Midland Kid’s Dentist Blog

Many well-meaning parents and guardians mistakenly assume that tooth decay in baby teeth doesn’t matter. After all, their primary teeth usually fall out anyway, so it can’t harm their dental health, right?

Wrong! Unfortunately, tooth decay is contagious and can spread from one tooth to another, and can even affect your child’s jawbone or how their permanent teeth develop and grow later on. Thankfully, many pediatric dentists offer sealants to prevent cavities from developing in the first place. If you’re unfamiliar with this standard preventive service, continue reading to learn about 3 helpful FAQs and responses!

Did you know that April 2^nd marks Autism Awareness Day? It’s the perfect time to learn more about what you can do for those with special needs in your life. This is particularly true if it’s your child who struggles with certain things, like their oral health. The good news is that you can do your part as a parent to ensure their teeth and gums stay in great shape. Here’s what you need to know to set up your loved one for success.

While you were raising your loved one, you might’ve had your own challenges getting them to take care of their smile. Now that they are a teen, they are better at their oral hygiene, but it may be easy for these good habits to fall through the cracks. After all, they likely have busy lives with issues of their own. A great way to keep their growing grin strong is with these six tips.

The teenage years are filled with growth, new responsibilities, and lifestyle changes that can impact oral health. Between busy schedules, evolving diets, and orthodontic treatments, teens often face unique dental challenges. Understanding these common issues can help teenagers and parents take proactive steps to maintain a healthy, confident smile.

Juice is often seen as a healthy choice for kids, but even 100% fruit juice can have unintended effects on their teeth. Sugar and acid in juice can contribute to tooth decay and enamel erosion, which makes teeth more vulnerable to cavities and sensitivity. Understanding how juice affects oral health can help parents make smarter hydration choices for their children.

Have you ever been told that breastfeeding is “supposed” to be painful? This and many other myths are actually just that: misconceptions. In most cases, very real problems are to blame, such as your infant having a lip- or tongue-tie. Learn the difference between the truth and misinformation so you and your baby can have a more positive mealtime experience!

Many new parents choose to breastfeed their baby due to the numerous ways it can benefit their infant’s health. For instance, it provides all the different antibodies and nutrients they need for their earliest growth and development. It also reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), asthma, eczema, and allergies.

However, did you know that nursing your child can also potentially improve their dental health? Continue reading to learn 3 facts about how breastfeeding can affect their oral health that you might not already know!

As a parent, you want your child to grow up healthy and strong — and that includes taking care of their teeth. But even with regular brushing and dental checkups, cavities are still one of the most common childhood health issues. One major culprit? Hidden sugar in drinks that are often marketed as “healthy” for kids.

A recent study found that about 62 percent of beverages marketed toward children contain added sugar, which may increase their risk of developing cavities. While packaging might feature colorful fruits or health claims, the actual ingredients often tell a different story.

Kids are full of energy, and with all that running, climbing, and playing comes the occasional bump or tumble. While most little accidents end in nothing more than a scraped knee, sometimes a child can injure their mouth or teeth. Dental emergencies are never fun, but being prepared can make a stressful situation much easier to handle.

By keeping a pediatric dental emergency kit on hand, parents can quickly take steps to protect their child’s smile until they can see a dentist.

If you are a new parent, you’re not alone if you feel apprehensive about your child’s growing smile. You may appreciate their gummy grin right now, but what should you expect when that first baby tooth erupts? When should you take them in to see the dentist? It’s normal to be unsure, but you can begin to feel at ease as you keep reading to learn the answers to these important questions.