Mouth guards are plastic appliances used by athletes during practice and games to prevent injuries to their teeth, cheeks, tongue and jaws. Depending on the sport, the athlete may be at risk for chipped teeth, broken crowns, cut cheeks and lips, root damage, fractured jaws and even concussions. Multiple studies have shown that dental trauma […]
Thumb sucking is a normal behavior in infants and young children and may extend to fingers, pacifiers, and in the particularly agile, even toes. Thumb sucking is often calming for infants and often aids them in going to sleep. However, when the habit of thumb sucking lasts beyond the eruption of permanent teeth, it often […]
EEEK! You got a tooth knocked out!? Moms, around this time you may be having fun putting together a beautiful holiday meal while your little one is running about somewhere in the distance. Regardless of the season, there’s one scary dental detail you may not have thought about: your child knocking out a tooth! It […]
Another method of behavioral management commonly used by pediatric dentists is known as the distraction technique. This technique distracts a child from something they may feel uncomfortable with while refocusing their attention on a more positive and competing sensory experience. One example of this technique that is often used is when administering injections for dental […]
It is well understood that dental anxieties and phobias in adults result in the avoidance of dental care. Furthermore, it is often the case that dental fears in adults are caused by unaddressed fears or instilled traumas associated with dental care in children. Pediatric dentists receive specialty training in a variety of psychotherapeutic interventions to help […]
Whether your kids are busier than ever or are “bored”around the house, smart snacking choices can be difficult to come by. I highly recommend taking advantage of the delicious seasonal fruits of summer for healthy snacking. Berries, cantaloupe, mango, Valencia oranges, peaches, watermelon, guava, passionfruit, avocado are all in peak season in July and August. […]
Infancy It’s important to get your baby used to you cleaning their mouth by making oral hygiene a part of the daily routine. Every evening before dressing them in their pajamas, use a toothbrush designed for infants to massage their gums. You’ll find that they might enjoy chewing on the silicone, which may help soothe […]
It’s summertime and our kids are ready to have fun! For many kids, this means playing sports and swimming outside. (Don’t forget the sunscreen!) Part of being prepared for playing a game means having the right equipment. This includes protecting your shins, skin, eyes, and of course, your teeth. Using a mouth guard is a […]
Some of the major reasons why continuing with your regular dental appointments is important while wearing braces include: 1) Removing plaque and tartar buildup Wearing braces creates more niches where food particles and the bacteria that cause cavities can hide. Eventually, these hidden and uncleaned areas have the potential to cause cavities in the same […]
With spring break times drawing to a close, it won’t be long before the kids are out for summer. And for many families, that means one thing: vacation time! When planning for your family vacation, we would like to remind our families of patients with braces what to do to best prepare for any potential […]
