Pediatric Dentists in Sugar Land, Texas Help Patients Overcome Dental Fear

With as many adults that are scared of the dentists today, it is no wonder their kids have some anxiety as well. Sugar Land pediatric dentists offer these tips for helping children overcome dental anxiety:

1.    Talk about the upcoming visit in terms that they will understand to make it less scary for them. Read a book where their favorite character goes to the dentist, or act out what will happen at the visit with one of their favorite stuffed animals.

2.    Keep an oral health routine at home. If your child is proud of his or her brushing efforts, they may be more likely to show off their progress while in the dentist's chair.

3.    Reward children for good behavior at the dentist with an activity or outing they would enjoy. Some examples include a trip to the park, a movie, or even shopping for a new toy.

4.    Bring a friend. Whether your child has a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or even a costume they like to dress up in, allow them to have those items with them while in the dental chair to be more comfortable and help them avoid fussing.

5.    Schedule a ‘fun’ visit to your pediatric dentist in Sugar Land, Texas where they tour the office, meet the staff and learn about the different tools used in the dentist’s office.

For more tips on helping your child overcome dental anxiety, visit http://yoursugarlanddentist.com/

Are you Guilty of These Five Habits?

The best pediatric dentist is the one that keeps you informed on hot dental topics, including things you may be doing subconsciously that are ruining your teeth. Watch for these habits to improve your kid’s dental health:

1.    Chewing ice: Even your blender needs a special blade to crush through ice, so why do you think your teeth can?

2.    Teeth are NOT tools: Your teeth are only designed to help you chew your food, speak properly and look good when smiling. If you are not using them for one of these items, don’t use them at all! Don’t use your teeth for opening bags of food, bottles, or removing tags.

3.    Chewing on pens, pencils, or other items in your hands: This habit puts excess pressure on teeth and will have you in the dentist chair before you know it! If you need to chew, keep sugar free gum within reach.

4.    Slowly drinking soda: While most of us know soda is unhealthy, sipping on it slowly is even worse as it prolongs your teeth’s exposure to acid which can lead to decay.

5.    Excessive Snacking: The pH balance in your mouth changes with each snacking session and takes about an hour to return to normal. Overly snacking can lead to increased acidic levels in the mouth and increased risk for decay.

For more information on habits to break to save your teeth, visit the best pediatric dentist in the state: http://yoursugarlanddentist.com/

Sugar Land Dentists for Kids Welcome Babies at Age 1

While it may seem like your child is too young to go to the dentist at age 1, pediatric dentists in Sugar Land, Texas recommend bringing babies in for their first check up by their first birthday or within six months of getting their first tooth. An early dentist visit allows the dentist to check for tooth decay and jaw development, and to address any issues that may be a concern for your baby’s smile.

According to a survey conducted by Delta Dental Plans, many kids in the US don’t see a doctor until after the age of 2.5, and 34% of kids under the age of 11 have NEVER seen a dentist. Sugar Land dentists for kids encourage parents to bring baby in sooner. Baby teeth, while they fall out eventually, help your child develop proper speaking skills, chewing, and act as place savers for permanent teeth.

Your baby’s first dental appointment will be quick and easy and allows you the chance to begin building a dental home for your child, and a proper relationship with the dentist of your choice.

For more information on the importance of having baby’s first dental visit early, visit http://yoursugarlanddentist.com/

Sugar Land Dental Practice for Children Discusses Emergency Dental Care

Do you know what to do if your child is facing a dental emergency? As a pediatric dentist in Sugar Land, Texas, Dr. Nasha Hunter is no stranger to dental emergencies and offers these tips when they arise:

Broken Tooth

If your child breaks a tooth during sports or other active play, find all the pieces of the tooth you can, and rinse the mouth with warm salt water. Ibuprofen or a cold compress can be used for pain while waiting to see your dentist.

Knocked Out Tooth:

If the missing tooth is a baby tooth, contact your dentist for further action. While most Sugar Land dental practices for children will not advise keeping the tooth, they may opt for a spacer be placed in the spot of the missing tooth to avoid overcrowding before the permanent tooth appears. If the tooth is a permanent tooth, pediatric dentists recommend finding the tooth and, while holding it by the crown, inserting it back in the tooth socket and holding it in place until dental attention is sought. If the tooth does not go back in place, store it in a container of milk until you arrive at the dentist office.
 

Bloody Lip, Mouth or Cheek

The good news is mouth sores are quick to heal and often do not require any further medical attention. To stop bleeding, apply firm pressure with gauze or a clean cloth and rinse the mouth with warm salt water.

For more information on how to handle a dental emergency, visit http://yoursugarlanddentist.com/

Sugar Land Dental Practice for Children Shares Top Tips for Caring for Your Child’s teeth

As a pediatric dentist in Sugar Land, Texas, Dr. Nasha Hunter of Sweetpea Smiles knows that parents who take an active role in their children’s dental health often face fewer cavities and oral health issues. Here are her top tips for caring for your child’s teeth:

1.    Expectant mothers can begin caring for their babies teeth before baby is even born by practicing oral health care routines of their own, and eating plenty of calcium-rich foods.

2.    Begin caring for baby’s teeth before they appear by wiping the gums clean after every meal.

3.    Take baby to a Sugar Land dental practice for children by their first birthday to check for tooth decay and addressing of any potentially dangerous habits like thumb sucking or extended use of a binky.

4.    Use the proper amount of toothpaste. For children under 3, a smear is fine, ages 3-8 should use a pea size amount.

5.    Teach proper brushing techniques including proper amounts of toothpaste usage and using circular motions to reach all tooth surfaces.

6.    Don't skip the floss! Whether you do it or allow your child to do it for themselves, flossing is the only way to get between the tooth surfaces and prevent decay from forming there.

7.    Make dental visits fun by having discussions with your child so he or she knows what to expect at the visit.

8.    Be an active participant in your child’s dental health by talking to your pediatric dentist. Sugar Land, Texas offers some of the finest pediatric specialists who are ready to help you and your child develop healthy habits for a lifetime of happy smiles! For more information visit http://yoursugarlanddentist.com/