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Dr. Kuba was invited to speak on lasers in pediatric dentistry at the World Clinical Laser Institute (WCLI) Europe Forum in Athens, Greece! She invited Darby, RDH, Rocio, RDH and Natalie, RDA to attend this once in a lifetime opportunity with her!

They thoroughly enjoyed the culture, team bonding and of course the education- it truly was amazing to see how lasers are enhancing and advancing patient experiences and outcomes all over the world!

Special thanks to WCLI for allowing us to be a part of their outstanding conference!

Our 9^th annual Patient Appreciation Day at the Dallas Zoo was a success! We APPRECIATE you for being a part of our dental family!

Every year it gets sweeter! This is our team’s favorite event of the year. We love giving back to our patients and we hope you had just as much fun at the Zoo as we did!

You can check out the full photo album on our Facebook page.

At CDCI we believe it is important to give back to the community. Our friends at the Dallas County Dental Society Foundation share that belief and we are inspired by how they have chosen to give back. This year CDCI has decided to participate in the foundations’ ongoing auction by donating a pair of Cowboys tickets. The proceeds from this auction will go to the DCDS foundation.

Here are just a couple of ways the DCDS Foundation has given back:
• Take on 1 to 2 patients per year by participating in the Hopeful Smiles provider program
• go to elementary schools to educate kids about their oral health
• match volunteer dentists, hygienists, assistants and dental students with local nonprofits who have clients needing oral health care assistance
• Share career information about dentistry to middle and high school students for career day
• Support TDA’s Texas Missions of Mercy which is a mobile dental clinic that travels around the state providing charitable basic dental care to Texans with limited resources and/or access to care
• Support the Give Kids a Smile program which provides underserved children free oral health care

DCDS formed the Dallas County Dental Society Foundation in 1998 as a nonprofit public charity with a mission to enhance oral health in our community. Through donations and volunteers, they can promote improved access to oral health care, education, and research. We are so honored to have an opportunity to help this amazing foundation for all that they do!
If you are interested in volunteering or donating, go to www.dcdsfoundation.org.

References:
https://www.dcdsfoundation.org/

We had a blast seeing everyone at the Dallas Zoo this past weekend for our 8th annual Patient Appreciation Day event!

It's patients like YOU that make our office GREAT! And we love to say Thank You each year by taking our CDCI families to the Dallas Zoo!

We hope you had just as much fun as we did!

You can check out the full photo album on our Facebook page.

March is National Nutrition Month! Getting your five daily servings of fruits and veggies is good for more than just your body, it's also good for your teeth!

When you think of cavity-causing foods, the first thing that comes to mind is CANDY! But the decay process can start when naturally occurring bacteria in the mouth comes into contact with any form of sugar, including the natural sugars in milk and breastmilk, fruit juice, and processed carbohydrates like chips and crackers.

Tips for healthy eating and healthy teeth:

• Stay hydrated with plain water to promote saliva flow. Water is essential to overall body functioning and saliva naturally protects teeth.
• Choose to eat whole fruits instead of drinking fruit juice. Juice is more calorie-dense and has more concentrated sugars that whole fruits. Even natural juices! For example, there are about 12g of sugar and 65 calories in a medium size orange, but an 8oz glass of pure orange juice has 21g of sugar and 112 calories! Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to tooth decay and childhood obesity.
• Limit snacking in between meals.
• Cleanse the mouth after eating. Brushing is ideal, but when that's not possible, drink plenty of water!
• Always brush and floss before going to bed for the night and do not allow a bottle or sippy cup of any beverage other than water at bedtime. Don't allow food and drink to eat away at your child's teeth while they sleep!

Looking for more tips on healthy eating? Check out the ADA's Bad Foods Slideshow!

References:
Forget the Juice and Eat the Whole Fruit Instead
Reducing Childhood Obesity by Eliminating 100% Fruit Juice
Diet and Dental Health
Bad Foods Slideshow

Happy Valentine's Day!

DID YOU KNOW . . . .

• 58 million pounds of chocolate are bought during Valentine's Day week?
• Children will receive 39% of all Valentine's Day candy and gifts
• Cavities are almost 100% preventable!

After you read your cards and eat your chocolates, don't forget to show your teeth some love! Kids should always brush twice a day for 2 minutes each time and floss at night before bed. Brushing after eating candies and/or drinking plenty of water after sugary snacks can also help reduce the risk of cavities.

Healthy home habits combined with visiting a pediatric specialist every 6 months is the best way to keep your kids cavity-free!

Give us a call at 214-484-3199 to book your next visit or schedule online!

References:

Quick Candy Facts

We're dedicated to providing safe, fun, quality dental care for all our kiddos!

Our COVID-19 protocols are in place to keep your family safe!

• Masks are required for all guests ages 3 and up
• You car is the waiting room! Check in via text message from your car when you arrive.
• E-forms will be sent to you prior to your appointment. You can complete forms online any time that's convenient for you and avoid handling pens and clipboards in the office.
• The total number of guests in the office at the same time is limited. Parents, we encourage you to wait in the car during your child's appointment (ages 5yrs +). If accompanying your child, we can accommodate one parent to be present. Please do not bring other family members or siblings to the office if they do not have appointments.
• Common areas are disinfected regularly.
• Treatment rooms are thoroughly sanitized between visitors.
• All of our instruments are individually wrapped and heat sterilized, with regular quality control testing.

Preventive dental care is an important part of maintaining a healthy, cavity-free smile! Remember to schedule your child's dental check-ups every 6 months.

Book online HERE or call 214-484-3199.

2022 is only 16 days away! We have adjusted our hours to help as many families as possible get in for their dental check-ups and treatment needs while utilizing this year's benefits.

Most plans allow for 2 dental visits per year. Has your family had both of their 2021 check-ups? If not, you can schedule online HERE or call 214-484-3199 for more options.

These elves are standing by to take your call!

While these elves are happily preparing the rest of the office:

Tis the season to be grateful - and there is so much to be thankful for!

Awesome patients like YOU and your family is what makes our office great! Thank you for the privilege of allowing us to care for this community's little ones for over 10 years!

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours!

A lot has changed in the last year and a half, and it's common for families to still feel that their lives and routines aren't quite back to normal. Of all the healthy habits worth re-establishing, dental check-ups are at the top of the list!

Preventive dental check-ups every 6 months are important for many reasons. Seeing the dentist regularly means there's a better chance of catching cavities while they are still small and easy to treat. A professional dental cleaning with your favorite hygienist removes plaque and bacteria from the mouth, keeping your child's gums healthy and reducing his/her cavity risk.

What a difference a cleaning can make!

We make dental appointments easy for parents and fun for kids! Book online anytime - try it HERE

We can't wait to see you soon!

Whether your baby is breast or bottle fed, healthy dental habits are important!

Follow these tips to keep your baby cavity free:

• Wipe your baby's gums and teeth clean after each feeding.
• Don't allow your child to breast or bottle feed at will throughout the night. Make sure your baby finishes feeding before bed and goes to sleep with clean teeth and gums.
• If your child is bottle fed, do not put any other liquids besides milk/formula in the bottle.
• Don't put your child to bed with a bottle. If your child must have the bottle in bed, make sure it's filled with plain water only.

"Baby Bottle Decay" is a common term for the devastating, full-mouth cavities that can form when teeth are constantly exposed to the natural sugars in breastmilk and formula. Don't let the name fool you - breastfed babies are equally susceptible to this type of cavities!

Your child's first dental visit should happen by age 1 or when the first tooth erupts, whichever comes first.

Regular 6 month dental check-ups with a board certified pediatric dental specialist is an important part of your baby's oral health care.

Superheroes of Dentistry

The pediatric specialists of CDCI are proud to offer gentle laser dentistry with our Waterlase dental laser that we have affectionately named "Sparky!"

So what's the big deal about laser dentistry???

• Faster healing time! Lasers seal and heal tissues as they're being treated.
• Little to no bleeding and no stitches required! That's the beauty of the healing power of the laser.
• Little anesthetic needed - or sometimes none at all! The laser is more gentle than the traditional dental drill.
• Fewer trips to the office for treatment. Gentler treatment and less anesthetic usually means that children can tolerate more treatment in one appointment than they might with a traditional drill.
• Reduce bacteria in the mouth. Lasers do more than just replace the drill! We also use therapeutic laser treatment to kill bacteria and decrease bum inflammation in kids with gingivitis. This is especially helpful for kids with braces!
• Zap cold sores. Why wait 7-10 days for a painful cold sore to resolve itself when a therapeutic laser treatment can cut that healing time in half?

Learn more about laser dentistry HERE

Let us show you how gentle laser treatment can totally change your child's dental experience!

We are SOOO excited to welcome Dr. Alvin Michael to the CDCI team!

The pediatric specialist team at CDCI is growing again! Dr. Alvin Michael will be joining us on Fridays starting July 23rd, 2021. We cannot wait for you to meet him!

Here are a few fun facts about our newest team member:

• He's TALL! 6 foot 8 inches, to be exact. And yes, he does play basketball!
• He was born and raised in Mesquite, TX.
• He speaks Malayalam (a South Indian language).
• He loves kids and enjoys spending time with his large extended family.
• You can learn more about Dr. Michael on our website.

You may have already met him at our 7th Annual Patient Appreciation Day at the Dallas Zoo!

Check out more of Dr. Michael in the June issue of Living Magazine and on our website!

Summer appointments are filling up fast! Give us a call today at 214-484-3199 or book online. And yes, you can ask for Dr. Michael!

Ask anyone at CDCI why they work in the dental field and they'll tell you it's because they love helping people! Our doctors and staff make helping the kids of our community their daily mission - and we don't let that limit us to just your dental appointments! We host an annual food drive, serve as a designated Toys for Tots drop off center, and much, much more throughout the year. Check out our community outreach gallery to learn more!

We love inviting our patients and their families to join us in giving back to the community by participating in our events. Make sure you follow us on Facebook and Instagram (@cdci_kuba) to keep up with our latest activities. We hope to see you at our next event!

Earlier this month we celebrated National Dental Hygienists Appreciation Week and spotlighted our 3 superstar hygienists, Maria, Rocio, and Darby!

So what does a dental hygienist do? . . . So much more than "just clean teeth!" Dental hygienists are trained to:

• Remove bacteria-filled plaque and tartar from the mouth
• Administer fluoride treatments
• Apply sealants
• Take x-rays
• Assess a patient's oral health and report to the dentist
• Complete chart notes and clinical documentation
• Educate patients about their oral health

What does it take to become a dental hygienist? . . . In the state of Texas, a registered dental hygienist completes a 2 or 4 year degree in dental hygiene studies - including biology, chemistry, and pharmacology - and then must pass a state board licensing exam. Hygienists are also required to complete continuing education every year to maintain their licensure. This equips the hygiene team to be fantastic oral health educators!

What kind of experience can my child expect with a pediatric trained dental hygienist? . . . At Children's Dental Centre of Irving, our top priorities are keeping kids cavity-free and creating positive dental memories! Hygienists who are trained to work with kids have multiple techniques and strategies to keep the visit positive and upbeat. They are also enthusiastic about patient education and enjoy encouraging children to take part in their oral health care at home.

Staying up to date with regular 6 month dental check-ups is a key element in building healthy habits for life! If your family is due for dental check-ups, please give us a call today at 214-484-3199 or book online.

Our hygienists can't wait to see you!

Did you know that today is World Sleep Day???

The quality of our sleep has a major impact on a child's overall health and development!

Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep?

What About Sleep Quality?

Quality sleep = restful sleep. When sleeping quality is poor, you may notice:

• Snoring
• Pauses, gasps, or snorting when breathing while asleep
• Restless sleeping or sleeping in unusual positions
• Hard time waking your child in the morning
• Child is sleepy and/or inattentive during the day

Why is Sleep Health Important to Your Pediatric Dental Specialist?

Sleeping habits can affect your oral health! Your pediatric dental specialist may ask you questions about your child's sleeping habits, tonsils, and medical history at your child's check up. This may seem unrelated to their dental health, but habits like mouth-breathing, snoring, and grinding/clenching can put your child at a higher-than-normal risk for cavities!

Not only does sleep affect your child's oral health, but the structures inside the mouth, nose, and throat can affect your child's sleep! Our pediatric dental specialist regularly screen for signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, tongue posture, and other factors that could negatively affect your child's growth and development. We frequently coordinate referrals to pediatricians and/or an ENT specialists for follow up on concern areas.

Please keep in mind that this post is a general overview of sleep health and there are other risk factors and symptoms that can be associated with sleep disorders, oral health, and overall bodily well-being. Visit your pediatric dental specialist and your pediatrician regularly to discuss your child's specific medical and dental needs.

Resources

Is Your Child Getting Enough Sleep? Infographic

Kids Health - Pediatric Sleep Apnea

Show your teeth some LOVE this month!

Traditionally, our hygienists spend the month of February visiting local preschools and daycares performing fun and engaging "Tooth Talks" to teach kids how to keep their smiles healthy and strong, but COVID-19 social-distancing precautions have prevented us from visiting this year. So we got creative and put together this fun kid's video that can be enjoyed all year round!

How well do you understand your insurance benefits? Navigating the language and rules of dental insurance can be confusing for both patients and providers! Let's take a look at some insurance basics to help you understand your plan and get the most out of your benefits:

The Verbiage

Insurance has a language all its own. Understanding the vocabulary will help with reading your benefits booklet and explanations of benefits.

• Explanation of Benefits (EOB) - This is a written summary sent to the provider and to the patient after a claim is processed. It shows what was charged to your insurance, what was covered or denied, and the patient's estimated copays.
• Frequency Limitations - Some procedures are subject to frequency limitations, meaning your plan will only cover this procedure a specific number of times in a certain time period. For example, your plan may allow exams once every 6 months or 2 in a 12 month period.
• Downgrading - Also known as "alternate benefit." When a claim is submitted, insurance will look to see if a less costly procedure could have been performed as an alternative to what was done, and will then pay the benefits of the lesser procedure, leaving a balance that becomes the patient's responsibility. Insurance commonly downgrades what they consider cosmetic procedures, like white fillings (downgraded to silver).
• Deductible - This is the required patient out-of-pocket payment before your insurance coverage kicks in. When a deductible applies to a procedure, it does not mean that your insurance doesn't cover it. Example: If you have a $50 deductible on your plan and you need a $200 filling, you must pay $50 before your plan will cover their percentage of the crown. If insurance covers 50%, that means insurance is estimated to pay $75 ($200 - $50 deductible = $150, 50% of $150 is $75). Once a deductible is met for your plan period, you don't have to pay it again until your plan year renews.
• Copay -  This is your out-of-pocket cost per procedure. If insurance covers something at 80%, your copay is the remaining 20%. Copays vary by procedure type, frequencies, limitations, and are affected by the deductible.

Now that you're familiar with the verbiage, let's talk about some common misconceptions. . .

1. Myth: Paying for dental insurance means you shouldn't have to pay out of pocket at the dentist's office. TRUTH: Dental insurance functions like a maintenance package for your oral health that helps to offset the cost of basic dental care. It's not designed to cover everything 100%. Most plans have built-in deductibles, co-pays, coverage percentages, and limitations that account for the patient's out-of-pocket expenses. This is called cost-sharing.
2. Myth: If insurance doesn't cover it, then I probably don't need it. TRUTH: Your doctor is looking out for YOUR unique health needs and will make recommendations in your best interest. Insurance plans are built to cover common procedures for large groups of people. It's reasonable to expect that many people of the same group will have differing medical needs. Furthermore, your doctor's decisions are guided by current research and recommendations from professional organizations such as the American Dental Academy and the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, which may not be taken into consideration by your employer or insurance carrier when building your plan.
3. Myth: If I paid my copay at the time of my appointment, then I shouldn't get any bills from my dentist in the mail later. TRUTH: Insurance does not provide a guarantee of payment, ever. The insurance professionals in the dental office will provide as best an estimate as they can based on the limited information that the insurance company provides, however, there are many factors out of your dentist's control that can affect how your claim is processed. A few examples include: if you or your dependents have pending claims in another office or have history in another office during the same plan period, downgrading clauses, and deductibles.

Do you have more questions? The best way to learn more about your insurance is to contact the company directly. Most plans offer web portals with detailed plan information and articles to help you read your EOBs, view claims, and find a provider near you. Or call the customer hotline to speak with a representative.

Sources:

8 Definitions To Help You Make Sense Of Your Insurance Policy

ADA Position on Explanation of Benefits (EOB) Statements

Does the thought of visiting the dentist fill you with dread? If so, you're not alone! An estimated 75% of adults experience some level of dental anxiety.

Chances are if you're feeling nervous about the dentist, you may be passing the anxiety on to your child as well.

Regular dental visits are an important part of dental health. So what can be done to put parents and children at ease? Actually, a lot! . . .

1. Choose a board certified pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists and their staff are specially trained to work with kids. They often foster a child-friendly environment, value a positive patient experience, and talk to children on their level.
   • The board-certified providers of CDCI would love to take care of your family! Learn more about our doctors here.
   • If you're unable to visit us, check out the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry's provider directory to find a certified dentist near you.
2. Schedule your appointment first thing in the morning, when your child is well-rested. Avoid scheduling near nap times, after school, or close to meal times.
3. Let the dental team know if you and/or your child are nervous. We're here to help you!
4. Ask questions. Eliminate the fear of the unknown. Again, then dental team is here for you!

Does the anxiety start before you've even arrived at the office? Try these home tips before your appointment:

• Remember that a healthy mouth is something you want for yourself and your family. Close your eyes and visualize your ideal dental visit from start to finish. Picture yourself with a beautiful smile. This practice works well for both adults and older children.
  • Studies show that visualization exercises have the same calming effects on the mind as mediation. Learn more here.
• Help your child understand what to expect from the dental visit by reading a storybook, watching a video, or role-playing with your child.
  • Here's a great clip from Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood: Daniel Gets His Teeth Cleaned

Looking for more tips? Check out the Preparing for Your Visit page of our website.

Are dental x-rays necessary? Are they safe? How often should they be taken?

If you've had questions like these, you're not alone! Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about dental x-rays from REAL parents like you.

Why do we need to take x-rays if my child's teeth are fine?

Many problems begin painlessly and cannot be seen with the naked eye. X-rays enable the doctor to clearly see the anatomy of your child's teeth, gums, and bone structure to check for abnormalities. Treatment is less complicated, more cost-effective, and has a higher chance of a successful outcome when problems are found early, which is why the doctor doesn't want to wait until something hurts to look at it.

Do x-rays need to be taken at each dental visit?

Not necessarily. Every child's needs are different and the dentist will make recommendations in the best interest of your child's oral health.

Why does my dentist recommend taking different kinds of x-rays?

Different types of x-rays are used to evaluate different structures of the mouth. When looking for something small, like a cavity between the teeth, a "zoomed in" view is necessary. When looking at larger structures, like the development of the jaw, a "zoomed out" view is more appropriate. Some x-ray types require different angles and film sizes that help your doctor get the clearest picture of your health in order to make an accurate diagnosis.

I'm worried about radiation exposure. Are dental x-rays safe?

Yes. Dental imaging today is the safest it has ever been. Dental x-rays are already low in radiation because it's not necessary to penetrate through many layers of the body to get to the teeth. Digital x-ray technology lowers the radiation level even further. To put it in perspective, it would take 50 dental x-rays to equal the same radiation as a flight from New York to San Francisco. One dental x-ray is typically the same  radiation exposure as eating 2 bananas. Curious what other daily events expose you to more radiation than a dental x-ray? Check out this article to learn more.

It's important to weigh the risks when it comes to radiation exposure. A patient is at a much greater risk of harm from an undiagnosed dental issue than from the minimal amount of exposure in a dental x-ray.

My child had x-rays taken at another dental office 8 months ago, can't you look at those instead of taking new ones?

A lot can change in the mouth over time, and no one can predict how fast cavities will grow and spread onto other teeth. To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor must have the most up to date information. Seeing is knowing. Not seeing is guessing. Our doctors will not guess when it comes to your child's health.

Do you have a question not featured here today? Please ask the doctor and staff at your next check-up!

Sources:

The Importance of Taking Dental X-Rays

Radiation Safety

Did you know that tooth decay is the single most common chronic childhood disease? It's 5 times more common than asthma, 4 times more common than early childhood obesity, and 20 times more common than diabetes. What separates dental decay from other chronic illnesses is that it's almost 100% preventable!

Your child becomes at risk for cavities the moment the first tooth erupts, which is why establishing healthy habits from a young age is so important. Consistency is the key! Just like all new experiences, your baby may be fussy or uncooperative when you first begin cleaning his teeth, but will soon accept that this is part of daily life, just like changing diapers and taking a bath.

A special note about bottle and breastfeeding:

One of the most devastating dental conditions found in infants in toddlers is known as Baby Bottle Decay - this happens when teeth are bathed in the sugars of breastmilk and formula for an extended period of time, such as throughout the night while sleeping or children who tend to "graze" throughout the day. Liquids coat all tooth surfaces during feeding, which causes multiple teeth to break down and decay at once. This requires general anesthesia and the placement of multiple crowns to restore dental health. Without treatment, teeth deteriorate quickly, cause pain, and are at high risk for infection. Both bottle-fed and breast-fed babies are at risk of developing this condition.

To avoid Baby Bottle Decay, our pediatric dentists recommend these tips:

• Wipe your baby's teeth and mouth clean with damp cloth after every feeding.
• Do not add sweetener, flavoring, or thickeners to your child's drinks.
  • If your pediatrician recommends additives specific to your child's health needs, make sure you wipe the mouth clean after every feeding.
• Never put your baby to bed with a cup of milk, juice, or formula. Do not allow your child to fall asleep at the breast or breast/bottle feed at will throughout the night.
  • This tip is easier said than done! Check out this article from Live Love Sleep on how to establish a healthy nighttime routine.
• Establish set feeding times to avoid grazing throughout the day. Limit milk and juice intake to mealtimes only and give water in between meals.
• Limit your child's sugar intake. Once of the sneakiest forms of sugar is 100% fruit juice, which has a higher amount of sugar than eating the fruit itself. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, follow these guidelines:
  • No more than 4 ounces of 100% fruit juice a day for children ages 1 through 3 years
  • 4 to 6 ounces for children ages 4 through 6
  • 8 ounces for children ages 7 through 14.
  • Do not give fruit juice to infants under 1 year old.

Next steps:

Whatever your child's age, the best day to start a healthy habit is today! If your child is due for a dental check-up, don't delay in scheduling. Regular dental care is an excellent opportunity for your dentist to coach you on creating healthy habits specific to your child.

Sources:

AAPD Early Childhood Caries Stats

CDC Baby Home Hygiene Infographic

Live Love Sleep

AAP Added Sugar in Kids' Diets

Getting Started

Did you know you should start oral care before your child has any teeth? Yes!  You simply use a wet washcloth or gauze and lightly wipe your infants gums to help cleanse the mouth.  Once your child has developed their first tooth, you can transition to using a toothbrush. At this stage, it is recommended to use fluoridated toothpaste, the size of a grain of rice. When your child is the age of three, you can use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on their toothbrush. It is encouraged to assist your child with their home-care habits until they are at least 7 to 8 years old.

Why is Brushing Important?

Brushing your teeth is a wonderful way to remove sticky plaque from your teeth and gums. It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes.

Fun Fact! Did you know that most people think they are brushing their teeth long enough, but in reality they are brushing their teeth less than one minute? Yikes!  Have a timer ready to make sure you do not fall in the category of brushing your teeth less than a minute.

Choosing a Toothpaste

When searching for toothpaste at your local store, you want to make sure the toothpaste you’ve chosen contains fluoride. All fluoridated toothpastes work at removing plaque and aide in keeping the teeth cavity free. The type of toothpaste you select should have a seal of approval. This seal is the American Dental Association (ADA) stamp. This stamp symbolizes the toothpaste has undergone clinical trials and is safe and effective.

Source:

Brushing and Toothpaste for Children

ADA Seal of Acceptance FAQs

Dentistry has seen a lot of change over the last 100 years.

Expecting to eventually lose several (or all!) of your teeth was once the norm. Then preventive dentistry came along and the possibility of your teeth lasting a lifetime became a reality. . . .

So what does it take for the 21st century child to stay cavity-free? Surprisingly, just a few basic steps*:

1. Follow a Healthy Diet
2. Establish Good Home Hygiene Habits
3. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

Healthy Diet**

Diets that are high in sugar and carbohydrates create the prefect environment for cavities. Candy and sodas are obvious sources of sugar, but do you know how much sugar is lurking in your everyday foods? Processed foods that are marketed for children (ex: gummy snacks, crackers and chips, juice, breakfast cereals, granola bars, yogurts, etc.) tend to be high in sugars and carbohydrates. Bacteria in the mouth thrives on these substances, giving them plenty of cavity-making fuel.

Need help identifying unhealthy snacks in disguise? Check out this link for tips on decoding the jargon used on kid's food labels.

Whole grains, unprocessed fruits and veggies, and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water instead of reaching for flavored drinks provides the best nutrition for your child's overall body health, including healthy teeth.

** Your pediatrician can help you plan an age-appropriate healthy diet to meet your child's developmental needs.

Home Hygiene

The dental hygienist cleans your child's teeth only twice a year - the other 363 days are up to you! Having a home routine is an important step in maintaining a clean smile. Tooth brushing should begin  as soon as the first tooth erupts, - yes, even babies need their teeth brushed! - and flossing should begin as soon as teeth are touching each other.

Brush the teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and use fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride toothpaste recommendations vary by age. Please ask your dentist what's best for your child at his/her next visit.

Regular Dental Visits

Visit your dentist every 6 months for a dental cleaning and check-up.

The focus of dentistry is prevention. Your board-certified pediatric dentist is specially trained to evaluate your child's mouth, teeth, and development. When issues are caught in the early stages, treatment is less complicated and has a higher rate of success. Your dentist also provides valuable cavity-preventing services such as fluoride treatments and sealants.

Every child's needs are different. Ask your dentist about the best strategy for staying cavity-free at your next dental visit.

*PLEASE NOTE: These 3 steps should be considered as basic guidelines for healthy teeth. Visit your dentist for a thorough evaluation on your unique cavity risk and a customized oral health plan that may include more than these 3 guidelines.

Sources:

Parents.com - Don't Be Fooled by These Misleading Labels on Kids' Foods

American Dental Association - Brushing Your Teeth

Dentalcare.com - Why a Regular Dental Check-Up is Important

Juice is a staple in the American child's diet and it's very cleverly marketed to lead parents to believe that it's a convenient source of nutrients. What do the experts have to say about juice consumption?

• The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) stated in 2017 that juice provides no nutritional benefit to children under age 1. For older children, the AAP advises avoiding juice because the high sugar content is a contributing factor to childhood obesity, diabetes, and causes tooth decay.
• The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) agrees with the AAP's recommendation to avoid or reduce juice intake.
• Children will readily drink juice and it is easy to over consume. Kids who fill up on juice miss the opportunity to eat other healthy foods.

Do you know how much sugar is in your juice?

Apple juice contains the same amount of sugar per ounce as Coca Cola! (Click HERE to see how much sugar your favorite snacks and beverages contain).

Diet is an important part of a successful oral health plan. Here are some frequently asked questions we have encountered with patients in our office:

What about unsweetened juices?

"Unsweetened" or "No Sugar Added" means that no additional sugar was added to the juice. Fruits used to make juice contain natural sugars.

Are organic juices healthier?

Organic fruits still contain natural sugars that can cause cavities.

My child loves juice and will be really upset if I take it away. What should I do?

Start by diluting your child's juice with a small amount of water. Over time, increase the water and reduce the juice until eventually your child is drinking water with a splash of juice. From there it is easier to offer plain water to drink.

Try flavoring plain water with slices of fresh fruit. Let your child get involved and add the fruits himself.

Does this mean fruits are bad for my child's health?

Fruits and veggies are an important part of a healthy diet and should not be eliminated. Whole fruits are much more nutritious than juices made from just the sugar and water of the fruit. Whole fruits contain fiber, are digested slower, and provide much better nutrition for the teeth and whole body. Click HERE for more info on making healthy food choices for your child.

Sources:

American Academy of Pediatrics

American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry 

Choose My Plate 

Sugar Stacks

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. Please check back often for weekly updates on fun and exciting events happening at our office, important and interesting information about  the dental industry, and the latest news about our practice.

Feel free to leave a comment or question for our doctors and staff - we hope this will be a valuable resource for our patients, their families, and friends!