Dr. Maggie Davis' Blog

If you have a young child at home, part of your job as their guardian is to teach them the skills they need to take care of themselves as they grow. However, many parents struggle to get their kids to brush and floss their teeth, despite their best efforts. Keeping their mouths clean is the best way to prevent potential problems like cavities and gum disease, but what do you do if they don’t want to participate?

There are any number of reasons that your child might resist their daily dental hygiene routine, whether it’s because they think of it as a chore or if they simply don’t enjoy the taste of their toothpaste. Continue reading to learn about three helpful hints that can help them improve their dental health!

Dental insurance is a cost-effective way to help make dental treatments more affordable. This is great news for you if you have a good policy, but what about your child? Are they covered by your plan? If not, you might want to consider making sure they are! Keep reading to learn why it’s a good idea to have dental insurance for your kiddo.

Halloween is an exciting time for children, but it can be a nightmare for their teeth. However, it doesn’t have to be—smart parents can guide their kids to treats that are less of a problem for their  smiles. With so many treats to choose from, it’s essential to know which candies are better and worse for oral health. Here are some of the best and worst Halloween candies to help you make informed choices.

August is here, which means that students around the country are wrapping up their summer plans and preparing to head back to school. As a parent, you play an essential role in helping set them up for success this year. Whether you’re buying new school supplies or helping them pick the perfect wardrobe, there’s plenty to do to prepare for the new year.

In all the business, you don’t want to forget about your child’s oral health! Dental emergencies can happen at any time, whether at home or at school. While it’s impossible to predict precisely when they might find themselves in an urgent situation, there are things you can do to prevent one. Keep reading to learn 3 precautions you can take to protect and preserve your child’s smile as they start the fall semester!

You want what is best for your child, so when it’s time to find an oral healthcare professional who can take care of their growing smile, you have options. While many parents choose a general dentist who provides children’s dental services, others opt for a specialist – someone who is trained to care for developing teeth and gums. Before you decide, consider these 3 reasons why your child should be seen by a trusted pediatric dentist.

It can be hard to protect your child’s teeth from cavities caused by poor brushing habits. Whether they still don’t understand the importance of oral health, or they can’t quite reach every surface of the tooth easily, giving kids some extra help protecting their teeth can go a long way towards preventing decay.

Thankfully, dental sealants can provide an added layer of protection to some of those harder to reach spaces, helping to ward off cavities and keep tooth enamel strong. In fact, according to the CDC, kids without sealants have on average three times more cavities than kids who do have them.  If you’ve been considering getting dental sealants for your child, here’s some important information to help you make your decision.

School is nearly out for summer vacation, so your kids are likely eager for sunny sun. They may try diving into the nearest swimming pool as soon as possible. Still, you should be cautious about where your family takes a dip. Swimming in a pool can harm teeth if you don’t act carefully. Luckily, your Palm Harbor pediatric dentist will help you reduce the risk. Read on to learn about chlorine, how it affects teeth, and ways to protect smiles from pool water.

As a parent, you’re attuned to your child. You know when they are really crying and when they’re faking it. You can pick up on the subtle clues that something may be off with them. When they complain to you about their teeth, you are naturally concerned. But what should you do about it? Check out these helpful actions you can take.

As a parent, ensuring your child’s dental health is important. After all, a healthy smile affects far more than just the way their teeth look! From the moment their first tooth appears, it’s best to emphasize oral care and lay a foundation for the future. But there are so many aspects of children’s dental care that get overlooked! Read on to learn five facts about your child’s tiny teeth you should know.

Baby teeth fall out after a few years, but they are invaluable for your child’s overall wellness and development. They also act as placeholders for their permanent teeth. Brushing and flossing help keep their mouth healthy, but regular dental checkups are equally important. Besides a visual examination, their pediatric dentist will also review panoramic X-rays. This allows their dentist to see every detail of their mouth in one image. Not only can they spot tooth decay, but they can also see their unerupted teeth. Here’s why this glimpse into the future is an important piece for your little one’s oral and overall health. 

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