Linda A. Steele, DDS Blog

Work Smarter, Not Harder: Choosing the Best Halloween Candy for Kids

September 2, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlindasteele @ 7:17 pm
Three children in Halloween costumes sitting with a bowl of candy

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!

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Is There a Safe, Gentle Way to Pull Out a Loose Baby Tooth?

August 5, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlindasteele @ 12:03 am
Little girl poking at her wiggly baby tooth

“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.

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Are the Drinks You’re Giving Your Child Causing Cavities?  

July 15, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlindasteele @ 9:38 pm
fizzy drink

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.

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Prepping Small Smiles: 3 Tips for Healthy Teeth This School Year

July 2, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlindasteele @ 3:58 pm
5 diverse children brushing their teeth in a row in front of white background

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!

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Dental Fillings for Baby Teeth: Are They Necessary?

June 13, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlindasteele @ 3:35 am
child undergoing a dental exam

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.

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3 Must-Know Children’s Dental Health Facts for Parents

May 3, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlindasteele @ 11:40 pm
a child and parent smiling

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!

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Dental Diet: 4 Foods That Improve Your Child’s Oral Health

April 5, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlindasteele @ 7:07 pm
Little girl in a pink shirt eating vegetables at a table with plants

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!

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Early Illusions: 3 Myths About Children’s Dental Health

March 4, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlindasteele @ 4:50 pm
Girl in pink shirt holding purple toothbrush and smiling

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!

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Why Children’s Dental Health Month Matters

February 2, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlindasteele @ 4:23 pm
Little girl smiling during oral examination

Many of us associate February with the heart-shaped decorations and goodies of Valentine’s Day. Did you know, though, that it’s also Children’s Dental Health Month? What better time to remind parents of their kid’s oral well-being than when candy and chocolate are lining every store shelf? It’s a great time to remember that to keep their smiles safe, they need to care for them properly to prevent potential problems. Keep reading to learn more about how you can improve your child’s dental health this month!

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Are There Any Children’s Books to Help Kids Feel Less Anxious at the Dentist’s Office?

January 12, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drlindasteele @ 11:14 pm
Dentist smiles

If your child feels anxious about an upcoming dental appointment, you might be looking for ways to help them understand the process and know what to expect. Luckily, this is a common problem for parents to deal with, so many authors have produced children’s books to walk kids through the whole experience from start to finish. This removes a lot of uncertainty from the process and helps kids feel more comfortable at the dentist’s office. Here’s a list of children’s books about the dentist’s office to help everyone in your household have a bit more peace of mind.

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