Teething is a natural and necessary part of your child’s growth. However, knowing that doesn’t make it any easier to handle. Teething can make your baby cranky and fussy, and can be the cause of many sleepless nights. If your baby has started teething, or if you are trying to prepare for the onset of this stage, we’ve compiled some basic information that may help you. Consult with our dentist for more information about your child’s specific needs. Is My Baby Teething? There is a great deal of incorrect information on the subject of teething that can be found all over the internet. Understandin ..read more

The teenage years bring with them greater independence and with that independence comes more choices to be made. Friends begin to exert a greater influence over diet and lifestyle habits than parents at this age.  Because teens still need to follow good oral health habits, follow these tips to help preserve healthy smiles during this transformative time.  Encourage Healthy Eating  Teens are always on the go, and may rely on energy drinks, fast food, and nutrition bars to get through the day. Most of these are loaded with sugar, carbs and acids, which can wreak havoc on their de ..read more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that about one in five children are currently taking prescription medications and more than half of them take vitamins or other dietary supplements.  Even though they are used as prescribed, your child may experience side effects from the medication that can impact their oral health. Always let us know what medicines or supplements your child is taking and if there have been any changes since your last visit.  There are some really common side effects from medications that can impact your child’s oral health, read below as we ..read more

X-rays, or radiographs, offer valuable information that can’t be seen with the naked eye. They can detect jaw and tooth abnormalities, tooth decay, and they offer a snapshot of one’s dental history. For your child, they can show incoming teeth that may pose a problem in the future and help avoid expensive treatment later.  A dental x-ray is one of the safest imaging procedures available with the American Dental Association (ADA) noting that exposure from dental x-rays “represent a minor contribution to the total exposure from all sources, including natural and man-made.” For children, t ..read more

If you have wondered if it’s ever a good idea to take your child to the emergency room for dental care, you are not alone: The American Dental Association estimates that every 15 seconds, someone goes to the ER for a dental emergency. That’s about 2.2 million patients per year.  We understand that you want your child to receive the best possible care in the quickest manner available. Other than the most serious issues, however, you can avoid ER visits for dental care. When You Should Visit the Emergency Room If your child has suffered a broken jaw or experiences severe bleeding from the ..read more

During your visit, our dentist may suggest dental sealants for your child. Sealants are a great way to prevent your child from developing tooth decay. Why Sealants?  Sealants are essential to preventing tooth decay. They are applied to the back teeth, in the hard to reach places where decay is most likely to take hold. The further a tooth is in the back of the mouth, the more difficult it is to maintain its health. Sealants are usually recommended for children and teens, but they can be beneficial for adults as well.  Did you know that sealants can prevent up to 80 percent of decay ..read more

Teething is a natural occurrence that is necessary for the growth of your child. Although it can be difficult to handle, we have information designed to help you to prepare for this stage in your child’s life.  Common Teething Symptoms  There is a lot of misinformation out there about teething, so it is important to understand what exactly to expect. Knowing the correct symptoms will help you to know when you must contact a dentist or doctor for your child. The symptoms of teething typically include irritability, trouble sleeping, fussiness, drooling excessively, loss of appetite, a ..read more

Whether you breastfeed or bottle feed, at some point you will want your baby to start drinking from a cup. It is not only healthy for your child’s overall development; it is better for their teeth.   While weaning can be a gradual process, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests putting the bottle away for good by age 18 months.  The Danger of Baby Bottles Prolonged bottle-drinking can be harmful to your child’s oral health in two ways: First, long-term sucking can cause your child’s palate to narrow, increasing the likelihood they will require orthodontic treatment later o ..read more

For some parents, it can be challenging to get kids to practice at-home oral care unsupervised. However, the long-term benefits of an early start are worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you make oral health a fun part of your kid’s daily routine. 1. Let Them Choose Their Own Supplies Let your child pick out their own toothbrush. This will help them take ownership in their oral care routine. There are many toothpaste options for children, too. Let them choose their own with guidance from you and our pediatric dentist.  2. Go High-Tech Use technology to your advantage: Have them c ..read more

Braces can help create a straight, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime. Ideally, any corrections to the bite, jaw, or mouth structure should be performed during adolescence while the mouth is still forming. Here is what you need to know before your child begins treatment with braces. Does My Child Need Braces? You might be wondering if your child is a good candidate for orthodontics, and that is a decision made in partnership with your dentist. Braces are primarily used to correct improper bites. If you child has an overbite or underbite, braces may be recommended along with another orthodont ..read more