Spencer & Spencer Pediatric Dentistry

Happy Red Thursday from the lovey ladies of Spencer & Spencer! Ready for a 3-peat!! Let’s go Chiefs! ❤️💛❤️💛

Did you know that saliva helps protect teeth from decay? Saliva neutralizes acids in the mouth and helps remineralize teeth. That’s why chewing sugar-free gum, especially gum made with xylitol can help prevent cavities by producing more saliva!

Celebrating the hard work and dedication of everyone this Labor Day. Enjoy the day with your loved ones!

One of the most effective ways to get kids to brush regularly is to establish a regular bedtime routine. Having a pattern means that as much as possible, doing the same thing every night. That might be something simple as taking a bath, brushing their teeth, and reading a book. Kids (and adults!) thrive when they know what to expect. Establishing regular habits when children are young is the best way to prepare them for a lifetime of oral health!

Just like their human friends, dogs get two “sets” of teeth! Your dog will have their puppy teeth for about 4 months and then start to lose them to make room for the adult teeth.

Did you know that as pediatric dentists, we are specifically trained to care for your child's oral health throughout the various phases of childhood? After dental school, we go through additional training to learn how to care for children from infants up through their teenage years; when the most change occurs. Ask us how we're uniquely qualified to take care of your child!

Only half of U.S. school-age children get enough sleep. If your child has difficulty winding down, try limiting screen time (both tv and devices) before bed. Children also thrive when there is an established and consistent bedtime routine - doing the exact same steps every night. And of course, don’t forget to include brushing and flossing as part of that routine!

While you can’t “catch” a cavity, sharing utensils, toothbrushes, and food can transfer cavity-causing bacteria between people. Stay healthy!

Did you know that by simply turning off the water while you brush, your family can save roughly 200 gallons of water each month!

Is ice cream a painful treat for you? If so, you may have sensitive teeth. Proper oral hygiene, such as regular flossing and brushing with fluoride toothpaste, is the key to avoiding tooth pain.

Tooth grinding is also called bruxism and usually occurs at night. It is often a sign of anxiety, stress or can indicate possible jaw and orthodontic issues. If you hear your child grinding their teeth at night or notice signs of wear, let us know immediately. Many children outgrow the habit, but we can discuss options at your next appointment!

Did you know? Kiwis contain more vitamin C than any other fruit for their size, including oranges! Research has shown that vitamin C is essential for healthy gums and can help fight off periodontal disease. Encouraging your child to enjoy a kiwi as a snack can be a delicious way to support their dental health!

Thumb sucking, especially past the age of four, can cause long-term damage to the development of the mouth and proper tooth alignment (not to mention that it also introduces bacteria and viruses from not-so-clean hands.) We suggest encouraging your children to stop by using positive reinforcement. For example, you might consider using a star chart and place a star when you “catch” your child without her thumb in her mouth! Offer a small reward for a specific number of stars gained in a week. Using positive reinforcement and praise will keep your child aware of thumb-sucking and motivate them to stop.

Are your kids getting bored during these last few weeks of summer break? We love these dental-inspired coloring pages you can download for free! https://bit.ly/3RKY25K

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!

Biting can be a difficult behavior for parents to manage. But it’s not always simply your toddler “acting out”. Teething might be a big factor. Children acquire 20 teeth during their first couple of years. That results in a lot of teething behavior. Children also tend to bite to express, when tired, hungry, or dealing with change. Pay close attention to the sources of possible stress such as potty-training, moving, or the arrival of a new sibling. We recommend using positive distraction techniques to redirect your child towards another activity. It also helps to have items on hand like snacks or teething rings cooled in the fridge to soothe their pain.

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!

One of the easiest and most effective ways kids (and adults) can reduce cavities is simply by replacing sugared drinks with water. Easy access to juice and soda causes many of the early cavities we see. Even when diluted, juice can provide the sugars that cavity-causing bacteria need to thrive. Drink more water! 😊

Here are 3 dental superfoods for babies with emerging teeth: (1) Apples are fantastic for teeth and so much better than apple sauce! Apples contain fiber that helps keep teeth clean and contain tons of vitamin C. (2) A lot of babies LOVE chewing on raw broccoli. It’s great for keeping smiles bright by forming a protective coating on teeth due to having a high iron content. (3) Cheese is also a dental powerhouse, with calcium and phosphates to build strong enamel, cheese is also a saliva maker, helping to achieve a healthy mouth pH. Don’t forget that babies should also primarily drink water! 😊

Wishing everyone a sparkling 4th of July!✨ Celebrate with a smile as bright as the fireworks!

What did the dentist see at the North Pole? A molar bear! Comment and tell us your favorite dental joke!

It's not dental health, but skin health is important too! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping babies younger than six months out of direct sunlight. For toddlers and older children, they suggest dressing them in cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body, limiting your sun exposure between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm when UV rays are strongest, looking for youth-sized sunglasses with UV protection, and using sunscreen. Stay cool out there!

Teeth cannot repair themselves like other parts of the human body. “Repairing” means either re-growing what was lost or replacing it with scar tissue. Our teeth cannot do that. If your child fractures a tooth, then gather what fragments you can find and store them in a clean container of cool water, saliva, or milk. Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water if they are experiencing any pain. It is important that you call us immediately to prevent infection and other complications that are brought on by chipped teeth.

Wow, it's the first day of summer! As we dive into sunny days and fun outdoor adventures, let's remember to keep our smiles bright and healthy. Enjoy those summer treats, but don't forget to brush and floss!

Is your child’s toothbrush as effective as it can be? If they are brushing with an old, or dirty toothbrush, then they just aren’t benefitting from brushing as much as they could be. To keep your child’s toothbrush running strong, rinse it thoroughly under cool tap water after brushing, washing the bristles clean of all debris. Replace their toothbrush every 3-4 months, so that your child brushes with functional bristles.

Happy Father's Day to all the incredible dads out there! Whether you're a new dad or a seasoned pro, your dedication and love make a world of difference. Enjoy your special day – you deserve it!

Even with strenuous exercise, most kids don’t lose enough electrolytes to need sports drinks. Plus the second ingredient in many of these beverages is sugar. Water is almost always the better option.

Who needs a smile today! Smiling releases hormones called endorphins, making you happier, more positive, and less stressed-out! Smiling has even been shown to strengthen your immune system. Keep smiling!

Did you know that one human mouth contains more bacteria than the number of people on Earth?! WOW! All the more reason to keep brushing! :)

Sensitive teeth? Bananas can help! Studies have indicated that Bananas may help with tooth sensitivity!