4th Annual Candy Exchange!

Thursday, September 22, 2011 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

Dr. Michelle Stafford, a Board Certified Pediatric Dental Specialist here in Portland offers some great tips for parents as they prepare for the candy frenzy that happens during Halloween and into the fall and winter holidays!

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?

Asthma and Cavities?

Friday, April 29, 2011 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

A recent article published in Doctor of Dentistry highlighted another health link in the development of cavities in children. A recent study in Sweden found that children and adolescents suffering from asthma are at an increased risk for the development of caries and tooth decay.

Are cavities contagious?

Thursday, April 21, 2011 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

…it is absolutely essential for me to help parents understand that sharing a cup of water or sharing food utensils during a meal can facilitate in creating future decay for a child already struggling to maintain a healthy mouth or a sibling that doesn’t yet have cavities.

The changing face of healthcare

Monday, February 14, 2011 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

As healthcare costs continue to rise, many families are struggling to find ways to cut back and find the right financial solution for them. You can fight back with these three money-saving tips!

Are x-rays really necessary?

Tuesday, November 23, 2010 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

Do you have concerns about radiation exposure to your child? Find out why x-rays are necessary to dentistry and how you can minimize your child’s risk.

How do cavities start?

Friday, July 23, 2010 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

Cavities in children generally begin three ways: Bacteria, Sugar, and Hygiene. From the time your children are toddlers, many families have found it helpful to keep crackers or other pre-packaged snack foods in the diaper bag, purse, or car for those longer-than-expected car rides or to help with hungry tummies in between meals. Unfortunately, the amount of sugar in… 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 >>