What’s the best type of floss to use?

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It’s important to floss daily because food, plaque and debris get trapped in between the teeth where the toothbrush cannot effectively clean. This plaque collects cavity-causing bacteria. That’s where floss does the job!

Let’s talk about the three different types of floss:

  1. Regular dental floss is the gold standard and most affordable option! Using the C-shaped technique with regular floss physically scrapes plaque and debris off the side of the teeth, inbetween and underneath the gums. The CONs to regular floss are that it can be difficult to use around metal appliances and dental work, and hard for parents to use if they’re trying to stick big hands into little mouths.

  2. Floss picks (like those disposable ones) are a great option for kids that have limited dexterity or parents that are trying to fit big hands into little mouths. They are easy to use and can be tossed in the trash after each use.

  3. Water flossers (like WaterPiks) are a good additional tool for patients that have appliances like braces, expanders, etc. A pressurized water stream helps to spray plaque and debris out from underneath brackets and wires. It can also reach in areas where traditional floss is difficult to get into. The CONs are that these flossers can be quite expensive, require electricity, and can get messy spraying water all around the bathroom!

The best approach is to find a method that you will consistently use, as regular oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining a healthy smile!

Dental X-rays

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At Smiles For Kids, we are committed to balancing the need for diagnostic x-rays with minimizing radiation exposure. We use advanced technology to ensure the lowest possible radiation exposure, including digital x-rays, which emit significantly less radiation than traditional film x-rays, protective thyroid collars and lead aprons, and taking x-rays only when necessary, based on risk factors and AAPD guidelines.

Why are x-rays important?

  • Early Detection/Preventative Care: Help identify problems like cavities between teeth, infections, and issues with tooth development that might not be visible during a regular checkup. Early detection helps to avoid more extensive and costly treatments later on. 

  • Monitor Growth and Development/Identify Potential Problems: Essential for tracking the growth and development of a child's teeth and jaw, ensuring proper alignment and eruption of permanent teeth. We can also identify if there is enough space for permanent teeth to erupt, if baby teeth are falling out correctly and if cysts or abnormal lesions are forming. 

  • Treatment Planning: Help Dr. Theriot plan necessary treatment, such as fillings, crowns, extractions, or early orthodontic intervention, by providing a clear view of the underlying structures.

Typical X-ray Schedule

Below gives you an idea of our recommended x-ray schedule based on the America Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines, ensuring optimal care while prioritizing safety:

  • Ages 3 and Under: We do not typically take x-rays before age 3. At age 3, we take a set of baseline x-rays called an FMX to check for decay, pathology, infection, extra or missing teeth, and monitor the development of permanent teeth under baby teeth.

  • Ages 3-7: Bitewings are taken to check for cavities in between the teeth and see how deep a chewing surface cavity may be. Children with spaces between back teeth, excellent oral hygiene, a healthy diet, and no prior cavities may not need these type of x-rays again for about 12-18 months. Children at higher risk for cavities (back teeth touching, sugary/acidic diet, poor oral hygiene), we recommended them about every 6-12 months. Periapical x-rays are taken below the roots and bone only on an as needed basis to check and monitor previous trauma, infections, abnormalities, missing teeth, etc. depending on the severity of the issue.

  • Ages 7-12: A panoramic x-ray is taken not to detect cavities but to provide a “zoomed out” view of jaw growth, developing permanent teeth, extra or missing teeth, and potential orthodontic needs. If normal, the next panoramic x-ray is taken around age 12 when all primary teeth have been lost and permanent teeth have erupted. Bitewing frequency in this age group decreases, typically every 12-18 months, since permanent teeth enamel is thicker than in primary teeth. Again, we look at cavity risk factors.

  • Ages 13-17: Most teenagers require bitewings every 12-24 months, but frequency increases with poor oral hygiene, developing cavities, high-sugar/acid diets, or orthodontic appliances are in place. A panoramic is taken again around age 17 to check wisdom teeth development and determine if an oral surgeon referral is needed.

If you have any questions or concerns about x-rays, their necessity, indications, or safety, please contact our office anytime at 713-461-1509.

Children's Dental Health Month School Presentaions!

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We had a great time visiting many schools and daycares in the Memorial and Spring Branch area teaching kiddos all about visiting the dentist, brushing and flossing, and healthy foods for our teeth and bodies!

The schools were so excited about their goody bags full of toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss and 2 minute timers!

If you would like us to visit your school, please call us at 713-461-1509 or email us at drtheriot@smiles-for-kids.com!

February is Children's Dental Health Month!

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Check out these important facts:

  1. Tooth decay is the most common childhood disease.

  2. 3 out of 5 children are affected by tooth decay.

  3. It is 5 times more common than asthma.

  4. 51 million school hours are missed due to oral disease.

  5. It is recommended to see the pediatric dentist by your child’s first birthday!

  6. Brush your child’s teeth twice a day for 2 minutes. Then floss to clean in between the teeth. Parents should help with brushing until they can clearly write their own name.

  7. Fluoride helps to make enamel stronger and protects teeth against cavities by fighting acid & erosion.

  8. Avoid sticky snacks like gummies and crackers because those will linger on the teeth longer. Instead, try yogurt, cheese, fruits and veggies!

  9. Water is the best drink for your teeth AND your body!

To learn more about Children’s Dental Health Month, and to download some fun activity sheets and coloring pages, visit: ADA.org!

New Beginnings: Dr. Theriot Takes the Helm

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Dear Parents,

I hope this letter finds you well and that you’re all staying healthy and happy in this early part of 2025. It’s with a mixture of excitement and a bit of nostalgia that I’m reaching out to share some important news with you. After much thought and careful consideration, I’ve made the decision to transition the ownership of our practice to my wonderful associate of the past seven years, Dr. Adrien Theriot, effective February 1st, 2025.

For many years now, it’s been an absolute honor to have your child, and your family be a part of our dental family. Watching your children grow, seeing their bright smiles, and building relationships with you has truly been the most rewarding part of my career. It’s a privilege I never take for granted, and I’m deeply grateful to each of you for trusting me with your child’s care.

I want you to know that Dr. Theriot is someone I trust wholeheartedly, and I am so excited to introduce her to you although most of our families have met her over all these years! Dr. Theriot brings years of experience working in our practice as well as her gentle approach to all our little patients and a wealth of pediatric dental knowledge. In addition to being an absolute gem in the pediatric dental world and being a member of multiple professional organizations, she is also an active member of our community. She is a mom to two beautiful girls and lives with her husband in our neighborhood. More importantly, she shares the same values I’ve always strived to uphold providing not only excellent dental care but also a warm, caring, and safe environment for your children.

I know that change can sometimes feel a bit unsettling, but I want to reassure you that everything you love about our practice will remain the same. The friendly faces you see when you walk in, the compassionate team who has been caring for your family, and the high standards of care we’ve always upheld will all stay just as they are. Dr. Theriot and I are both dedicated to making this transition as smooth as possible for you and your child, and I know she will continue to provide the level of care and attention that you’ve come to expect from us.

If you have any questions, concerns, or just want to talk more about this change, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help in any way I can. You are more than just patients to me—you are part of our extended dental family, and that won’t change.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for the trust and the memories we’ve shared over the years. I am confident that Dr. Theriot will be a fantastic partner in continuing the care of your child’s dental health, and I look forward to watching this next chapter unfold with you.

With heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for your family’s health and happiness,

Dr. Kasia Lindhorst

What is Swim Stain?

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Swim staining, commonly known as "swimmer’s stain," refers to discoloration of teeth after prolonged exposure to chlorinated water. This staining can be yellowish, brownish or greenish in color and can range from mild to severe. It commonly affects competitive swimmers, recreational swimmers or just swimmers who spend a lot of time in pool water. Chlorine, while essential for keeping pool water clean and free from bacteria, can lower the pH of the water. Highly acidic water increases the likelihood of enamel erosion, which allows staining agents to penetrate the surface of the teeth more easily. Many pools contain metals like copper and iron, often used in algaecides or other cleaning treatments. These metals can bind to the enamel on your teeth, leading to a greenish or brownish discoloration. This is particularly common in pools with poor filtration systems or those that are not regularly maintained. Dry mouth can make enamel more susceptible to damage, so swimmers who also breathe through their mouth instead of their nose, have less saliva production. Less saliva means less protection of the teeth. While staining is the most common noticeable problem, teeth can also appear dull, less glossy or even feel rougher due to the enamel being worn down.

How can you prevent swim stain?

1) Brush your teeth before swimming. This will help remove the plaque or biofilm on the surface of the teeth, and help minimize the amount of chlorine or chemicals that stick to your teeth. Using fluoridated toothpaste helps to prevent tooth decay and protect enamel from acidic breakdown. You can also use a tartar control or whitening toothpaste that has gentle abrasives for helping remove surface stains and specific ingredients that help break down the stains on your teeth.

2) Rinse your mouth with fresh water before and after swimming, and drink water during breaks. This will help keep your mouth hydrated, promote saliva production and minimize the amount of time chlorine or chemicals are exposed to your teeth.

3) Check the chlorine and chemical levels. Make sure the pool water is tested, well-maintained, filtered appropriately, and has a healthy balanced pH.

4) Visit your dentist more frequently for professional dental cleanings. We can use professional dental abrasive pumice and polishing systems to keep the teeth clean, smooth and polished.

If you have noticed swim stain, would like to know more or want to schedule your child for an appointment for a dental cleaning, give us a call at 713-461-1509!

Spreading holiday cheer to Boys & Girls Country!

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This Holiday Season we were blessed to give back and picked a very deserving organization again: Boys and Girls Country! Our team truly believes in the spirit of giving and helping others. We were excited to donate much needed gifts and essentials to this wonderful organization and make someone else's Christmas magical!

Merry Christmas from Smiles for Kids Pediatric Dentistry!

https://boysandgirlscountry.org/