Canton Kid's Dentistry

Kids are more likely to be enthusiastic about brushing if you let them choose their own ADA approved toothpaste. Many kids find adult toothpastes too “spicy” and kid-friendly flavors can help children get excited about caring for their teeth. We love bubblegum flavor! Comment and tell us your favorite flavor!

Frequent consumption of soft drinks is the leading cause of tooth decay in older kids, teens, and young adults. Water is always the best choice!

One of the goals of brushing 2 times a day is to prevent and remove plaque from your teeth, but plaque is pretty soft! Brushing too hard only serves to wear down your mouth's natural defenses and can actually lead to bigger problems down the road. Toothpaste is abrasive enough, so let it do the hard work!

Who doesn’t love potato chips?! Unfortunately, chips can be as bad for teeth as candy because starchy foods like chips and crackers can easily stick in the tiny grooves of your teeth and provide the sugars that cavity-causing bacteria need to grow. Go ahead and enjoy the occasional snack, just don’t forget to brush twice a day for two minutes!

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that you begin flossing as soon as your child develops two teeth close to each other. It’s important to floss for your child until he or she has enough dexterity to begin doing it themselves – typically around the same time that shoe-tying is learned.

Does your child bite their nails? This “innocent habit” can damage teeth and gums and may lead to chipped or cracked teeth or even gum irritation. It can also introduce bacteria and increase the chance of catching colds and other illnesses. Help your children stop biting their nails with positive tactics such as a reward system or a fidget toy to keep idle hands busy.

The average person only spends 45-70 seconds per day brushing their teeth! That’s well below the recommended 2 minutes. Be sure your family is brushing for at least 2 minutes, 2 times every day.

Should kids use over-the-counter tooth-whitening toothpaste and other products? We typically recommend against this, as these products can cause tooth sensitivity and may be too abrasive for their enamel. If you are concerned about your child's teeth, give us a call today!

Sharing toothbrushes sounds yucky, but it may be more common than you think! Stay healthy and avoid sharing cavity-causing bacteria by only use your own toothbrush - it's one item you don't want to share!

Brushing with your child is a sure way to make certain that they are brushing regularly - and it models good oral health. Teach by example!

Constant use of a sippy cup after the age of 2 can affect tooth and jaw development. As much as possible, try introducing a regular cup around the age of two. A good way to get kids motivated is to buy a new "special" cup so they are excited to try it out!

Did you know that fibrous vegetables like celery and carrots help scrub teeth and freshen breath as you eat them? And the other health benefits of eating vegetables are a bonus!

Got a tiny sweet tooth? To keep the sugar bugs away, make sure that these occasional treats are finished quickly. Rinsing with cool water afterwards is a great idea as well!

Thank you Northwest Periodontics & Implant Specialists” for your yummy gift!

Mouth guards work by helping cushion a blow to the face and minimizing the risk of broken teeth or lacerating a lip, tongue, or cheek. When choosing a mouth guard for your child, make sure that it easily fits in their mouth and that it conforms to the shape of their teeth. Choose a custom fitting mouth guard for the best protection.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children stop using pacifiers by age 3 months or younger. Continued use of a pacifier after the emergence of baby teeth can cause misalignment and lead to future orthodontic problems and even speech issues. Breaking pacifier dependence can be difficult, especially as children get older. A gentle, positive approach is always best.

A Frappuccino from Starbucks can have up to 1/4 cup of sugar! If your child indulges in these special treats, don't forget to brush!

We’re headed towards that season again. If your child uses throat lozenges, remember to choose the sugar-free kind. Sugar feeds hungry cavity causing bacteria, building up acids that attack enamel. We hope everyone stays healthy and keeps their teeth happy!

Electric or Manual? Electric toothbrushes are a great option to get kids excited about brushing. Many even have built-in timers, which helps ensure that they brush for at least two minutes. Regardless of which type you choose, we want to make sure that you brush two times every day!

Did you know that blue is the most popular toothbrush color? Comment and tell us what color yours is!

Teething can be just as painful for parents as it is for the baby! An excellent way to soothe sore gums is to rub a cold washcloth over your baby's gums gently. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call us!

Fresh fruit plays a significant role in a healthy diet. However, fruit snacks are typically not a tooth-friendly option, as they often contain added sugars that are perfect for cavity-causing bacteria. Additionally, dried fruits, such as raisins and plums, can stick to teeth and lead to decay. The best choice is almost always fresh fruit!

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests that all children should have a dental home by age one. A dental home is a trusted relationship between dentist and patient- a place to develop a lifetime of healthy oral habits. We would love to be your child’s dental home!

Did you know that dental sealants can decrease the risk of tooth decay by up to 80%? They are one of the most effective means of reducing childhood cavities!

Just a quick reminder that it might be time to replace your toothbrush! Toothbrushes should be replaced approximately every three months or sooner if the bristles become frayed. When selecting a toothbrush for your child, ensure you choose one designed for smaller hands and with a head size appropriate for little mouths. Soft bristles are typically the best choice!

Did you know that dental health can affect your child's confidence? Visiting the dentist every 6 months, and practicing good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily and flossing once daily, can help prevent low self-esteem and boost smiles all around!

Tooth grinding, known as bruxism, affects up to 30% of children and can be triggered by various causes, including stress, ear infections, teething, or orthodontic issues. While most children outgrow this habit, it sometimes necessitates further investigation. Please inform us if your child experiences trouble sleeping, frequent awakenings, jaw pain or soreness, headaches, or tooth sensitivity or pain. We're here to help!

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that you begin flossing as soon as your child has two teeth that touch each other. It's important to floss for your child until he or she has enough dexterity to start doing it themselves – typically around the same time shoe-tying is learned.

Does your child experience sensitivity when eating cold or hot items, such as ice cream or soup? This can be caused by tiny, microscopic holes in the enamel that allow teeth to be more sensitive to temperature changes. You should avoid tooth whitening products for children unless they are specifically recommended by us. An ADA-approved toothpaste made specifically for sensitive teeth may also help. Finally, brushing for two minutes, twice a day, and flossing daily is always recommended. If your child struggles with tooth sensitivity, give us a call today!

Teeth cannot repair themselves like other parts of the human body. 'Repairing' in this context means either regrowing what was lost or replacing it with scar tissue, which our teeth are unable to do. If your child fractures a tooth, gather any fragments you can find and store them in a clean container filled with cool water, saliva, or milk. If they're experiencing pain, have your child rinse their mouth with warm water. It's crucial to call us immediately to prevent infection and other complications that can arise from chipped teeth.