Children’s Dental Health Month

celebrating childrens dental health month salt lake city

Children's Dental Health Month

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Celebrating Children's Dental Health Month

One of the most essential things we can teach our children is dental hygiene. Unfortunately, persuading their children to clean and floss their teeth is challenging for many parents. However, if we want to keep our children’s teeth from being extracted at some point in their life, we must teach them the ins and outs of good dental hygiene.

Fortunately, February is here, which means it’s National Children’s Dental Health Month. This initiative, a collaboration between the American Dental Association and Crest + Oral B, may offer parents the resources they need to teach their children about dental and oral health.

Today on the blog, our Pediatric Dentist in Murray Utah is sharing how to celebrate Children’s Dental Health month with your little ones.

Take this Time to Discuss Dental Hygiene With Your Little Ones

This is the perfect opportunity to discuss your child’s dental health. Talking with your child about the importance of maintaining their pearly whites is an excellent way to educate them about dental health. 

Floss & Brush Together

Brushing and flossing should be a regular part of your children’s everyday routines. After all, children learn best when adults show them the proper way to do things. We recommend brushing and flossing together at least once a day. If this is a struggle for your child, try getting a fun toothbrush for them! There are ones available that light up, sing songs, and are fun-colored to make your child get excited about oral health.

Take Your Kids to Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry For a Fun Dental Appointment

Bring your little ones in to see us! At Kaleidoscope, our Pediatric Dentist SLC loves inviting families into our warm, fun, welcoming environment. See what our practice has to offer your little ones! If you’re not in our area, no worries. Search kids dentist near me to find a pediatric dentist near you. 

Why Appreciate Children’s Dental Health Month

We love any opportunity to further educate our community about the importance of oral health in children. Below, we share why we care about Children’s Dental Health Month.

Your Child’s Oral Health is Connected to their Overall Health

It is critical to teach children about excellent dental hygiene to keep them healthy. And by establishing good habits in one area, children will find it simpler to develop good habits in other aspects of their lives. Your child’s oral health directly correlates with their overall health, making it essential to implement good habits at an early age. 

“Children learn best when adults show them the proper way to do things. We recommend brushing and flossing together at least once a day.” – Dr. Ari Hobfoll, pediatric dentist near me

It Reminds Us to Floss

We may educate our children to floss, developing a healthy habit early in life. However, National Children’s Dental Health Month advises parents to floss as well!

Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry Today

Contact our pediatric dentist in SLC today to schedule an appointment with our team. We’d love to help your little one maintain a beautiful smile for life. Keep up with us on Facebook and Instagram for more!

The Impact of Thumb Sucking

the impact of thumb sucking slc pediatric dentist

The Impact of Thumb Sucking

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

The Impact of Thumb Sucking in Children

Hey SLC Parents! If you’re reading this, you’re probably a concerned parent who is worried about your child’s health and is concerned about their thumb sucking. Is thumb sucking harmful? Is there such a thing as thumb-sucking teeth? Our Pediatric Dentist in Murray UT is here to help you understand the intricacies of thumb sucking. Additionally, our kids dentist near me explains when it can become an issue and how to help your child best. Below, we share all you need to know about the impact of thumb sucking. 

What Is Normal When It Comes to Thumb Sucking?

Our Pediatric Dentist in Murray Utah explains that, depending on your child’s age and the strength of their habit, sucking on their thumb is entirely natural and harmless. Putting things and fingers in your child’s mouth is a natural way for them to explore, assimilate, and understand their surroundings as they grow. Furthermore, some youngsters utilize thumb sucking as comfort. Others may use plush animals or blankets.

According to the American Dental Association, children frequently quit this activity on their own between the ages of two and four. However, they may escalate or return to this activity when they are upset, anxious, or going to bed.

Why Watch Thumb Sucking Habits

While no ailment is caused only by thumb sucking, it is crucial to watch this habit. Our pediatric dentist near me explains that because it can lead to dental concerns in the future if the behavior is severe or continues for an extended period. Your child’s oral problems caused by chronic thumb sucking past a healthy age may include:

  • Bite misalignment.
  • Problems with the palate.
  • Speech issues.
  • Overbite and overjet.

When Should You Stop Sucking Your Thumb?

Because your kid’s medical history is unique, there is no set period when it is appropriate to persuade your child to discontinue this behavior gently. Aside from their age, the right time to intervene is determined partly by the severity of their thumb sucking. Additionally, you may examine how energetic the practice is.

Dr. Boals, CO Springs family dentist, explains that thumb sucking is usually not considered a problem for your child until they are around five. This is because thumb sucking might contribute to dental health issues such as a misaligned bite at this age. Still, it might be a good idea to wean your child off of this habit sooner rather than later so that the behavior is less deeply ingrained.

If you see changes in your child’s teeth or bite alignment, it’s essential to schedule a visit with a dentist for kids Salt Lake City. Fortunately, you can make powerful choices on your own to help your child grow out of this behavior or develop healthier alternatives.

How to Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking

When it comes to guiding your child’s conduct, encouraging healthy behaviors rather than punishing undesirable habits may be the more beneficial and successful alternative. Dr. Hobfoll, the best pediatric dentist in SLC, explains that stress and humiliation may contribute to an increase in thumb-sucking activity, making punishment less appealing.

Reinforcing healthy behaviors, like utilizing a plush animal instead of thumb sucking, can help to strengthen them. This can be accomplished by either removing something undesirable (such as allowing them to stay up late on weekends) or adding something nice (like rewarding them with a healthy snack).

Thumb sucking, as anybody who has ever had a nasty habit knows, may become habitual, and your child may not even be aware that they are doing it. Discouraging them with reminders can assist in drawing their focus away from the habit before they indulge in it.

Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry Today For Pediatric Dental Services in SLC

When it comes to assisting your child, it’s critical to learn what works and what doesn’t to change their behavior. You’ve taken an excellent first step by reading this blog, and you now have a perfect opportunity to assist them with reinforcement and stress management. Schedule an appointment with our team today to learn more. 

Does My Child Need a Dental Filling?

Does my child need a dental filling?

Does My Child Need a Dental Filling?

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

How to Tell If Your Child Needs a Dental Filling

Did you know that approximately 60% of youngsters in the United States have had at least one cavity by the age of five? Cavities, commonly referred to as dental caries, are small holes in your teeth caused by tooth decay. Cavities are more common in childhood, but the ability to develop them follows us into adulthood. If you’ve been wondering “does my child need a dental filling?” you’ve come to the right place. Below, our pediatric dentist in Murray Utah answers that question. 

Children’s Tooth Fillings

Our pediatric dentist in SLC will examine your child’s tooth and assist you in determining which procedure is best for your child. For youngsters with minor cavities, we usually recommend tooth fillings. A filling is a typical, safe dental operation that will heal your child’s tooth and prevent additional decay.

Our kids dentist near me provides two fillings: silver (amalgam) and white (composite) fillings. Both work well to restore teeth, but if your child’s cavity is in a permanent tooth or one that can be seen when they grin or laugh, you may prefer to use a white filling. White fillings blend in with the color of your child’s teeth, so no one will notice they have a filling.

Do Baby Teeth Require Fillings?

Why treat a cavity in a non-permanent tooth if your child’s baby tooth will fall out eventually? It’s a valid question. There is, however, a solid reason to fill in decayed infant teeth: The longer early childhood cavities go untreated, the more difficult it is to treat them.

Our friends over at High Desert Dental, a family dentist in Grand Junction, explain that untreated childhood cavities can develop into more serious oral health issues requiring more complicated (and more expensive) dental operations. Cavity pain can also impact your child’s health and development, creating problems with eating and speaking. Furthermore, baby teeth hold room in your child’s jaw for adult teeth; rotting baby teeth can alter how your child’s permanent teeth emerge.

As you can see, fillings are required for pediatric cavities, even if they are in baby teeth. Silver fillings, fortunately, perform just as well as white fillings, but they are less expensive and easier to place. In addition, because your child’s baby tooth isn’t permanent, a silver filling is a low-cost option for preventing tooth decay.

Pediatric Dental Crowns

Our pediatric dentist in Salt Lake City explains that a dental crown may be the best option if your child has a huge cavity or a fractured tooth.

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that fit over your child’s natural tooth to restore its strength and functionality. Crowns are often used to strengthen permanent teeth, though a baby tooth may require one in rare conditions.

We have both stainless steel and white dental crowns available. White crowns, like fillings, are an excellent choice for permanent and visible teeth since they match your child’s tooth enamel.

Keep Your Child’s Smile Safe

Our Murray Utah pediatric dentist is here to help whether your child requires a tooth filling or a dental crown. Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry today to schedule an appointment. 

Tips From Your SLC Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric Dental Tips

Pediatric Dental Tips

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Pediatric Dental Tips From Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry

Your child’s smile contributes to the initial impression they make on others. There are several pediatric dental recommendations that you can use as a parent to ensure that your child’s teeth look excellent. Below, our pediatric dentist in Murray Utah shares pediatric dental tips. 

Set Up Regular Dental Appointments

Our pediatric dentist SLC explains that your child should visit their dentist for regular cleanings and checkups every six months. During dental cleanings, your kids dentist near me can remove any plaque or tartar accumulated. A professional cleaning may only remove tartar; brushing and flossing will not suffice. If plaque and tartar are not eliminated, they can cause tooth decay and cavities.

Cleanings aren’t the only reason for pediatric dental visits. During a checkup, your pediatric dentist near me will ask if you have any questions and will be able to provide more pediatric dentistry suggestions. Your child’s dentist will also examine your child’s teeth to ensure no problems occur. If something is wrong, catching it early is critical. The sooner any issues are detected, the sooner they may be addressed. In addition, early therapy will help to protect your child’s healthy grin.

Brush Correctly With Your Child

Brushing may appear to be an obvious pediatric dentistry tip, but there’s a reason it’s so vital! If your child does not know how to brush their teeth properly, it can accumulate cavity-causing bacteria and plaque. Improving your child’s tooth brushing technique is a quick and easy approach to improve their smile. Below, Dr. Hobfoll, the best pediatric dentist in SLC, shares his tips:

  • Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to your toothbrush.
  • Brush your teeth at a 45-degree angle away from your gums.
  • Brush the teeth and gums lightly back and forth with short, back-and-forth strokes.
  • Continue to brush each tooth’s inner and exterior surfaces with the toothbrush.
  • Position the brush’s tip upright to reach behind the front teeth and along the top and bottom of the jaw.

By following these simple pediatric dentistry instructions, your child will effectively remove any food and bacteria from their teeth. Thus, maintaining the health of their smile.

“Making sure your child visits the dentist regularly is one of the most straightforward strategies to improve their smile.” – Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Don’t Forget to Floss

Unfortunately, flossing is a dental habit that the majority of individuals neglect. Don’t let this happen to your child! Because the benefits to your child’s teeth and gums are so tremendous, flossing once a day is a common pediatric dentistry suggestion. Of course, flossing, like teeth brushing, is most successful if your child uses the appropriate technique. Follow these steps to reap all of the benefits of flossing:

  • First, wrap 18 inches of floss around your middle fingers, leaving two to three inches uncovered.
  • Next, hold the floss between your thumb and forefinger.
  • Then, slide the floss between the teeth gently.
  • Please, make a “C” shape with the floss and use up and down motions to clean the space.  As follows, repeat for each tooth, using a new section of floss for each tooth.
  • Finally, to remove any remaining particles, rinse your mouth with water or mouthwash.

Our friend Dr. Beth Herko, family dentist New Providence NJ, explains that tooth brushing alone will not remove all of the food and germs accumulated in your child’s mouth. We agree, which is why you must floss regularly.

Implement a Tooth Friendly Diet

Please consider how your child’s nutrition affects their teeth. Numerous foods can be harmful to your child’s dental health. To improve your child’s grin, limit their consumption of sugary foods. Sugar feeds bacteria, which produces acid, which causes tooth decay and cavities. They should also stay away from sticky, starchy snacks. These foods can cling to teeth and serve as a breeding ground for bacteria.

Consider Dental Sealants

If you’re concerned about your child’s ability to keep their teeth clean on their own, consider dental sealants. Dental sealants are protective barriers that a dentist can put to your child’s adult teeth’ chewing surfaces. Adult teeth have pits and cracks where food might become lodged. When that food degrades, it becomes food for harmful bacteria, leading to tooth decay and cavities.

Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Family Dentistry, the Best Pediatric Dentistry in SLC

We’re here for the dental needs of your little ones! Contact our gentle kids dentistry today to get your kiddos on our schedule. 

Benefits of Sleep Dentistry For Kids

Benefits of Sleep Dentistry For Kids SLC

Benefits of Sleep Dentistry For Kids

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

The Many Benefits of Sleep Dentistry For kids

The advantages of pediatric sedation dentistry allow a youngster who is unable or terrified to get dental treatment. Sedation allows your little ones to get the care they need without fear, stress, anxiety, or discomfort. While our pediatric dentist Murray Utah provides an exceptionally child-friendly environment, there are occasions when dental sedation may be the ideal option. This is to provide your child with the most comfortable experience possible. Because there are several levels of pediatric sedation services, your kids dentist near me can use sedation for various types of dental treatment safely and effectively.

What Are The Benefits of Sleep Dentistry?

By relaxing and calming your child, it is possible to overcome or avoid dental anxieties. Below, our pediatric dentist near me shares the benefits. 

  • Improved treatment quality (especially for children who have difficulty sitting still).
  • Ability to execute more treatments in less time at a lower cost.
  • Allows individuals with specific needs and certain medical problems to receive comprehensive care.
  • There is little to no recollection of the treatment.

Overcoming/Avoiding Childhood Dental Phobias

If your child is afraid about undergoing a dental operation, they are not alone. In fact, up to 75% of adults suffer mild to severe anxiety about dental checkups. Some even avoid it entirely. 

One of the most significant advantages of sedation dentistry is that it relaxes and soothes the patient. A youngster who feels relaxed rather than afraid during a dental procedure will generally have little to no anxiety at subsequent visits and will be significantly less likely to develop a lifetime dental phobia, which can have severe ramifications for their dental health as an adult. According to research, adults with dental phobias frequently miss having regular dental checkups and suffer from much more tooth problems as a result of needlessly avoiding the dentist.

Sedation Dentistry Improves Treatment Quality

Aside from the psychological benefits, the patient’s tranquility during dental sedation allows your pediatric dentist SLC to complete the dental procedure without interruption or resistance. Some youngsters may move or pull back reflexively during certain phases of treatment, causing delays in the operation. In addition, sitting still for an extended period of time is quite challenging for some young children. While your dentist is used to such movements, dental anesthesia allows the treatment to be finished swiftly, efficiently, and without interruption.

“Sleep dentistry is a wonderful option for kids with gag reflexes, dental anxiety, or any type of special needs. At Kaleidoscope, we are proud to offer a multitude of sleep dentistry options for kids.” – Dr. Ari Hobfoll, Pediatric Dentist SLC

Sleep Dentistry Helps With Gag Reflexes

Sedation dentistry can help children with sensitive gag reflexes reduce the sensation of choking or the need to vomit. Also, controlling the gag reflex makes it more comfortable for kids. Additionally, it allows your pediatric dentist to conduct your child’s operation more efficiently and safely.

Sedation Dentistry Allows More Treatment in Less
Time

Allowing the dentist to work longer without the patient feeling uncomfortable. It is not uncommon for a child’s dental treatment to require more than one procedure as a result of:

  • Patient tolerance level Treatment duration
  • Patient anxiety
  • The inability of a child to keep their lips open comfortably
  • Your dentist can perform numerous treatments in one appointment with mild (conscious) sedation or deep IV sedation, and your child will feel as though little time has gone, with no pain, discomfort, or fear.

Dental Sedation at a Low Cost

Dr. Neda, sedation dentistry Georgetown KY, explains that your dentist can complete your child’s treatment in fewer appointments, you save money. While a patient’s insurance provider does not usually reimburse dental sedation, it can still save money in the long run because lengthy treatments can be completed in a single dental session rather than numerous appointments.

Minimal sedation is relatively inexpensive for children undergoing less complex procedures, and the benefits usually surpass any increased expenditures. If your child is nervous about their impending dentist appointment, please inquire about our pediatric sedation options.

Special Needs and Medically Compromised Children’s Dental Sedation

Due to emotional, physical, or behavioral issues. Dental sedation is appropriate for children with special needs because it allows the operation to be completed more quickly and comfortably for the patient.

Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry Today For Sedation Dentistry

ur loving and accepting environment. At each session, our Murray UT Pediatric Dentist combines the pleasure and simplicity of gentle pediatric dentistry with the most sophisticated dental treatments available. If you are interested in using dental sedation for your child’s next dental treatment, or if you want to find out if your child would benefit from sedation dentistry, please contact our practice.