Eat These Vitamins and Minerals for Healthy Teeth

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is just as important to a healthy smile as brushing, flossing, and regular dental exams because your child’s teeth depend on receiving vitamins and minerals to keep them strong.

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Eat These Vitamins and Minerals for Healthy Teeth

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is just as important to a healthy smile as brushing, flossing, and regular dental exams because your child’s teeth depend on receiving vitamins and minerals to keep them strong.

8+ Vitamins and Minerals for Healthy Teeth and Gums

1. Vitamin A
Vitamin A promotes healthy salivary glands that produce the saliva that keeps your gums moist, neutralizes acids, and mineralizes your teeth.
2. Vitamin B
A vitamin B deficiency can actually cause your gums to recede! Eating a diet rich in this nutrient will strengthen your salivary glands, reduce general inflammation, and prevent canker sores.
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3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C directly promotes the development of strong gum tissues and reduced inflammation in the mouth. As a result, it’s essential for healthy teeth.
4. Vitamin D, Phosphorous, and Calcium
The body uses calcium to build strong teeth and bones, and both vitamin D and phosphorus help your body absorb and use the calcium you eat.
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5. Vitamin E
Moving right through the alphabet of vitamins, vitamin E is also essential for oral health, as it promotes healing of the gum tissues.
6. Fluoride
The body constructs and fortifies tooth enamel with fluoride, preventing tooth decay.
7. Potassium
Potassium is a mineral that prevents certain substances inside the body from breaking down the bone structure to use their minerals for other things in the body. As a result, potassium protects the teeth and the supporting jawbone.
8. Zinc
Zinc wards off gum disease by fighting bacterial infection.

Schedule Your Child's Next Dental Checkup in Kenmore

At Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Stewart strives to help each patient’s teeth develop into a strong and healthy adult smile with regular preventative care and education to help parents understand the best ways to care for their children’s teeth.
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What Parents Need to Know About Shark Teeth

Between ages 5 and 7 (and again at 12), a child’s permanent teeth naturally begin to develop below the gum line. Sometimes, a child’s adult tooth will erupt behind the primary tooth, creating what looks like a second row of teeth, hence the name “shark teeth.”

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What Parents Need to Know About Shark Teeth

Between ages 5 and 7 (and again at 12), a child’s permanent teeth naturally begin to develop below the gum line. When everything goes the way it’s supposed to, the permanent teeth grow and dissolve the roots of the child’s primary (baby) teeth. The primary tooth starts to wiggle loose and eventually falls out to make room for the new permanent tooth.
However, every parent knows that, when it comes to raising children, things don’t always go the way they’re supposed to. Sometimes, a child’s adult tooth will erupt behind the primary tooth, creating what looks like a second row of teeth, hence the name “shark teeth.”

Should I Be Worried About My Child's Shark Teeth?

Shark teeth are quite common, and they’re not always a cause for concern. If your child’s at the normal age for losing teeth, if the baby tooth wiggles, and if your child has no pain, then there’s likely no need to be concerned. Your child’s permanent tooth should eventually dissolve the roots of the baby tooth and move into place.

When to See a Dentist About Your Child's Shark Teeth

You’re Worried
Even if your child’s permanent teeth are developing normally, you can always feel free to call or schedule an appointment with Dr. Stewart. We’re grateful that you’re concerned with your child’s dental health and will be happy to take a look at your child’s teeth or perform an orthodontic evaluation to help you better understand your child’s potential future orthodontic needs.
It’s Been Two Months with No Wiggle
If it’s been about two months, and your child’s baby tooth is still stubbornly lodged in place, a wiggle appointment might be needed to help the process along. This is especially true if your child has had trouble losing baby teeth before.
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Shark Teeth Erupt Behind the Molars
If a child has shark teeth erupted behind their molars, this can lead to a problem with crowding and cause future issues. We recommend scheduling an appointment in this case.
Your Child Experiences Pain or Discomfort
If your child’s shark teeth cause oral discomfort or pain at any point, then you should schedule an appointment. Pain can indicate that there’s a problem, and Dr. Stewart can help you determine the proper course of action to stop the pain and ensure your child’s future dental health.

Schedule a Checkup at Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry

Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry welcomes you to talk with Dr. Stewart about any oral health concerns you may have. Contact our office or schedule a checkup for your child today.

Helping Kids Overcome Their Fear of the Dentist

When many adults fear the dental chair, it’s not surprising that lots of children are afraid, too!

Helping Kids Overcome Their Fear of the Dentist

When many adults fear the dental chair, it’s not surprising that lots of children are afraid, too! However, it’s essential that children overcome their fear of the dentist so they can enjoy stress-free dental exams throughout their childhood and continue visiting the dentist as adults. You can put your child’s mind at ease and enjoy more relaxed visits to the dentist.

5 Tips for Overcoming Your Child's Fear of the Dentist

1. Talk About It

Children fear the dentist for many reasons (pain, noise, tools, past experiences, or the dentist herself). The only way you’ll get to the bottom of your child’s fear is to ask them about it. Try to find out exactly what scares them about the dentist. Then provide them with specific reassurance and let them know there are solutions to these problems.

2. Role Play

Take turns playing the roles of dentist and patient with your child. Playing make-believe with small children can remove the stigma many children have about visiting the dentist.

3. Choose a Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists specialize in helping children have positive experiences. The office environment will be kid-friendly, prizes will be offered, and children will have the opportunity to see other children feeling relaxed and happy in the dental chair.

4. Be Positive

Try not to talk about the dentist using words like hurt, painful or scary. Instead, talk about how we visit the dentist for clean and healthy teeth. There are several fun books to read to your child to help prepare them for a check-up.

5. Distraction

You can create a positive dental experience by distracting your child during the appointment. Ask the dentist about music or video options available during the visit. Most pediatric dentists won’t mind if your child wears headphones to listen to calming music or downloaded stories.

Schedule a Pre-Appointment Office Visit in Kenmore

If your child’s feeling extra-nervous about an upcoming dental appointment, we welcome you to help them overcome their fears by scheduling a tour of our office. Sometimes simply providing a child with the opportunity to get acquainted with the office environment, dentist and staff can do wonders to set their mind at ease.

Dr. Stewart and the entire staff at Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry welcome you to schedule a pre-appointment office visit for your child. We can help them have a positive experience so they’re able to begin associating the dentist’s office with happy, stress-free memories. Remember that future positive visits start with the early prevention of cavities. The sooner you get your child accustomed to their dental visits, the more confident they’ll become in the dental office setting.

5 Tips for Taking Care of Teeth with Braces

Brushing and flossing are important for every child, but children with braces need to take extra-special care of their teeth to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy while their braces work their magic.

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5 Tips for Taking Care of Teeth with Braces

Brushing and flossing are important for every child, but children with braces need to take extra-special care of their teeth to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy while their braces work their magic. In addition to brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular dental checkups, remind your child of the following tips for daily oral hygiene success with braces.

5 Essential Care Tips for Teeth with Braces

1. Choose the Right Dental Care Tools
Follow Dr. Stewart’s instructions to make sure you have the appropriate toothpaste, mouth rinse, and other dental products. Plus, use a toothbrush with soft bristles to brush at a 45-degree angle. Then use an inter-ortho brush to clean between braces. Finally, try a floss threader, which makes creating a loop around teeth with braces much easier.
2. Cut Your Food
It might not be the coolest way to eat a candy bar, cheeseburger, or a slice of pizza, but you really should use a knife and fork to cut your food into bites rather than biting directly into it. When you bite into a sandwich or an apple, the force will push food underneath your braces. It’s tough to clean and also risks damaging the dental appliance.
3. Learn to Love Chocolate
If you aren’t allergic, chocolate should be the sweet treat of choice because it tends to have a lower sugar content and is also one of the least sticky sweets available. Gummies, hard candy, and chewing gum will easily get stuck in braces or can even damage them. Chocolate simply melts away – though this doesn’t mean you can skip brushing.
4. Lose Your Bad Habits
Chewing on hard objects like ice, pen caps, or fingernails can damage braces. Try using foul-fasting, clear nail polish to help your child kick bad habits like biting their nails or chewing on pencils.
5. Keep Your Eye on the Prize
There are countless reasons why your child might resist following their orthodontist’s instructions: expanders can make it tough to talk, elastics snap, and headgear can be uncomfortable. Remind your child about the payoff in the end – no pain, a comfortable bite, easy chewing, and a straight smile!

Schedule a Braces Checkup with Our Dentist in Kenmore

Routine dental exams are always important, but if your child has braces, checkups and professional cleanings are essential to their ongoing oral health. We’ll make sure your child’s braces are in good shape and that their teeth are free from plaque and tartar buildup, while also checking the teeth and gums for early signs of decay or infection. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Stewart for your child, contact Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry.

Teal Is the New Orange! What You Should Know About the Teal Pumpkin Project

Orange and black have always been the official colors of Halloween, but you might have noticed teal-colored pumpkins popping up in stores and on doorsteps everywhere and wondered.

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Teal Is the New Orange! What You Should Know About the Teal Pumpkin Project

Orange and black have always been the official colors of Halloween, but you might have noticed teal-colored pumpkins popping up in stores and on doorsteps everywhere and wondered, “What’s the deal with this teal?” As it turns out, teal is the new orange, and it’s all thanks to FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) and the organization’s initiative to make Halloween more inclusive with the Teal Pumpkin Project.

What Is the Teal Pumpkin Project?

The Teal Pumpkin Project is a worldwide initiative to create a fun and safe Halloween experience for children who have food allergies, diabetes, and other food-related health concerns by encouraging households to provide non-food items for trick-or-treaters.
Households participating in the Teal Pumpkin Project display teal-colored pumpkins or official Teal Pumpkin Project flags (issued by FARE).
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How to Participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project

Joining the Teal Pumpkin Project is easy!
First, plan to stock up on non-food prizes to hand out to trick-or-treaters this Halloween. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your treats. You can offer things like stickers, wind-up toys, festive items, glow sticks, school supplies, art supplies, and more.
Next, include a teal pumpkin in your outdoor Halloween decor, so that revelers can easily identify your house as a Teal Pumpkin Project supporter.
Finally, get ready to brighten spirits this coming Halloween and spread the word to all of your friends and family to create a more inclusive holiday for children with food allergies, diabetes, and other special needs.

How to Enjoy Your Halloween Treats and Still Avoid Cavities

Whether or not your household chooses to join FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project initiative by offering up a slew of safe treats this Halloween, Dr. Stewart at Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry wants to remind you that you can always make Halloween dental-friendly for you and your children.
While still enjoying the sweets of the season, consider the following advice to mitigate sugar-induced tooth decay:
In addition, don’t forget to schedule your child’s bi-annual dental exam and cleaning with Dr. Stewart to keep their teeth and gums healthy and their development on track! To schedule your family’s next round of checkups, contact our office at Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry today

What’s the Deal with Silver Diamine Fluoride in Pediatric Dentistry?

Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid treatment for tooth decay. It contains both fluoride and silver. When painted onto a tooth, it kills bacteria, stops decay, and seals any caries in the tooth.

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What's the Deal with Silver Diamine Fluoride in Pediatric Dentistry?

Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid treatment for tooth decay. It contains both fluoride and silver. When painted onto a tooth, it kills bacteria, stops decay, and seals any caries in the tooth. Although this treatment can be utilized on permanent teeth, it is not offered as a treatment option as often in adults. So, why is this treatment so frequently used in pediatric dentistry?

Why We Use Silver Diamine Fluoride in Pediatric Dentistry

There are many situations that arise in pediatric dentistry when the use of silver diamine fluoride is highly appropriate. It is a safe, affordable, quick, effective, and non-invasive treatment for cavities and tooth decay. This technique is very exciting for young, fearful or pre-cooperative children, special needs patients, and medically compromised individuals who may otherwise require sedation for traditional dental restorations such as fillings or crowns. It is also a great option for nursing homebound patients, the elderly, those that lack access to care, and those individuals without dental insurance or the funds to afford traditional dental restorations.
This all sounds wonderful, but why don’t dentists use silver diamine fluoride as often on adults?
The primary reason we don’t typically use this treatment on adult patients (or patients with permanent teeth) is that silver diamine fluoride leaves a permanent black-colored stain on the treatment area and does nothing to restore the tooth’s original shape or appearance. A black spot and an unfilled cavity on a baby tooth don’t pose much of a concern; it will eventually fall out with the tooth to make way for its replacement adult tooth. A black spot and a cavity on a secondary tooth, however, are permanent.
While the concerns around silver diamine fluoride are purely aesthetic, they’re significant enough for dentists to avoid using it as a treatment on permanent teeth whenever possible. Silver diamine fluoride won’t always be the best treatment option for every patient, but the AAPD’s treatment guidelines suggest that the benefits of silver diamine far outweigh the risks. As a result, they recommend using it when the pediatric dentist deems it the most appropriate option for a child.

Additional Options for Treating Cavities and Tooth Decay

In addition to silver diamine fluoride, children’s cavities can be treated the traditional way: removing the infected, decayed portion of the tooth and restoring it with a tooth-colored filling or crown. At Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Laura always works with the patient and the parent or guardian to determine the best treatment option based on the patient’s unique dental care needs.

Does My Child Need a Space Maintainer?

Space maintainers are usually only needed when a child loses a tooth before its permanent replacement has developed or is ready to erupt. This can occur due to tooth decay or injury, and sometimes it just happens naturally, too.

Does My Child Need a Space Maintainer?

Whether you’re thinking about wellness care, education, or socialization, childhood is all about giving kids the best start possible by encouraging positive development and providing them with everything they need to grow up healthy and strong. This focus on healthy development throughout childhood is essential to pediatric dentistry, too. It’s with a considerate eye on a child’s future, that Dr. Stewart might recommend a space maintainer for your child.

What Is a Space Maintainer?

A space maintainer is an orthodontic tool that improves future oral health by helping your child’s permanent teeth develop and come in properly. This small oral appliance is similar to an adult’s bridge, but rather than replacing missing teeth, it’s designed to preserve the space between teeth after a primary (baby) tooth falls out. Space maintainers are usually made from metal and designed to custom-fit each patient’s mouth.
A space maintainer keeps a child’s teeth properly aligned, allowing permanent teeth to develop and erupt normally. Space maintainers ensure your child’s permanent teeth will erupt properly with a comfortable bite, normal function, and a pleasing aesthetic. As a result, children avoid the need for more costly and extensive dental repairs in the future.

Why Your Child Might Need a Space Maintainer

Not every child will need a space maintainer for every baby tooth that falls out. Space maintainers are usually only needed when a child loses a tooth before its permanent replacement has developed or is ready to erupt. This can occur due to tooth decay or injury, and sometimes it just happens naturally, too.
When a baby tooth comes out before its replacement is ready to move in, a child’s surrounding teeth can shift into the newly vacant space. When this happens, there’s no room for the permanent tooth once it’s ready to erupt. Failing to leave space for a child’s permanent teeth leads to overcrowding, bite problems, and impacted teeth. It’s always easier to ensure that a space for a tooth remains, instead of trying to make space for permanent teeth later.

Ask Dr. Stewart About Saving Room for Permanent Teeth with a Space Maintainer

During your child’s exam, Dr. Stewart might recommend taking a set of dental x-rays, as this will allow us to evaluate the development of your child’s permanent teeth occurring below the gum line. We can then help you determine whether or not your child would benefit from a space maintainer.

5 Tips to Help Your Teething Toddler

By the time children are about two-and-a-half years old, they usually have all 20 of their baby teeth. The eruptions of these teeth, molars especially, can be painful and uncomfortable for toddlers.

5 Tips to Help Your Teething Toddler

By the time children are about two-and-a-half years old, they usually have all 20 of their baby teeth. The eruptions of these teeth, molars especially, can be painful and uncomfortable for toddlers. Teething toddlers might drool more than usual, feel compelled to put their fingers in their mouths, have swelling around their gums, and be fussier than usual.

5 Ways to Comfort a Teething Toddler

1. Teething Toys

Teething/chewing toys are usually kept in the fridge or freezer. They soothe while also encouraging the teething process with counterpressure on the gums. If you don’t have a teething toy available, a clean washcloth soaked in cold water can work, too!

2. Cold Food and Drinks

If you’re breastfeeding, your toddler’s instinct to chew can disrupt feeding times. You can always try giving your child cool breastmilk in a sippy cup or even frozen in a popsicle to soothe their gums. Cold foods and drinks will also be soothing. Try ice water in a sippy cup, chilled applesauce, frozen yogurt tubes, or cold fruit in a mesh feeder.

3. Gum Massage

A gentle gum massage is a wonderful way to relieve teething pain and help soothe your child. Wash your hands thoroughly and then run your fingers under cold water. Massage gentle circles over your child’s gums.

4. Over the Counter Pain Medications

It’s best to try other methods first, but if they don’t bring your toddler enough relief, the over the counter medications like children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. Remember to read and follow all the instructions on the package and to talk with your child’s pediatrician before administering any new medication.

5. Stick to Your Routine

Although teething and subsequent fussiness can easily disrupt your child’s regular routine of naps, meals, and bedtime, it’s important to try your hardest to keep your child’s schedule consistent. Doing so will increase his or her sense of security and allow your child to get all the rest his or her little body needs.

When to Schedule a Dental Appointment for Your Infant or Toddler

Children should have their first dental exam when their first tooth erupts or by the time they turn one (whichever occurs first). During your child’s first appointment at Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Stewart will perform a thorough physical examination to ensure your toddler’s teeth and jaw are developing properly. Dr. Stewart will also provide you with teething tips and dental care recommendations for your toddler.
To schedule your baby’s first dental appointment, we welcome you to contact Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry today.

What Is the Best Age for Braces?

When considering your child’s oral health, you want to give them the best chance at growing up to enjoy a comfortable, functional, and healthy smile. The ideal time for a child to have braces is between ages 10 and 14, when the child is still growing, but old enough to care for their braces and teeth responsibly.

What Is the Best Age for Braces?

When considering your child’s oral health, you want to give them the best chance at growing up to enjoy a comfortable, functional, and healthy smile. For many children, braces will eventually become necessary to help them grow and develop properly because braces aren’t just about achieving an ideal aesthetic appearance. While having an appealing smile will help a person feel confident, braces also help address an overcrowded mouth, crooked teeth, malocclusion (bite problems), and more. Left unaddressed, many of these concerns can cause a child pain, discomfort, and even speech problems, as they continue to grow and develop.

At What Age Should a Kid Get Braces?

There’s no hard-and-fast answer to this question because the true answer is that it depends on each individual child’s needs. Every child is different and is growing on a slightly different developmental schedule. Some children will require early intervention. Some kids will benefit from later orthodontic intervention.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic consultation around age 7. Depending on your child’s oral development, Dr. Stewart typically recommends scheduling a consultation for children between 7 and 9 years of age. During a periodic exam, Dr. Stewart will evaluate your child’s development and discuss the need for future or current orthodontic interventions to help you determine the most appropriate plan of action.
Typically, the ideal time for a child to have braces is between ages 10 and 14, when the child is still growing, but old enough to care for their braces and teeth responsibly. For some young patients, it’s most effective to take advantage of their growth, while others do best if they get braces at a later time.

Signs Your Child Might Need Braces

If you notice any of the following signs or symptoms in your child, we recommend scheduling a consultation.
During your child’s consultation and at every regular dental checkup with Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Stewart will evaluate your child’s growth and development. If it’s determined that orthodontic intervention is needed, she will make the recommendation when it’s most appropriate for your child.

Protect Your Child’s Smile with a Mouth Guard

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.

Protect Your Child's Smile with a Mouth Guard

No matter the season, sport, or your child’s favorite athletic activity, safety should always be the first concern. Whether your child’s preferred sport involves flying baseballs, hockey pucks, basketballs, or no equipment at all, injury is always possible.
Whether your child loves skateboarding, competes in wrestling, or is getting ready to hit 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.

How Will a Mouth Guard Protect My Child?

Mouth guards fit over the top row of teeth. In addition to protecting a child’s teeth and other oral structures from damage, they can also act as a shock absorber, potentially reducing the risk of traumatic brain injuries.
Mouth guards protect children from the following injuries:

Fabricated Mouth Guards vs. Boil and Bite: Which Type of Mouth Guard Is Best for Your Child?

Boil and Bite Mouth Guards

Boil and bite mouth guards can be found at most pharmacies and sporting goods stores. While they’re more expensive than stock-produced mouth guards, they’re still relatively inexpensive making them a wonderful investment with an invaluable return – your child’s wellbeing.
Boil and bite mouth guards are made to fit most mouths, offer some customization when boiled and bitten, and they provide better comfort and protection than stock mouth guards.

Custom-Made Mouth Guards

If your child has any oral appliances, such as braces or a retainer, then boil and bite options typically won’t be comfortable or offer adequate protection. In these cases, Dr. Stewart usually recommends a custom-designed and fabricated mouth guard. This type of mouth guard is designed to fit perfectly, while protecting oral structures and oral appliances. A custom mouth guard is fabricated based on your child’s unique features and needs. They offer unmatched comfort and the highest level of protection.

Gear Up for Your Child’s Next Kenmore Sports Season

However your child enjoys staying active and fit, safety is our top priority. At Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Stewart can provide you and your children with everything they need to stay safe and smiling throughout the sports season. Dr. Stewart will assess your child’s mouth guard needs and make a recommendation. Plus, we’re fully equipped to fabricate a custom-made mouth guard for your child in-house.
To learn more about protecting your child’s teeth with a mouth guard, we welcome you to contact us or to schedule your child’s next dental appointment.