Linda A. Steele, DDS Blog

Keeping your child’s teeth clean and free of harmful bacteria is essential to prevent cavities, but when it comes to toothbrushes, not all devices are created equally. Though studies have shown that there is little difference between the effectiveness of manual versus electronic varieties, ionic brushes were found to dramatically reduce plaque and gingivitis in both the long and short term. So, how do you know when your little one is ready to upgrade to a power toothbrush? Here are a few important rules of thumb.

It is an exciting time when the Tooth Fairy becomes a welcome guest in your home. With each baby tooth that falls out, your child is likely to be a few dollars richer and one step closer to achieving their permanent smile. While you may be sad to watch their childlike grin slowly fade away, you might be a bit shocked should you notice a second row of teeth erupting behind those primary chompers that have yet to fall out. Keep reading to learn about these “shark teeth” and why you don’t need to worry.

When it comes to preventing cavities, brushing and flossing are essential, but there’s another powerful tool in the fight against tooth decay: dental sealants. These thin, protective coatings are often recommended for children, but adults can benefit from them too. Still, many people have questions about what sealants are, how they work, and whether they’re necessary. Here are answers to 6 of the most common questions about dental sealants to help you decide if they’re right for you or your child.

Teething is a milestone every baby reaches, often accompanied by fussiness, drooling, and the urge to chew on anything within reach. Many parents turn to teething rings to help soothe their little ones during this uncomfortable stage, but you may wonder: are teething rings safe?

Understanding how to use these toys properly can help keep your baby comfortable while ensuring their safety and oral health.

Thumb sucking is a natural and soothing reflex for many infants and toddlers. In fact, it often helps little ones feel secure and fall asleep more easily. But while the habit is completely normal in the early stages of life, prolonged thumb sucking can have lasting consequences on a child’s dental development.

If your child is still sucking their thumb beyond the toddler years, it may be time to start exploring strategies to gently break the habit.

Let’s take a closer look at how thumb sucking affects dental health—and what you can do to help your child transition away from it.

“Baby bottle tooth decay” probably sounds like a terrifying oral disease, but actually, it’s fairly common. Many parents put their babies to bed with a bottle of milk or juice, not realizing that this can contribute to “tooth decay” – otherwise known as cavities. Keep reading to learn more about this phenomenon and what you can do to prevent it from affecting your child’s dental health.

As your child grows, they’ll begin experiencing new things – and one significant development you’ll track during their first few months is their dietary habits. However, if they’re suffering from a tongue or lip tie, did you know that it might prevent them from easily eating solid foods when the time is right? Continue reading to learn more about tongue and lip ties and why seeking treatment for your child is the best way to ensure that when they move on to eating solid foods, they don’t experience any problems!

Are you the parent or guardian of a toddler who has finally reached the terrible twos? This developmental phase in your child’s life is often marked by defiant behavior, tantrums, and plenty of vexation for them and for you.

This transitional period is when your kid learns to walk and talk but don’t yet have the emotional skills or verbal abilities to communicate their needs or frustrations. If they’re going through a change, like growing new teeth, they can become extra irate. Continue reading to learn more about two-year molars and what to expect!

During the winter months, people tend to spend more time indoors so they can keep warm and avoid the rain or snow outside. Unfortunately, indoor environments can expose people to many more germs and much more allergenic debris than the outdoors, which can make them more likely to develop colds and other respiratory infections. Here’s a brief guide to how you can keep your child’s dental health on track during cold and flu season.

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!