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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.

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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:
  • Avoid sticky candies and those that sit in the mouth for a long time (like gummies, taffy, and lollipops).
  • All-chocolate treats are best because they're easily rinsed off a child's tooth enamel.
  • Enjoy your sweet spoils for a few days, and then donate the rest. Eat your treats after or with meals, instead of snacking on them throughout the day.
  • Make sure your child rinses with water after eating sugary treats.
  • Be sure to supervise your child's brushing and flossing each evening to ensure thorough cleaning.
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.
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Malocclusion (upper and lower teeth do not meet normally)
  • Misplaced, crowded, or blocked teeth
  • Teeth that protrude
  • Shifting, protruding, or recessed jawbone
  • Popping or clicking in the jawbone's joint
  • Teeth clenching or grinding
  • Late or early loss of baby teeth
  • Breathing through the mouth
  • Thumb or finger sucking
  • Frequent cheek biting or injuries to the roof of the mouth
  • Imbalanced or asymmetrical facial appearance
  • Speech problems
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:
  • Concussions
  • Neck injuries
  • Lip, tongue, and cheek lesions
  • Soft tissue and gum injuries
  • Jawbone fractures
  • Broken or knocked-out teeth

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.

Encouraging Kids to Eat FOR, Not Just WITH, Their Teeth

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.

Encouraging Kids to Eat FOR, Not Just WITH, Their Teeth

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.

Foods to Avoid for Healthy Teeth and Gums

Foods that are high in sugar or highly acidic help harmful bacteria flourish inside the mouth. They are also extra-tough on enamel, the top protective layer of the teeth. To keep your child’s teeth healthy, Dr. Stewart recommends avoiding the following foods and drinks.

1. Sugary Beverages

Sugary beverages like juice and soda are not good choices. Although many parents start their kids on juice quite early, Dr. Stewart recommends avoiding it, as children will then develop a preference for sugary drinks that contribute to tooth decay. In addition, these high-sugar choices are also surprisingly acidic. They can wear down tooth enamel without any additional help from bacteria.

2. Candy and Sticky Foods

Sticky foods like gummies and fruit snacks cling to the surface of teeth, promote bacterial growth, and are difficult to remove when brushing. Suckers are not only sugary and sticky, but they stay in the mouth for a prolonged period of time. It’s ok to have a treat every now and then, so instead elect for a plain piece of dark chocolate that will melt away.

3. Starchy Carbohydrates

Snacks that are high in starchy carbohydrates, like your child’s favorite goldfish-shaped crackers, are not the ideal choice. Starchy crackers stick to the chewing surfaces of molars, leaving a feast for harmful bacteria and the teeth primed for tooth decay.

Foods That Are Good for Teeth

According to the AAPD, parents should balance their child’s meals and incorporate all the food groups — fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein. The following foods will boost your child’s bacteria-fighting immune system and are also chock-full of the vitamins and minerals teeth need.

1. Fruits and Vegetables

Although fruits and veggies contain natural sugars, the crunch of raw produce (like apples and carrots) actually helps remove bacteria from the surface of teeth. Options like melon, cucumber, celery, and pears that are high in water rinse the teeth. These food options are also packed with nutrients.

2. Cheese

Calcium-rich foods such as yogurt and milk contain some of the minerals that bones and teeth need to develop. Cheese is rich in calcium, packs protein, and it helps to balance the pH level in the mouth. Eating cheese stimulates saliva production and lowers the mouth’s acidity levels. Cheese can of course help your teeth anytime you consume it, but research shows that it’s especially beneficial after a meal or a sugary drink.

3. Nuts

Protein from a variety of sources such as fish, chicken, and eggs will help strengthen your child’s tooth enamel. Nuts and no-sugar-added peanut butter are perfect high-protein, kid-friendly options to choose at snack time. For more information about the best diet for your child’s teeth, we welcome you to talk with Dr. Stewart at Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry.

Why a Pediatric Dentist Is the Best Choice for Children

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.

Why a Pediatric Dentist Is the Best Choice for Children

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. With a pediatric dentist, children receive the best care possible and are able to establish positive associations with the dentist from the very start.

Top Reasons to Choose a Pediatric Dentist for Your Infant, Toddler, Child, or Teen

1. Specialized Education and Qualifications

All dentists receive similar training initially. They have an undergraduate degree and attend dental school. Pediatric dentists are also required to complete an additional two or three-year-long residencies during which they specifically train in pediatric dental care and the treatment of patients in various developmental stages and those with special needs. Some pediatric dentists go beyond the initial residency to receive ‘Board Certification’, which requires rigorous further testing and an oral exam in front of a panel of Pediatric Dental examiners. Dr. Stewart received her Board Certification in September of 2016.

2. Parental Education

Pediatric dentists are experts in answering the questions of parents and guardians. A pediatric dentist will take extra time to help parents understand their children’s dental health, treatment needs, and also what to expect throughout development.

3. Kid-Friendly Environment

A pediatric dental office is designed to be kid-friendly. Rather than looking like a doctor’s office, our pediatric office is designed to put kids at ease. We have fun decorations, a waiting area designed for small patients, and the dental tools and equipment sized for young patients.

4. Patients with Special Needs

Pediatric dentists receive additional training in treating patients with a variety of special needs including patients with physical, emotional, behavioral, or sensory concerns. We offer a variety of services and specialized care to ensure these patients get a positive start to their oral health.

5. Early Orthodontic Assessment and Preventative Care

Pediatric dentists are also able to assess the early development of a child’s teeth to provide early treatment and orthodontic care.

How Often Should Your Child Visit Dr. Stewart?

Infants should see the dentist by the time they are one-year-old or as soon as the first tooth erupts. Then it’s normal for most toddlers, children, and teens to visit the dentist once every six months for a cleaning and exam. Depending on your child’s specific needs, Dr. Stewart might recommend a different schedule. If your child’s due for a checkup or if you’d like to establish your infant’s care with our pediatric dentist in Kenmore, Dr. Stewart, we welcome you to schedule an appointment at Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry today.

Top Tips for Brushing Your Child’s Teeth

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.

Top Tips for Brushing Your Child's Teeth

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.

1. Use the Right Toothbrush

The AAPD stresses the importance of using a good toothbrush. While either an electric or manual brush is fine, be sure to choose one with soft bristles in an age-appropriate size. Regular, adult brushes are far too large to clean a toddler or child’s mouth.
Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months or sooner if the bristles begin to fray. We recommend letting your child pick a toothbrush with a seasonal theme or featuring fun characters that will encourage them to use it.

2. Brush the Full Two Minutes

Unsupervised, kids usually won’t brush for the full two minutes recommended by the American Dental Association. Instead, they’ll brush hard for a few seconds, which doesn’t clean teeth and can damage the gums. For spotless teeth, children should brush gently for two minutes.

3. Supervise Brushing

Children shouldn’t be left to brush their teeth on their own until they’re about 7 or 8. Toddlers love to do everything on their own, which creates a great opportunity to teach them how to brush, while you stay involved in the process. Consider brushing together as a family or have an adult model for your child.

4. Teach Flossing

Teach your children to floss, too. During the night time brushing session, stress the importance of why we floss. The bristles of the brush can’t get into all those tight spots or where the teeth are crowded.

5. Use Plaque Disclosing Tablets

Pick up a packet of chewable plaque tablets. These teach kids the importance of brushing and flossing by revealing brightly colored plaque in the spots where they didn’t clean their teeth thoroughly.

6. Make Brushing Fun

Kids will do just about anything as long as it’s fun. Play dentist to teach proper brushing. Use a doll or wind-up chompers with a full set of teeth and help them brush the toy’s teeth. Show your child how to brush the top and bottom teeth on the inside, outside, and chewing surfaces. Then show them how to angle the brush to scrub the backs of the front teeth, too.
There are plenty of modern resources for making sure your kids brush properly. Colgate’s Tooth Fairy app is a great choice or play a two-minute online video created to entertain your child while brushing.
In addition to regular brushing and flossing at home, it’s important for children to see the dentist regularly, too. We welcome you to contact Kenmore Pediatric Dentistry to ask Dr. Stewart how often your child should have a dental appointment.