The Age 1 Dental Visit

Wednesday, May 2, 2012 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) both recommend that children be seen at Age 1 for their first dental visit. At the first visit, your pediatric dentist will generally complete a lap-to-lap exam to ensure there are no abnormal development issues or pathologies that you need to be aware of,… Read the Rest >>

We brush and floss! Why do we have cavities?

Thursday, June 16, 2011 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

Visit any dentist and they will extol the virtues of brushing and flossing regularly as part of healthy hygiene. We are taught that the longer food stays on our teeth and breaks down into sugars, that those sugars will have a party with the bacteria in your mouth and create decay. But how many of us were taught that the “bad” bacteria that is in our mouth is contagious, or that it is different for every person?

Teething Gels – FDA Warning

Monday, May 16, 2011 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

At World of Smiles, Pediatric Dentistry, we understand the serious links between our mouths and our whole body’s health. Occasionally we will post warnings via the AAPD or FDA regarding children’s health. Read more for a report on teething gels and a potential blood disorder.

Get it done in Year ONE!

Friday, January 21, 2011 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

There isn’t a mom I know that doesn’t keep a checklist of some kind – whether it’s mental, electronic, or on paper (or maybe all three for those of us that really don’t want to forget!). As moms and (for some of us) career women, there are pediatrician visits, vet visits, the grocery list, the… Read the Rest >>

Grow a beautiful smile!

Friday, August 13, 2010 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

Second in our new parent-to-be blog series; what does it take to grow a beautiful smile? As expectant parents, we worry about everything. From nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, to baby names and stroller brands, it can be overwhelming to give your baby what you think is best. But what many moms-to-be don’t realize is… Read the Rest >>

Why do dentists prescribe fluoride?

Wednesday, July 14, 2010 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

Why do dentists prescribe fluoride? A dentist prescribes fluoride for children to help strengthen and protect growing adult teeth. Fluoride is given as a prescription from your doctor as a substitute when a child is not drinking fluoridated water. When fluoride is ingested it binds to the growing teeth and makes them more resistant to… Read the Rest >>

Fruit Snacks: Healthy or Harmful?

Friday, July 9, 2010 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

Even though Fruit snacks can be a healthy snack and quite convenient; they are very hard on our teeth. The stickier they are the worse they are for teeth. Certain candy: such as Laffy Taffy, Skittles, Caramels and more are sticky and gooey and stay into the grooves of the back teeth. Unfortunately fruit leathers,… Read the Rest >>

How do I get my child to stop sucking their thumb?

Tuesday, June 29, 2010 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

Thumb sucking can be a hard habit to break for children. There are many reasons to break the thumb sucking habit between age 2.5 and 3 years.  During thumb sucking the mouth and teeth start conforming to fit around the thumb. A child sucks their thumb to soothe themselves, this is often an unconscious habit…. Read the Rest >>

Dress Up Fun!!

Tuesday, June 22, 2010 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

At World of Smiles we believe that going to the dentist should be a fun and exciting adventure. That’s why we try taking one day each week and turning it into a silly day. This Wednesday we are doing dress likes a Pirate day!! Join us for a fun day and earn an extra prize… Read the Rest >>

Creating a safe diet for you children’s teeth

Friday, June 18, 2010 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

Be sure to keep your child’s diet well-balanced.  We recommend limiting or eliminating the foods that have added sugars or starch in them. These are some of the main ingredients in causing cavities. By limiting these items you will be helping to prevent cavities. Here is a list of some snacks and food items we… Read the Rest >>