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!

Tips From Your SLC Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dental care team at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry, Taylorsville

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. 

Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies

Pediatric dentist treating a young patient in Midvale, UT.

Common Pediatric Dental Emergencies

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Common Pediatric Dental emergencies in slc

Nobody likes to watch their child suffer. However, pediatric dental emergencies do occur from time to time. Today on the blog, Dr. Hobfoll, the best pediatric dentist in SLC, shares some of the most common pediatric dental emergencies, as well as the procedures to take to resolve the problem. 

Toothache

Toothaches are prevalent in children of all ages and are rarely caused by anything. If the discomfort persists, contact our pediatric dentist in Murray UT for further instructions. Tooth fractures, decay, trauma, and the eruption of wisdom teeth are all typical causes of toothache.

How to Help Your Child With a Toothache

Warm water should be used to clean the area. Do not treat or heat the damaged tooth or gum area. Next, examine the teeth for impacted food and remove it as needed with a clean finger, dental floss, or a toothbrush.
To minimize swelling, apply a cold compress to the affected area.

Tooth Loss 

If a tooth has been totally knocked out of a child’s mouth, it is critical to contact your pediatric dentist Murray Utah. Time is critical in saving and reimplanting of a tooth. Dentists for kids in Salt Lake City generally do not attempt to reimplant avulsed primary (baby) teeth since the reimplantation operation can damage the tooth. This then damages the forming a permanent tooth.

Unless the trauma has caused irreparable harm, your child’s pediatric dentist SLC will always try to reimplant an adult tooth that has been knocked out. If the reimplantation technique is conducted within one hour of the avulsion, it is virtually always more successful.

How to Help Your Child With Tooth Loss

First, we recommend that you save the tooth. Do not come into contact with the tooth roots! Only handle the crown. Then, rinse dirt and debris with water gently. Always avoid scrubbing or scraping the teeth.
For older children, gently press the tooth back into its original socket, or persuade the kid to place the tooth in the cheek pouch. Place the tooth in a glass of milk or saliva for smaller youngsters. Do not attempt to replace the tooth in a young child’s mouth since they may swallow it.
Additionally, please keep the teeth moist during transit. Moisture is crucial for successful reimplantation.

Tooth Breakage (Crown Fracture)

The crown is the most noticeable and largest component of the tooth. In most cases, the crown of the tooth is the component of the tooth that is damaged.

The severity of the fracture can be easily assessed by your child’s dentist with handheld X-rays. However, any change in tooth color (for example, pinkish or yellowish tinges inside the tooth) is an emergency warning sign. Thus, minor crown fractures may necessitate the use of a dental sealant. Additionally, more serious crown fractures may necessitate pulp treatments. Thus, the infection can occur when jagged enamel irritates and inflames delicate oral tissues.

How to Help Your Child With Tooth Breakage

First, warm water should be used to rinse the child’s mouth. Next, apply a cold, wet compress to the affected region. Additionally, you can rovide pediatrician-approved pain relievers like Tylenol.
Next, pack the tooth with a material that can be near a tooth but will break down over time, such as a damp paper towel. Additionally, you can take the youngster to our pediatric dentistry. 

Root Fracture

A root fracture occurs as a result of direct trauma and is not visible to the human eye. Dental x-rays are required if a root fracture is suspected. Depending on the precise location of the fracture and the child’s level of discomfort, the tooth can be monitored, treated, or, in the worst-case situation, removed.

How to Help Your Child With Tooth Breakage

Follow the below steps to help your child with the dental emergency of tooth breakage.

  • First, apply a cold, wet compress to the affected region.
  • Next, provide pediatrician-approved pain relievers like as Tylenol.
  • Please contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistryl for further advice and next steps.

Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry For Pediatric Dental Emergency

We’re here for your little ones, Salt Lake! Contact our gentle, compassionate pediatric dentistry for any pediatric dental emergency. We’re ready to help your child relieve their pain and get on with their day. 

When Should My Child See The Dentist?

When Should My Child See The Dentist_

When Should My Child See The Dentist?

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

When Should My Child First See the Pediatric Dentist?

Your pediatric dentist in Salt Lake City is specially trained to deal with children’s concerns. They can look after your child’s teeth, mouth, and gums throughout his or her youth. However, most parents are unsure when to first take their children to visit a pediatric dentist. Below, our kids dentist in Salt Lake City answers the question: when should my child see the dentist?

The First Visit to Your Pediatric Dentist in Salt Lake City

Baby teeth, often known as primary teeth, are just as vital as adult teeth. Taking good care of an infant’s teeth is important since teeth perform several important roles. Baby teeth promote excellent nutrition by permitting chewing, aid in speech development, and facilitate the normal growth of permanent teeth by keeping space between them. Our Pediatric Dentist near me suggests that babies see a dentist by the age of one, or when their first tooth erupts. 

Dental Treatment

Parents are frequently recommended to take their children to the dentist while they are younger. This is usually within 6 months of the first tooth sprouting, or within 12 months old  at the most. This age frames wonderful for a lot of reasons. Dr. Hobfoll, the best pediatric dentist in SLC explains that tooth decay can occur as soon as a child’s first tooth appears. Thus, it is essential to take your child to the dentist as soon as their first tooth arrives.

Some parents may ask why they should be concerned about primary tooth decay when permanent teeth will replace them. The issue is that deterioration in an infant’s teeth raises the chance of decay in permanent teeth. If the decay is severe, it can also have a negative impact on a child’s general health. Untreated dental decay can cause a variety of issues, including tooth loss, infection, and costly and, in many cases, avoidable emergency and restorative therapies. Tooth decay discomfort can also hinder a baby from eating correctly, affecting general growth and health.

The Benefits of Early Dental Exams

It is vital to begin dental exams for youngsters as early as possible in order to safeguard their teeth. Some kids dentists in Murray Utah advise patients to see them before the first baby tooth develops. This is significant because it allows the youngster to begin a lifelong dental care regimen to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Pediatric dentists can detect early tooth decay, assess fluoride requirements, and advise parents on proper oral and facial development. Early visits to a pediatric dentist can also save parents money. It is crucial to highlight that children who delay their first dental appointment until they are 2 or 3 years old are more likely to require restorative and emergency care.

“The correct care of your child’s main teeth should always be prioritized. Baby teeth that are healthy and robust can help your youngster talk and eat.” – Kaleidoscope Kids Dentristry Staff

Consult your Pediatric Dentist in SLC

Our friends at Bookciff Family Dental, Grand Junction dentist, explain that these teeth also serve as a placeholder in your child’s jaws for the permanent teeth that emerge from behind the gums. The first dental appointment should take place no later than 6 months after your child’s first baby tooth shows, but no later than his or her first birthday. If you have any further concerns about why dental care is so important during your child’s first year of life, please contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible.

For an appointment with our kid’s dentist in Salt Lake City, contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dental today. We can’t wait to meet you!

Why See A Pediatric Dentist in SLC

Smiling child receiving pediatric dental care in Holiday, UT near me.

Why See a Pediatric Dentist in SLC

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

The Benefits of Seeing a Pediatric Dentist in SLC

Pediatric dentists, aka pedodontists, are trained to care for the dental requirements of newborns, toddlers, school-age children, and adolescents. In fact, pediatric dentists must complete an extra two or three years of child-specific training after graduating from dental school. Today on the blog, we share why see a pediatric dentist in SLC. 

What Makes a Pediatric Dentist Different

First, pediatric dentists specialize in child psychology in addition to dental training. Additionally, our pediatric dentist near me explains that this helps them to speak effectively, gently, and non-threateningly with youngsters.  Thus, children should see a pediatric dentist before the age of one, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) (or approximately six months after the emergence of the first primary tooth). Though it may appear early, biennial preventive dental treatments are essential for good oral health.

So, for the following reasons, parents should take their children to visit a pediatric dentist in Murray UT:

  • First, parents can get their children seen for their first dental cleaning.
  • Then, parents can learn how to implement no-fuss dental tips at home.
  • Additionally, seeing your kids dentist in SLC allows our team to determine whether or not the youngster is at risk of acquiring caries (cavities).
  • Lastly, parents can learn how to get rid of bad dental habits, click here (e.g., finger-sucking, etc.).
    to undergo preventative care (fluorides and sealants).

What is the role of a pediatric dentist?

Pediatric dental offices are brightly colored, entertaining, and kid-friendly. As follows, dental phobias are frequently entrenched in childhood. Thus, it is critical that the kid feels at ease, safe, and trusting of the dentist from the start.
Dr. Ari Hobfoll, our kids dentist near me, specializes in numerous types of dental care:

Prevention

The most common childhood disease is tooth decay. Fortunately, it is virtually entirely avoidable. Aside from offering home care recommendations, your pediatric dentist can apply sealants and fluoride treatments to protect tooth enamel. Additionally, this reduces the risk of cavities. By using in-office technology like an intraoral camera, we’re able to fully assess your child’s smile. 

Examinations, X-rays, and Computer Modeling

As follows, this technology enables the pediatric dentist to forecast future dental disorders. A poor bite, bruxism, and jaw abnormalities are among examples. However, in certain circumstances, initiating therapy early yields the best results.

“Great oral health starts at home. Parent education is one of the most important aspects of our appointments, allowing us to teach families how to implement strong oral health habits.” – Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Treatment

Pediatric dentists provide a wide variety of services. Aside from preventive care (fluoride and sealant applications), the pediatric dentist also provides pulp therapy and addresses oral injuries. If primary teeth are lost prematurely, space maintainers may be used. This will keep the teeth from becoming misaligned.

Education

The dental education component of any pediatric practice. As follows, your pediatric dentist can assist the child to realize the need for regular dental hygiene. Additionally, parents may also obtain guidance on toothpaste selection, nutrition, thumb-sucking cessation, and a variety of other issues.

Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry Today

Please contact our office if you have any questions or concerns regarding when to see a pediatric dentist. Our team would love to help you feel at home at Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry. Check out our patient reviews to learn more about our practice. 

Meet Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Meet Dr. Ari Hobfoll

Meet Dr. Ari Hobfoll

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

At Kaleidoscope Kids Dental, Dr. Ari Hobfoll provides top-quality Pediatric Dental care to Murray, Utah families.

Dr. Ari is passionate about Pediatric Dentistry, and it his mission to deliver the best possible care for all types of kiddos.

Dr. Ari chose Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry at his practice name for one simple reason: This world is a Kaleidoscope of people. However, we all love, laugh & hug our children the same way. Dr. Ari wanted to create a safe space for all types of children and families to feel welcome. At Kaleidoscope, we celebrate each child’s differences and similarities, welcoming them to our environment full of love and acceptance. At every appointment, we bring the fun and ease of a gentle, kid’s dentistry paired with the most advanced dental treatments available.

Background and Education

After graduating from Skidmore College with a degree in Molecular Biology, Dr. Ari decided to head to Temple University’s School of Dentistry, where he then completed his Hospital Pediatric Residency.

When asked about why he chose a career in Pediatric Dentistry, Dr Ari explains,

“It chose me. I just kept working in the Pediatric Clinic because it was fun.”

Helping Patients Overcome Their Fears

Dr. Ari’s favorite part about dentistry is helping patients overcome their fears. Dental anxiety is a huge problem with both children and adults, often resulting in patient’s putting off their dental work as a result.

According to a recent study conducted from the Journal of Dental Hygiene, anywhere between 50 and 80% of adults in the United States have some degree of dental anxiety. This can range from moderate to severe, with more than 20% of these individuals avoiding seeing the dentist regularly, and up to 15% avoiding dental care all together.

Dr. Ari wants parents to know that, sometimes, though unintentional, anxiety can be transferred to the child. He explains that, though a lot of people don’t love to see the dentist, it is up to the parent’s to be involved in their child’s dental visits and encourage positive dental habits at home. Your little one learns directly from you!

Personal Life

Dr. Ari loves to instill positive dental habits in his home. He has both a manual and electric toothbrush and switches between them depending on his mood. He loves Crest Bubblegum Sparkle Toothpaste to make brushing a bit more fun. Afterwards, he always uses cinnamon floss, and alcohol-free Listerine Mouthwash.


Outside of dentistry, you can find Dr. Ari hanging out with his family. He is passionate about skiing and playing guitar and supporting environmental causes.