While it is widely known that orthodontic treatment can be pursued at any age, only some are aware of the benefits of starting such treatment at a younger age. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), it is recommended that children have their first orthodontic screening by the age of seven. Although this may seem early, there are several compelling reasons why the AAO advocates for these early screenings. Here, Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics in San Antonio, TX, presents the top reasons why taking your child to an orthodontist at the age of seven is hig ..read more

Understanding the Distinction Between Dental Sealants and Fillings At Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we recognize that cavities are a prevalent oral health concern in children’s dentistry. Just as any dentist for kids will recommend, regular dental cleanings and checkups can effectively combat tooth decay, but preventive care can go a step further with specialized treatments. To provide clarity on specific cavity-fighting treatments, let our trusted kids dentists explain the key differences between two essential approaches childrens dentists use: dental sealants and fil ..read more

Did you know that National Chewing Gum Day falls on September 30th every year? While it’s no secret that kids love sugary treats, it can be difficult to get them to give up their favorites. However, when those sugary foods aren’t good for your teeth, parents have good reason to offer a healthier alternative – sugar-free gum! At Tots to Teens Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our Kirby children’s dentists believe that when it comes to dental health in children, preventive measures and patient education are key—which is why we encourage our young patients to chew sugar-free gum responsibly ..read more

With summer in full swing and the usual structure of school out the window, we understand that it can be tricky to make sure your child still continues to eat regular meals and nutritious snacks. It’s even trickier when factoring in something like braces. While there are some foods that aren’t safe with braces since they can get easily stuck or can damage the hardware (think foods that are hard, chewy, and sticky), there are still plenty of braces-friendly summer snacks out there to choose from that don’t take too much prep time. Here are some of our favorites: Fruit Salad A fruit salad makes ..read more

Caring for your braces will protect them from damage and help keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your orthodontic treatment. Follow these tips: Remove Elastics Before Eating & Brushing Small rubber bands are sometimes used in different configurations on braces to change a patient’s bite. These elastics are strong enough to correct overbites and underbites, but they should not be left in while a patient is eating or brushing their teeth, as they can easily break. Once the patient is done eating and cleaning their teeth, they should place their rubber bands back where they need to ..read more

Summer is a great time to take advantage of the many kid-friendly outdoor activities in San Antonio! We hope this list gives you some ideas of fun things to do around town whether you’re looking to cut down on screen time, to explore the city with guests, or simply create lasting family memories. Your family can have a unique cultural experience while learning about history and architecture during a narrated river cruise along the San Antonio River Walk. Or watch the colorful river barges from the pathway by strolling around the River Walk. You can enjoy restaurants, shopping, music, and spe ..read more

Does your child get teased at school for having “stinky dog breath” or “foul dragon breath”? We never want children to be bullied, especially for treatable dental health problems! As there are various possible reasons why your child is experiencing bad breath, there are many different ways to try and fix the situation. Here are some potential solutions: Assess Their Dental Hygiene Routine The first thing you should try is to evaluate your child’s dental hygiene routine. They should be brushing their teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time, brushing their tongue, and flossing every ..read more

Here are a few reasons why it’s a good idea to visit a children’s dentist whose practice is specifically focused on working with children: At a children’s dental practice, you can expect a compassionate team that works day in and day out with kids. That means they have the expertise that comes with working with not just smaller mouths but also younger patients who might need something explained in a slightly different way for them to understand and feel comfortable. Extensive Experience with Kids Children’s dental offices are designed with their young patients in mind. That means engaging d ..read more

Have you taken your child to a pediatric dentist their whole life? Now that they’re a teenager, should they keep going to a pediatric dentist or transition to a general dentist? Here are some helpful tips to decide which type of dentist your teen should visit. Benefits of a Pediatric Dentist for Teens Even though your teen has lost all of their baby teeth, teens go through a lot of developmental transformations up until they’re 22 years old! With that in mind, it’s always beneficial to see a dentist who specifically specializes in caring for patients who are going through such rapid and unique ..read more

Understanding how sugar affects your child’s teeth can help you become mindful of reducing their sugar intake to better care for their oral and overall health! What Does Sugar Do to Teeth? The mouth contains both good and bad bacteria. Bad bacteria thrive off sugar in food particles. When these bacteria ingest the sugar, they produce harmful acid that softens the enamel. Enamel is the outer protective layer of teeth. The bacteria also multiply and clump together into a sticky film called plaque. This process can result in tooth discoloration, bad breath, gum disease, and tooth decay. What Is T ..read more