Need help with last minute holiday shopping? Here are a few of Dr. Norman and Dr. Cat's favorites! :)
1) Children's toothbrushes - You can make brushing fun by having your child choose a toothbrush with their favorite character! Our Drs. daughter LOVES Bluey, so what better toothbrush to choose? Make sure that toothbrushes are age appropriate with soft or extrasoft bristles and don't forget fluoridated or hydroxyapatite toothpaste!
2) Electric toothbrushes - For those children old enough for electric toothbrushes, having your child pick their favorite character or color brush will make brushing so much more exciting! You can also get a brush that is associated with a phone app or timer to make sure your child brushes for the full 2 minutes (always make sure brushing is supervised in younger children!)
3) Biodegradable and plastic-free floss picks - We find that floss picks make flossing super easy for parents and kids! We favor environmentally friendly floss options!
4) For our youngest children - our favorite "brush" is the banana! It works as a great teether, it can help sooth gums, and is safe for infants to hold on their own (the protective handles prevent children from pushing the whole brush in their mouth). This is a great introduction to brushing even before teeth come in the mouth!
5) And of course - we can't forget our favorite toy options! For children who are nervous of going to the dentist, these dentist playsets help familiarize children with the dental setting, making going to the dentist a less scary place!
We hope you all have a wonderful holiday season!
*Disclaimer: We do not endorse, sponsor, or have any financial obligation to any of the products shown in this post.
Flossing is more than just a super cool dance move - Flossing is an important part of maintaining good oral hygiene, and it's especially important for children. While brushing is important for removing plaque and bacteria from the surfaces of the teeth, flossing is the only way to remove things from between the teeth.
Flossing should be started as soon as the child has teeth that are touching each other. This is usually around the age of 2-3 years old. Parents or caregivers should help their children floss to ensure that they are doing it properly. As the child grows older, they will be able to floss on their own.
Flossing may be difficult for some children, especially those with small mouths. In these cases, it may be helpful to use floss holders to make the flossing easier. Also, there's special floss picks made just for braces that make flossing much easier as well!
We understand that flossing can be a difficult habit to establish, but we are here to help with any questions you may have to help build healthy routines!
Losing baby teeth is a normal process and it is an exciting part of growing up! But because this is a new process, it can also be a little scary for children. They may worry about the tooth falling out and causing them discomfort, or worried about losing their teeth forever. As a parent, you can help make the experience less scary and more fun for your child!
One way to make losing baby teeth less scary is by explaining the process to your child in a way that they can understand. You can show them pictures of the process to help them understand what's happening. You can also explain that losing baby teeth is a sign that their adult teeth are growing in and a part of growing up!
Another way to make the experience less scary is by creating a fun and positive atmosphere around the event. You can make a big deal out of your child's tooth falling out, celebrating with a special treat or even throwing a "tooth-loss party." You can also involve your child in the tooth fairy tradition by letting them put their tooth under the pillow and leaving a small gift or note in return.
It's also important to remind your child that losing baby teeth is not painful, and if there is any discomfort, it is usually mild and short-lived. You can also remind them that their dentist is always available to help if they have any concerns.
Additionally, you can help your child by teaching them good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, to keep their teeth and gums healthy, preventing any discomfort or infection that could happen when a baby tooth comes out.
And as always, we are always available to help with any concerns you may have!
As a pediatric dental office, we understand that every child is unique and may have special health care needs that require extra care and attention. Children with special health care needs often face additional challenges when it comes to maintaining their oral health, and it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of these challenges and take appropriate steps to address them.
One of the most common challenges faced by children with special needs is difficulty with communication. Children with autism, for example, may have difficulty expressing their needs or understanding instructions, making it difficult for dental professionals to provide proper care. In these cases, it is important for parents and caregivers to work closely with the dental team to ensure that the child is comfortable and can communicate effectively.
Another challenge faced by children with special needs is difficulty with physical coordination. Children with cerebral palsy, for example, may have trouble sitting still for prolonged periods of time or may have difficulty opening their mouths wide enough for dental exams. In these cases, it is important for the dental team to be patient and to use specialized equipment and techniques to make the experience as comfortable as possible for the child.
Children with special needs may also have difficulty with oral hygiene. Some children may not have the motor skills to brush and floss properly, while others may have difficulty understanding the importance of oral hygiene. Parents and caregivers can help by providing extra assistance with brushing and flossing, and by working with the dental team to develop a customized oral hygiene plan that is tailored to the child's specific needs.
It is also important to note that children with special needs may be more prone to certain oral health problems, such as cavities, gum disease and dental abnormalities. Regular dental check-ups and early intervention can help to prevent and treat these issues, and it is important for parents and caregivers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of oral health problems and to seek treatment as soon as possible.
At our pediatric dental office, we understand the unique challenges faced by children with special needs and are committed to providing the highest level of care and attention to all of our patients. We work closely with parents and caregivers to understand the child's specific needs and to develop a customized treatment plan that is tailored to their individual needs. With the right care and attention, children with special needs can maintain good oral health and have a happy and healthy smile.
