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!

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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Pediatric Dental Sealants

Pediatric Dental Sealants SLC Utah

Pediatric Dental Sealants

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

What are Pediatric Dental Sealants?

Although tons of dental experts emphasize the importance of dental sealants for children, many parents are still unsure what they are or why their child needs this pediatric dental treatment. Today on the blog, Dr. Ari Hobfoll,  pediatric dentist in Salt Lake City, is covering everything you need to know about dental sealants. 

Our dental sealant blog is intended to help you make an informed decision about your child’s oral health, as well as to answer your questions and put your mind at ease.

“At Kaleidoscope Kids Dental, our objective is to educate excellent oral hygiene practices. Additionally, we advocate the use of vital preventative treatments, such as pediatric dental sealants, that will safeguard your child’s smile for years to come.”

Dr. Ari Hobfoll , Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

What Exactly Are Dental Sealants?

Everyone has molars, and on these teeth, each person has “grooves” otherwise known as the cracks and crevices in your teeth. As a child, these are very sensitive to germs and bacteria. Although frequent brushing helps, even the most committed brushers sometimes struggle to clean those grooves correctly.

As follows, dental sealants are a thin coating that is applied to the biting surface of a child’s molars to protect them against decay and cavities. Dental Sealants are a thin white or transparent resin liquid that is placed on the surface of a child’s molars with a little brush. Then, the liquid sealant is bound to the tooth and cured using a blue LED light, leaving a firm coating of protection. This protective layer is non-invasive and does not necessitate the use of numbing medications or anesthesia because it is not uncomfortable. Additionally, it helps reduce your child’s risk of getting a cavity by 80%. 

Pediatric Dental Sealants SLC Utah

What Are Dental Sealants Made Out Of?

So, what exactly are dental sealants made out of? Sealants are constructed of a medical-grade resin and are comparable to composite, or white filling material, which is used when patients have cavities filled. The main distinction of sealant material is its runny nature. When applied to the tooth with a little brush, it readily flows into the micro-grooves and crevices of your child’s teeth. We use a long-lasting material, as dental sealants for children are intended to safeguard your child’s teeth for at least 3-5 years. During your child’s regular dental exams, the dentist will inspect the sealants to verify they are still in place and have not cracked or worn away. If they are damaged, they may be swiftly and simply restored.

Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dental Today

Interested in dental sealants? This highly sought-after treatment option is a wonderful option to safeguard your child’s smile. We can answer any questions you have about dental sealants. Our SLC Pediatric Dental Office is conveniently located right off of the freeway in Murray, UT.

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Shark Teeth in Children

shark teeth in children

Shark Teeth in Children

kids dentist murray utah

Kids Dentist, Dr. Ari Hobfoll

What you need to know about your kids' shark teeth

We will have two sets of teeth in our lives. Our first set of teeth, our primary teeth (also known as “baby” teeth), begin to erupt as early as one year of age. However, a child’s permanent teeth will begin to emerge after just a few years. Their “adult” teeth can appear as early as your child’s fifth birthday and, if well cared for, will last them their whole life if taught at a young age.

However, it is possible for a permanent tooth to begin erupting while the primary tooth is already present. This is referred to as shark teeth. At Kaleidoscope Kids Dentistry, our team is trained to identify shark teeth before they fully grow in. We will keep an eye on shark teeth to see whether they need our help or if they can resolve themselves on their own.

“Shark teeth are perfectly normal and there is no need to be concerned. There re a few treatment options we will look at with you to find the best solution for your child”

Dr. Ari Hobfoll , Board Certified Pediatric Dentist

My Child Has Shark Teeth - Should I Be Concerned?

When your child’s primary teeth begin to fall out, they are understandably excited. After all, who doesn’t enjoy a tooth fairy visit? Of course, if your child does have shark teeth, they may begin to notice. They will be able to see that their permanent teeth are growing in behind their primary teeth.

Shark teeth are relatively rare, but when they do appear, they usually appear around your child’s sixth birthday. Shark teeth can also reappear a few years later as their molars begin to erupt. When a permanent tooth is able to develop in, the tooth root usually dissolves on its own. However, 20% of the time, this isn’t the case. This is when your child will develop their permanent tooth behind their baby tooth. This means that they will need shark teeth treatment.

 

shark teeth in kids salt lake
shark teeth in kids salt lake city utah

Shark Teeth Treatment

Shark teeth, fortunately, are not toxic and do not cause concern. The tooth will also become loose as the permanent tooth emerges. Many kids will get to wiggle their teeth on their own. If they can wiggle it out, the dilemma can be fixed without the need for a Salt Lake Pediatric Dentist to interfere.

If your child is unable to remove the baby tooth on their own, we can recommend extraction. If your kid has one shark tooth, there is a fair risk that he or she will have a second tooth. We may recommend that we keep an eye on and track the growth of your child’s teeth and see if a second shark tooth appears. If it does, and your child is unable to remove one by wiggling them, we may suggest removing them both at the same time. This will make the treatment less stressful for your boy.

If your child will wiggle the tooth out on their own or we have to remove it, the permanent tooth can eventually shift into its correct alignment over time. This will take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Contact Kaleidoscope Kids Dental Today

If your child has shark teeth, it is understandable to be worried. Shark teeth, fortunately, are simple to treat and usually have a positive result. If you want to hear more about shark teeth and how we can treat your child, come see us today! Our SLC Pediatric Dental Office is conveniently located right off of the freeway in Murray, UT.

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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.

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