One of the best things about being a kid is the lack of serious responsibility. For the most part, young children can do basically whatever they want—within reason, anyway.

That may be part of why it’s so hard to get kids to take their oral health seriously. As a parent, trying to convince children to brush thoroughly and floss their teeth can pose serious challenges. Here are some ways to make dental care a little more exciting for your child.

Pediatric dentistry tends to be a specialty distinct from other kinds of dental care because young people’s growing jaws require specific knowledge to treat effectively. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that many parents struggle to make decisions regarding their children’s oral health.

One of the first choices parents have to make regarding their kids’ teeth is when to use a pacifier, and when to help their kids wean off. You may have heard that excessive pacifier use can affect your child’s teeth; here’s what you should know about the impact that it may have.

As a parent, you may be excited to see your tyke’s baby teeth come in. After all, the process shows your little one is growing up! Still, you should be careful as the last of these pearly whites emerge. When your child’s second molars erupt, they’ll likely feel discomfort. You’ll thus need to guide them through that situation. Luckily, your local dental practice can help. Read on, then, to learn the signs of two-year molars erupting, how to manage their pain, and when to see a dentist.

As a parent, there are things you can naturally expect from your child. An avoidance of vegetables. Fights with siblings. And sucking their thumbs! This habit is an innate reflex that 90% of infants develop within two hours after being born. While it is perfectly normal to use this as a self-soothing tool until they are a toddler, thumb-sucking has the potential to negatively affect your child’s oral development if allowed to persist for too long. Read on to learn more about thumb sucking and your little one’s precious growing smile.

Baby teeth are supposed to fall out on their own when the permanent teeth are ready to erupt. Sadly, life doesn’t always go according to plan. In some cases, your little one might need to have their baby teeth removed to keep their smile safe. When are tooth extractions for kids necessary? And what can you do to help your child prepare for the procedure and enjoy a smooth recovery? Here’s what you need to know as a parent.

The temperature is dropping, the days are getting shorter, and shelves at every store are filled with holiday decorations. It’s official – Christmas is right around the corner! As a parent, you’re likely excited to watch your children sort through the goodies in their stockings. While it’s easy to fill them with candy and other sweet treats, they can wreak havoc on your little one’s smile. Fortunately, we’ve got some tooth-friendly ideas that every kid will love. Read on to learn more!

The leaves are changing color, the outside temperature is dropping, and autumn is finally here. And as great as this time of year is, with its arrival also comes cold and flu season! Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to protect you and your little one from catching a nasty bug. But did you know that by practicing and encouraging good oral hygiene, you can actively lower the chances of catching something unpleasant. Here are some tips from your children’s dentist in Aspen Hill to ensure that your child’s smile is as healthy and bright as possible during the colder winter months.  

No matter where the competition might take place, does your child enjoy being involved in sports? Parents want their little ones to be equipped with the right protective gear like a helmet or shin guards, but they may not always think about the importance of a kids’ mouthguard in Aspen Hill. Keep reading to learn from a children’s dentist about why it matters to get a customized protective mouthpiece for them before their next game.

From their first gummy grin to senior year photos, your child’s smile undergoes quite the transformation as they grow. Age 5-7 is when one of the most significant changes occurs: the loss of their baby teeth. Typically, their permanent set doesn’t emerge until this process is complete. However, it can happen sooner, causing two rows of teeth aka “shark teeth.” Keep reading to learn more from a children’s dentist in Aspen Hill about this phenomenon!

Now that back-to-school season is here, your schedule will probably be busy with buying your little one’s supplies and their new outfits or uniforms. However, you’ll also want to ensure their oral health is in pristine condition. It may be surprising to learn that having a healthy smile can significantly affect their academic performance. Read on to learn about the link between your little one’s oral health and scholastic success from their children’s dentist in Aspen Hill!