Annual Doctor & Referral Appreciation Party!

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Every year we invite all our wonderful referring partners to an afternoon of fun, food, door prizes, and most of all camaraderie, as we celebrate the relationships we’ve built over the years. This was our first year back since the start of COVID-19 that cancelled our party in 2020! We celebrated all our referring doctors and friends at Guadalajara Mexican restaurant. We had a GREAT time seeing the awesome doctors we work with as well as their teams! Thank you guys for coming and thank you for working with us and our amazing patients year after year.

Brushing Fun with Electric Toothbrushes!

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Make brushing your teeth exciting and fun for kids by switching to an electric toothbrush!

How It Works

Manual and electric toothbrushes work using the same principle – dental plaque is removed through the bristles’ scrubbing action against the teeth surface. However, the electric toothbrush gets ahead of the competition by providing a second level of cleaning. This is made possible by its intense vibratory or oscillating motion of the toothbrush head that renders energy to the teeth’s surrounding fluids such as saliva. The fluids, agitated by the powerful motion, can dislodge plaques even on areas not touched by the bristles.

Features of Electric Toothbrushes For Kids

  • built in timer that runs for 2 minutes, some that even have 30 second buzzes or chimes to let you know when to switch to a different area of the mouth

  • toothbrush heads that can be switched out instead of throwing away the entire toothbrush which means less waste

  • different sizes and types of toothbrush heads targeted for young or older kids, brushing around appliances like braces, stimulation of gingiva, etc.

  • different power modes for younger and older kids, gum sensitivity, oral appliances, etc.

  • some play fun songs that kids can enjoy

  • handles designed with various gripping locations to make independent or parent-assisted brushing a breeze

Value for Money

Although powered toothbrushes are more expensive than most toothbrushes out there, it can be more economical in the long run. After all, regular and effective brushing can remove plaque that can cause tooth decay. And healthy teeth and gums, of course, equate to less dental expenses. Many parents would even agree that if their kids would be encouraged to brush their teeth regularly, then the product is well worth it.

Powered toothbrushes For Kids assist parents and kids in making a successful transition from assisted brushing to independent brushing. Kids who use powered toothbrushes are reportedly more excited during brushing time. Although some kids may find the vibrating motion uncomfortable at first, they will get used to it in time. It also makes brushing easier for people with limited dexterity or mobility such as young children or individuals with special health care needs

Remember, no matter what type of toothbrush you use, brush for two minutes twice a day with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Replace toothbrushes every three to four months or more often if the bristles are visibly matted or frayed.

Click below to see all of the powered toothbrushes that have been tested and accepted by the American Dental Association for safety and efficacy!

ADA Accepted Electric Toothbrushes

Why Choose a Pediatric Dentist and Not a General Dentist for Your Child?

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Opting for a pediatric dentist over a general dentist is no different from choosing a pediatrician over a family doctor for your kids. A general dentist is great for adults, but having specialized in a children’s growth and development, baby teeth formation and treatment, as well as behavior management makes pediatric dentists a better choice when it comes to your child’s oral care.

Many children are not cooperative during early teeth check-ups and cleanings. In this aspect, a pediatric dentist’s additional 2-3 years of hands-on training and education in child psychology and development is definitely an advantage. They are specially trained to make your tots feel safe during treatments and explain oral care and procedures in a manner understandable by kids. We also have highly trained staff that understands that approaching children is a delicate matter and can make little ones’ visits exciting and fun.

Aside from this, pediatric dentists use equipment that is specifically designed for children. Parents can expect the latest technology in ensuring gentle yet effective procedures. After all, kids are known for being impatient so pediatric dentists need to be fast and accurate and must use tools that can complement such a pace.

A pediatric dentist’s office is also something to look forward to as it is often decorated with children in mind. Having a child-friendly office makes children comfortable and cooperative. Children can play or read books while waiting for their appointment. In our office we offer toys for kids of all ages from toddler towers and picture books to video games and movies for our older patients.

For very young children or those who are extremely fidgety, sedation may be administered by a pediatric dentist if treatment of cavities is needed. Options depend on the child’s needs and range from giving oral medications to applying topical anesthetics, using nitrous oxide or going through general anesthesia. The first three techniques leave patients conscious but relaxed or numbed while the last technique renders the patient completely asleep to accomplish treatment.

Treatment of children with mental or physical disabilities is also part of pediatric dental training. In fact, even adults with disabilities and special conditions can benefit from the expertise of pediatric dentists. Examples are those with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and seizure disorders. A good pediatric dentist will be happy to accommodate all questions from both parents and children and discuss the advantages, as well as risks, of various procedures.

Pediatric dentists welcome patients from infancy to adolescence. Babies as young as twelve months should be brought to the clinic for tooth decay prevention. These appointments educate and guide parents to keep their children’s baby teeth healthy. Toddlers are counseled about pacifier or thumb sucking habits. As for teenagers, pediatric dentists understand their need to keep a pleasing appearance. They guide their older patients to the right treatments in correcting teeth, veneers, teeth bleaching and orthodontia.

This specialized approach to kids of all ages is what makes pediatric dentists superior choice for children’s dental needs. Pediatric dentists will then pass on a well behaved, excited about oral health and hygiene and well educated patient to their general dental colleagues.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month!

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The 2022 theme is “Sealants Make Sense.”

"Sealants on permanent molars reduce the risk of caries by 80%,” Dr. Irene Hilton of the American Dental Association said. "If your dentist recommends dental sealants, it is part of a comprehensive caries management approach. I am excited that this year" National Children’s Dental Health Month theme is about dental sealants, so more families are aware of this cavity-preventing treatment."

What are sealants?

Sealants are a protective coating for the grooves of teeth where toothbrush bristles and floss can’t reach, most specifically the back teeth such as premolars and molars.

Think of sealants as the Captain America shields against tooth decay. They are recommended for teeth with deep grooves that are susceptible to bacteria, plaque retention and acid attack, as well as for patients with a history of cavities or at higher risk for future cavities. 

Dental sealants are safe and affordable too! Insurance companies understand their impressive protection and cover them in large percentage. The cost of 4 sealants is close to the cost of one filling.

Talk to us about sealants! Our doctors will examine your child’s teeth and report to you if dental sealants are appropriate for your child’s age and condition. Note that not all children need these. To give you an idea, kids six years of age are the best candidates for sealants because it is the age when the first permanent molars appear and are most vulnerable. Keep in mind that even with dental sealants applied, children still need to get regular dental checkups, cleanings, x-rays and fluoride treatments. Sealants may be applied by the dentist, the dental hygienist or dental assistant that is properly trained and certified in placing sealants.

Sealants are non-invasive, easy to place, cost-effective and a critical player in the fight against dental caries!

Check out these fun activity sheets for Children’s Dental Health Month from The American Dental Association:

Reverse Numbness with OraVerse!

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For comfort during dental treatment, the dentist may use a special numbing medication called Lidocaine or Septocaine. These meds make a chosen area of the mouth temporarily numb and pain-free. This is called local anesthesia. However, these medications can linger for hours after the treatment is completed and the child may still feel numb for the remainder of the day. This extended feeling of numbness can result in drooling, difficulty in speaking, or even chewing/sucking on lips, cheeks or tongue since children cannot feel it and/or may not be used to that new feeling! This self-inflicted injury can cause very painful, traumatic ulcers or swelling (see the example picture below). These take days to heal and can be very debilitating for eating, speaking and normal function for up to a week.

Fortunately, a drug called OraVerse (Phentolamine Mesylate), formulated by Dr. Stuart Levy, was created to lessen the extended periods of numbing. It works to reverse the effects of local dental anesthesia by causing dilation of local blood vessels and allowing for the anesthetic to clear out of the system easily and faster. After the dental procedure is finished, it is injected into the same area as the numbing medication. Then, patients can expect the numbness to wear off much faster, but the exact amount of time is different for each person. It’s important to remind children not to bite or suck, and still to soft foods until full feeling comes back.

Here at Smiles for Kids Pediatric Dentistry, our doctors feel that Oraverse allows for patients to get back to their regular plans for the remainder of the day like school, sports and other activities! There’s no need to cancel the rest of your day just because of a dental appointment. Ask us about Oraverse at YOUR next visit!

*According to Novalar, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures OraVerse, it can be used by adults and children who are six years old and above. The minimum weight requirement of those who can use it is 33 pounds. But safety of the drug has been proven on children as young as three years of age.