Whether your child loves skateboarding, competing in wrestling, or hitting the soccer field, safeguarding their health with a mouth guard is a simple precaution to take to ensure they keep smiling and enjoying their favorite activities.

Teeth are used for chewing, but parents and kids should also know that the types of foods they eat can affect both their chompers and the health of their gum tissue. To safeguard children from tooth decay, it’s essential that parents be mindful of the food choices they make for their children during meals and at snack time.

Even though many general dentists will accept pediatric patients, it’s best for children — from infancy into their teens — to see a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentists are solely dedicated to oral healthcare for children of all ages and tailor their dental practices specifically to the needs of these age groups and their various developmental stages.

The most important part of your child’s dental care is what happens at home in between appointments with Dr. Stewart at Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry. To make sure your child’s teeth are getting brushed properly, take a look at the following tips and techniques for impeccable at-home oral hygiene.

Infants are born with the instinct to suck, which makes them naturally want to nurse. In fact, babies begin sucking on their fingers before they’re even born. The act of sucking on fingers, thumbs, or a pacifier helps to soothe infants and it’s perfectly natural. If the habit of sucking on fingers or a pacifier goes on for a long period of time, however, it can lead to problems, as your child grows and develops.