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.

Your mouth is part of your body…

Friday, March 4, 2011 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

Our mouth is the pathway to great health — if your child neglects brushing and flossing regularly and develops gingivitis, it may lead to periodontal problems. Periodontal disease has been linked to diabetes and heart disease. If a child has diagnosed health issues that lead to dry mouth, then your child is at a higher risk to develop cavities. Our body is a whole system – let’s keep it healthy!

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 >>

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 >>

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 >>

At what age will my child start losing teeth?

Wednesday, June 2, 2010 by Michelle Stafford, DDS

At what age will my child start losing teeth? Normally, a child starts to lose teeth around age six to seven years. However, there is an age range and some kids may start as early as 5 and ½ while some kids do not lose their first tooth until after age 7. Check out this… Read the Rest >>