Dentistry For Kids Reno

Strong jaw, strong mind. Don’t ignore the pain—taking action early can make a big difference.

Grateful for the new beginnings of November.

Make brushing your teeth a part of your daily routine for optimal oral health.

Dentistry for Kids is wishing everyone a fun and spooky Halloween! Enjoy the festivities, be safe, and let the creativity flow. Whether you're trick-or-treating or hosting a gathering, make the most of this day filled with treats and friendly frights!🎃🧡✨

What's the story behind your Halloween costume?

The reason sugar is so dangerous for our oral health is that harmful oral bacteria love eating it as much as we do, and then they excrete acid onto our teeth. Tooth enamel might be the strongest substance in the human body, but even weak acids can erode it, which is why dentists encourage us to avoid sour, sticky, and hard Halloween candy.

Hard candy is like a slow-release sugar delivery system for all that bacteria, keeping them active for a long period of time. Sticky candy is a problem because it puts the sugar directly against our teeth and gums. Sour candy contains plenty of its own acid, so that's like cutting out the middleman!

What Halloween treats are left? Chocolate is a pretty good option! It contains compounds that slow tooth decay, limit oral bacteria, and fight bad breath. However, these polyphenols and flavonoids don't outweigh the effects of sugar, which is why dentists are bigger fans of dark chocolate than milk chocolate.

Any candy sweetened by xylitol instead of sugar is definitely better for teeth. Xylitol actually hurts oral bacteria. These candies aren't super common in 2024, but hopefully that will change!

Your teeth will thank you for flossing.

A sealant is like a safety belt for your teeth. Don't risk it.

Spooky season is here!

Tooth enamel: The superhero of your mouth.

Take care of your smile, it's worth it.

Elderly people are not the only people at risk of gum recession, even though that idea is where the expression "long in the tooth" originated. Some people are unlucky enough to be genetically prone to gum recession, but there are several avoidable factors that contribute to gum recession (in kids as well as adults!):

#1: Overbrushing. Anyone brushing hard enough to leave their toothbrush bristles bent outward is probably overdoing it. When we're brushing our teeth, we're cleaning living tissue, not floor tiles! We need to be gentle. Use soft-bristled brushes and don't use excessive pressure. Likewise, don't snap the floss directly onto the gums! Gently work it down the side of one tooth instead.

#2: Gum disease. As it progresses, gum disease can wreak havoc on the supporting structures around the teeth, making it a major cause of gum recession. The best defenses are limiting sugar intake and keeping up with oral hygiene habits, along with regular dental appointments.

#3: Bruxism. A grinding habit puts a lot of pressure on the teeth and gums and can cause damage over time. Lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioral therapy, and meditation can help break the habit.

What's your favorite dental hygiene tip? Share in the comments below!

Let's make some memories.

Teaching is like herding cats... but with more patience.

A smile can bring hope to someone's day.

Let's create a community of support.

Happy Fall Y'all! Keep your teeth clean and your smile bright.

As the year comes to a close in just a few months, we'd like to emphasize the significance of utilizing your dental benefits before they reset. Since many insurance plans reset on January 1, any unused benefits for your child's dental care could be lost.

There are many things parents can do to put their kids' smiles on the right track for a lifetime of good oral health. Here are a few of them:

#1: Find them a toothbrush they like using. A child's toothbrush should be the right size for their hands and mouth and it should have polished, soft bristles. It should also be one they like, whether that means that it's their favorite color or it has their favorite character on it. (And don't forget to replace it when the bristles fray.)

#2: Protect against cavities with sealants. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends sealants, especially for kids who've already had tooth decay. Sealants protect the pits and grooves of molars, greatly reducing the risk of cavities.

#3: Offer them teeth-friendly snacks. All snacks are not created equal! Whole and sliced fruit are great options (the fibers scrub the teeth clean and the natural sugars aren't as harmful as added sugars in processed food), as is cheese (it stimulates saliva production and provides a source of calcium).

#4: Manage whitening toothpaste expectations. Every teen wants the perfect smile, but they need to keep a realistic idea of what whitening toothpaste can do. It can help with surface stains, but it won't fix white spots from braces or deeper stains.

Fall is the best time of year! What's your favorite fall activity?

Gentle care for tiny teeth, big smiles guaranteed!

Is your child in need of dental work? Don't delay; schedule an appointment today! It's important to note that your child's dental benefits will likely reset on January 1.

Leafy greens are a delicious and nutritious way to improve your oral health.