So you’re at the dentist with your child for their regular check up and oh no, your child has a cavity!  A cavity is when the tooth breaks down or decays. It starts as a hole that, if not treated, will grow bigger over time. That is why it is important to get the cavity repaired as soon as possible.  A cavity is formed by plaque. The plaque sticks to your teeth, and the acid in your mouth eats away at your enamel, the outermost layer of your tooth.

For some children, getting braces is something they actually look forward to. For other children there is a lot of fear and concern.

Making the decision to get braces for your child can be especially difficult.  You may have concerns on if your child really needs them, if they are ready for braces, and how are you going to pay for them. Hopefully this article will shed some light on your concerns.

1. What is the appropriate age to schedule my child’s first dentist appointment?

The answer to this question varies. The American Dental Association recommends that you take your child soon after the first tooth appears or by their first birthday.

2. What is the best method to clean my baby’s teeth?

The key is to remove plaque before it leads to decay. Find a soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head. They are designed specifically for infant’s mouths. Try to brush at least once per day, before bedtime being the most important brushing.

Its summer time and what is better on a summer day than a bowl of your favorite ice cream? While a sweet treat is fine on occasion,  daily snacking on the sweets will reek havoc on you and your little ones teeth.

For one reason or another your child is going to have a tooth extracted. The anticipation of this event can be nerve racking for both the parent and the child. Below are some things to consider and also what you can expect at the appointment.

Pain Prevention

 Depending upon the parent’s preference, the age and health of the child, and the dentist’s comfort level, a general anesthesia may be used for a child who is receiving a tooth extraction. A topical numbing ointment will most certainly be used, often tasting of bubble gum or some such flavor. A shot may also be given as well.

Here are some activities to help motivate your kids to brush their teeth. You can find these and many more at  here.

StarSmilez® Toothbrushing Chart

How to Brush Your Teeth

Are your Teeth Clean and White Sing Along

Allie Gator’s Word Search

Please share any games or activities that you do with your kids to help motivate them to brush.

We wanted to provide the parents with a step by step guide to teach your children how to brush their teeth. Sit down with your child and their Starsmilez to go through these steps first, then you can brush along side your child.  Please see the steps below and feel free to share your step by step process that you use with your little one.

1. Apply a pea size amount of toothpaste on your premoistened toothbrush.
2. Have your child start with the upper left molars (back teeth) concentrating on the front surface of the tooth.

Getting your baby to brush his or her teeth can sometimes be difficult. But, it’s important to get your little one in the habit of brushing at least twice a day as soon as possible. And don’t wait until baby’s teeth have come in. Start brushings your baby’s teeth with a soft finger brush or washcloth after each feeding.

Here’s how:

1. Sit with your baby in your lap facing you, or sideways, so you have a good angle into his or her mouth.

Teaching your toddler to brush their teeth is an important and often underemphasized process.  Brushing your toddler’s teeth will give your child skills that benefit them throughout their entire life.  As your child begins to take an interest in how to brush her teeth you will be able to build upon their early success and your child’s skills will improve over time.  With StarSmilez personalities it can be fun for both of you, helping your toddler to become a comfortable and confident brusher.

Caring for your braces is an important part of you orthodontic treatment. It can be easy if you follow a few guidelines.

How to Brush with Braces

This can be best be explained by considering the three surfaces that you will be brushing: the outside, the inside and the chewing side.

When brushing the outside of your teeth you should try to make a 45 degree angle toward the gum line between the head of your toothbrush and the tooth itself. It is especially important to make sure the area between the brace and the gum stays clean. Try to focus on a few teeth at a time. Make sure these teeth are completely free of food and plaque before moving to the next area. Once you’re done with the outsides of the top and bottom teeth you can move to the inside.