Childhood is filled with adventure and exploration, but it also comes with its fair share of bumps and bruises—and sometimes, lost teeth. Whether it’s a tumble on the playground or a collision during sports, dental injuries can happen when kids are on the move. At Tidal Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the importance of quick action and proper care when your child experiences dental trauma. Here’s what you need to know if your child knocks out a tooth: Assessing the Situation: Serious Injuries vs. Dental Trauma When a tooth is knocked loose or out, it’s essential to first assess the ..read more

Ensuring your child maintains a healthy smile is a priority for every parent. At Tidal Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the importance of regular dental check-ups and discussions about dental habits. One crucial aspect we assess during your child’s visit is their fluoride intake, a key element in promoting strong and resilient teeth that will benefit them for a lifetime. Understanding Fluoride: A Powerful Ally in Dental Health Fluoride, a naturally occurring compound derived from fluorine, plays a vital role in dental health. It is commonly found in drinking water and various dental ..read more

Have you noticed any white spots on your teeth? How sensitive are they? How about cracks, chips, or indentions on them? If so, you may be suffering from enamel erosion. Our teeth have the hardest enamel of any body part. Dental enamel protects your teeth. Despite its strength, the body’s strongest substance shouldn’t be ignored. An enameled surface can erode over time. If enamel is not present, you are at risk of developing decay, abscesses, tooth pain, and even tooth loss. Which factors contribute to enamel erosion? Teeth erode for many reasons, some of which are related to everyday activiti ..read more

In general, probiotics are marketed as being beneficial for digestion. In recent studies, they have also been shown to help improve oral health. This is because probiotics have been shown to fight infections that cause oral diseases.  Gingivitis can be reduced by using probiotics. Probiotics have been shown to reduce gum bleeding in patients with gingivitis. A placebo and two probiotic combinations were given to children in the trial. After three weeks, children who took probiotics had significantly improved gingival health. Managing Periodontitis Additionally, probiotics were shown to b ..read more

It is helpful if oral health is not neglected during pregnancy. Hormonal changes can significantly affect your oral health. There is evidence linking oral health complications to an increased risk of other significant health problems. What’s the most prominent oral health problem during pregnancy? How can you prevent it? Here are some tips from our office. Problems with your oral health during pregnancy Women do not visit a dentist during pregnancy nearly as often as they do during other phases of their lives. We can detect problems early on by visiting our office regularly during pregnancy ..read more

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 20% of children regularly take prescription medications. Over the years, the number of children who take medication prescribed by a doctor has steadily increased. Some medicines may harm your child’s dental health. Our team will better adapt our treatment plan if we know about any medications your child takes during their regular examination. The following are five ways medications can affect your child’s oral health. Dry Mouth Dry mouth is caused by a reduction in saliva production in the mouth. Many medications cause th ..read more

There are hundreds of bacteria in your child’s mouth. You and your child need to understand that not all bacteria are harmful. In the following paragraphs, you’ll find out what you need to know about the bacteria in your child’s mouth. Understanding Bacteria There have been more than 700 kinds of oral bacteria identified to date. The majority of people have less than 10% of these strains in their mouths at any given time.Each strain serves a different purpose. We refer to probiotic bacteria as harmless bacteria that aid in digestion. Your child’s tooth and gum health is also affected by other ..read more

When you lose a tooth, you may have difficulty chewing, talking, and smiling. Sporting activities put your child at a higher risk of losing teeth. Consult our pediatric dental office to discuss the best oral health solutions for your child. Maintaining your child’s dental health is made easier with a mouthguard. Let’s take a closer look. Why Use a Mouthguard? Mouthguards are designed to prevent damage to your teeth. It will protect the tongue, jaw, and lips. Most mouthguards protect the upper teeth because they protrude more than the lower teeth. Do You Need a Mouthguard? Your child should we ..read more

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have found that tooth decay is the single largest disease impacting children. In fact, tooth decay is more widespread than other common illnesses like asthma. As a parent, you can help establish habits that will lead to a lifetime of optimal oral health for your child. Essential oral health care practices start during infancy. Don’t wait for your child’s teeth to begin erupting before considering their oral health. 1. Clean Gums, Healthy Smile Before your infant has teeth, it is important that you clean their gum tissue. This can be done by ..read more

A seemingly harmless hobby may actually be putting your child’s oral health at risk. If your child participates in the school band or is learning an instrument at home, there can be underlying health risks. This is particularly true if your child plays instruments such as the flute, saxophone, or clarinet. Instruments that require contact with the mouth can be a home for germs and bacteria. Here’s what you can do to keep your child healthy. The Risk of a Musical Instrument The potential issue is not with the instrument’s mouthpiece alone. Children who join their school’s band program often ge ..read more