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State-of-the-Art Pediatric Dental Care

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State-of-the-Art Pediatric Dental Care

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State-of-the-Art Pediatric Dental Care

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What We Can Do For You

Learn about the various kid-friendly services we offer to help create a bright white & healthy smile!

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Get to know the doctors at Smiles4Kids™!

Smiles4Kids™ Blog

Whether it’s brushing tips or healthy eating, the Smiles4Kids™ Blog is filled with tons of valuable information!

FROM THE BLOG

English Muffin or Tooth?

September 13, 2019

How many baby teeth are left?

I think we need some space.

February 25, 2019

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big sister showing little sister how much fun it i

big sister showing little sister how much fun it is @smiles4kids with Dr. Mark! 🦷🪥😬

Nothing is more gratifying than watching the toddl

Nothing is more gratifying than watching the toddlers in our practice mature into great adults. We will miss them!!! 🥲

Welcoming in the New Year with a snapSHOT of Dr Ma

Welcoming in the New Year with a snapSHOT of Dr Mark and Dr Sean. Taking care of our families and yours!!

Just want to take a minute to thank our WONDERFUL

Just want to take a minute to thank our WONDERFUL patients for thinking of us in these difficult times. Here’s to a very happy and healthy new year! #2021

SWIPE LEFT➡️ : Some people will see this and s

SWIPE LEFT➡️ : Some people will see this and say "GROSS WHAT IS THAT?" others will think "Oh FINALLY they're doing a post on this!" Normally the tongue is covered with tiny pinkish-white bumps - those are called "papillae." These are actually little projections that normally cover the tongues surface. The image here is called "Geographic Tongue" which can also be referred to as "Benign Migratory Glossitis". The patches you are seeing are surfaces of the tongue that are actually missing those tiny papillae! That is what gives the tongue that map-like appearance. These lesions commonly heal in one area and "move" to another area. These patches can also change shape and size. Geographic tongue is a fairly common condition affecting 1-2.5% of the population. The cause is mostly unknown but there are several factors that are associated with it - emotional stress, allergies, habits, and genetics! Can you catch it from someone? Nope! It isn't contagious. Typically this is just a finding during the exam and there are little or no symptoms and does not require any treatment. That being said - it can be associated with a burning or itching sensation. In this case it's best to discuss with your dentist a course of treatment - this could include a recommended rinse or changing daily habits to help control comfort. As always if you have more questions don't hesitate to discuss with us at your child's next recare visit!

What are those?? If this is your child you may fin

What are those?? If this is your child you may find yourself asking that every time you look at their teeth. It's a great question! There are two likely culprits for the change in appearance from a typical tooth. One is called "Fusion" and one is called "Gemination." Although they result in a similar appearance they are actually very different mechanisms by which they happen. Fusion is the result of two tooth buds that, you guessed it, fused together. Gemination is the result of one tooth bud that basically divides into two tooth crowns. The easiest way to distinguish between the two is to simply count the number of teeth (the "double tooth" counting as one). Fusion results in one less tooth in the count than normal, gemination results in the same number of teeth. All of this being said the treatment for these is usually very similar and is based on monitoring the tooth. If you child appears to have one of these its a great topic to bring up at their next check up with their pediatric dentist!

Does your child's smile look like this? If you ans

Does your child's smile look like this? If you answered "yes" then I have a follow up question for you - does your child suck their thumb or use a pacifier? The answer to that is almost always YES! So, let's talk about thumb sucking/pacifiers or what we call "non-nutritive sucking habits." These habits are normal within the first two-three years of life. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends discontinuing the use of thumb/fingers/pacifier by the age of 3 OR when they have complete primary (baby) teeth - whichever comes FIRST! This is because when your child is young or doesn't have all of their baby teeth their mouths are more pliable and the damage is more reversible. As your child gets older the changes in the bone and dentition start to become more permanent. Termination of the habit and some strategies are a great conversation to have with your pediatric dentist.

"WHAT. IS. THAT?!?" is something some of you may b

"WHAT. IS. THAT?!?" is something some of you may be asking. For a lot of others it might be "oh yes my kid had that!" So, what is it? It's an Eruption Cyst! That's something that might sound scary - but rest assured it's very common and not scary at all. Basically what happens is as a tooth is coming into the mouth, fluid or blood gets trapped in between the gum tissue and the erupting tooth. It commonly happens in the molar area, especially the permanent first molars which erupt around the age of 6. That being said it can happen with any tooth! No treatment is usually indicated for these cysts but it's always a good idea to see your pediatric dentist to check it out.

Yes, it’s safe to go to the dentist! Hesitant

Yes, it’s safe to go to the dentist!

Hesitant to go to the dentist or bring your children in because of COVID-19? Don't be! It's actually a low risk activity for the patient, said an infectious disease expert at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security. Along with implementing screening procedures we have taken numerous steps to clear our waiting rooms, reduce the potential for aerosols created, and ramp up personal protective equipment. Essentially, we treat every patient like they could have any infectious disease at all times - this is called "Universal Precautions" and it's something dentists have been practicing long before COVID-19. There has been no evidence of coronavirus transmission in dental offices since reopening in May. Aside from that, oral health has a cascading effect on overall health, so it's important to keep up with your cleanings and preventive dental care. Have more questions? Check out our COVID-19 highlights or give us a call! We hope to see you and your kids soon!

The October issue in Consumer Report magazine has

The October issue in Consumer Report magazine has brought up such a good topic and one that we get questions about all the time. Is an electric toothbrush better than a manual tooth? The simple answer is.... it depends! The actual efficacy and ability of the toothbrush to remove plaque is basically the same. That being said - some kids can be better suited for an electric toothbrush and here are some reasons why:
1. The electric toothbrush usually comes with a 2 minute timer. According to the ADA most people brush for an average of 45 seconds. The timer can encourage you or your child to brush for longer periods of time by simply brushing until the toothbrush turns off.
2. Braces! If your child has braces an electric toothbrush may be a great option since it's much easier to get around all the brackets and wires than a manual toothbrush.
3. Some electric toothbrushes come with a pressure sensor. Whether your child is brushing alone or you are doing it for them this could be an important tool to help aid effective and comfortable brushing.
4. Novelty! Getting your kids to brush can be hard! Sometimes its really helpful to have a toothbrush that has a favorite character from a show or plays a song they love.

Whether you choose a manual brush or an electric brush here are some tips that can be used for both:
- Brushing at a 45 degree angle towards the gumline for the most effective brushing;
- Be thorough, brushing on all surfaces of the tooth and your tongue;
- Replace the brush regularly - you'll need a new one every 3-4 months. Splayed bristles can no longer effectively get under the gum line.

Have more questions? Feel free to ask us at your child's next check-up!

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