Linda A. Steele, DDS Blog

As you get your shopping list ready for Thanksgiving, you and your family may be adding favorites that must be on the table. Some staples help make the meal more satisfying, but some foods may not be the best for smiles. This can be especially true for your child, as their growing grin deserves to stay safe! Here are three swaps you can do to help their teeth stay protected.

You already know how important it is for your child to brush their teeth every day—but flossing is just as essential! Flossing removes food and plaque between the teeth where toothbrush bristles can’t reach. Establishing this habit early helps prevent cavities and gum disease and sets your little one up for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Here are some simple and effective tips for teaching your child how to floss.

As an expecting mom, you are no doubt doing everything you can to protect your baby. You may have changed your eating habits, started taking recommended vitamins, and more. But have you considered how your oral health may have an impact on your precious baby’s well-being? This blog post explains some important facts that you should keep in mind.

Has your child been complaining about constant pain in one of their baby teeth? There’s a good chance that they could be suffering from an infection, and unless quick action is taken, the tooth could be lost prematurely. Fortunately, infected baby teeth can often be saved with a pulpotomy or a pulpectomy. Here’s a closer look at these procedures and why having one performed could be essential for protecting your child’s smile.

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.