Month: September 2016

Children’s first exposure to the bacteria that causes cavities is commonly through their parents or caregivers. Therefore, it’s very important to avoid sharing utensils or saliva and for parents to maintain a good oral health.  However, tooth decay is preventable, and parents can help their kids reduce this risk.
Continue reading “How to Prevent Tooth Decay in Your Child’s Mouth”

When it comes to your kids, only the best foods will suffice. However, the temptations of sugary beverages, take-out meals and various sweet, delectable desserts sometimes can be overwhelming, particularly for kids.

But when it comes to helping your child maintain a pristine smile, it is paramount to understand the best and worst foods for his or her mouth. That way, you’ll be able to help your child make healthy choices and keep his or her teeth clean for years to come.

First, let’s consider some of the best foods for a healthy mouth:

Water

Water helps your child stay hydrated and keep his or her teeth clean. It washes sugars and acid from the teeth and contains fluoride, a material that helps minimize the risk of tooth decay.

Leafy vegetables

Introducing leafy vegetables into a child’s diet is a good idea for a number of reasons. These vegetables are loaded with many nutrients and require a lot of chewing – something that is excellent for a child’s teeth. Plus, leafy vegetables like spinach and lettuce create plenty of saliva and actually scrubs the teeth to help clean them.

Strawberries

Strawberries serve as a sweet, delicious fruit that may help your child whiten his or her teeth. With each strawberry your child consumes, he or she also gets a healthy dose of malic acid – a natural enamel whitener.

Milk

Milk does a body good, and the same holds true for your child’s teeth. This dairy product is loaded with calcium, a key contributor to bone development that helps strengthen tooth enamel, too.

Sugarless gum

Have a child that cannot get enough gum? Offer him or her sugarless gum – by doing so, your child can chew gum that stimulates saliva creation and washes away acids produced by bacteria in the mouth.

Comparatively, let’s take a closer look at some of the worst foods for a healthy mouth:

Citrus fruit

Citrus fruit like oranges and grapefruit are highly acidic. As a result, they may cause tooth enamel to erode over an extended period of time.2. Chewy candy

Taffy, caramels and other chewy candy might taste great, but these sweets can cause substantial damage to your child’s teeth. Chewy candy can easily become stuck in your kid’s teeth and may be difficult to remove. As such, this candy ultimately could result in cavities and tooth decay.

Pickles

Eating pickles in moderation is unlikely to cause significant tooth erosion. However, consuming pickles too often can damage tooth enamel due to the high amounts of acid they contain.

 

Crackers

Crackers might seem like a good snack for your child, at least until you consider the potential damage they may cause to your kid’s teeth. The refined carbohydrates found in many different types of crackers transform into sugar in the mouth, which may result in cavity-forming bacteria.

 

Soda

Perhaps unsurprisingly, soda and other sugary beverages can lead to cavities. But did you know the acids found in soda and other carbonated beverages can be more harmful than sugar? That’s right – these acids can erode a child’s tooth enamel as well.

Maintaining a healthy mouth can be exceedingly difficult for children. But parents who understand the best and worst foods for a healthy mouth can take the necessary precautions to ensure their kids are able to enjoy clean, healthy smiles for years to come.

 

Every parent wants to ensure their child maintains a healthy smile. This remains a top concern for many patients at The Super Dentists.. As such, most parents will try to do everything they can to prevent their kids from encountering common dental problems.

Dental education is important, particularly for parents. Having the ability to identify the early signs of common dental problems in children empowers a parent to take the necessary steps to minimize them.

So what are some of the most common dental problems that your child may encounter?

Dental Problems in Kids & Common Dental Problems in Toddlers

Unfortunately, dental problems can happen to anyone including kids of all ages. Surprisingly, serious teeth and gum conditions can develop in kids as early as when they receive their first tooth.

The good news? Dental problems in kids can be avoided or minimized if detected early. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, if your child sees a dentist before their 5th birthday, subsequent dental costs over a 5-year span can be cut in half! The Super Dentists recommends your child see a pediatric dentist no later than age 1.

Here are three pediatric dental issues that every parent needs to know about:

1. Tooth decay
   

This is the most common of all dental problems in kids. According to the National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, tooth decay ranks as the number one chronic childhood illness. And if left untreated, tooth decay may cause pediatric dental disease that could result in eating and speaking problems.

Tooth decay is preventable, and parents who take their children to the dentist regularly can identify and resolve this issue quickly and effectively. In fact, dentists are happy to help your child avoid tooth decay altogether.

A dentist will clean your child’s teeth and teach them about proper brushing and flossing techniques during their visit. This is one of the easiest and least expensive steps you can take to proactively prevent tooth decay.

 

2. Thumb sucking

Thumb sucking that continues beyond the age of 4 or 5 can be problematic as a child’s permanent teeth begin to develop.

Thumb sucking may lead to a child’s teeth being pushed out of alignment, creating an overbite. Also, a child’s upper and lower jaws may become misaligned due to thumb sucking, which could result in speech problems.

For infants, thumb sucking is normal and can be a tough habit to break. But parents who offer positive reinforcement may be better equipped to help their children resist the temptation to suck their thumbs.

“Gradually increase the time needed without sucking to achieve the reward. The younger the child, the more frequent the rewards will need to be given,” WebMD recommends. “For children who want to stop, cover the finger or thumb with a Band-Aid as a reminder. Take the thumb or finger out of the mouth after your child falls asleep.”

 

3. Tongue thrusting

Tongue thrusting is common during infancy but may be a sign of an orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) that could impact a child’s ability to speak clearly. OMDs are one of the most common dental problems in toddlers – and also one of the most misunderstood!

When a tongue thrust occurs, a child’s tongue may move forward during rest or protrude between his or her upper and lower teeth when speaking or swallowing, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) notes. And if a tongue thrust goes unaddressed, a child “may look, speak and swallow differently than other children of the same age.”

Dentists can diagnose tongue thrusting and other OMDs at an early age and work with parents to develop a treatment plan.

Not Sure About Common Dental Problems in Kids? Visit The Super Dentists Today

When it comes to pediatric dentistry in San Diego County, The Super Dentists are an out-of-this-world experience. We help identify and treat all of the most common dental problems in toddlers and older children.

Our team possesses the expertise and experience to provide your child with best-in-class dental treatments. Furthermore, our first-rate staff of dental professionals perform an array of dental services and treatments, ensuring your child is fully supported at all times.

To learn more about our pediatric dentistry services, please call/text us today at 619-DENTIST (619-336-8478). You can also get help with common dental problems in kids by using our convenient online scheduling portal. Come visit The Super Dentists today!

Sealants serve as protective coatings for your teeth. They are bonded to the back teeth to cover the grooves, and ultimately, make the surface of the teeth smooth. Thus, sealants can make it easier to brush your teeth and keep them as clean as possible at all times.

In addition, sealants offer long-lasting value for a number of reasons, including:

 

1. Cost savings

A penny saved is a penny earned, and when it comes to sealants, they can help you improve your teeth without breaking your budget.

 

Sealants serve as a great choice to supplement your daily brushing and flossing efforts, and over an extended period of time, could help you save money on your dental treatments. According to The Super Dentists, $1 spent on sealants often results in $4 saved due to the reduced need for fillings and other expensive, time-consuming dental treatments.

 

It is important to note, however, that sealants cannot substitute for everyday brushing and flossing. Instead, you should use sealants as well as regular brushing and flossing to improve your smile and prevent cavities consistently.

 

2. Reduction in cavities

The Super Dentists notes there is a direct correlation between the use of sealants and reduction of cavities in children. In fact, sealant placement in kids has shown an 86 percent reduction of cavity incidences after one year and 58 percent after four years.

 

In a perfect world, no one wants to deal with cavities. And thanks to sealants, you can minimize the chance that your child will ever encounter cavities altogether.

 

3. Prevention of tooth decay

Sealants help protect baby teeth and back teeth – both of which can be incredibly difficult to keep clean, especially for children. Therefore, using sealants may help reduce the risk of tooth decay of baby teeth and back teeth both now and in the future.

 

The Super Dentists points out 80 percent to 90 percent of cavities on permanent back teeth occur due to pit and fissure decay, and 44 percent of cavities affect baby teeth as well. On the other hand, with sealants, your child may be able to eliminate the risk of tooth decay and improve his or her chances of maintaining a clean, healthy smile for years to come.

 

Of course, sealants should be installed and maintained by top-notch pediatric dentists. And with The Super Dentists, your child can receive expert dental care from experienced pediatric dentists at all times.

 

The Super Dentists serves as San Diego County’s premier pediatric dental care provider and continues to explore ways to assist children with their oral health problems. As a result, The Super Dentists will work with you to ensure your son or daughter is fully supported.

 

To learn more about the pediatric dental care offerings available from The Super Dentists, please visit our website or call us today at (619) DENTIST.

Although your child may brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day, there are no guarantees that he or she will be able to maintain a picture-perfect smile.

Of course, brushing and flossing the teeth are important. But scheduling regular visits to a pediatric dentist also is a must, as these appointments will allow your son or daughter to receive comprehensive dental care.

There are many great reasons to take your child to a pediatric dentist, including:

 

1. Your child can receive tips to brush and floss properly.

What good are brushing and flossing the teeth if your child is doing so incorrectly? With the right pediatric dentist, your child will be able to receive expert guidance to help him or her brush and floss properly.

Also, a pediatric dentist can provide sealants, plastic coatings that attach to the tops and sides of a child’s teeth, to reduce the risk of cavities.

Sealants ensure your child can minimize food particles and plaque from the teeth; however, they are not a substitute for everyday brushing and flossing.

 

Thus, a pediatric dentist can offer sealants to help your child improve his or her teeth for years to come.

 

2. A pediatric dentist can address biting and chewing issues.

Is your child biting and chewing foods properly? Improper biting and chewing can cause teeth pain and infection and may lead to a number of long-lasting oral health issues, including:

• Misalignment of the jaw
• Altered facial aesthetics
• Improper jaw growth
• Airway obstruction
• Speech problems

A pediatric dentist can perform an in-depth teeth cleaning to remove plaque from your child’s teeth as well as identify and address biting and chewing issues.

Plus, your child’s dentist will be able to examine your child’s bite to ensure he or she is not missing any teeth or developing excess (supernumerary) teeth.

 

3. You and your child can learn about the dangers of tooth decay, how fluoride and dental rinse work and much more.

Tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic diseases in children between the ages of 6 and 11 years old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And if a child fails to eliminate tooth decay, it may become a persistent problem that extends into adulthood.

A pediatric dentist, meanwhile, can help your child address tooth decay immediately and provide assistance in other areas as well.

For example, does your child understand the differences between mouthwash and a fluoride rinse? If not, your child may struggle to keep his or her teeth clean and healthy.

Typically, mouthwash helps improve the smell of a person’s breath, but it does not clean the teeth. On the other hand, a fluoride rinse safeguards the teeth against acids produced by bacterial plaque. This rinse is designed to complement an individual’s everyday brushing and flossing, and ultimately, help protect the teeth against cavities.

A pediatric dentist will be able to explain the differences between mouthwash and a fluoride rinse. This dental professional likely will provide your child with a sample of fluoride rinse as well, enabling your son or daughter to incorporate this product into his or her everyday dental care routine.

On their own, brushing and flossing the teeth can help keep the teeth looking great. But with assistance from a pediatric dentist, your child can learn the skills and know-how needed to maintain an immaculate smile day after day.

Help Your Kids Keep Their Teeth Clean and Healthy

Getting kids to brush their teeth may seem like a never-ending chore. But why does it have to be that way?

The Super Dentists is here to help with online tools and resources for parents, you can find everything you need to know about how to teach your kids to brush their teeth!

Thanks to The Super Dentists of San Diego, you can help your child develop and maintain an amazing smile for years to come. We’re here to ensure your child gets in the habit of brushing and flossing consistently so they can reap the rewards of beautiful teeth. Visit any of our six San Diego area offices and discover The Super Dentists difference!

So what does it take for your child to brush and floss the teeth to get a “Super” smile? Here are three easy ways to ensure your kids remember to brush and floss their teeth every day.

 

1. How to Get a Toddler to Brush their Teeth: Share the “Brush Your Teeth Sing-Along Song for Kids”

Transform your child’s “chore” of brushing his or her teeth into a fun-filled activity by sharing the “Brush Your Teeth Sing-Along Song for Kids” with your son or daughter.

The Super Dentists are committed to helping your child learn good brushing and flossing habits, and the “Brush Your Teeth Sing-Along Song for Kids” music video features a catchy tune that you can use to teach your child that you should brush for two minutes each time and it just so happens the song is two minutes long.

Our “Brush Your Teeth Sing-Along Song for Kids” highlights the importance of using circular motions to brush the teeth, brushing the tongue correctly, properly flossing the teeth and much more. As a result, you can teach your child to sing, dance and, of course, brush and floss with the sing-along to ensure a picture-perfect smile in no time at all.

With extra help fromThe Super Dentists team, you’ll be able to help your child move one step closer to achieving a Super smile and preventing cavities, gingivitis, and other long-term oral health issues.

Music is an important element in teaching a toddler to brush their teeth. That’s why we created The Super Toothbrush®, yet another tool to help you teach kids to brush their teeth. The Super Toothbrush®, includes a 2-minute song (the recommended time for how long children should brush their teeth), along with magic augmented reality sticker. When paired with the FREE Vivarra Dental app, the Tooth Keri will appear in 3D to teach your kids how to brush and floss. The battery lasts just about three months. When it runs out, you know it’s time to switch out toothbrushes.

2. How to Get Kids to Brush Their Teeth: Set Up a Reminder Chart

Does your child know when to brush and floss? Ideally, your child should brush twice daily, and floss at least once. A reminder chart can make it easier for you to reinforce the importance of consistent brushing and flossing.

Setting up a reminder chart in your bathroom serves as a great way to remind your child to brush in the morning and before bedtime every day and to floss once a day.

Also, don’t forget to reward children for brushing or flossing consistently. By doing so, you’ll be able to turn the chore of brushing and flossing into a rewarding activity, one your child may actually start to enjoy.

3. Brush and Floss Your Teeth with Your Child

Show your child there is no age limit when it comes to regular brushing and flossing by performing these activities side by side with them.

Spending a few minutes with your child on their oral healthcare routine is something you can do with your child.

Use these tips to encourage your child to establish an oral healthcare routine early on in life. Those habits will benefit their teeth, smile and their overall health for their whole life!

 

To learn more about pediatric dental care treatments, please contact The Super Dentists at please call/text The Super Dentists at 619-DENTIST (619-336-8478). See why 1 in every 5 kids in San Diego is a Super Dentists kid – contact us today!