What Should I Do If My Child Has a Toothache?

my child has a toothache Salt Lake City Utah

What Should I Do If My Child Has a Toothache?

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

My Child Has a Toothache, Salt Lake City, UT

If your child is suffering from a toothache, the best thing you can do is take them to see a pediatric dentist. Murray Utah is home to Kalidoscope Kids Kids Dentistry an emergency kids dentist that can help your child get relief from their toothache. Pediatric dentists have the training and experience to safely and effectively treat children’s teeth, and they can provide you with guidance on how to care for your child’s teeth at home. If you are concerned about your child’s toothache, don’t hesitate to contact a pediatric dentist in Murray Utah. We will be able to help your child get the relief they need.

“If you’re looking for a kind, knowledgeable, highly skilled, and compassionate pediatric dentist, Dr. Ari is your guy. I can’t recommend him enough. All around five-star kids dentist.”

How To Soothe A Toothache Until You Can Get To Your Child’s Dentist

At-home solutions for pediatric tooth pain can include using a cold compress on the outside of the child’s cheek, over the area where the tooth is. This will help with swelling and pain. You can also have your child rinse their mouth out with warm water mixed with salt, this will help to clean the area and reduce bacteria. If your child is in severe pain or there is bleeding, you should take them to see an emergency pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Dr. Ari may suggest a filling or cap, especially if it is a permanent tooth that is affected. 

my child has a toothache Salt Lake City Utah

Supporting Your Child Through A Toothache

When your child is suffering from a toothache, it is important to be compassionate and understanding. As the parent of a young child, you know how painful and frightening a toothache can be. Your child may experience significant discomfort and anxiety, so it is crucial that you are sensitive to their needs during this time.

If your child’s toothache becomes more serious, such as due to a cavity or a broken tooth, don’t hesitate to seek out professional care at your Salt Lake Pediatric Dentist. Our team has years of experience working with children and understands the importance of gentle care and compassion when working with pediatric patients. Additionally, if your child is new to dental care or seems apprehensive about seeing the dentist, we can work with them one-on-one to build trust and help make the visit an enjoyable experience.

So if you are looking for high-quality pediatric dentistry services in Salt Lake City, look no further than our skilled team at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry. Schedule an appointment today and let us help your child regain their smile!

How Do I Prevent My Child From Getting Cavities?

how do I prevent my child from getting cavities?

How Do I prevent my child from getting cavities?

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Cavity Prevention For Kids

Cavity prevention is important for kids. Cavities happen when the enamel, or hard outer surface of the tooth, starts to break down. This can happen when the tooth comes into contact with sugary or acidic foods and drinks. Once the enamel starts to break down, cavities can form. Cavities can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss if not caught and treated early. There are several things you can do to help prevent cavities in your child’s teeth:

  • Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
  • Make sure they floss daily.
  • Limit sugary and starchy snacks.
  • Have them drink water throughout the day.
  • Take them for regular dental checkups.

Following these simple tips can help reduce your child’s risk of cavities and keep their smile healthy and bright!

 

How is tooth decay treated in a child?

Tooth decay in children is typically treated through a combination of dietary changes, pediatric dental care, and restorative services. The first step is to identify the cause of the child’s tooth decay and make any necessary dietary adjustments. This might include limiting sugar intake or increasing the child’s consumption of vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy teeth.

Next, regular brushing, flossing, and other hygiene practices will help prevent further cavities from forming. In more severe cases, a pediatric dentist may recommend x-rays or other diagnostic tools to determine if there are any underlying issues that need to be addressed. Depending on the severity of the cavity, treatment options may range from pediatric dental filling to root canal therapy or even tooth extraction. Overall, a multidisciplinary approach is typically required in order to successfully treat tooth decay in children and help them maintain healthy teeth for years to come.

how do I prevent my child from getting cavities?

How can I help prevent tooth decay in my child at home?

To help prevent tooth decay in your child, it is important to establish good oral hygiene habits early on. The first step is to begin brushing their teeth as soon as the first tooth appears. This helps to get rid of food debris and plaque that can build up over time and lead to cavities. You should also brush the teeth, tongue, and gums twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, or help your child brush if they are too young to do it themselves. Additionally, you should use only a small amount of toothpaste for children under the age of 3, as they may be at risk of swallowing excess toothpaste and getting sick. Practicing these simple steps can help keep your child’s teeth healthy and cavity-free in the long run. And when all else fails, it’s always a good idea to see your pediatric dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups. After all, prevention is always easier than treating a problem once it has developed! Contact your Murray Utah Pediatric Dentist today! 

Tips For Infant And Toddler Dental Care

Tips For Infant And Toddler Dental Care

Tips For Infant And Toddler Dental Care

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

All About Infant & Toddler Dental Care

Tips For Infant And Toddler Dental Care

Your kids’ teeth are vital to their overall health. As parents and dental professionals, we love to help you instill strong oral hygiene habits with your kids from an early age. Our goal is to assist your child in developing healthy dental habits while preventing cavities. Poor dental hygiene in kids can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental concerns. We have come up with some Tips For Infant And Toddler Dental Care.

Learning how to care for their teeth and gums is the first step toward good oral health.

Oral Care for Infants

Many parents struggle with how soon is too soon to bring your child to the dentist? We recommend bringing your child into our SLC Pediatric Dental office as soon as the first tooth erupts. “Why so early,” you ask? We want to make sure your child establishes a fun experience and a high level of comfort at an early age. Some things you can also do at home with your child to establish positive dental health habits are, to wipe your baby’s gum after feeding. And get them a baby toothbrush. Taking excellent oral health care is vital, but what about baby teeth? Your baby’s teeth are already developing within their jaws at birth. So Dr. Ari advises good dental care before your baby’s first teeth appear.

Kids Dental Care 0-6 Months

Practicing proper children’s oral health care is the first line of protection against probable tooth decay in newborns and children. First, make careful to brush their gums after constantly eating gently. Then, wrap a moistened, soft, clean washcloth around your index finger and gently massage the gum tissues.

Teething typically begins at 4–6 months. If your child has red, puffy gums and excessive salivation, giving your child a cool, damp towel or a clean teething ring will help reduce the discomfort. You may also refrigerate the teething rings to soothe inflamed gums.

Because tooth decay is contagious, never use your mouth to verify the bottle’s temperature, wipe the nipple or pacifier, or exchange utensils (especially spoons). These habits might promote tooth decay in your child.

6 to 12 Months

Salt Lake City UT Dental treatment for your baby’s first teeth typically starts between 6 to 8 months of age. That’s why parents need to care for their baby’s teeth from the first month. Even if the first tooth has erupted, continue washing and massaging your baby’s gums after feeding.  

Beyond that we recommend you limit sugary beverages and provide children with nourishing foods.

Examine your baby’s gums and teeth. Look for little white or brown patches on their teeth, which indicate early dental decay. Call a pediatric dentist near you right away to schedule a child’s dental visit. Baby teeth should be checked within six months after their first birthday. Ask your kids’ dentist about newborn fluoride supplements if your water is not fluoridated.

After Your Child’s First Dental Exam Around 12-18 months

Baby teeth should be brushed twice a day with simple water and keep checking their teeth for potential cavities. Set up a dental appointment for your child at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry to maintain appropriate dental hygiene for your child’s teeth and gums.

18 Months To About The Age Of 5

Teach your toddler the value of oral health. By three years old, pacifiers and thumb-sucking should be gone. In addition, your child’s primary teeth should be fully formed by age 5. Introduce a pea-sized quantity of fluoride toothpaste to your kid and train them to spit it out. Teach your toddler to clean their teeth as their fine motor abilities improve. Be gentle and teach them good brushing techniques. 

Even if they can clean their teeth, continue to check for dental rot.
Take your child to the dentist every six months. Talk to the dentist if your child continues to suck a pacifier or thumb.

Children’s Dental Health Facts for Parents

Our friends over at New Providence Dentistry, the best dentist in New Providence remind us that dental experts continue to promote excellent dental health in youngsters. We’ve gathered helpful facts regarding your kids’ dental health to help keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Around age 6, most kids lose their first tooth

Primary teeth are important for your child’s oral growth and permanent tooth spacing. Primary teeth can sometimes last until the age of 12.

Contact Us Today!

We believe that excellent oral habits start young. So let us help you take care of your children’s oral health. Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry now for the best care.

Tooth Friendly Snacks

tooth friendly snacks

Tooth Friendly Snacks

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Tooth friendly snacks
for your kiddo

Smart snacking entails both strategic snack-time planning and the selection of certain foods. Both can help to reduce the likelihood of tooth decay. Today on the blog, Dr. Hobfoll, the best pediatric dentist SLC, shares tooth friendly snacks for your kids. 

Why Is It That Snacking is More Likely to Cause Tooth Decay?

Bacteria that cause oral cavities feed on every carbohydrate source we consume, including sugar, bread, potatoes, rice, crackers, chips, pretzels, candies, fruit snacks, juice, and so on. Bacteria consume carbs and turn them into acid. Our pediatric dentist SLC explains that this acid causes a cavity.

Our saliva helps to neutralize the acid’s effects. However, if children nibble throughout the day, the constant acid production overwhelms the saliva’s ability to buffer or neutralize the acid, increasing the likelihood of cavities developing.

What is Smart Snacking?

Smart snacking entails reducing the frequency with which children nibble between meals and selecting foods superior in terms of type and texture to others. Our kids dentist near me explains that it is preferable to consume the entire snack at once rather than in small portions throughout the day. The bacteria that cause cavities get their energy from glucose.

Additionally, our kids dentist SLC explains that limiting chewy and sticky foods helps. These foods can become lodged in the grooves of the back teeth and remain there for extended periods, increasing the risk of cavities.

What Are Some Healthier Snack Options?

  • Whole foods that are minimally processed (like an apple) will always be superior to processed carbohydrate-rich diets for various reasons, including tooth health (like sugar-sweetened applesauce).
  • Snacks high in protein and low in carbohydrates are especially beneficial. Dr. Wade, family dentist Pinellas Park FL, explains that for example, nuts and part-skim cheese are excellent in this regard, and they also aid in developing strong teeth.
  • Although they may include some sugar, fruits and vegetables are a smart choice because they provide a variety of essential elements. Harder or crunchier alternatives, such as apples, celery, and carrots, are delicious.
  • Complex meals can help brush off dental plaque accumulation (a film of bacteria and carbohydrates that accumulates on teeth) similar to additional brushing. Sticky dried fruits, such as raisins, provide nutritious value but can become stuck in the grooves of back teeth.

What Else Should You Think About When Arranging Snacks?

Hard, crunchy foods like granola and trail mix are classified differently from candy bars, and sticky fruit treats. Although these goods are sometimes seen as healthful, they include many carbs. In addition, granola and trail mix, despite being crunchy, can quickly become lodged in the grooves of the teeth.

Juice, sports drinks, and soda should be consumed in moderation. Anything other than water (including milk) contains sugars and can cause cavities. If children consume beverages other than water, they should adhere to the same guidelines as snack food: drink in one sitting and limit the number of drinks consumed.

“Limiting chewy and sticky foods can help with your child’s oral health. These foods can become lodged in the grooves of the back teeth and remain there for extended periods, increasing the risk of cavities.” – Dr. Hobfoll, kids dentist in Murray Utah

Smart Snacking

Smart snacking is key for keeping teeth healthy at all ages. In addition, making children aware of excellent timing and choices and encouraging them to maintain good dental hygiene habits has various health benefits.

Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry Today

Ready to get started with your kids oral health? Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry today for a tooth cleaning. 

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How to Choose a Toothbrush For Your Child

How to choose a toothbrush for your child

How to Choose a Toothbrush For Your Child

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Choosing a Child's Toothbrush

At Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry, we love helping parents make the best decisions for their little ones. We pride ourselves on parents and patient education. In fact, one of our most frequently asked questions is how to choose a toothbrush for your child. With so many options on the market, it can be a challenge. Luckily, our Pediatric Dentist in Murray Utah shares how to choose a toothbrush for your child. 

How to Choose a Toothbrush For Your Kiddos

If you’ve ever been to your local grocery store’s dental area, you’ll understand what we’re talking about. There are brushes with varying lengths of bristles, brushes that massage your gums, and brushes that change color when used. In addition, there are brushes that play songs, brushes that light up, and more. 

Choosing a Child’s Toothbrush

When choosing a toothbrush for a child, ensure sure it fits comfortably in their hand. If the size and angle are uncomfortable, the youngster will be less inclined to use it long enough to clean all mouthparts. Our dentist for kids Salt Lake City shares that a child-sized toothbrush is not always necessary. Some children prefer an adult-sized brush over a short, thin child-size brush. If you are doubtful, consult with your kids dentist near me.

Avoid Firm Bristles

The hardness of the bristles is a critical consideration. Stiff bristles may be more effective for cleaning charred meat from a grill or hard water deposits from a shower floor. However, this is not the case with your teeth. Our friend Dr. Boals, dentist Colorado Springs, shares that brushes with a medium or hard-bristle might cause gum injury. The bristles of soft and extra-soft toothbrushes are firm enough to remove plaque, food particles, and surface stains from your teeth. Soft bristles are also more adaptable for reaching hard-to-reach nooks and crevices.

Get Your Child Involved

We want your child to be excited about their oral health. Dr. Hobfoll, the best pediatric dentist in SLC, shares that letting your child pick out their toothbrush is a great idea. Having a toothbrush that plays their favorite song, is their favorite color, or is an excellent, funky shape, is an easy way to get your kiddo excited to brush. 

“Our team at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry will do everything possible to avoid cavities with frequent cleanings and examinations. We are highly qualified to provide your children with high-quality, cutting-edge dental treatment while developing excellent dental habits that they can carry with them at home.” – Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Plan A Dental Cleaning For Your Child

Are your child’s toothbrush and brushing methods effective? We can help you find out. Our exceptional dental hygienists at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry teach our patients of all ages to correct brushing practices.

Cavities can emerge when your child’s teeth are exposed to sugary or carbohydrate-containing meals. Sugars and carbs can build upon and around your child’s teeth after they eat, causing plaque to form on the enamel. As a result, your children may develop cavities. Fortunately, we specialize in Children’s Cavity Prevention.  In addition, we will work hard to instill a passion for brushing and flossing in your child, resulting in better checkups and fewer cavities. Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry today to learn more!

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Bad Foods For Your Child’s Teeth

bad foods for your childs teeth slc pediatric dentist

Bad Food For Your Child's Teeth

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

The Worst Foods For Your Child's Teeth

As a parent, there are so many decisions you must make for your child. When it comes to your child’s dental health, it is so important to ensure optimal oral health techniques from an early age. As follows, our team at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry are parents themselves. We understand how tough it can be to keep your children on a healthy diet. While we know that the occasional sweet treat or junk-food snack is enjoyable (and of course, needed from time to time!) there are smart choices that you can make for your child. Our Pediatric Dentist in Murray Utah wants to educate our patients and their parents about the impact food have on their smile.

Foods to Avoid For a Healthy Smile

Today on the blog, to assist you in avoiding some of the most prevalent cavity-causing offenders, we’ve compiled a list of the worst foods for your child’s teeth. Read our tips from our Kids Dentist in SLC to learn more.

Soda

The top rank on this list should come as no surprise! Soda’s high sugar and acid content harm your teeth and health. Sugar feeds bacteria in your mouth, producing more acid, which destroys your enamel. Cavities and discoloration will result as a result of this over time. However, if your child does love a glass of soda from time to time, please make sure they brush and floss afterward.

Pastries

Foods heavy in carbohydrates (such as pizza, potato chips, white bread, and so on) can also be bad for your teeth. This is because starches are frequently sticky. Thus, they become lodged in the spaces between teeth. If they remain in your mouth, they degrade into simple sugars. This then provides a delightful feast for your oral bacteria and an increased risk of tooth decay!

Sticky Candy

Sugary candies are all terrible for your teeth. Sticky candies, on the other hand (such as caramel, lollipops, sugary gum, jellybeans, and so on) inflict much more harm since they adhere to the surfaces of teeth. This gives a more extended breeding environment for acid-producing bacteria. Therefore, if you consume any sticky candy, rinse your mouth with water afterward. As a result, this helps wash away the sugary residue from your teeth.

“We understand how tough it can be to keep your children on a healthy diet. While we know that the occasional sweet treat or junk-food snack is enjoyable (and of course, needed from time to time!) there are smart choices that you can make for your child.” – Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry

Juice

Although juices frequently contain essential vitamins and minerals, most fruit juices are heavy in calories, sugar, and citric acid. Citric acid erodes tooth enamel and can cause cavities. To lessen the harmful effects of the liquid, rinse your mouth with water after drinking it, just like you would with sweets. Our friend Dr. Kacos, the best dentist in Shreveport LA, recommends consuming fruit juice in moderation and swallowing most of your fruit fresh and whole!

Dried Fruit 

Although dried fruit appears to be a healthy snack, its high sugar content and sticky texture raise the risk of cavities. Because dried fruit contains a lower proportion of water and vitamins per serving, fresh fruit is a healthier option that will satisfy your sweet taste.

Join Our No Cavity Club Today

Our experts at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry will do everything possible to avoid cavities with frequent cleanings and examinations. Our Pediatric Dentist Salt Lake is highly qualified to provide your children with high-quality, cutting-edge dental treatment while developing excellent dental habits that they can carry with them at home. We will work hard to instill a passion of brushing and flossing in your child, resulting in better checkups and fewer cavities. Contact us today!

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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. 

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Cavity Prevention Tips

cavity prevention tips pediatric dentist slc

Cavity Prevention Tips

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Cavity prevention tips from our pediatric dentist in slc

Every day, we see parents who are astounded to hear that their child has a cavity. After all, their youngster brushes and flosses his or her teeth every day. Despite brushing and flossing on a regular basis, some children develop cavities.  Unfortunately, brushing and flossing aren’t always enough to keep cavities at bay. Thus, understanding what causes tooth decay is the first step toward cavity prevention. Below, our pediatric dentist Murray Utah shares cavity prevention tips. 

The Cause of Cavities

Tooth decay is caused by a variety of circumstances. First, Dr. Hobfoll, the best pediatric dentist in Salt Lake City, shares that bacteria play a significant impact.  When bacteria colonies go unchecked, they develop plaque, a white sticky coating made up of millions of germs. Plaque begins to coat the teeth more and more when brushing is neglected or not done correctly. When these bacteria are allowed to grow unchecked for an extended period of time, they create acids that destroy tooth enamel. This is why it’s essential to visit your kids dentist near me. 

Cavity Prevention Advice From Our Pediatric Dentist

Fortunately for you and your child, there are simple behaviors you may acquire to reduce the likelihood of them developing a cavity. Below, our pediatric dentist SLC shares cavity prevention tips. 

Increase Water Intake

Food particles are washed away by water. It also keeps the lips moist and the pH adjusted. Sugary drinks, such as soda and sports drinks, should be avoided. Juices should also be avoided! As follows, juices are high in sugar, and some juices, such as orange juice, are also high in acidity. Thus, the nasty bacteria in your child’s mouth are fed by a combination of sugar and acid.

Choose Non-Starchy Foods

Sugar gets a lot of flak for creating cavities, but starchy snacks are just as dangerous. Little crackers and pretzels are two examples of starchy snacks. Starchy meals adhere to your teeth and make them gummy for hours. The same may be said for any sticky snack, such as fruit-shaped gummy candies and raisins. Foods that attach to teeth remain in the mouth for a long time, feeding germs. Avoid them, especially if your child will be unable to brush his or her teeth for an extended period of time.

Brush As Soon As First Tooth Erupts

Brushing should begin as soon as the first tooth appears. It is not required to use fluoride at this age. A pea-sized dab of fluoride-containing toothpaste is acceptable for youngsters aged 3 to 6 years and those who can spit out toothpaste.

“Brushing should begin as soon as the first tooth appears. With your young baby or infant, a washcloth or teething toothbrush can be used until they age. ” – Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Look Into Dental Sealants

Deep grooves on molars, in particular, might be difficult to reach and brush well. Our friends at High Desert Dental, Grand Junction dentist, explain that you may ask your child’s dentist to apply sealants to your child’s teeth. Thus, this provides an extra layer of protection against cavities until their enamel fully develops.

See Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry For A Cleaning Twice a Year

Importantly, tartar can be removed with regular professional cleanings. Furthermore, your pediatric dentist near me can use fluoride treatments to assist your child’s teeth to strengthen as they grow.  Finally, your dentist will be able to detect decay in its early stages. As follows, early intervention alleviates discomfort. Additionally, it prevents more costly dental repairs in the future. Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry today to schedule your child’s next appointment. We can’t wait to meet you!

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