Seeing your baby smile, especially for the first time, is one of the most rewarding experiences of parenthood. At that moment, everything seems worth it—the sleepless nights, the diaper changes, the newborn stress. As you beam back, you will have a silly grin on your face as you try to recreate the smile.

A first grin—even if it’s a “gas smile”—isn’t just for mom’s ego. As important as it is for the baby, it is an important developmental milestone for mom as well. In the first year of your baby’s life, you’ll be able to see their grins as they express pleasure, communicate with you, and develop a sense of humor:

How to Understand Your Baby’s Smile from 0-12 Months:

0–6 weeks (Reflexive): These smiles appear when the baby is getting drowsy, experiencing REM sleep, or simply passing gas. Often more of a grimace than a smile, these smiles last no longer than a few seconds. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it!

6-8 weeks (Responsive): This smile indicates pleasure. It occurs when mom’s voice is heard, when they see your face, or when you cuddle with them. Be careful not to get too excited. A lopsided smile is just a reaction to sensory experience, but social smiles are on their way!

Around 2-3 months (Social): Now your baby smiles on purpose, usually in recognition of someone special, such as a parent, sibling, or family pet. This baby’s smile is more symmetrical, lasts longer, and involves the entire face. Pay attention to the eyes in particular. Social smiles are all about engagement, and the baby expects a response.

6 months (undiscriminating): During this period, the baby just enjoys smiling. It doesn’t matter if it’s with family or strangers. Everything elicits an approving grin.

9 months (selective): As the baby begins to differentiate between friends, family, and strangers, smiles become more selective. It is common for new faces to cause anxiety and even tears. Please do not feel embarrassed. It is a perfectly healthy development.

By 12 months (A Sense of Humor): Around a year old, the baby is starting to develop language skills and smiles are becoming more evident. Take advantage of this baby’s smile, because almost everything you do will be hilarious.

It is important to keep in mind that this is not a strict schedule. Babies are no different from adults when it comes to smiling or laughing.

Whether your child is an infant or a teen, we are here to attend to their oral health needs every step of the way. It is our goal to give your child a smile that will last a lifetime. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

When it comes to maintaining healthy teeth, everyone knows the basics: brush and floss twice a day and avoid sugary treats. However, as with most professional advice, it’s easier said than done.

Why do so many of us still need dental treatment when we follow these instructions? There is more to preventing gum disease and tooth decay than the general guidelines may suggest. Here’s what you need to know about brushing.

The process of creating cavities

Just like any other living thing, sugar is a favorite food of bacteria. Sugar consumption by bacteria produces acids that can demineralize tooth enamel, leaving white chalky stains and microscopic holes that are not visible to the naked eye. If this process isn’t stopped or repaired, these holes can develop into cavities. 

Keeping your skills up-to-date

There is a science behind the techniques recommended for brushing teeth, which many people are unaware of. The way you do it makes a big difference in the results of your overall oral health. By brushing your teeth, you remove food particles and sticky bacteria buildup, more commonly known as plaque. In between your teeth and along your gum line, plaque forms as a result of bacteria, acids, and food remnants adhering to your enamel. In spite of the fact that this formation occurs naturally on the teeth after eating, it does not cause any damage until it reaches a certain level of maturity. A fair assessment would be that plaque takes at least more than 12 hours to develop and cling to the tooth.

Make your teeth a priority 

• Brush your teeth for two minutes at a time 
• It is recommended that you brush and floss at least twice a day—once in the morning, once at night after you have finished eating for the day, and if possible, after every meal. If you brush frequently, you may be preventing the bacteria from developing to the point where the most acid is produced and established.

Electric vs. Manual Toothbrushes

Are electric toothbrushes more effective than manual toothbrushes? Bottom line: it’s important to brush! If used correctly and efficiently, electronic toothbrushes can be more effective. It’s more about technique and thorough cleaning. A small toothbrush head tends to reach those hard-to-reach and awkward areas in the mouth. The best way to scrub surfaces without injuring sensitive gums or teeth is by using soft bristles.

Fluoride Toothpaste is Required!

When it comes to brushing success, the type of toothpaste used is very important. It is best to focus on fluoride as the key ingredient. According to research and evidence, fluoride, whether in toothpaste or mouthwash, will help prevent tooth decay because it can remineralize areas damaged by plaque and strengthen teeth. To achieve maximum benefit, dentists recommend toothpaste with 1350–1500 ppmF (parts per million fluoride concentration). It is important for parents to look at the back of the toothpaste tube, as some children’s toothpastes are not strong enough to provide the full benefits. Some pediatric dentists prescribe fluoride toothpastes with higher concentrations of fluoride for children who are at a higher risk for tooth decay. You may even be advised to use disclosing tablets available at your local supermarket. Plaque-coloring tablets or disclosing tablets highlight areas that a person may be missing while brushing and make them easier to see. Since plaque is tooth-colored, it is usually hard to see, but it can make your teeth look dull instead of shiny.

Brushing before bedtime is essential

It is common for individuals to produce less saliva at night than during the day. Due to this, a person’s teeth are less protected from saliva and are more susceptible to acid attacks while they sleep. Thus, nighttime brushing is the most important, and it is imperative to remove food from one’s teeth before bedtime in order to prevent plaque from feeding overnight. Fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash should be used at night so that they can do their job without interruption. When you have finished brushing, do not eat or drink anything afterward. This will allow the fluoride-protective minerals to be absorbed into your teeth. It can reduce tooth decay by up to 25%.

Avoid the ‘Free’ sugars

According to the World Health Organization and the NHS, “free” sugars should make up less than 5% of your daily calories. ‘Free’ sugars are chemically enhanced components added to foods by manufacturers. As a result of these additives, excessive tooth decay is caused. They are often supplemented with intrinsic sugars naturally found in fruit, honey, syrup, juices, etc.

Sugar consumption is affected by how much and how often you consume it. A tooth may be exposed to approximately four sugar hits per day before irreversible damage occurs. Fortunately, fluoride toothpaste and saliva can help your teeth recover from the early stages of these attacks. Maintaining a balance between sugar on one hand and fluoride toothpaste and proper tooth cleaning on the other is like balancing scales.

You can reduce your sugar intake by giving up adding sugar to hot beverages and limiting snacking. If you brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and spit instead of rinsing, the fluoride will bathe your teeth throughout the night. Do not eat or drink anything for thirty minutes after brushing your teeth in the morning, and limit your sugar consumption to four times per day.

Our pediatric dental office cares about your child’s oral health. Our goal is to ensure that they grow up with a healthy smile that will last them a lifetime. It is important for your child to have a dental cleaning and exam twice a year, in addition to practicing good oral hygiene at home. We are here to assist you. Please contact our pediatric dental office to schedule an appointment.

A recent study published by the British Dental Journal indicates that although most athletes appear to be symbols of health and wellness on the surface, their oral hygiene is less than ideal compared to their peers. There are other factors that contribute to why elite athletes in particular tend to suffer from tooth-related ailments, leaving untreated tooth decay and gum inflammation more prevalent amongst them despite brushing and flossing regularly.

There is a simple and obvious reason for this. There is a tendency for athletes to refuel their active bodies with high-acid drinks, gels, and energy bars—all of which can weaken tooth enamel or damage teeth as a result of their high sugar content and added acidity.

According to the report, nearly half (49 percent) of the world’s top endurance athletes have untreated tooth decay, and most have early signs of gum inflammation. The scary part is… it has nothing to do with their oral hygiene. The same athletes who fell into this category demonstrated not only proper dental hygiene but also spent more time brushing and flossing than the general population. In addition to brushing their teeth at least twice a day, 94% of respondents floss daily.

Let’s break down the science and break the habits (not your teeth).
Sugar and acid, which are often added to sports drinks and gels, decalcify the surface of the tooth and dissolve the enamel. Cavities occur when the enamel on the tooth is impaired. Once enamel dissolves, it cannot be replenished or regenerated. As a result of this type of loss and decay, the tooth and overall oral health may be permanently damaged.

The risk of tarnishing the enamel doubles when athletes consume these types of drinks instead of H2O when hydrating and recharging. Sugar and starches are used as food by plaque, and acid is produced as a byproduct. Plaque buildup that is not removed regularly by brushing and flossing can cause additional decalcification, cavities, gum disease, and bone loss.

What have you learned so far? Avoid sports drinks and gels.
For hydration, choose water or other alternatives that are less acidic, such as natural juices without added preservatives. Alternatively, you may consider swishing water after each sip, drinking through a straw, and/or brushing and flossing after scheduled workouts when consumption of acidic drinks is frequent. You may also benefit from a fluoride rinse. Regularly visit the dentist for a professional cleaning and checkup every six months, or more often if recommended.

It should be noted that sodas, sweet teas, bubbly flavored water, and other carbonated beverages have a similar impact on your oral health.

In order for your child to grow up with a healthy and beautiful smile, our pediatric dental team is here to help. Please contact our pediatric dental office to schedule your child’s next appointment and help them maintain a healthy smile for life.

In some cases, dental problems cannot wait until normal office hours to be resolved. Fillings that have broken or teeth that have been damaged are common reasons for emergency treatment. A toothache or an abscess may also require prompt medical attention. Your pediatric dentist can provide you with the information and treatment that you need to prevent the problem from becoming worse. While emergency dental care is usually just a phone call away, avoiding the need is always best.

Abscess
Abscesses are bacterial infections that cause swelling and pain around the affected tooth and gum. In some cases, antibiotics are not necessary, but it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Leaving an infection untreated can lead to serious complications.

Toothache
For a number of reasons, it is possible to develop a sudden toothache. It is possible that a piece of food is stuck between your teeth and gum line, which is causing the pain. Rinsing your mouth with warm water is one of the first steps you can take. To dislodge the particles, you may also try gently flossing the area. Flossing should be stopped if bleeding occurs.

Here are some additional tips and treatments:

• When you have fractured a tooth, rinse the area with warm water to keep the surfaces clean. To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your face.
• It is important to keep a tooth that has been knocked out moist in a clean container until you can receive treatment.
• Aspirin should not be applied directly to damaged teeth or gums as it can cause irritation.
• Visit an emergency room if you suspect your jaw has been broken.
• If you have bitten or damaged your lips or tongue, warm water should be used to rinse your mouth. Call us or seek medical attention immediately if the bleeding persists.

If your child has a dental emergency, our pediatric dental team is available to assist you. Regular dental visits twice a year for preventive care will help your children avoid the need for emergency treatment. To schedule your child’s next appointment, please contact our office.

As a parent, you want your child’s dental visit to be a positive experience. Perhaps your child has been to the dentist before and had a bad experience. You may wonder how your toddler can survive a dental exam if he or she won’t even let you near their mouth with a toothbrush. Perhaps you have your own fears about the dentist, and now your preteen is showing those same anxieties.

Even though it may be tempting to skip your child’s next dental appointment, as a parent, you are aware of the importance of routine dental care. You can help ease your child’s fear of the dentist’s chair by following these tips.

1. Choosing the Right Dentist

In the case of an anxious child, finding a dentist who is experienced in working with children can make all the difference in the world. Therefore, we always recommend a board-certified pediatric dentist.

Pediatric dentists are specially trained to ease the fears of anxious children, to explain dental procedures in a non-scary way, and to work quickly (but thoroughly).

2. Adopt a calm, positive attitude.

No matter how old your child is, he or she can often sense what you’re feeling. Your child will likely pick up on your nervousness before his or her dentist appointment (or your own).

If you have had a negative experience with the dentist in the past, try to put those emotions aside. Use positive language while being honest with your child about what to expect. The goal of a dentist is not to cause pain but to relieve any pain and restore and protect a patient’s oral health in the long run.

You should never threaten your children with a trip to the dentist if they are not practicing good oral hygiene at home. Dental visits should never be viewed as punishment.

3. Practice good oral hygiene at home.

Make sure you model good oral hygiene at home. You should demonstrate to your child how you brush and floss. Consider bringing your child to your own dentist appointment just to observe.

If your children are very young, play the role of a dentist with them. If your children are good patients, you can reward them with stickers for taking turns being the dentist.

4. Make certain that the atmosphere is enjoyable.

You should choose a dental office that has a fun atmosphere that will engage your children and make them feel comfortable. You can rest assured that your child will be entertained during their visit to our pediatric dental office.

5. Dental sedation may be an option to consider.

It may be appropriate to consider dental sedation for children who are extremely anxious.

Laughing gas, also known as nitrous oxide, is a very safe sedative that allows children who are mildly nervous to feel calm while remaining awake.

An alternative option to nitrous oxide may be oral conscious sedation or general anesthesia if the dental treatment is extensive and the child cannot tolerate the treatment with repeated nitrous oxide treatments.

In order to find the best treatment option for the child, our pediatric dentist works closely with parents in order to inform them of all available options.

Kids can sometimes be nervous about going to the dentist, especially if they don’t know what to expect. We are here to make your child’s next visit to the dentist an enjoyable experience! Our pediatric dental office specializes in treating the unique needs of children. As a result of our team’s extensive experience, we are able to keep children calm, happy, and comfortable during their visits. Contact us today to schedule your child’s next appointment.

There is no doubt that flossing plays an instrumental role in maintaining good oral health. So, how do you know when your child is ready to start?Take a look at these flossing best practices to ensure a lifetime of healthy smiles.

What is the best age for your child to start flossing?

The best time to begin flossing is between the ages of two and six, when the teeth begin to fit closely and two teeth touch. Try slipping a strand of dental floss between two teeth if you are unsure. When it sticks, you know the teeth are touching, and you’re ready to begin.

What are the benefits of flossing at such an early age?

Even though your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, maintaining their health is essential. This is because they are responsible for ensuring that the adult teeth are healthy when they emerge. As permanent teeth erupt, baby teeth hold the space needed for them to emerge and serve as guides. Additionally, they play an important role in the development of the jaws and muscles.

A baby tooth lost too early can cause the surrounding teeth to shift into the gap, resulting in crooked permanent teeth requiring orthodontic treatment later. By keeping your child’s teeth healthy, he or she will be able to chew with ease, which ensures they will get the proper nutrition. It will also help your child with speech development and ensure that they have a beautiful, healthy smile.

What are the benefits of flossing for your child’s oral health?

The purpose of flossing is to remove bacteria and debris from those hard-to-reach areas between your child’s teeth. Plaque accumulation can lead to gum disease and tooth decay if not addressed. You should keep in mind that flossing is not a substitute for brushing. Maintaining a healthy smile requires both. When you help your child develop proper oral hygiene practices at an early age, they are more likely to continue to take good care of their teeth and gums throughout their lives.

Flossing Your Child’s Teeth

Children need help flossing until about second or third grade, when they’re able to do it on their own. You should gently slide the floss between your child’s teeth and avoid snapping it down on the gum line. The piece of floss should be curved around each tooth and manipulated gently up and down the sides. Each time you move from one tooth to another, use a clean section of floss.

You can contact our trusted pediatric dental team to learn more about caring for your child’s oral health. Our team is committed to helping your child establish healthy oral health habits right from the start to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We look forward to caring for your child’s dental needs. Contact our pediatric dental office today to schedule an appointment.

Keeping your child’s teeth healthy goes beyond brushing them regularly. While regular brushing and flossing are essential for a healthy mouth, there are some common pediatric dental problems that brushing alone can not solve. You can take steps to make sure that your child’s teeth are healthy and strong so that your next visit to the pediatric dentist in 35124 is a breeze. If your child has any of these common dental problems, ask your pediatric dental team in Hoover, AL about preventative measures. 

Use fluoride to strengthen weakened enamel.

Enamel is the hard, protective layer that covers healthy teeth. Tooth enamel protects teeth from bacteria and acids that cause tooth decay, and it also prevents sensitivity to temperature and sweetness.

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that prevents tooth decay. Fluoride hardens the enamel of growing teeth in children whose teeth aren’t fully developed. Additionally, fluoride contributes to the hardening of enamel on adult teeth, which have already emerged.

There are a variety of fluoride treatment options available to your child, including fluoride toothpastes, mouth rinses, and professional fluoride applications. The topical treatments help to strengthen the enamel of existing teeth.

Fluoride treatments are an excellent way to prevent tooth decay and other common pediatric dental problems.

Remove any plaque or tartar buildup.

You should not substitute regular brushing for professional dental cleanings, even if your child is a pro at brushing their teeth. Plaque and tartar buildup can’t be removed by regular brushing alone, so dental cleanings can help prevent common pediatric dental problems like cavities or more serious issues like abscessed teeth.

Prevent cavities with a healthy diet.

Cavities caused by tooth decay are a common pediatric dental problem. If your child consumes the wrong foods, their diet can play a major role in causing tooth decay. Parents should take note of what foods can cause tooth problems and try to cut them out of children’s diets.

When it comes to tooth decay, sugar is the number one culprit, so limit your child’s sugar intake wherever you can. Sugar becomes a food source for bacteria when it gets on your child’s teeth. Sugar is converted into acids by bacteria, leading to decay and cavities in the teeth.

Sticky, sugary foods, such as fruit snacks and dried fruit, should be avoided. Sugars from these foods stick to teeth, giving bacteria plenty of time to feed on them. You should also avoid starchy snacks made from refined carbohydrates. As these starches break down, they form a sticky, sugary paste that bacteria feed on.

Brushing and flossing after eating can reduce your child’s risk of tooth decay and the need for dental treatment in the future.

Dental sealants prevent tooth decay.

Around the age of six, your child’s permanent teeth begin to emerge. There are various pits and fissures on the surface of these adult teeth, which provide a breeding ground for bacteria that cause cavities. Children often struggle to brush well enough to clean out the crevices in their teeth, making cavities incredibly common.

Dental sealants are plastic-like coatings that cover your child’s chewing surfaces. Specifically, they work best on teeth with large chewing surfaces, such as molars. When applied to your child’s permanent teeth, dental sealants prevent food from getting stuck in the crevices and thereby help prevent tooth decay. It is impossible for saliva, bacteria, and food particles to penetrate dental sealants.

When properly cared for, dental sealants can last for up to ten years. All the while, they will be diligently working to prevent common pediatric dental problems and to ensure that your child’s teeth remain in good health.

Regular dental checkups are one of the best ways to prevent common pediatric dental problems. Our pediatric dentist will examine their teeth to ensure that there are no early signs of tooth decay or other problems. To schedule an appointment, please contact our Hoover, AL pediatric dental office.

While most people know that baby teeth are temporary, many do not realize how important they are for the health and development of your child. Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth, and they also help your child learn to speak and chew properly. Additionally, baby teeth help your child’s jaw develop properly and can impact the alignment of permanent teeth.

For all of these reasons, it is important to take care of your child’s baby teeth and to see a pediatric dentist in Hoover regularly. You should also make sure to teach your child good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing, so that their teeth will be healthy and strong.

The functions of baby teeth

Most people are aware that baby teeth eventually fall out to be replaced by adult teeth. However, few people know the important role that baby teeth play in the proper development of the mouth and jaw. Although they are temporary, baby teeth are essential for future oral health.

Baby teeth are important for a number of reasons. They help the mouth develop properly, they aid in speech development, and they promote proper chewing and eating habits. Baby teeth also hold space in the jaw for adult teeth, which helps prevent crowding and misalignment of the teeth.

So, although baby teeth eventually fall out, they serve a vital purpose during early childhood development.

The link between baby teeth and adult teeth

You may have heard the old wives’ tale that if you take good care of your baby teeth, your adult teeth will be strong and healthy. But is there any truth to this claim?

It turns out that there is a link between baby teeth and adult teeth. Baby teeth act as placeholders for adult teeth, and if baby teeth are lost too early, it can affect the alignment of adult teeth. Additionally, baby teeth help to form the jawbone, which provides support for adult teeth. Therefore, our Hoover, AL pediatric dental team agrees it’s important to take care of baby teeth so that adult teeth can be healthy and strong.

Why is good oral hygiene important for baby teeth?

Good oral hygiene is important for baby teeth for several reasons. 

• First, baby teeth are important for the proper development of adult teeth. If baby teeth are not properly cared for, they can become infected and cause problems for the adult teeth as they come in. 
• Second, baby teeth are important for proper development of the jaw and for proper speech development. If baby teeth are not cared for, it can cause problems with the alignment of the adult teeth and with speech development. 
• Finally, baby teeth are important for aesthetics. Baby teeth that are not cared for can become discolored and can cause problems with the appearance of the child’s smile.

All of these reasons underscore the importance of taking care of baby teeth and teaching children good oral hygiene habits from an early age. Proper oral hygiene includes brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, flossing once a day, and eating a balanced diet.

Baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth. They not only help guide adult teeth into their proper positions, but they also play an important role in a child’s development. If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth, please contact our pediatric dental office in Hoover, AL to schedule an appointment.

Did you know that your parents’ oral hygiene routine for you as an infant or the habits you had as a small child could have had an effect on your smile even as an adult? Here, we will discover ways you can give your child a healthy foundation for their smile by creating healthy habits.   

1. Nighttime feeding 

Before your infant even has any teeth, use a clean, warm, damp cloth or finger brush to cleanse your infant’s tongue and gums after each feeding. Once your little one has their first tooth erupting it is especially important to wipe clean their tongue, gums, and teeth after a nighttime feeding. This is because the sugary film of unswallowed breast milk or formula compromises the enamel and increases the probability of decay. 

2. Weaning from nighttime feeding 

When your infant is 6 months old they can begin learning to sleep through the night without feedings, this is commonly referred to as night weaning. By this age, they are probably eating higher amounts of solid foods thus reducing their need for breast milk or formula throughout the night. As your infant night weans, and you provide them with enough solid food before they drift off into dreamland, they may still be awoken during the night, but usually for another reason.   

3. Prolonged thumb sucking & pacifier use

Avoiding the use of a pacifier altogether takes yet another weaning off the list. If you find you must use a pacifier or your baby sucks their thumb it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry to wean them of this by their third birthday. The face, jaw, and tooth positions of your child are developing, and prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use can cause speech issues and improper mouth and facial development. It is imperative to wean your child from thumbsucking and pacifier use as early as possible.

4. Sugary and acidic foods or drinks

Sugary and acidic foods and drinks such as fruits, fruit juices, sodas, sports drinks, and carbohydrates cause bacteria growth in your child’s mouth. This bacteria is what damages the tooth’s enamel and leads to decay. The healthiest option is to avoid the unnecessary use of as many sugary and acidic foods and drinks as possible. The fact remains that a healthy amount of fruit is essential to a well-balanced diet, which is why brushing after eating fruits or drinking fruit juices is a must.

5. Dental visits

When your infant gets their first tooth the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you schedule their initial visit with a pediatric dentist. Introducing your infant to a pediatric dentist and maintaining their regular dental appointments will start familiarizing them with the atmosphere, the dental professionals, and what to expect. The dental professionals within a pediatric dental practice are uniquely equipped and trained to care for infants and young children. 

Maintaining a regular oral hygiene routine at home is a great way to instill a lifelong oral hygiene routine in your child. Pediatric dental professionals can monitor your routine and offer suggestions on your infant’s oral needs as they grow. Contact our office to schedule your infant’s initial visit with our pediatric dentist and we can provide you with more information about creating a healthy oral hygiene foundation.