Show Your Child’s Smile Some Love
February 14, 2021
With pink and red hearts everywhere, it can only mean one thing—Valentine’s Day is here! February is most known for this holiday celebrating love, but did you know that it is also Children’s Dental Health Month? Lifelong dental health needs to start early so that by the time children become adults, oral healthcare is already engrained. In this post, you’ll learn about why dental health matters and how you can show your little one’s smile some love!
(more…)4 Facts Every Parent Should Know About Their Baby’s Teeth
January 30, 2021
From birth plans to sleeping schedules, there is a lot that goes into caring for the newest member of your family. And when you lock eyes with them and see their little, gummy smile for the first time, you know all the sleepless nights and endless preparation is worth it. Keeping their baby teeth in pristine condition throughout the years comes with its own set of do’s and don’ts, which many parents often forget. Fortunately, you can keep reading for four must-know tips to prevent that job from becoming overwhelming!
(more…)Is It Possible for Kids to Get Gum Disease?
December 17, 2020
Gum disease is a serious dental issue that affects roughly 50% of American adults. If neglected, the harmful bacteria associated with this infection can significantly damage the soft tissue and bone underneath, resulting in everything from tooth loss to overall health concerns. But did you know that kids can get it too? Read on to learn the common causes of gum disease in children, symptoms to look out for, and treatment options.
(more…)Are Dental X-Rays Safe for Kids?
October 13, 2020
As a parent, you’re always considering your child’s health and safety. So when your dentist recommends that your son or daughter has dental X-rays taken, you may be wondering just how necessary and safe this step is. Thankfully, you have nothing to fear! Thanks to advancements in dental technology, x-rays are now taken digitally and are safer than ever before! Here’s what you need to know about this important tool for keeping your little one’s smile healthy as it grows.
(more…)Will Nail Biting Hurt My Child’s Teeth?
September 24, 2020
Does your child engage in nail biting when they are nervous or bored? Then you are not alone. In fact, 30% to 60% of school-aged children and 20% of adolescents engage in this behavior. Initially, it may seem like nothing more than a harmless “phase.” However, this destructive habit can lead to a number of dental issues that negatively affect your favorite smile. Read on for how it can impact your child’s oral health, five tips for kicking the habit, and how their dentist can help.
(more…)Homeschooling and Oral Health: What to Teach Your Child
August 14, 2020
Whether you were expecting to homeschool your child or COVID-19 led you to make the decision to keep them at home this year, you’re probably looking for unique ways to incorporate oral health for kids into their curriculum. Even if your child comes downstairs each morning in their pajamas to learn, it’s important they not only practice a good oral hygiene routine before they start the day but also, learn about what can happen to their teeth when they don’t. To help them get excited about brushing and flossing, check out these available resources you can begin teaching today.
(more…)At What Age Can My Child Whiten Their Teeth?
November 4, 2019
Wait Until Your Child Is at Least 15 Years of Age Before Purchasing Any Teeth Whitening Products
Our kids’ dentist in Palm Harbor recommends waiting until your child is at least 15 years of age before allowing them to use any tooth whitening products. All tooth whitening products contain a certain percentage of a bleaching product, usually hydrogen peroxide. This can lead to tooth sensitivity and damage to the enamel if it is used on adult teeth before the enamel completely hardens and matures, which can take up to two years after the tooth has erupted. To be completely safe, it’s best to wait until your child turns 18 before purchasing whitening products.
Choose the Right Oral Hygiene Products and Supervise Your Child’s Brushing
While your child is still young, it’s best to focus on purchasing the right oral hygiene products and making sure your child is brushing all of his or her teeth for the recommended amount of time; usually at least three minutes twice a day. This means purchasing an age-appropriate toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, and children’s mouthwash. Most tooth staining on a child’s teeth occurs to due improper brushing where food particles may not be completely removed. After your child brushes his or her teeth, you may want to examine your child’s teeth and/or brush them again, depending on your child’s age. Most parents stop strictly supervising their child’s brushing around the age of seven, but it’s okay to periodically supervise in order to make sure your child is still brushing, flossing, and rinsing their teeth properly.
Limit Stain Causing Foods
Certain foods and drinks can also temporarily stain your child’s teeth, like red and blue fruit juices, as well as fresh and frozen berries. If the food or drink can temporarily change the color of your child’s tongue, they can also change the color of your child’s teeth. Our dentist recommends limiting the amount of stain-causing foods that your child eats and ensuring that your child drinks a full glass of water after eating berries or other treats that can stain the teeth. This can help wash away some of the food particles. For extra stain-fighting protection, you can also encourage your child to brush his or her teeth about 30 minutes after meals and snacks. Brushing after meals not only reduces the potential for staining, but it can also help deter cavities and tartar build-up.
Get Professional Dental Cleanings from Our Pediatric Dentist Near Me in Palm Harbor
Along with good oral hygiene, it’s important to get pediatric dental checkups and teeth cleanings every six months. Dental checkups and teeth cleanings can help reduce your child’s chances of getting a cavity and developing early stages of gum disease. Professional teeth cleanings remove all the stains and tartar from your child’s teeth, which can help make them appear whiter and brighter.
Get an Examination from Our Palm Harbor Pediatric Dentist
If you are concerned about your child’s dull, stained, or yellow adult teeth, our Palm Harbor pediatric dentist would be happy to examine your child’s teeth and gums. In many cases, an extra professional teeth cleaning and some tooth polish can make a drastic improvement in the color and appearance of your child’s teeth. If that’s not enough, our kids’ dentist can recommend some other methods that are less harsh than professional teeth whitening trays.
To schedule your child’s next appointment with our kids’ dentist, contact us at 727-786-7551.
Smile About These Stocking Stuffer Ideas
December 13, 2018
Stocking stuffers are one of those things parents rarely spend a lot of time thinking about. They tend to just grab whatever small items they can think of or that are easy to find, such as candy, gums, sweet treats, and tiny toys. Grabbing these types of items may be a quick and easy solution, but it isn’t always the best as it results in purchasing useless toys and unhealthy snacks.
Instead of stuffing your child’s stocking with a bunch of useless or unhealthy items why not choose stuff that will help improve the health of your child’s teeth and gums. In an effort to help you save time this holiday season, we have created a list of mouth-healthy stocking stuffers.
Can’t Go Wrong with a Toothbrush
It may seem practical, but really you can’t go wrong with adding one or two toothbrushes to your child’s stocking. After all, you should be switching out your child’s toothbrush every three to four months, so this will come in handy in the future.
When shopping for a toothbrush to use as a stocking stuffer, consider finding a special one that your child will enjoy. Toothbrushes come in a variety of different colors and even feature characters from your children’s favorite movies and TV shows. Picking one of these types of toothbrushes will not only make the gift seem special, it could make it fun for your child to brush their teeth.
Want to Give Candy? Pick Sugar-free Options or Gum Sweetened with Xylitol
Avoid disappointing your child by only giving them a stocking filled with healthy practical items and make sure to add a few sugar-free candies or gum sweetened with xylitol. These items will allow your child to enjoy a sweet treat without completely damaging their teeth.
In fact, gum sweetened with xylitol has been proven to improve people’s oral health. It has been proven in various dental studies that chewing this type of gum increases saliva production which helps keep your mouth healthy by removing harmful bacteria and plaque.
Have an Athlete in the Family? Get a Mouth Guard
If you have a child who is an athlete you know how easy it is for mouth guards to go missing. Even if your child doesn’t misplace them or lose them, they still need to be replaced every couple of months as bacteria can build up in them. Luckily, mouth guards make great stocking stuffers.
Slip a brand new mouth guard into your child’s stocking this year and they will be fully prepared to engage in favorite sports activities without worrying about if their teeth will be damaged.
Flavored Toothpaste and Dental Floss
Children go through a lot of toothpaste and dental floss. Fill your child’s stocking with some flavored toothpaste and dental floss. It is practical and something they will use every day.
Why flavored toothpaste and dental floss? Children tend to find brushing and flossing to be a boring task. Using flavored toothpaste and dental floss will make the experience more fun. If your child is having fun, they are more likely to make sure they brush and floss at least twice a day.
Healthy Snacks
Getting a stocking full of toothbrushes, toothpaste, and dental floss can be disappointing especially if you are a child who was looking forward to sweet treats. Help your child avoid being disappointed by adding some healthy snacks to their stocking.
Some options for healthy snacks include:
- Small bags of nuts
- Fruit
- Dark chocolate – just make sure to have your child eat this in moderation
- Granola or granola bars
If your child has a favorite snack that they don’t get a lot, consider splurging and purchasing it as a stocking stuff. Just make sure it isn’t something that is high in sugar or too sticky/crunchy.
While you are thinking and planning ahead for the holiday season, why not take the time to schedule a post-holiday dental exam and professional cleaning for your child with the wonderful staff at Dr. Maggie Davis’ pediatric dental office. Call our office today to schedule an appointment with us.
Healthy Teeth, Healthy Body: How Practicing Good Oral Hygiene Can Help Prevent Your Child From Becoming Overweight
April 12, 2018
When parents work with their children to help them focus on good oral health habits, they can also help them avoid the poor eating habits that can lead to being overweight or obese. Because weight can be a delicate topic for people of any age, many parents find it difficult to discuss it with their kids. Parents may worry about hurt feelings or damaging their child’s self-esteem. If you feel this way, you’re not alone — but the good news is that there’s a whole different way to approach this discussion by focusing on oral health instead.
What We’ve Learned About Eating Behaviors and Oral Health
In a recent study out of Sweden, a group of preschool and elementary school aged children was evaluated. The children’s eating habits were monitored over an entire day, and their height and weight were recorded alongside this information. Interestingly, the study revealed that the children who ate more often — including high sugar content foods — also had an increased level of the damaging bacteria that cause cavities in their mouths. In another related sub-study, it was revealed that the children who eat healthy enjoyed improved mental health and better self-esteem.
Overall, the message is clear: If you emphasize the importance of good oral health with your child, you’ll also be helping them avoid becoming overweight or obese — and you never even have to mention weight this way!
How to Help Your Child Learn About Good Oral Hygiene — and Good Health
Regular visits with your child’s pediatric dentist are a crucial part of maintaining good oral health, but improved oral health can begin at home. Discuss food with your child by telling them about the damaging effects of sugar. Explain that sugar feeds upon bacteria in the mouth and then soon starts making acids that can cause cavities, gum disease, and even more serious health problems.
Simply replacing high sugar snacks with more natural options — for example switching out a candy bar for an apple — allows your child to protect their teeth better. Of course, it also happens that the natural snacks tend to be much lower in empty calories and saturated fats than their high sugar counterparts do, and this means that it’s easier to keep weight in check by eating this way.
Emphasize the food pyramid and discuss how to get all the food groups in every day as a way to help protect the teeth. Your child might even view this as a fun challenge and may be excited to help you plan menus. When your child understands that there are great tasting and healthy choices from all categories — dairy, grains, veggies, fruits, and proteins — they’ll be much more likely to be positive about eating healthy.
What to Avoid
The way to control your child’s weight is not to prevent them from eating. In fact, studies show that kids who had parents that prevented them from eating tended to be overweight just a few years later. By helping your child make better choices — and explaining why those choices are better — they’ll grow up gravitating towards more natural foods, less high fat and high sugar foods, and an overall healthier approach to eating. Framing the eating changes as a positive change for oral health means that your child is much more likely to accept the dietary changes as necessary and important.
Next time you visit the pediatric dentist, make sure to mention the dietary changes that you and your child have made together. Some positive reinforcement from your child’s dentist can really help them stay motivated about eating healthy to achieve strong and beautiful teeth as they grow.
Make an Appointment With Dr. Davis
Dr. Maggie Davis is a pediatric dentist who provides care for patients from all over the Palm Harbor, Florida area. She offers support for parents and children starting from their very first dental appointment and lasting all the way through the teenage years. Dr. Davis offers general dentistry, preventative care, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, dental fillings, root canals, and any other oral care that your child might need. Contact the office anytime to arrange a visit with Dr. Davis!
Infant Oral Care
December 4, 2017
Going to the dentist for regular routine checkups might be second nature to you, but what about your infant? When should they start going to the dentist? What should you be doing to care for your baby’s teeth and gums? These are probably questions that you have asked yourself at one point or another. Luckily, we here at Dr. Maggie Davis’ pediatric dental office are here to help.
We understand that oral care for infants is often a new and unknown territory for most parents. That is why we have created a guide that will help you learn when you should be taking your child to the dentist and what you should be doing in terms of oral care.
When Should Your Infant Make His or Her First Visit to the Dentist?
So many parents believe that their child doesn’t need to visit the dentist until almost all of their baby teeth grow in. This line of thinking can create a number of problems as your child isn’t getting the preventative oral care they need.
To prevent potential problems, it is recommended that you take your infant to the dentist around the time their teeth start to break through the gums. This usually happens around six months, but every child is different and it may happen sooner or later.
Scheduling an appointment with a pediatric dentist when your child’s teeth start to break through the gums can help detect any problem early on. A pediatric dentist will be able to not only monitor the growth and alignment of your child’s teeth, but he or she can look for any cavities or tooth decay that may occur on these baby teeth.
If your child’s teeth have not started growing by the time he or she turns one, you should schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist. He or she can conduct an examination to determine if there is any particular reason why the teeth have not started to grow.
Oral Care Tips for Infants
Caring for your infant’s teeth isn’t difficult as long as you know what to do.
The following are some tips on how to care for your infant’s teeth and gums:
- Clean your infant’s gums even before the first tooth erupts. This can be done with a damp piece of gauze or washcloth. Just get it wet and run it all along your child’s lower and upper gums. Do this after every feeding and it will help remove any bacteria that is left behind from the formula, juice, or milk.
- Brush your child’s teeth at least three times a day the minute they start breaking through the gum. Brush their teeth with a child’s soft-bristled brush and some water. If you wish to use toothpaste, only use a tiny smear. You don’t want to give them more than the recommended amount.
- Avoid giving your child a bottle at naptime or while they are sleeping. The juice or milk in the bottle can slowly start to eat away at your child’s teeth.
- Watch your child for signs of discomfort while his or her teeth grow in. If your child is uncomfortable, use a teething ring or wipe the gums down with cool water. This will provide some pain relief for your child.
- Schedule regular appointments with a pediatric dentist from the moment your child’s first tooth start to erupt through the gums. A pediatric dentist can monitor tooth growth and provide early treatment for any dental problems your infant may encounter.
This oral care for infants guide should give you a better understanding of when your infant should see a dentist and how you, as parents, should be caring for your child’s teeth. However, you may still have questions that are left unanswered. If you have any questions, feel free to call our office to schedule an appointment.
During your appointment, our friendly dental staff will be willing to answer any questions you may have. We will even conduct a comprehensive oral exam for your child as well as provide you with advice on how to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy.
Call our office today to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you and your child.