The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends pregnant women continue with good oral healthcare standards during pregnancy. A mom’s periodontal disease, known commonly as “gum disease,” can actually impact the unborn baby, increasing the risk of premature birth and low birth weight.

Parents who have less healthy dental habits can actually pass cavity-causing bacteria to their younger children by sharing food, cups and utensils. And don’t forget: Children learn by seeing and hearing what other people do. Moms and dads who visit their dentist twice yearly, brush and floss daily, and use fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse to reduce plaque, are parents who are setting examples kids are more likely to accept and copy.

You can begin daily flossing when your child has two teeth that touch. At first, you should gently floss your child’s teeth until the child can handle it alone. It really should be a soft and gentle process without force or pressure applied. The main goals are to develop the familiarity and the good habits.

Smile Explorers’ pediatric dentists can help you determine if your child is ready to begin brushing or flossing without supervision, and can help guide your child into great dental hygiene habits.

To reschedule an appointment, please call our office at least 24 hours in advance of the date and time. At Smile Explorers, we try to accommodate schedule changes and help you find a date that fits your schedule.

• Completed new patient forms (click here to download)
• Insurance card/information
• List of current medications and medical conditions
• X-rays taken in the last 6 months (if available)

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, pregnant women are recommended to adhere to oral healthcare standards during pregnancy, as periodontal disease can actually impact your baby, increasing the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

Parents who do not have good dental habits can actually pass on the bacteria that causes cavities to their younger children through sharing food, cups, and utensils. Additionally, children are mimicry learners – they learn behaviors from what they see and hear. Both mom and dad should visit their dentist twice yearly, brush and floss daily, and use fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse to reduce plaque.

Primary teeth (baby teeth) are going to fall out eventually. So, is infant and kids dental care really that important? The answer is: Yes. Baby teeth are extremely important:

• To help children learn to talk and pronounce words well
• To enable children to eat efficiently and get proper nutrition
• To give the face its normal appearance as the child grows
• To maintain the correct spacing and location for permanent teeth developing underneath

Most children begin losing baby teeth around the age of six, and usually all have been lost by age 12. During the transition period, baby teeth and permanent teeth reside in the mouth at the same time. It makes sense for the new permanent teeth to be in the company of healthy primary teeth to assure continuing good dental health.