. Everyone loses baby teeth, and other countries have their own fun rituals to commemorate the occasion and promote good dental health for children. Read on to learn about how other cultures celebrate these little steps on the road of life.

With such polarizing information about fluoride on the internet, it can be hard to make an educated decision on whether or not to use fluoridated toothpaste to clean your little one’s teeth. While the choice is up to you, it’s always an excellent idea to ask their children’s dentist for more information so you can make an educated decision. They can provide you with ways to help keep your little one’s teeth cavity-free if you decide to not use fluoride as well as offer clinical research if you’re on the fence about the situation. Read on to learn more about what the latest research says about children using fluoride.

A child’s first dental visit can either be an exciting or scary time for children. As dentists, we do our best to promote a fun and exciting environment so that little ones feel safe, secure, and comfortable while in the chair. We know it can cause some uncertainty because of the unfamiliarity of the dentist’s office, but as professionals, we can create a positive experience that gets children excited about oral health and hygiene. As you prepare to bring your little one in for their first appointment, hear from a dentist who shares what you can expect.