Now that October is here, all thoughts are turning toward the end of the month and Halloween. For kids, that means trick or treating and collecting candy. While that sounds like a good time for all, it can lead to severe dental problems, if the consumption of sugary treats goes unchecked. Here are a few tips that can help parents manage the effects of Halloween candy on teeth, while also letting children enjoy the season. DON'T HEAD OUT ON AN EMPTY STOMACH When Halloween arrives, be sure you and your children eat a good meal, before going out to trick or treat. Filling up on healthy foods will ensure your children won't be as likely to fill their tummies with candy and other sweet treats. If your schedule is busy and you don't think you'll have time to make a meal, you can always prep ahead of time. Having the meal ready can save time on that one day, when everyone will be rushed to eat and slip into their costumes. LIMIT ACCESS TO CANDY Your children will get more than enough candy, as they go trick or treating, so there's no reason to buy extra candy to keep around the home. Additionally, if you and your children are going to be out on the town, there's no reason to stock up on candy for those trick or treaters coming to your home. Just a small supply to offer to neighborhood children is all you need. Keeping dishes of candy around the home may seem like a festive idea, but it can lead to uncontrolled snacking. DOLING OUT CANDY After Halloween is when the real dangers to oral health begin, because you now have buckets of sweets laying around the house. Your children will likely want to dip into that supply frequently, but be cautious about letting them snack whenever they want. For instance, eating sweets early in the afternoon means sugar will be lingering in their mouth throughout the rest of the day. It's best to save the treats until after dinner, so they will be able to brush their teeth soon afterwards. If you do allow candy earlier, make sure it's accompanied with water to wash down the sugar. CHOCOLATE IS BETTER When it comes to letting your children eat candy, chocolates are the best choice. Chocolate is derived from a natural source and is less sugary than other types of candy. Other candies are essentially corn syrup and sugar, which are extremely harmful to young, developing teeth. Even hard candy can pose a problem in that it can cause teeth to chip, crack, or break. Chocolate is easier to chew and the sugar in chocolate is easily washed away with fresh water. YOU DON'T HAVE TO EAT ALL THE CANDY Finally, consider using the candy, instead of letting your children eat it. You can look to the internet for arts and crafts ideas that incorporate candy into the projects. Making decor out of candy provides a fun activity to occupy your children and helps you get rid of extra candy that can cause tooth decay. Later, your children can give their creations away as gifts. This can be a great opportunity for your kids to make Christmas gifts for teachers, friends, and family. Halloween is an exciting event and it's one of the most enjoyable days of the year for your children, but don't let it cause dental problems that can last throughout the coming year. By making just a few changes to how you celebrate Halloween, your family can still enjoy the holiday, while making sure your kids are protected against tooth decay.

A dental emergency is not something you think about very often. Likely the last time you had such an emergency was when it happened to you or someone close to you. The fact is a dental emergency can happen at any time. It is better to be prepared for it before it happens than struggling afterward. This is especially true when it comes to your children and their teeth. STAY CALM IN A DENTAL EMERGENCY No matter the situation, it is important to stay calm. Panicking will only frighten the child and make him or her anxious. A calm head allows you to assess the situation and determine the next step. Here are six common dental emergencies and how you should handle each. A TOOTHACHE Toothaches can happen for any number of reasons. Sometimes it is a temporary problem that resolves itself. Sometimes, it needs the help of a dentist to make the pain go away. To eliminate potential causes for a toothache, flush the area with water and use floss between the teeth. This can dislodge food debris or other particulates that might be causing the pain. If the pain remains more than a day, it is best to visit the dentist's office as soon as possible. BABY TOOTH KNOCKED OUT Baby teeth are not the ones your child will have going into adulthood. If a baby tooth gets knocked out, you should contact your Katy, TX Pediatric Dentist's office for advice. Most likely, the dentist will not recommend a replacement since the tooth will naturally be replaced in the future by a permanent one. PERMANENT TOOTH KNOCKED OUT If a permanent tooth gets knocked out, it is important to try to preserve it. Find the tooth and rinse it with cool water. Don't use soap or other cleaners on it. Pick it up by the crown, not the root. Place the cleaned tooth in a container filled with milk or your child's saliva. Call the dentist as soon as possible. The dentist may be able to reinsert the tooth successfully. However, the longer you wait, the more likely the reinsertion will fail. CHIPPED PERMANENT TOOTH A chipped tooth is treated much like a knocked out tooth. Have your child rinse his or her mouth with water. This helps to reduce the chance of infection. Store the chip in a container filled with milk or your child's saliva. Make an appointment with the dentist as soon as possible to fix the tooth. CUTS TO THE MOUTH OR LIPS Cuts in the mouth or on the lips can happen in many situations. If a cut occurs, rinse it with water first. Use a piece of gauze to apply pressure to the wound if it continues to bleed. If the bleeding doesn't stop, call your pediatrician or take the child to the emergency room. BLOW TO THE HEAD Any blow to the head is potentially more serious than a dental emergency. Call 911 immediately. It is important to have your child assessed for a head injury by a medical professional. You can handle anything that comes your way as a parent, especially if you are prepared. One way to get ready for the dental emergencies that might happen in the future is to have a good relationship already established with a dentist. If you are looking for a new Katy Pediatric Dentist, call us today to set an appointment.

Gum disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gum tissue around the teeth. When it goes untreated, it can spread to the ligaments and bones that support the teeth. This can lead to severe tooth damage or even tooth loss. Because it's caused by bacteria buildup, gum disease is also linked to other health issues like heart disease. Bacteria in your mouth and gums can easily enter your bloodstream, where it can cause damage to the rest of your body. It's more common for adults to develop gum disease than children, but gum disease does sometimes affect kids. Some people are genetically predisposed to the condition and can develop gum disease much easier than others. Certain risk factors can increase your child's chances of developing gum disease, too. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make sure your child's teeth and gums are strong and healthy. SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GUM DISEASE The most noticeable sign of gum disease is red, swollen, or inflamed gums. Your child's gums might bleed after brushing or flossing, and your child might complain about pain or sensitivity around their teeth. Bad breath that doesn't go away after brushing and flossing is another common sign. If your child has severe or advanced gum disease, you may notice the gums starting to recede or pull away from the teeth. You should contact your child's dentist if you notice any signs of gum disease. Treating the problem early will prevent more pain and damage, so you shouldn't hesitate to schedule a an appointment with your Katy TX Pediatric Dentist even if you're not sure whether there's a problem. IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HYGIENE FOR CHILDREN The younger your child is when you start to promote good dental habits, the more likely they'll be to maintain those habits throughout their whole life. You should assist them with brushing their teeth until they're old enough to do it properly on their own. Make sure they always brush twice per day and floss regularly. You should also bring your child to the dentist for regular checkups. Your dentist will look for signs of tooth decay or gum disease, and they'll teach your children healthy dental hygiene habits. Gum disease is a serious, painful problem for people of all ages. Children are just as susceptible as adults to developing gum disease if they don't take good care of their teeth. It's much easier to prevent gum disease than to treat it, so you should make your child's dental health a priority.

So many adults these days are scared of going to the dentist. While they may not come out and admit this, they do let this feeling play a part in their regular dental care as they fail to make regular appointment or worry about upcoming appointments. Many of these concerns and fears originate with bad experiences at the dentist when the individual was only a child. Children may be scared of the dentist and his or her masked face, or they may have a bad experience with an injection, a cavity, a toothache or a tooth that needs to be pulled. However, all of these neglected appointments only serve to bring down the person’s oral health and even the health of his or her whole body. If you are a parent, you certainly do not want your child experiencing these same fears or growing up to dread going to the dentist. You can work past these problems by finding a kind family dentist who has a specific interest in serving children. Your child’s first trip to the dentist should occur when he or she is quite young. Your dentist may have a specific recommend age, but most children should go for the first time before their first birthday. Here are some ways that you can know whether a dentist will work well for your child. First, check out Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry. A pediatric dentist provides service only to children, while a family dentist provides service to the entire family and to people of all ages. These dentists are sure to have the warmest and most welcoming environments, especially for the youngest members of the family. Second, see if you can schedule a time to visit the dentist’s office in which you have the most interest and to meet with the pediatric dentist. Many offices schedule appointments like this to allow a fearful child to get used to the office and to the dentist before he or she has the first appointment. This can help your child feel more at ease in the future. If the person you talk to at the office is uncomfortable meeting this request, that is your first clue to move on to another office. The best practitioners will take the time to explain every part of the appointment to your child. Third, examine the atmosphere of the entire office because this will have much to do with allaying your child’s fears. Look for an office with a child-friendly waiting room with colorful decor and plenty for the child to do while waiting. Fourth, when you and your child do meet with the new dentist, monitor your child’s reaction carefully. How does your child interact with the dentist? Does the practitioner seem to have a child-friendly demeanor and explain things in a way that a child could understand? Do hygienists and other practitioners work with your child to make him or her more comfortable during the appointment? While some of these tips may seem small and insignificant, they can actually do much to set your child up for a lifetime of ease and comfort when visiting the dentist, as well as a lifetime of good oral health.

A COMMON QUESTION A question that I get the asked the most as a pediatric dentist is, “At what age should I start bringing my child to the dentist?” I believe that you should bring your child in around their first birthday.  The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Dental Association, and The Academy of Pediatric Dentistry all agree that children should have their first dental visits and find a dental home around the time of their first birthday.  A dental home is basically a place that is easily accessible for you, comprehensive, and coordinated.  Establishing a dental home can be more cost effective and higher quality alternative to emergency care situations, because dental problems can usually be detected and prevented before it turns into something more serious. Once I recommend to parents that they should bring in their one year olds for dental exams they usually say “but my child doesn’t even that many teeth yet”.  Although this may be true the purpose of the first dental visit for your child goes a lot deeper than just looking at the teeth.  The benefit of the first dental visit is being able to talk with the parents.  My main focus of the first visit is to gather information that we can use to create a program that addresses the unique issues that can affect your child’s oral health.  Using anticipatory guidance where I asses your child’s risk factors for oral disease, and anticipate what potential oral problems your child may encounter based on these risk factors and help guide you in a way to avoid these problems. My assistants and I do a lot of talking with the parents at the time of the first visit but I also have to look at the child’s teeth.  Many infant and toddler exams that we do take place in an infant area where I can help the child feel more at ease and offer a more comforting exam.  For this exam the child can sit on your lap and you just lean their head back so that I can makes sure I can determine if there are any potential signs of dental disease and make some early predictions on the need of orthodontics later on. I can also demonstrate proper brushing techniques for your child so you can keep their teeth clean at home. So once we exam the child’s teeth and talk with the parents our dental team can provide you with: A program that includes preventive home care such as flossing, brushing, and diet. An Risk Assessment for Cavities Information about thumb, finger, and pacifier habits. Preventing Injuries to the mouth and teeth. Growth and Development Information over teeth and jaws. Did you know we offer FREE dental exams for children before their first birthday? It's true, schedule your appointment today.

DOES BRAND OF TOOTHPASTE MATTER? Some people do not care what brand of toothpaste they buy. Others are completely loyal to their brand and won’t buy any other brand no matter what. Does it really matter? Will buying a specific toothpaste brand be better than buying just any other brand? Houston Pediatric Dentists at Bunker Hill Pediatric Dentistry say that you should consider the type of toothpaste that you will use. Some toothpaste manufacturers claim that their brand can clean teeth better than the others. Are they telling the truth? Your particular oral makeup may also be a factor in choosing the correct type of toothpaste. Your teeth are different from your friend’s. So, if a certain brand of toothpaste makes his teeth look pretty, it doesn’t mean that the same toothpaste will do the same to yours. To keep you better informed, here’s the lowdown on this subject. TOOTHPASTE FOR SENSITIVE TEETH Perhaps you or your child have sensitive teeth and you may think that toothpaste for sensitive teeth is your best option. Yes, you may be right. But there’s something you also need to consider. There are many causes for having sensitive teeth. Generally, the toothpaste’s special formulation for sensitive teeth will do. It will block the pain when brushing your teeth and sometimes when you’re eating as well. However, if there is a deeper cause for the greater sensitivity of your teeth, you need to consult a dentist for the right procedure to take. TOOTHPASTE FOR TEETH WHITENING If the color of your teeth is already off white, and you want to whiten it fast, you need a dental procedure. But that is quite expensive. By using whitening toothpaste, you can still whiten your teeth, but only after a considerable length of time. Most of the whitening toothpastes available over the counter contain a whitening agent. Although they can whiten teeth, they are not for those whose teeth are already excessively stained. Most of these toothpastes are good for cleaning the teeth in between scheduled teeth whitening procedures. TOOTHPASTE FOR TARTAR CONTROL A critical part of taking care of your teeth is plaque removal. When plaque is allowed to remain, it will become tartar. Tartar can only be removed by dental procedure. If you don’t remove the tartar, your teeth will deteriorate. Bacteria will multiply which will then lead to tooth decay. You will have a more serious problem to take care of. The best thing to do is to use toothpaste that offers tartar control. FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE Most toothpaste makers add fluoride in their ingredients. They claim that fluoride strengthens the enamel of teeth. It helps prevent tooth decay, they say, and recommends it for every day brushing of teeth. Toothpaste with fluoride may also help people who have difficulty in producing saliva because of the medications they are taking. WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS? Looking at the ingredients of the toothpaste and considering the current status of your teeth will help you determine if a certain toothpaste brand is right for you or not. In other words, before you can settle on the right type of toothpaste to use, you have to examine the current state of your teeth and their problem, if there are any. IS IT FDA OR ADA APPROVED? One last factor that you need to consider is if the toothpaste is approved by the FDA or the ADA. If the tube of toothpaste is stamped with an FDA or ADA approval, then it must be ok to use. The FDA put all consumable items to a number of rigid examinations if they can satisfy their requirements for public safety. It is the same with the ADA. This private organization puts the toothpaste to several tests before they give it their seal of approval.

Part of healthy smiles and teeth is taking care of your dental health. With brushing, flossing, and regular checkups, you can keep your smile beautiful and healthy. However, many people don’t know or realize that the foods you eat and snack on can be detrimental to your dental health. Instead of just guessing about the best snacks for your dental health, you should speak with your Houston pediatric dentist or do your research about the best foods to eat to help protect dental health. Whether you or your kids are needing some healthy snack options that help with your dental health, there are a few things that you should know. LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF SUGAR Not many people consider the foods they eat to be bad for their oral health. Sweet foods and sugary drinks are always discouraged by dentists as well as healthcare providers. Healthier snacks like fruits and veggies are always encouraged by dentists because they provide a tasty treat without putting your teeth and your smile at risk. If you aren’t sure why, here are a few reasons why you should ditch the sugary foods and grab healthier snacks instead. Of course, sugary snacks are not the best option for dental  health, but they can’t always be avoided. In this case, a good rule of thumb is to monitor yours or your kids’ sugary snack intake. If and when either of you has a sugary snack, it is always best to brush your teeth as soon as possible to help protect your teeth from the build-up of plaque which causes cavities down the road. It’s never too late to change your snacking habits from sugary foods to better snacks. It should come as no surprise that healthy snacks are the best for dental health and your body alike. Healthy isn’t always appealing to kids and adults sometimes, but you don’t have to sacrifice taste just for healthy either. There are a few great snacks that are healthy and taste great, and they will have your kids begging for seconds. Even if they aren’t into healthy snacks, opening them up to these snacks might even encourage them to eat healthier options. VEGGIES AND DAIRY ARE GOOD HEALTHY TEETH OPTIONS Fresh veggies might not be at the top of the list, but when you dip them in hummus, they become delicious and nutritious. Similarly, you can dip apple slices in peanut butter for a sweet treat that isn’t processed. Other options include things like low-fat yogurt, cheese cube, crackers, celery sticks, and sunflower seeds. These snacks are not full of refined, processed, or added sugars, meaning they are healthy for yours and your little one’s teeth. Finding snacks that aren’t high in sugar is a great way to keep your teeth healthy and your smile beautiful. The options mentioned above aren’t the only options you can choose from either. Grabbing fresh fruit, raw veggies, and things like cream cheese, peanut butter, and hummus are great ways to eat healthier, protect your teeth, and get a healthy snack at the same time. If you aren’t sure which fruits and veggies are the best ones for your dental health, a good rule of thumb is to ask your dentist next time you visit for a checkup. It’s never too late to start healthy habits, especially when it comes to your dental health. These healthy snacks are great for your teeth and your body, and they taste amazing as well. Ask your dentist for several great options to help protect your teeth, and take a little time to add these snacks to your daily routine and healthy habits in your life and the lives of your children.

Everyone wants to have the most beautiful, perfect smile they possibly can. A great smile boosts your confidence, brightens up others' day, and can even improve your health. As you're working to achieve and maintain a beautiful smile for yourself, it's also important to help your children work on their smile, as well. If good habits aren't established from a very early age, children could habituate poor oral hygiene habits which prove detrimental to the health and beauty of their smile as they get older. To avoid all the issues an unhealthy mouth can cause, here are a few tips to help your kids achieve great oral health. 1. Brush twice a day. No, really. We know that, sometimes, getting your kids to brush their teeth at all is a bit like herding cats. We get it, because as a Houston Pediatric dentist, many of us are parents, ourselves. At the same time, the momentary difficulties you experience now will be far outweighed by the great oral health you can help your children establish by brushing twice a day. Kids aren't known for always eating the healthiest food, and so it's important to remove the bacteria which grow in your kid's mouth by brushing those teeth, even when it's not fun. Oral health companies feel your pain, and have gone to great lengths to make brushing your kid's teeth as fun for them as possible. Toothbrushes with their favorite cartoon characters and flashing lights, (actually) great-tasting toothpaste in fun colors, and wacky and fun brushing timers all help make the process a little easier. Don't you wish we had all that when we were kids? 2. Floss. There, we said it. In addition to brushing twice a day, it's important that your kids floss at least once a day. If your mind just melted at the thought of how that is possible, trust us, we hear you. Not only can flossing be tricky to do, but if it hasn't been done enough previously, it can also be painful. Encourage your kids by setting a great example and flossing with them, and if it seems absolutely impossible, it might be time for a reward chart. However you do it, flossing is crucial to great oral health as it removes the hard-to-reach bacteria between teeth that the toothbrush misses. 3. Put those cans (or bottles) in the can. As a Houston pediatric dentist, we see plenty of cases of kids having one or more cavities on any given visit. The most common cause of these cavities, we've found, is the regular consumption of sugary drinks. Sodas, to be sure, but juice packs and Kool-Aid are big culprits, as well. Sugar acts like a great big buffet for all those pesky bacteria, who combine with the sugar to create enamel-destroying acid. This leads to tooth decay and a whole host of other problems. Try to get your kids hooked on water as young as possible, and you won't have to worry about any battles you'd have to fight when you realize you need to reduce or eliminate their sugary drinks. 4. Feed 'em well More bad news for your kids beloved treats: the unhealthy snacks need to go, as well. Since they're constantly growing and active, most kids need that morning and afternoon snack, so what you choose to provide for those snacks is absolutely crucial. Instead of sugary sweet snacks, find something healthy that your kids will still enjoy. There's lots of recommendations, and only you know what your kids might be inclined to try, so a simple Internet search will prove quite fruitful. 5. Keep them around for a while If your kids play sports, especially sports involving some kind of contact (so, pretty much everything except golf and bowling), your child needs to be wearing a mouthguard. It does you no good to help your child perfectly maintain his teeth only to have a couple of them knocked out during his next soccer game. It might feel funny at first, and be somewhat inconvenient, but it's way less inconvenient than having to visit the dentist to take care of lost teeth. Even if your child is doing something as simple as riding a bicycle, it might be a good idea to have them wear a mouthguard, to ensure those pearly whites stay nice and safe. Getting your kids to practice good oral hygiene and oral health habits isn't always easy, but when they flash that beautiful smile that melts your heart, it will be all worthwhile.

Fluoride is a natural mineral found throughout the earth which also can be found in some foods and water. Studies have shown that when fluoride is added to the community water supply, the frequency of tooth decay among adults and children, decreases. How Does Fluoride Prevent Cavities? The tooth is protected by a layer called the enamel. Over time, certain acids that are formed by bacteria and sugars, may attack the enamel, thereby leaving the tooth exposed to decay. However, fluoride and other minerals such as calcium and phosphate help to rebuild the strength of your enamel making it more difficult for bacteria and decay to develop.  In some cases, fluoride may also help reverse early tooth decay! At Bunker Hill Pediatric Dentistry in Houston, Texas, we believe that fluoride treatment is a very important element for protecting your teeth against decay especially if your child is at increased risk for tooth decay such as: Poor oral hygiene Active cavities Eating disorders Poor diet Tooth enamel defects How Can Your Child Receive The Benefits of Fluoride? Besides from being found in water and certain foods such as meat, fish and eggs, fluoride is typically added to toothpastes or mouth rinses. Parents should take note that the level of fluoride in water, foods and over the counter mouth rinses and toothpastes is considered a low dose and may not be adequate for your child. Many dentists, including Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Linh Luu can provide a higher level of fluoride which is directly applied to the teeth usually in the form of a gel or foam. Children may also be given fluoride supplements to take in small doses each day - especially if there is not enough fluoride in your local Houston regular water supply, or you tend to use store bought bottled water.  If you have questions on how much fluoride level is right for your child or family, be sure to ask one of our pediatric dentists at your next visit.

As pediatric dentists, we receive many questions about the types of tooth fillings offered and particularly about the differences between the metal and tooth-colored options. This is a great question to ask your Houston Pediatric Dentist at your next appointment. Dentists use these fillings after they have removed a cavity from a tooth and after cleaning up the spot of decay. Because a filling can stay in your mouth up to 50 years before it will need to be replaced, you will want to make a wise decision when choosing your next filling. Dentists commonly use silver amalgam or composite fillings, which are the ones that are the color of a tooth. Below, we will discuss the numerous aspects of each of these to help you make the right choice for your needs. SILVER AMALGAM Most metal fillings are made of silver amalgam. While they can last for decades, they can only be placed in teeth that have had a good amount of their structure removed. They are long-lasting. Silver amalgam fillings have been used for decades and last for many years. They are easy to use. These fillings can even be used successfully on wet teeth. They require more drilling. However, silver amalgam requires plenty of tooth to be drilled out to stick properly, which most dentists prefer not to do. They do not act like a natural tooth. Silver amalgam does not react to different temperatures the same way that the tooth does and may cause cracks in the tooth itself. WHAT ABOUT MERCURY? While many patients raise questions of the mercury in silver amalgam fillings, the American Dental Association states that very little of the mercury is left after placement. In fact, most of it is removed during the placement as it rises to the top of the tooth. The small amount left will be completely drilled into dust should the filling need to be removed. Therefore, the ADA states that silver amalgam is perfectly safe for use in the mouth. COMPOSITE FILLINGS The majority of patients today choose composite fillings, which can match the color of the tooth exactly. They are better for the teeth. Composite fillings actually bond to the tooth, allowing the dentist to drill out only the area of decay, saving the rest of the tooth structure. In addition, composite will not crack the tooth. They can be repaired. Should a problem arise with a composite filling, the dentist can repair and replace a small part of it rather than the whole filling. They can be difficult to place. The tooth must be completely dry to allow correct bonding of composite. They also take longer to place because of the increased number of steps. They are newer. While most dentists and patients prefer composite to silver amalgam fillings, composite simply has not been around as long as the metal fillings have been. Despite this, most dentists believe that composite is as good as or better than amalgam fillings are because the composite material is constantly being improved. MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE At Bunker Hill Pediatric Dentistry, we will be able to help you choose the right type of filling for your child. We will also be able to answer any questions and address any concerns you have at your appointment. Be sure to head to your Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry location immediately if you believe one or more of your teeth have cavities. By seeking treatment early, you will have the most options for fillings.

The biggest mistakes parents make regarding brushing their children’s teeth is that parents let their kids brush their teeth. Children who brush their teeth, may not be cleaning properly, which can contribute to the child’s bad oral health. Some kids even forget to brush their teeth altogether, which can lead to dental disaster for their growing teeth. Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry recommend that parents routinely check on their children’s tooth brushing skills to make sure they are doing a decent job. Some parents may need to brush their child’s teeth for them. Also, a few tips for brushing your teeth apply to everyone, but especially to children. Some of these tips are: Be sure the child has a toothbrush that fits their mouth. The only way they can brush properly and reach even the back teeth is to have a child’s smaller toothbrush. These smaller toothbrushes get to the back teeth better, too and make brushing teeth in the child’s small mouth much easier. Brushing should continue for a minimum of two minutes. Sing a song or play a song while the child brushes to remind them of the amount of time they need to brush. Be sure to have your child brush their teeth twice per day, namely, once in the morning and once at night. If the child gets into sticky or sweet food, you can have them brush more during the day. But everyone needs to brush at least twice per day. Replace your child’s toothbrush at least every three months. If the child chooses the color or design of the toothbrush, they may brush more willingly. Monitor your child during the time they their teeth. Assist them if they need assistance. HOW LONG SHOULD I HELP MY CHILD BRUSH THEIR TEETH? Most children can brush their teeth when they reach elementary school age. Many children can reliably brush their teeth between somewhere between the ages of six and nine. Monitor their brushing to ensure they are getting the job done. You may still need to remind them to brush upon occasion, however. If they can tie their shoes, they may have the manual dexterity to brush their teeth. Brushing their teeth and getting them clean takes an ability to move the hands and fingers well enough to brush the teeth accurately. If you child can tie their shoes, they most likely can carefully brush their teeth, too. If your child’s homework is getting done and they do their household chores with little supervision, they may be ready to be responsible enough to brush their teeth. If there is any doubt, use a plaque revealing tablet to determine whether or not they are brushing correctly. The Greater Houston Pediatric Dentists at Bunker Hill Pediatric Dentistry can help you keep your child’s teeth healthy and offer you suggestions on caring for your child’s teeth and mouth at home. The best way to ensure your child’s teeth stay healthy for a lifetime is to make sure they brush regularly and have routine dental checkups.

As a parent, you might think that tooth decay is not a major problem. But according to recent data, roughly 42% of children between ages of two and 11 in the US have some form of tooth decay. This amounts to almost half of all children in the country that have cavities. If left untreated, these could lead to major epidemics in the future. That’s why it’s so important to take your child to Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry. Let's Start with Reasons for Tooth Decay Diet and hygiene are the two main reasons for tooth decay. Too much sweets and sugary drinks can increase the chances of tooth decay. Likewise if your child doesn’t brush their teeth at least twice a day, the plaque will not get removed and cavities are sure to follow. What Can Parents Do to Prevent Tooth Decay? The best thing to do is ensure that your child has good brushing habits which lead to lifelong oral health. Then, an appointment at Bunker Hill Pediatric Dentistry will help us treat cavities early and reinforce good dental hygiene behavior for your child. We encourage regular visits so we can perform dental cleanings and practice preventative care. Where to Take Your Child Greater Houston Pediatric Dentistry is staffed by board certified pediatric dentists and we are located in 4 locations: Memorial City/Bunker Hill, Katy, Humble, and Conroe.  We offer free exams for children under the age of one and accept most dental insurance plans. Please call us at 713-464-5437 to schedule your child’s exam.