Simply Pediatric & Orthodontics Dentistry Blog

Teething happens when a baby’s first teeth begin pushing up through the gumline, usually starting around six months of age. As those tiny teeth work their way through sensitive gum tissue, it’s common for babies to experience soreness, swelling, and irritability, often most noticeable right around bedtime. It’s one of the most challenging developmental milestones for infants and their parents alike. That said, the good news is that there are several gentle, effective ways to ease your little one’s discomfort; here’s what you need to know.

If you’re a parent, you’ve probably heard conflicting claims about fluoride over the years. The biggest question on your mind may be: “Is it helping my child’s teeth, or could it be harming their development?”  A recent study published in the Journal of Dental Research set out to answer exactly that question, and the results are very reassuring! Here’s what you need to know.

When looking for ways to beat the summer heat, the most popular activity that comes to mind is visiting a local swimming pool. Kids love the opportunity to practice their diving, cannonballs, and even their handstands. It’s easy to spend hours watching them play and have fun. But how safe is the water for their developing smile? Can exposure to the chemicals cause problems for their pearly whites? Keep reading to learn how to protect their teeth.

As a parent, you tend to notice every little thing about your child. Maybe they sometimes struggle to bite or chew while eating their favorite meal, or you’ve caught them rubbing their cheek after biting the inside of it. Or perhaps pronouncing certain words gives them a bit of trouble. Whatever the case, even though these moments may seem easy to brush off, they actually signal the need for orthodontic treatment. Here are some telltale signs that it might be time to schedule them for an orthodontic consultation.   

Does your child have asthma? As a parent, you’re probably already familiar with the challenges it brings, including the need for an inhaler, as well as the need to avoid any potential triggers of asthma attacks. But did you know that asthma can also affect your child’s oral health in some very real ways? The good news is that with a little extra awareness and the right dental care, you can help protect their smile! Here’s what you need to keep in mind.

St. Patrick’s Day is a good excuse to load up on green foods, and it turns out, quite a few of them are genuinely great for kids’ teeth. Plus, there are many healthier options than green sugar cookies, green-frosted cupcakes, shamrock-themed milkshakes, or other festive treats! Here are a few naturally green options that both you and your child’s smile can benefit from eating.

When your child becomes a teenager, it may seem like it’s time to start taking them to a general dentist, such as the one you yourself see twice a year for routine preventive care. But the truth is, there are significant advantages to keeping your teen with a pediatric dental practice. Pediatric dentists aren’t just experts when it comes to baby teeth—they’re specially trained to care for smiles from infancy through adolescence. Here are three things to keep in mind.   

Taking your child to the dentist for the first time is a big milestone, for both you and them! That said, it’s completely normal for parents to feel a little nervous or unsure about what will happen during that first appointment. The good news, though, is that pediatric dental visits are designed to be gentle, positive, and even fun, and knowing what to expect can help you feel more confident—which will also help your little one feel the same way. Here’s what you both can expect.

It’s safe to say that most of us are beginning to experience winter weather—or have been dealing with it for some time already this season! And with colder temperatures come bugs and viruses like the common cold, the flu, and others. You might be wondering how to best protect your child from getting sick during the next few weeks and months, but did you know that helping them maintain their dental hygiene is one of the best strategies you can follow? Continue reading to learn a few key tips to keep in mind.   

As parents, we are always looking for ways to comfort our kiddos; especially when it’s bedtime or naptime! However, while giving them a bottle of milk or juice to help them fall asleep might seem harmless, this common habit can actually lead to something called baby bottle tooth decay. Here’s what you need to know about this dental condition, along with some ways you can protect your child’s teeth from an increased chance of cavities.