Oral Health

Young Athletes Should Avoid Sports Drinks for the Sake of Their Teeth

April 25th, 2019

Sports drinks are widely popular, and used by people of all ages. But, children and teenagers are particularly fond of sports drinks. In fact, studies have shown that these “thirst quenchers” are consumed by 62% of adolescents every day. But sports drinks can be awful for teeth and can give cavities the fuel they need to thrive. Below, we outline why sports drinks are terrible for teeth.  

Packed with Sugar 

Did you know that sports drinks can contain more sugar than leading cola beverages, with as much as 19 grams of sugar per serving? All of that sugar does considerable damage to tooth enamel and can lead to cavities and other oral issues. Sugar helps provide bad oral bacteria with the fuel it needs to create cavities. Some of the leading sports drinks can contain up to 21 grams of sugar per 20 Oz bottle – which is just over half of the amount sugar that your body needs on a daily basis, according to the American Heart Association.  

High Amount of Acid 

A 2012 study showed that sports drinks are often highly acidic. This acid interferes with the mouth’s ability to regulate a healthy pH balance, and can lead to the enamel erosion. Tooth enamel is literally the hardest substance in the human body, but it’s no match for a steady stream of acid.  

Sodium Overload  

Some sports drinks contain up to 200 milligrams of sodium per serving. Keep in mind that a serving is usually 8 ounces, which means that a large bottle (20 – 32 Oz.) of the leading sports drink can have more sodium than a bag of potato chips. The sodium actually plays a hydration trick on your body, and makes you want to drink more water – thereby quenching your thirst and hydrating your body. 

Try Water Instead 

If your child is participating in an intense game with constant movement and an elevated heart rate, a small serving of sports drinks may be okay on occasion. But, most youth sports don’t involve that level of activity, and water is almost always the better choice. 

Water – especially water with fluoride – helps strengthen and clean teeth. With every sip, water cleans teeth by ridding them of any leftover foods or acids. It also washes away bacteria and sugars that can eventually lead to cavities. Water has zero calories, and helps restore the pH balance in your mouth to fight unhealthy levels of acid. But, water also hydrates the body as athletes sweat.  

While there is no exact measurement, the American Council on Exercise recommends that people consume 7 – 10 ounces of water every 10 – 20 minutes of exercise, depending upon how much the individual sweats.

Our Four Favorite Snack for Healthy Teeth

April 11th, 2019

Snacking often gets a bad rep because most people snack on junk food. But, you can rest easy knowing that there are healthy snacks that can actually improve your smile.  

1 - Apples 

Apples are packed with fiber, and that’s great news for teeth. Fiber is an excellent nutrient for mouth-health, and supports a healthy digestive system. Fibrous fruits and vegetables actually scrub teeth as they are being consumed, which helps remove bad mouth bacteria that lead to cavities and tooth decay. Apples contain about 4 grams of fiber, which is around 15% of the daily-recommended amount, depending upon age. Be sure to thoroughly rinse apples before eating them, and leave the skin on – which is a fantastic texture for scrubbing teeth.  

2 - Cheese 

Cheese is high in calcium, which promotes strong teeth and bones. But the benefits of cheese don’t end there. It also contains a protein called casein, which strengthens tooth enamel and helps keep cavities at bay. Cheese also helps prevent acid from destroying tooth enamel, and it’s a versatile snack that comes in countless varieties. Try finding a cheese that your child enjoys and pack them a few slices for the road. Cheese is easy to transport, and contains a lot of vital vitamins and nutrients that promote a healthy body and mouth. 

3 - Carrots 

Carrots are full of fiber and vitamin A. As you eat carrots, they stimulate saliva production which helps prevent the buildup of bad bacteria that can lead to cavities. Carrots are a great handheld snack that can be taken anywhere – which makes them easy to pack in a lunch! We suggest packing a small baggie of baby carrots for your child’s lunch as a mouth-healthy substitute for chips. You can make this snack even tastier (and more kid-friendly) by packing it with a bit of yogurt-based dip!  

4 - Nuts 

Nuts are another handy snack that promote a healthy mouth. Nuts are rich in protein, which helps to build stronger teeth. Chewing nuts promotes saliva production that naturally protects and cleans your teeth by clearing the mouth of debris and acid buildup that can lead to cavities. Nuts are a great healthy alternative to potato chips, or other salty snacks that your kids may crave. 

Look for Nutritional Value 

The nutritional make-up of mouth-healthy foods can really take your oral health to the next level. When purchasing food for mouth-health, look for foods that contain mouth-healthy vitamins and nutrient that support overall oral health. Vitamin A is essential for saliva production, and is found in oranges, carrots, kale and sweet potatoes. Vitamin C supports gum health, and promotes healthy oral tissue. You can find natural sources of Vitamin A in oranges, broccoli, kale and berries.

Here’s Why Pediatric Dentists are Perfect for Children of All Ages

March 28th, 2019

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises that parents establish a dental home for their child before their first tooth emerges, or around the ages of 8 – 10 months. But, what is a dental home, and why is it important? Why can’t your child just visit a regular dentist? 

Extensive Pediatric Training 

Pediatric dentists have had 2-3 years of special training to care for young children and adolescents. Check out the “about us” section of our website to learn more about our dentist’s degrees, professional associations and affiliations, as well as distinguishes and honors. You can rest easy knowing that we have had extensive training which has equipped us to care for your child.  

Knowledgeable Guidance 

Children’s teeth grow, and their smile changes over time. Pediatric dentists are experts at growing healthy smiles for children, and guiding parents by providing them with actionable oral health advice. No one smile is the same, and we understand this. Our office has helped guide thousands of families to oral health success, and we’ve treated smiles of all shapes and sizes. We understand that parents need the best information possible to help their children earn a healthy smile that grows with them. We are happy to teach parents about oral health care, and the methods needed to grow a wonderful, healthy smile.  

Early Diagnoses 

A Pediatric dentist understands the common ailments that afflict children, and how to combat them. Early childhood carries, gum disease, tooth decay and halitosis are all common in children, and require specific care and treatment from a pediatric dentist. Most of these ailments can be avoided with early diagnoses, and preventative treatment. Our dental office helps prepare parents with the knowledge and tactics they need to side-step common oral health issues, and maintain a healthy smile at home.  

Exclusive Care for Children 

Pediatric dentists care for children of all ages. From first tooth to adolescence, we help your child develop a healthy smile until they’re ready to move on to a general dentist. We work with you to teach your kids healthy brushing habits, inform them about the importance of flossing, and give them dietary tips that will keep their mouth clean for years to come.  

Does Your Family Have a Dental Home? 

A pediatric dentist is one of the most important care providers a child can have, and we would love for our office to be your dental home. We are trained to specifically care for children of all ages, and provide a relaxing office that helps comfort anxious children. Call our office today to setup a stress-free first visit for your child, and get ahead of any oral health issues before they become a more serious concern.

Common Children's Tooth Injuries that Happen at Home

March 14th, 2019

Almost half of all children will sustain some sort of tooth injury during childhood, most of which are preventable. Here’s some common tooth injuries that a child can have at home, and how to prevent them.

Permaturely Lost Baby Tooth

The most common injury to primary teeth is the premature loss of the front teeth. Typically, children can lose their front teeth by tripping and falling onto their face, or while playing sports with friends. If your child prematurely loses a baby tooth, then visit your dentist immediately so they can repair or replace your child’s lost tooth.

Broken Tooth

Broken teeth are incredibly common and are the result of a high impact force on the face or jaw. If your child breaks a tooth, then preserve the broken bit in a bag of water or milk and visit their dentist immediately. Damaged blood vessels and nerves commonly accompany broken teeth, so your child needs to see their dentist as soon as possible.

Dislocated Permanent Tooth

A dislocated permanent tooth is a dental emergency that requires your dentist’s immediate attention. If possible, have your child place the lost tooth back in its socket immediately. At least 85 percent of teeth that are put back in the tooth socket within five minutes survive, compared to very few teeth that are stored dry and re-implanted after one hour.

Preventing Common Dental Injuries at Home

Safer Stairs 

You can make stairs much safer for your infant by placing baby gates at the top and bottom of any stairways in your house. This can help prevent your child from accidentally falling and injuring themselves.

Make Your Fireplace Safe

If you have a fireplace, be sure to buy a sturdy safety gate to protect your baby from crawling into unsafe territory. If you have fireplace tools, be sure to keep them behind the fireplace safety gate.

Prevent Tripping

Tripping is one of the leading causes of prematurely lost teeth, and dislocated permanent teeth. To help your children avoid tripping at home, walk around your house and identify any uneven surfaces in your home, and check for wires or cords that cut across high traffic areas. Try to make sure that any rugs are securely in place, and that their edges are firmly on the ground. By identifying potential problem areas in your house, you have the power to prevent unnecessary oral injuries at home.

Protect Your Athlete’s Teeth

Did you know that your child is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to their teeth when they aren’t wearing a mouth guard? Or that dental injuries account for nearly 20% of all sports related injuries If your child is a bit more grown up and playing sports, then get them an athletic mouth guard to help prevent oral injuries while they’re playing.

Visit Our Office

Children’s tooth injuries are very common, but most need the attention of a pediatric dentist. If your child experiences any of the tooth injuries above, then call our office and explain your situation. We will help you manage the situation and do what’s best for your child’s long-term dental health. 

Celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month by Staying Mouth-Healthy

February 28th, 2019

February is National Children’s Dental Health month, and we’re here to help parents and children celebrate the right way – by learning better oral health practices. 

Maintain a Regular Oral Health Routine 

Avoiding cavities begins with proper, routine oral care. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry advises that everyone brushes their teeth twice per day, for two minutes each session. By brushing for the proper amount of time, you help ensure that you are cleaning all of the bad bacteria off of your teeth and preventing cavities. Be sure to brush the entire surface of their teeth, including the backside– which is often neglected.

Floss Everyday 

Flossing removes plaque buildup in the places where toothbrushes can’t reach – between teeth. Brushing alone only covers about 1/3 of the total tooth surface area in your mouth, which leaves a lot of space for plaque – and cavities – to thrive. Flossing helps fix this by removing food and other debris in between your teeth that causes plaque accumulation. If left untreated, plaque buildup near the root of teeth can lead to gingivitis and tooth loss. Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing are often an early sign of gum disease. People who regularly brush and floss their teeth suffer from gum disease and tooth decay far less than those that do not. 

Drink More Water 

Water is an essential tool to keep teeth clean, and fight against cavities and tooth decay. With every sip, water cleans teeth by ridding them of any leftover foods or acids. It also washes away bacteria and sugars that can eventually lead to cavities. Water has zero calories, and helps restore the pH balance in the mouth to fight unhealthy levels of acid.

Enjoy a Healthier Diet 

Try adding fibrous fruits and vegetables to your diet to help keep your teeth clean and healthy. Fibrous fruits and vegetables actually scrub teeth as they are being consumed, which helps remove bad mouth bacteria that lead to cavities and tooth decay. When eating fibrous fruits and vegetables, be sure to wash them thoroughly and leave the skin on – which is a huge source of fiber. Good sources of fiber are: apples, kiwi, berries, bananas, carrots and celery. 

Remember to Visit Your Pediatric Dentist Every Six Months 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests that children visit the pediatric dentist every six months to ensure that they are keeping their mouth as clean as possible. This regular checkup allows dentists to check on any potential oral health issues, and gives parents a chance to learn more about the overall health of their child, and how they can improve their oral health. Missing a checkup appointment can allow untreated oral health problems like cavities and tooth decay to worsen into more serious ailments that are more difficult and costly to fix.

Mouth-Healthy Valentine’s Day Sweets

February 14th, 2019

This Valentine’s Day, you can celebrate with some treats that will please your taste buds without damaging your teeth!

Frozen Strawberries and Yogurt 

These frozen strawberry and yogurt bites are the perfect tooth-friendly treat for Valentine’s Day. Yogurt is a mouth healthy because it is packed with protein and high in calcium – both of which help build strong teeth and enamel. It also contains a healthy amount of good bacteria, which helps eliminate bad bacteria that can stick to teeth and lead to cavities. Strawberries are also high in fiber, which cleans teeth as it is consumed.

Ingredients: 

12 oz. package of strawberries 

1 Cup of non-fat Greek yogurt

Directions: 

Set aside a large baking sheet, and cover it with wax paper or tin foil. Cut off the green tops of the strawberries, and then rinse them under cold water. Next, cut the strawberries in half vertically. Dip the strawberries in the yogurt one by one, and place them on the baking sheet. After each strawberry is on the baking sheet, place it in the freezer and leave them there for 2 – 3 hours, or until the yogurt has completely hardened. 

Watermelon Heart Popsicles 

Watermelon is high in vitamin C, which helps teeth and gums by preventing cell damage that can lead to gum degeneration. In fact, a lack of vitamin C in your diet can promote bleeding gums and make it more difficult for your gums to heal. 

These heart-shaped watermelon popsicles will give you a boost of vitamin C, and help you celebrate Valentine’s Day without damaging your teeth.

Ingredients: 

1 Watermelon 

1 Heart-shaped cookie cutter 

25 medium popsicle sticks 

Directions: 

Cut the watermelon into large disks that are 1 – 1.5 inches thick. Take one of the disks and set it down flat. Then, use the cookie cutter to cut hearts from the pink area of the disk. Repeat this until the watermelon is gone, or you’ve reach your desired number of popsicles. Finally, stick the popsicle sticks into the bottom of the hearts, and put them on a baking sheet and into the freezer. Leave in the freezer until they are frozen through, about 3 – 4 hours.

Dark Chocolate

 

For those that aren’t feeling crafty, dark chocolate is a mouth-healthy treat that comes in a variety of shapes and sizes for Valentine’s Day. Dark chocolate is healthier than milk chocolate because it doesn’t contain added milk or sugar. Additionally, dark chocolate contains polyphenols, which are natural chemicals that limit the buildup of bad oral bacteria. Polyphenols also help prevent bacteria from turning sugar into acid, thereby limiting acid attacks that can damage tooth enamel. 

When buying dark chocolate, be sure that it is at least 70% cocoa to get the most nutritional value.

Visit Our Office

 

A mouth-healthy diet is an important part of maintaining optimal oral health. If you’re concerned about how your child’s diet may be affecting their teeth, then bring them into our office.

These 4 “Healthy” Foods are Terrible for Teeth

January 24th, 2019

A healthy snack is always a great addition to any diet, but some healthy foods are terrible for teeth. Try limiting these damaging “healthy” foods in your child’s diet to help them maintain a healthy smile.

1 - Trail Mix

A fantastic substitute for unhealthy snack foods is trail mix. But, be careful! If you decide to serve your child trail mix, look out for unhealthy ingredients that can add unhealthy amounts of sugar and fat to their plate. Try to avoid trail mix that has chocolate, dried fruit, and candy. Look for mixes that are unflavored and don’t contain any added sweets.

2 - Dried Fruit

Fruit is always great, right? Wrong! Dried fruit is a food that you should avoid if you’re trying to improve your child’s oral health. Dried fruit contains much higher levels of sugar than their natural counterparts, and none of the water that helps make fruit so healthy. Let’s use prunes as an example. Prunes are just dried plums, except just one cup of prunes contains more than 400 calories and 45 grams of sugar. However, one plum contains just 75 calories and 16 grams of sugar. The bottom line is that you should choose fresh fruit and not dried fruit.

3 - Citrus Fruits

 

Fruit can be great for improving health, but it can sometimes damage teeth. Citric fruits like oranges, grapefruits, lemon and tangerines have a high amount of acid in them which can lead to tooth enamel erosion. If you serve your child citrus fruits, rinse their mouth out with water after they’re done eating to wash the acid away, and help prevent cavities from forming.

4 - Granola 

 

Granola is typically advertised as a healthier alternative to cereal that people can add into their milk or yogurt for an added dietary benefit. But here’s what they’re not advertising: granola typically contains high amounts of sugar and fat. The added sugar can lead to tooth decay, and the high density of calories can leave your child hungry and cause them to overeat.  

If you do choose granola, compare the nutritional values of your options and choose the one with the highest fiber content, and lowest amount of sugar.

Try Cheese or Fibrous Fruits! 

Cheese is high in calcium, which promotes strong teeth. But the benefits of cheese don’t end there. It also contains a protein called casein, which strengthens tooth enamel and helps to prevent cavities. Cheese also helps prevent acid from destroying tooth enamel.

Fibrous fruits and vegetables like apples, carrots, celery and nuts are fantastic snacks that are healthy for teeth. That’s because the fibrous nature of these foods allow them to scrub teeth as they’re eaten, which cleans teeth of damaging sugar and acid buildup on the tooth’s surface.

 

The 3 Best Ways for Children to Earn Whiter Teeth

January 17th, 2019

A healthy, luminous smile is something that everyone values. Here’s some of the best ways for your child (and you) to earn healthier, whiter teeth without having to get expensive bleaching treatment.

What Causes Tooth Discoloration? 

There are a few things that cause tooth discoloration in children. Extrinsic discoloration (discoloration of the outer layer of tooth) is the most common form of tooth discoloration, and it’s caused by drinking sugary beverages or cola, and eating food that stains teeth. Age related tooth discoloration is caused by chips in teeth or any damage to the tooth pulp, which discolors the dentin

1 - Drink More Water 

Water helps naturally keep teeth clean by rinsing sugar and food debris off of the surface of teeth, which fuels cavity-growth by providing bad bacteria with the fuel it needs to spread and cause tooth decay and cavities. Water also helps keep saliva production steady, which naturally cleans teeth and combats halitosis.

2 - Avoid the Causes of Tooth Discoloration 

One of the best ways for your child to keep a whiter smile is by avoiding the causes of tooth discoloration. Try to limit or cut back entirely on highly acidic foods and drinks, sugary beverages like cola or sweetened coffee drinks, tomato sauce and dark juices. All of these foods can discolor teeth, and lead to a less luminous smile.

3 - Brush and Rinse after Every Meal 

You can empower your child to fight tooth decay and get a healthier smile by helping them get into a proper oral health routine, which means brushing twice per day for two minutes at a time, and flossing once per day. A healthy brushing routine helps keep the surface of teeth clean by removing food debris and any small stains from the prior meal. Flossing helps remove food from the hard-to-reach areas between teeth, which account for 1/3 of the total surface area of teeth.

When Should My Child Begin Whitening?

Your child shouldn’t use any teeth-whitening product on their teeth until their final adult tooth has emerged – which is usually around age 12 or 13. Additionally, your child needs to wait until their enamel has fully calcified BEFORE beginning any whitening treatment, which usually takes 2 years after an adult tooth emerges. If your child uses a whitening treatment before their adult teeth come in, then they risk breaking down their tooth enamel and damaging their gum tissue.

Visit Our Office 

Before beginning any whitening treatment at home, it’s best to consult with your child’s pediatric dentist first. If your family doesn’t have a pediatric dentist, then visit our office. We treat children of all ages, and help empower families to earn healthier smiles every day. 

What Causes Cavities?

December 20th, 2018

Tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease—5 times more common than asthma, 4 times more common than childhood obesity, and 20 times more common than diabetes. But, cavities are nearly entirely preventable and treatable. Here’s some common causes for cavities, and how to defeat cavities.  

Poor Dietary Choices 

One of the primary ways parents can help prevent cavities in their children’s mouth is by providing them with a healthy diet. Many parents understand the overall importance of a healthy diet, but are unaware of some dietary habits that could also increase their child’s cavity risk.

When preparing your child’s diet, try to incorporate as many nutrient-rich foods as possible. Focus on adding whole grains, healthy proteins like beans and nuts, and fibrous vegetables like carrots and celery – which clean teeth as they’re consumed. Also, substitute the majority of their drinks with water, which naturally cleans teeth by stimulating saliva production. Allowing children to sip on sugary beverages over long periods of time increases their exposure to sugar, and acid attacks that can erode their enamel. 

Inadequate Oral Hygiene 

It seems like a no-brainer, but you can help your child avoid cavities by simply following a proper oral healthcare routine. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentists says that children should brush for two minutes at a time, twice per day, and floss once per day. When flossing, make sure that your child flosses both sides of their teeth and below the gum line. If they have difficulty flossing, then you can help them by getting them floss picks, or dental tape – which is wider and easier for children to use. You can help your child establish a routine by brushing with them, or finding some fun oral health videos online that makes brushing fun. 

Knowledge Gaps  

When it comes to healthcare, there are many knowledge gaps for parents on a variety of subjects – and that includes pediatric dentistry. The best place for parents to find reliable oral healthcare information is at their pediatric dentist’s office. Pediatric dentists have been specifically trained to care for children’s teeth, and understand the unique needs of a developing mouth.  

Cavities are Almost Completely Preventable  

Cavities do not directly cause other disease, but they do leave you more susceptible to other illnesses and infections. Despite the prevalence of cavities, there’s good news: cavities are nearly 100% preventable. You can prevent cavities by brushing twice per day for 2 minutes at a time, and flossing once per day. Additionally, you can take dietary actions to help prevent cavities.

4 Healthy Mouth Habits for 2019

December 13th, 2018

2019 is almost here, and it’s time to share our favorite mouth healthy habits that will help your family achieve oral health in the new year!

1 – Establish and Maintain a Proper Oral Health Routine 

Food debris left on your child’s teeth encourages bacteria growth that eats away at enamel and causes cavities. This is why it’s important to have a steady, consistent oral health routine. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends children brush twice per day, for two minutes at a time, and floss once per day to clean debris from the hard-to-reach areas of their teeth. A proper oral health routine is the best way to keep a mouth clean, and prevents a lot of oral health ailments. 

2 – Drink More Water – Seriously

Water is a fantastic tool in the fight against bad bacteria and tooth decay. Water is not acidic, and does not harm teeth at all. In fact, it improves saliva production, which naturally cleans teeth of debris and restores the mouth back to a healthy ph balance. Try giving your child more water instead of sugary drinks to help keep their teeth strong and healthy.  If they must have juice or a sweeter drink, water it down so that they aren’t consuming too much sugar at one time.

3 - Eat a Mouth-Healthy Diet

 

A healthy diet is critical to getting a healthy mouth. Mouth-healthy foods like fruit, vegetables, nuts and calcium-rich items can all strengthen teeth. When buying fruit and vegetables, make sure that you purchase them in their full-forms, and that you don’t buy fruit packaged in sugary syrup. Try adding fibrous vegetables like celery, spinach or carrots to your child’s diet, since fibrous food naturally scrubs teeth clean of food debris, and combats bad bacteria buildup.

4 - Replace Worn Out Toothbrushes

 

It can be difficult to know when to replace your child’s old toothbrush with a new one. But, there are some signs that indicate it’s time for a change. If your child’s toothbrush bristles are frayed, or pluming outward, then it’s time for a new toothbrush. If your child recently had an illness, then it’s best to replace their toothbrush to prevent the spread of unhealthy bacteria. Finally, a good rule of thumb to follow is to replace your child’s toothbrush after 3 months of use.

Stay Mouth Healthy Next Year 

One of the best ways to keep your children’s oral in order is by scheduling an appointment with our office every six months for a routing oral checkup and cleaning. The holidays are the perfect time for an appointment since most children have an extended break from school.  

Our Top Tips for Protecting Young Teeth

November 21st, 2018

Keeping teeth clean is a full time job – especially for parents of young children. Here are our top tips for keeping young teeth healthy and clean! 

Use the Right Tooth Cleaning Tools 

Your child needs the right tools in their oral health arsenal to protect their teeth from cavities and tooth decay. Be sure that they have a toothbrush with soft bristle, and a handle that easily fits in their hand. Also, try to make sure that their toothbrush is in working order, and replace it if the bristles have plumed outward. Try to only buy toothbrushes and toothpaste that has the ADA seal of approval, so that they are is getting the best product possible for their oral health.

Maintain a Good Oral Health Routine 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends children brush twice per day, for two minutes at a time, and floss once per day to clean debris from the hard-to-reach areas of their teeth. A proper oral health routine is the best way to keep a mouth clean, and prevents a lot of oral health ailments.

Protect Teeth During Sports 

While playing sports, your child is 60 times more likely to sustain damage to their teeth when they aren’t wearing a mouth guard. That’s insane! Oral injuries are very common in young athletes and range from broken teeth to jaw damage and can even result in a concussion. That’s why it’s strongly recommended that children and teenagers (and adults too) should wear a mouth guard to protect their teeth and jaw while playing sports. Mouth guards – sometimes called mouth protectors – work by helping cushion a blow to the face, and minimizing the risk of breaking teeth, or lacerating a lip, tongue or cheek. 

Replace Sugary Drinks with Water 

Sugar feeds harmful bacteria on teeth, and creates acid that erodes enamel. This causes plaque and ultimately cavities, which is why you should limit the amount of sugary beverages you consume. Avoid colas, sports drinks and fruit juices, most of which are packed with sugar and terrible for teeth. Instead, substitute sugary drinks for water, which rinses teeth of food debris, and stimulates saliva production. Saliva naturally keeps teeth clean, and encourages a healthy oral ph balance.

Schedule a Dental Checkup Every Six Months 

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the pediatric dentist every six months. This helps your child get ahead of any potential oral health concerns, and helps them learn more about maintaining a healthy mouth.

Visit Our Office 

The best way to help your child get into a lifestyle that supports healthy teeth is by visiting our office. We’ll check the state of their teeth, and provide any treatments we think necessary to help them achieve perfect oral health.   

Your Children Aren’t Flossing and It’s Doing More Damage than You Think

November 15th, 2018

Flossing is incredibly important to keep the spaces between teeth clean, which are often neglected. If your child doesn’t floss regularly, then their teeth – and overall health – could suffer.  

Excessive Plaque and Cavities

If your child is not flossing, then plaque can build up between their teeth and lead to cavities. Plaque is colorless and difficult to see. When you eat, the bacteria in plaque use the sugars found in your food to create an acid that attacks your teeth. Repeated acidic attacks can wear down tooth enamel and lead to cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease.  

Tartar Buildup

Excessive plaque buildup can eventually turn into tartar – a hard, dark substance that can make it harder to clean teeth. Tartar buildup can cause gum disease, and lead to serious gum infections. These infections can damage the tissue that holds teeth in place, and lead to tooth loss. Additionally, tartar can’t be brushed or flossed away like plaque, and can only be removed by professional dental treatment. 

Bleeding Gums

Not brushing and flossing regularly can cause swollen, sensitive gums that bleed when they are brushed. Bleeding gums are often an early indication of gingivitis, otherwise known as gum disease. Plaque between teeth that is not flossed away can infect the gum line and lead to gingivitis.  

If your child has tender, swollen gums that bleed when they brush or floss, then it’s time to schedule an appointment and evaluate their oral health. Gum disease is very treatable and can be prevented by regular brushing and flossing. 

Our Favorite Flossing Tips

Here’s a basic guide that will help you floss your children’s teeth: 

1. Use about 12-18 inches of dental floss. If that is too difficult, try using flossing tools like soft flossing picks. 
2. Use wide, flat dental tape to floss your children’s teeth. The width of the floss helps with the larger spaces in children’s teeth. 
3. Be gentle when flossing children’s teeth, and avoid applying too much pressure on their gums. 
4. Floss both sides of the teeth, and make sure to gently dip beneath the gum lime.  

For more detailed flossing pointers, check out this handy flossing guide provided by the ADA.  

Begin Flossing Early

Recent studies have found that 43% of school-aged children have never flossed. To help familiarize your child with flossing, begin flossing their teeth as soon as their first two teeth touch. It’s important to get into a healthy mouth care routine with your children at an early age so that they can brush and floss as they get older and become more independent. 

If your child is uncomfortable flossing, then schedule an appointment with our office. We’ll help teach them about the proper way to floss in a relaxed way that encourages them to take action in their oral health.  

Dental Cavities Just Love Halloween Candy Binges

October 25th, 2018

Halloween is a fantastic holiday for families to enjoy their neighborhoods, and gives children a chance to fill their jack-o-lanterns with some serious candy. As fun as it is for children, Halloween candy is terrible for teeth. Here’s why cavities thrive on Halloween candy, and how you can help your child enjoy their Halloween candy without ruining their teeth. 

Candy Tends to Stick Around 

This Halloween, your child will receive candy of all kinds – but try to be on the lookout for hard candy, since it can damage teeth. Hard candy can crack teeth, and it also tends to stick around longer than other candy, which exposes teeth to sugar for longer. Also watch out for sticky candy, which can get stuck in tooth crevices and stay around long after it’s been swallowed. Sticky candy is difficult to remove from teeth, and gives cavity-causing bacteria more time to eat away enamel.

Sour Candy is Packed with Acid 

Sour candy can leave teeth susceptible to cavities more so than any other candy. That’s because sour candy contains a high amount of acid, which is what makes it so sour. The acidity can eat away tooth enamel, and leave teeth vulnerable to cavities.

Candy is Full of Sugar – and Cavities Feed on Sugar 

Sugar feeds the harmful bacteria on your teeth, which creates an acid that erodes enamel. This causes plaque and ultimately cavities, which is why you should limit the number of Halloween treats your child enjoys.

Frequent Candy Consumption Hurts

Unchecked snacking on Halloween candy can expose teeth to a steady amount of sugar, which feeds bad bacteria that erodes tooth enamel and causes decay. Monitor your child’s Halloween candy intake, and make sure that they are drinking plenty of water, which will help wash away food debris and accumulated sugar. Or, give them a specific snack time to reduce overexposing their teeth to sugar. 

How to Help Your child Avoid Binging on Halloween Candy 

1 – limit the amount of candy your child has to a few pieces per day. 

2 – create a candy schedule where you can monitor when your child enjoys candy. 

3 – keep your children’s candy stashed away where only you can access it. 

4 – make sure your child brushes their teeth and flosses thoroughly after enjoying candy to remove any damaging food debris left behind. 

Be Sure to Brush this Halloween! 

This holiday season, be sure that your child maintains a positive oral health routine. It’s important that your children brush their teeth twice per day for two minutes and flosses once per day if you want to keep cavities away. This is especially important when consuming foods that contain high amounts of sugar.

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