Linda A. Steele, DDS Blog

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!

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!

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.

As a parent, you know that the teenage years come with unique challenges like body changes and personal maturity development. One aspect that should not be overlooked is oral health! While your teen may feel like they’re ready to visit a general dentist, that may not always be the right move for them. Continue reading to learn how a pediatric dentist can still help your teenager with their smile.

Try as you might, it’s impossible to predict when an accident might happen. That said, there are things you can do to protect yourself should anything occur. This is particularly true for athletes engaged in intensive activity in close proximity with others because one blow to the face can be powerful enough to knock out one or more of your teeth. Fortunately, your dentist can fit you or anyone in your family with a mouthguard to shield them so that you can feel confident that no matter what, your smile is safe. Keep reading to learn more!

While the importance of brushing twice a day and flossing daily is well-known, children with emotional, behavioral, physical, or intellectual disabilities may face challenges in maintaining these habits. They might need extra assistance due to difficulties in remembering or limitations in fine motor skills. Explore four tips in special needs dentistry to ensure the oral health of your child’s teeth and gums.