Asthma Inhalers and Your Child’s Dental Care
If your child uses an asthma inhaler, tell the dental team which medicine they take and how they use it. That information belongs in the dental history even when asthma seems well controlled and the visit is only for a cleaning. Protecting your child’s mouth should fit around their prescribed asthma treatment. Do not stop […]
Moving With Kids and Transferring Dental Care
A move can leave a small but important question unanswered: who is following the tooth that was being watched, the treatment that was not finished, or the appliance that needs another check? Before changing dental offices, arrange both the records transfer and the next step in care. Receiving a chart is useful, but it does […]
Pacifier Cleaning and Saliva Sharing With Your Baby
The pacifier falls out. Your baby wants it back. Putting it in your mouth for a quick clean can feel like the easiest solution, especially when you are nowhere near a sink. My advice is to skip that step. Clean the pacifier according to its care instructions, rather than using your mouth. Saliva can carry […]
Dental Sealants for Kids: Are They Safe and Needed?
Dental sealants are a useful way to protect the chewing grooves of children’s back teeth. They add a thin coating over places that can be difficult to clean. Whether your child needs them depends on the teeth, their condition, and your child’s risk of cavities. At Junior Smiles of Stafford, we often explain sealants by […]
Does My Child Need a Dental Crown?
A child may need a dental crown when a tooth is too weakened or extensively damaged for a filling to protect it reliably. A white spot, small cavity, or color change alone does not tell us that a crown is necessary. We need to understand what caused the change and how much of the […]
At What Age Do People’s Teeth Stop Growing
Teeth are an integral part of our anatomy, vital for the essential functions of eating and speaking, and playing a significant role in our appearance and self-confidence. They also undergo a series of noteworthy transformations as we journey through life. The initial set of teeth, commonly called milk teeth, are temporary and are eventually succeeded […]
Whiskey for Teething: A Stafford Pediatric Dentist’s Guide to Safe Relief
If you’re here, chances are your baby is fussy, drooling, and chewing on everything in sight. You’re exhausted and just want to help. Maybe someone—often a loving grandmother or well-meaning friend—told you: “Just rub a little whiskey on the gums. That’s what we used to do.” As comforting as that advice might sound, the truth is […]
How to Remove Tartar From Your Toddler’s Teeth Without a Dentist
When it comes to your child’s gums, have you observed a yellow or brownish material developing? Despite your best efforts, it just won’t go away with a simple brushing. Otherwise, they may be suffering from tartar buildup. Plaque allowed to accumulate and calcify on the teeth becomes tartar (also known as dental calculus). Tartar not […]
Is it Okay for Kids to Chew Gum? Choosing the Right Gum for Kids
Many parents find themselves pondering, ‘Is it okay to chew gum?’ especially when it comes to their little ones. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests waiting until children are mature enough to comprehend the importance of not swallowing gum. Generally, the suitable age to introduce chewing gum for kids is around five years old, a time when […]
Can I Use Baking Soda on Toddler’s Teeth?
Baking soda has always been helpful and has always been a safe dental care product for decades. Because of its mild abrasiveness, baking soda is a good solution for cleaning teeth and removing plaque and sugar deposits stuck in the grooves. It is also a natural tooth whitener, and its natural freshening ability may help […]