Linda A. Steele, DDS Blog

These days, Thanksgiving seems to heavily revolve around two things: food and thankfulness. So as you gather around the table this year to reflect on what you’re grateful for, it’s a perfect time to appreciate the people who help us smile—literally! Your child’s pediatric dentist plays a vital role in keeping your child’s teeth healthy and bright, directly impacting their health and boosting their confidence. Here are some reasons why your child’s dentist deserves a big “thank you” this holiday season!

Head, shoulders, knees, and toes. Kids learn early on about many of their body parts, including their mouth and teeth. Little ones can identify where teeth are, but even older kids may not fully appreciate these amazing, tiny body parts and may take them for granted. Although there are plenty of things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, take a moment with your child to acknowledge just how awesome it is to have healthy teeth and learn how to better take care of them.

Here are some things you can do during this holiday, even if you’re with a group of friends and family.

Keeping your child away from Halloween candy can be like trying to keep a moth away from a flame. This makes protecting their teeth from cavities during spooky season hard work, so you could use every advantage you can get. In times like these, it’s important to work smarter.

Not all candies are created equal, you see. With a little strategy, you can choose the best Halloween candy for your kids’ teeth – and leave the tougher customers to be forgotten about when the next holiday season rolls around. Keep reading to learn what to watch out for!

“The doorknob method” is so culturally prominent that it’s practically a tooth-pulling folktale. The idea is simple enough: you tie one end of a string to your child’s loose baby tooth, tie the other end to a doorknob, and wham! shut the door, effectively sending the tooth flying. To kids this is a somewhat whimsical suggestion that could either be interpreted as a joke or a threat. To a parent, it can be downright terrifying!

If you’re looking for a safer, more comfortable way of removing your child’s bothersome wiggler, keep reading.

Is your child a fan of juices or other drinks that are marketed toward young ones? A recent study revealed that 62% of beverages marketed to children are loaded with added sugars. Despite their seemingly healthy packaging, these drinks can significantly raise the risk of cavities. Encouraging a balanced diet and teaching good oral hygiene can help your child avoid cavities altogether.

July has arrived, marking the midway point of summer break.  If you’re like many other parents at this time, you’re busy preparing for the upcoming school year. Whether you’re shopping for supplies or registering your child for after-school activities, there’s plenty to do.

However, you don’t want to forget about your little one’s dental condition in the back-to-school rush. Many schools require updated medical and dental records before beginning a new semester. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for kids to struggle with taking care of their teeth and gums, which can lead to cavities and gum disease. To prevent problems, keep reading to learn 3 tips that can help your child build and maintain a happy, healthy smile this year!

Many parents are unaware of the importance of baby teeth. They assume that since they eventually fall out, there’s no real urgency to properly care for them. However, this is far from the truth, especially since these teeth serve as placeholders for future adult teeth. Keep reading to find out whether dental fillings are necessary for these early pearly whites and what you can do to help your child reduce their risk for cavities in the first place.

Parenting is full of challenges; however, helping your child maintain a healthy and happy smile as they grow shouldn’t be a point of stress at all. Continue reading below for three must-know dental health facts concerning children – knowledge is power, and being informed will help you to make informed choices about your little one’s smile moving forward!

If you’ve ever taken your child to the dentist, they likely have already let you know to avoid sweet foods. Unfortunately, sugar attracts harmful bacteria that contribute to issues like cavities and gum disease. That means you can help them maintain their oral health by opting for more wholesome options. By stocking up on snacks that support their oral well-being, you help them learn healthy habits that they’ll remember for life. If you’re not sure what to include on the menu, keep reading for 4 suggestions that will keep their smile happy!

As your child’s guardian, you’re responsible for their mental, emotional, and physical well-being, and their teeth are no exception. Unfortunately, there are several commonly held misconceptions about pediatric dentistry that could lead you to make decisions that aren’t based in fact. It’s important to be well-informed so you can take the necessary steps to keep your kid’s mouth healthy as they continue to develop. Keep reading to learn about 3 myths about your little one’s dental well-being and the truth behind them!