I recently received a call from a dear friend of mine. Between the regular chit chat about book recommendations and the highly anticipated Gilmore Girls revival, she had a question that is frequently asked, especially by new parents. How do I care for my little one’s teeth? A great question! This prompted me to share some useful tips that are supported by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. – Before the teeth erupt, clean your baby’s mouth and gums with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush at bath time. This helps prepare them for future tooth brushings and cleanings. – When your child’s ..read more

Taking your child for their first dental visit can be a big milestone. It is common for parents to feel nervous about the appointment because they want to ensure that the dentist will protect their child’s health. When patients hear the term “family dentistry,” they automatically assume that it is a good clinic for a young child. But don’t overlook the benefits of choosing a pediatric dentist instead. Here are a few things that you should keep in mind: Family Dentistry = People of All Ages A dentist who offers family dental services will work with young children, teenagers, adults, and seniors ..read more

If a baby is crying, then it can be soothing to give the baby a bottle and calm down the crying. Even though bottles are often necessary to feed the child, it is important for parents to know that there can be a link between tooth decay and the use of a bottle. This link is common when the child is drinking liquids that have been sweetened. Why Bottles Increase the Risk of Tooth Decay What is the problem with the baby drinking from a bottle? When the liquid has sugary compounds, the sugar feeds the bacteria in the mouth. An acid is formed that attaches to the teeth, causing the teeth to break ..read more

The best place for a child to learn about dental care is at home with their parents. Children follow the lead of the adults in their lives. Your daily actions and conversations will influence the child from an early age. So, it is important to teach them when they are young, so that good dental habits are carried into adulthood. Regular brushing and flossing habits are essential to maintain healthy gums and prevent tooth decay. But, children don’t understand the importance of these habits unless they are taught by their parents. One of the best things that you can do to help your child learn a ..read more

Summer is winding down, and the new school year is just around the corner. When creating a back to school plan, we hope that you will include a dental plan as well! Here are some tips for maintaining healthy teeth during the school year. 1. Schedule Dental Checkup Appointments We recommend that your child visit the pediatric dentist at least twice a year. Professional dental assessments by a board certified specialist are important to ensure your child’s healthy teeth. Call Riverstone Pediatric Dentistry today to schedule your child’s next appointment. 2. Establish Healthy Oral Hygiene Routine ..read more

One of the most important tasks of being a parent is teaching your child about good physical and dental health. This education will help the child to form healthy habits that can be carried into adulthood. Are you proactively helping your children to protect their teeth and gums? Even baby teeth need to be protected, to support speech, chewing, and self-esteem. This experience gives you the opportunity to teach your child about the best methods to thoroughly clean the teeth and gums. The child can practice with supervision until they have mastered the skill without assistance. Here are a few g ..read more

Does your child play sports? If the answer is yes, consider protecting his or her smile with a mouthguard. Dental injuries from trauma can be painful and costly. Our goal at Riverstone Pediatric Dentistry is to prevent these types of injuries. Mouthguards help protect your child from injuries to your child’s lips, tongue, face or jaw. They typically cover the upper teeth, which take the brunt of trauma. The best mouthguard is one that has been custom made for your child’s mouth by your pediatric dentist. A properly fitted mouthguard may be especially important for people who wear braces to av ..read more

Do you feel like you are starting a war every day when you ask your kids to brush their teeth? Most kids don’t think that it is fun to brush their teeth, but this is an important habit that needs to be learned at an early age. Even though it feels like a battle to teach these lessons to your children, it is important for parents to stay involved. Here are four tips to help: 1. Plan a Family Activity Kids often imitate their parents, so you can motivate your child by participating in the activity together. Make flossing and brushing a family activity, with parents and kids doing it at the same ..read more

Candy canes, cookies, brownies, and pie are just a few things on the long list of irresistible holiday treats. Parents know far too well themselves how hard it is to avoid the temptation during the sweetest time of the year. What other season boasts parties that have cookie exchanges? Alas, all these goodies can leave serious sugar bugs in kids’ teeth. So how can parents stop the Grinch from stealing their children’s healthy smiles this holiday season? Start with a game plan that teaches your children that too much of a yummy thing is not good for those pearly whites. Moderation is key. Limiti ..read more

While it is true that baby teeth do eventually fall out, it is also true that they are important to a child in the meantime. Primary or baby teeth are placeholders until the permanent teeth grow in. If one is lost prematurely, the others can shift into the empty space and prevent the permanent tooth from erupting. This often leads to a crooked smile in the future. In addition, a decayed tooth can cause discomfort for a child and can become abscessed. Left untreated, dental decay in baby teeth can result in a broad range of functional impairments that have far-reaching implications for growth ..read more