Brush Pediatric Dentistry Blog

Did you know that this February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM)? Sponsored by the American Dental Association to raise awareness of the importance of children’s dental health, this month is intended to educate parents and caregivers on how to teach good hygiene habits. Read on to learn more about the history of National Children’s Dental Health Month and four ways you can celebrate!

The supportive structures of your child’s smile begin developing in gestation, and before you know it, their teeth will erupt and they’ll be ready to eat solid foods! Once they get older, they may require braces or be at a higher risk of developing cavities due to their diet or underlying medical conditions. All of these developments can be not only explained, but also closely overseen by a pediatric dentist at preventive visits! Read on to learn three reasons you should take your little one in for routine checkups and cleanings early on.

Stocking stuffers are one of the hardest types of gifts to shop for, especially because most people don’t want to get their children gifts that they’re likely to just throw away! The best type of stocking stuffer is one that has a purpose, like dental hygiene products. Although those words would cause any child’s eyes to glaze over, you’ll be surprised at how many fun, exciting toothbrushes and other items are on the shelves to boost their desire to take care of their precious little smile. Read on for four great stocking stuffer ideas that can help prevent cavities and encourage your child to feel proud of their grin!  

One of the most exciting parts of Thanksgiving and the holiday season is all of the foods that your child will get to eat. From homemade cookies and pies to ham, turkey, and a smorgasbord of delicious sides, your child is sure to be full and satisfied after dinner. However, one factor you may not be considering is how certain popular holiday foods will impact their oral health. Some can lead to a greater risk of cavities, while others can actually ward off the threat of common oral health issues. Read on to learn which Thanksgiving classics can boost their dental development.

Halloween is just around the corner, meaning within a couple of weeks, your little one will have a mountain of their favorite treats in the house, ranging from gummies and caramel to chocolate. When left to their own devices, they’ll likely be tempted to snack on their Halloween candy throughout the day, but this could lead to the development of pesky cavities. Read on for four tips to help your child avoid developing cavities this Halloween.

When the school year starts, there’s so much hustle and bustle that it’s hard to notice the early signs of common oral health problems, like canker sores, cavities, and teeth grinding. With the proper preventive practices in place, like routine brushing and flossing, your little one can excel in school in addition to reducing their risk of these common issues. Read on for four back-to-school dental hygiene tips that will help keep your favorite smile healthy, happy, and bright.

Although most people wouldn’t make the connection between children’s dental health to their academic performance, studies have unveiled that these two parts of little ones’ day-to-day lives are related to each other. The National Survey of Children’s Health, taken in 2007, surveyed over 40,000 children on their school performance, psychosocial well-being, and dental health, taking into account social determinants. Their conclusion was that with improved dental hygiene practices, school focus and participation can be improved.

Thumb-sucking and pacifiers are two of the most common ways that children comfort themselves. From infancy to toddlerhood, these habits can soothe not just your baby’s nerves, but also your own by calming their crying. While there are plenty of developmental benefits pacifiers can offer, there are also some negatives, especially if they continue using them well into their toddler years. Read on to learn about some of the pros and cons non-nutritive habits can have on your little one’s development.

Tooth enamel is highly durable and considered to be the hardest substance in the human body. However, not only is it not indestructible, but it can weaken and wear down over time, resulting in tooth sensitivity. For young smiles that are still developing, this problem can create much discomfort. So, what can you do for your child with sensitive teeth? Read on to hear from a pediatric dentist who can explain why it happens and which treatments are most effective.

Do you have a child who is an avid athlete? Do you spend your weeknights and weekends at practices and games? Whether you’re busy carrying around equipment for multiple sports or just one, you’ll want to make sure they’re protected from possible harm on the court, track, or field. While helmets, shoulder pads, and other similar gear are important, take the time to learn why your child should wear a mouthguard while participating in their favorite sport.