Wylie Children's Dentistry Blog

If you want to set your child up for a lifetime with a healthy smile, the best way to do it is to make sure that they develop excellent oral hygiene habits early on. However, you may not be quite sure when it is right for your kid to begin brushing and flossing. Here’s a brief guide to when children should begin these crucial habits as well as a few tips for helping them get started.

The human brain is programmed to love the taste of sugar because it is filled with simple chemical energy that the body can easily absorb. Unfortunately, harmful oral bacteria love sugar for exactly the same reason, and allowing the residue left by sweet items like candy and soda to accumulate in the mouth can lead to serious oral infections like tooth decay and periodontitis. Here’s a brief guide to how you can protect your child’s smile when they are enjoying sugar.

Have you ever given thought to how many bacteria are around you and your family at all times? Since they are so small, it is easy to forget that they are there. On the other hand, this is something many of us try not to think about. The truth is that bacteria are everywhere, even in our mouths. We may not be able to feel or taste them, but there are entire colonies existing beneath our tongues. Read on to learn more about oral bacteria, and how they benefit us!

For children with special needs, dental visits can be overwhelming. Between the unfamiliar sights and sounds and the sometimes-unpleasant sensations of dental instruments, it can be a lot to process. This overload can often make it challenging to get the dental care they need, but luckily some prepared pediatric dentists have sedation dentistry! These medications can help create a calm, stress-free experience for your child. But what is dental sedation, and how does it work? Continue reading to find out!

It is recommended that children see their dentist every six months for regular cleanings and checkups. However, this is easier said than done when you have a child who is afraid of the dental office. Dental phobia keeps many people from attending their visits – adults and children alike! In fact, approximately 36% of the population is affected by dental anxiety while a further 12% are impacted by extreme dental phobia. Fortunately, dental sedation options are available to help patients feel more at-ease in the dental chair. They don’t just benefit anxious children either! Here are some other benefits of choosing sedation dentistry for your child.

For many children, a visit to the dentist can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s fear of the unknown or anxiety about a procedure, these feelings are common but manageable. Sedation dentistry is a fantastic option for kids who may be nervous, ensuring they stay relaxed and comfortable during their appointment. Read on for a breakdown on sedation dentistry for kids and how it can help make dental care a positive experience. 

When you think of laughing gas, you may immediately remember how it has been comedically portrayed in cartoons and other media. While these depictions of nitrous oxide can certainly elicit a good laugh, they are not true to life. Nitrous oxide can be a safe and effective dental sedation treatment for patients of any age because it does not cause erratic behavior or any other dangerous or long-lasting side effects. Here’s a brief guide to why this treatment may be an excellent way to help your child remain comfortable in their pediatric dentist’s chair.

If you have a child with Down Syndrome, you likely already know that they often face unique challenges with their oral health. Children with special needs may struggle with sensory issues that can make hygiene a challenge, and unique physical characteristics may make them more susceptible to certain oral health conditions. Here are some dental issues you should be aware of and how to keep your child’s smile healthy and bright!

As a parent of a child with special needs, you likely know more about them than anyone else. That includes any challenges you might have when it comes to their oral health care routine.

It is not uncommon to struggle to properly maintain their oral hygiene, putting them at a greater risk for cavities and gum disease. Children with special needs are also more prone to behaviors like tongue thrusting, jaw clenching and teeth grinding, and sometimes they may also have oral malformations such as enamel defects, high lip lines, and even variations in teeth size and shape.

Because of these challenges, it can be difficult for these children to be seen by a dentist. They can sometimes be fearful of new situations and people, as well as of the possibility of pain, making a trip to the dentist stressful and scary.

If you have a child with special needs, here are a few areas you should look out for when caring for their oral health, and why you should take them to a pediatric dentist trained in caring for children with special needs.

Brushing and flossing can be a battle if your little one has sensory issues or other special needs. However, a healthy mouth is important for their overall well-being. Here are a few tips to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy while accommodating their unique needs.

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