Dental Tips
from the Doctor

The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry) recommends that infants visit the dentist around their first birthday.

How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Dental Visit

Bring Another Adult: To help soothe the infant.
Leave Other Children at Home: To reduce distractions.
Use Positive Language: Explain that the dentist helps keep teeth healthy.
Explain the Visit: Use age-appropriate books about visiting the dentist.

What to Expect During the First Visit

Greet by dental staff
Review of health history
Addressing parental questions
Discussion on oral habits, development, and diet
Examination of the infant's teeth
Demonstration of brushing and flossing techniques
Recommendations on oral health
Outline of appointment schedule

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s first dental visit, please contact our office.

Choosing the right oral products for children is crucial for maintaining excellent oral health. Selecting a properly sized toothbrush and a suitable toothpaste is essential.

Why brush primary teeth?

Primary (baby) teeth are crucial for speech, chewing, jaw development, and aligning permanent teeth. Brushing prevents bad breath, tooth decay, and plaque bacteria associated with childhood periodontal disease.

What differences are there among toothpaste brands?

Most toothpastes contain abrasives, soaps, fluorides, and flavoring. Key differences include thickness, fluoride content, and flavor. Too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis in young children, so levels should be monitored. Avoid adult and non-ADA approved toothpastes, which may contain harsh abrasives and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) that cause mouth ulcers.

So which toothpaste brand should I choose?

Before 1 years old, use fluoride free toothpaste.
Between 2-3 years old use a smear of ADA accepted fluoride toothpaste, begin teaching child to spit out excess.
3 years and older, use a pea-sized amount of ADA accepted fluoride toothpaste.

For questions about your child's first oral checkup, please ask your dentist.

Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is common in children and adults, often occurring at night. This can lead to dental problems depending on frequency, intensity, and underlying causes like jaw misalignment, stress, or medication side effects.

Symptoms of Bruxism

Frequent headaches
Injured teeth and gums
Loud grinding or clicking sounds
Rhythmic jaw tightening
Morning jaw pain
Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold

Damage to Teeth

Bruxism can cause jaw discomfort, headaches, ear pain, worn enamel, chipped teeth, facial pain, gum injury, and even temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).

Causes of Bruxism

Jaw misalignment ("bad bite")
Stress and life stressors
Developmental disorders and brain injuries
Side effects of certain medications

Treatment of Bruxism

Most children stop bruxing by age thirteen. Treatment depends on the cause and may include altering biting surfaces, occlusal treatment, relaxation techniques, professional therapy, muscle relaxants, or nighttime dental appliances like mouth guards or bite splints to prevent damage.

If you have questions or concerns about bruxism or grinding teeth, please contact our office.

Frequent, prolonged use of sippy cups can contribute to toddler tooth decay. They help transition from baby bottles to regular cups but should be discontinued around 12 to 18 month of age.

Guidelines for Sippy Cup Use

Avoid sugary liquids: Opt for water.
Limit continuous sipping: Remove the cup when the child is done.
No sippy cups at bedtime: Unless they contain water.
Do not use for comfort: Avoid sugary liquids.
Rinse frequently: Eliminate germs.
Sugary liquids at mealtime: Saliva production helps cleanse teeth.

How Sippy Cups Cause Decay

Sippy cups filled with sugary liquids lead to continuous exposure to sugars, promoting bacterial growth and acid production, which weakens tooth enamel and causes decay.

Choosing a Sippy Cup

Avoid no-spill valves: They don't promote proper sipping and increase sugar exposure.
Choose a spout: Promotes good drinking habits.
Two handles: Helps transition to adult-sized cups.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth decay or the use of sippy cups, please contact our office.

If your child's gums are red and swollen, it could be a sign of gum disease. To treat red and swollen gums in children, start by improving oral hygiene with regular brushing, flossing, and tongue cleaning. A warm salt water rinse can help reduce inflammation, while staying hydrated and limiting sugary foods prevents bacterial growth. Applying a cold compress can provide relief from swelling and discomfort. Common causes include gingivitis, new tooth eruption, mouth breathing, or vitamin deficiencies, so identifying the underlying issue is key. If swelling persists, a dental visit a recommended to rule out infections or gum disease and ensure proper treatment.

If you have questions or concerns about your child's gums, please contact our office.

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We truly care about your child’s health and happiness.

Reach out to get your child’s appointment scheduled. We can’t wait to see you.

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Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us at (800) 400-3333 with any questions or comments you may have. Please contact us using the quick contact form below or Request an Appointment today!

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us at (800) 400-3333 with any questions or comments you may have. Please contact us using the quick contact form below or Request an Appointment today!

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us at (800) 400-3333 with any questions or comments you may have. Please contact us using the quick contact form below or Request an Appointment today!

Book Now

We truly care about your child’s health and happiness. Reach out to get your child’s appointment scheduled. We can’t wait to see you.

Book Now

Dental Tips from the Doctor

Book Now

Contact Us

Contact Us

Contact Us

Book Now

Dental Tips
from the Doctor