#Dental Health

Pediatric dentists, like the four at Kids Smiles, are dental specialists who focus on treating infants to adolescents. We are the pediatricians of dentistry. In this blog we explain the difference between adult or family dentists and pediatric dentists. As pediatric dentists, we required two to three years of specialized training following dental school and […]

Children eventually have 20 baby (primary) teeth – 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom. These teeth act as placeholders for the adult teeth that take their place after the baby teeth fall out. Most children begin to lose their baby teeth at six years old, and this process continues into their early

Fear of the unknown can make tooth extraction a difficult process for both children and their parents. Knowing what to expect can help you both to prepare for the experience. Our Kids Smiles pediatric dentists, Dr. Frank Sierra,  Dr. Mia Kwan and Dr. Khusbu Patel,  any of our 3 Tampa Bay locations, and 1 in

The 2-2-2 Rule Is A Simple Way To Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy. This infographic can help you remember the key 2’s that make an impact. Children should visit a dentist twice per year. Children should brush and floss at least twice a day (alone or with supervision or help depending on age). Children should

At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we’re known for being a practice that caters to the unique requirements of special needs patients. We have found that using a “tell, show, do” method helps make all patients more comfortable with their appointment, and especially helps patients with conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder and Downs Syndrome. First,

What is Tongue-Tie? Most of us think of tongue­-tie as a situation we find ourselves in when we are too excited to speak. Actually, tongue-­tie is the non­medical term for a relatively common physical condition that limits the use of the tongue, ankyloglossia. Lip­-tie is a condition where the upper lip cannot be curled or

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first visit to a dentist happens within their first year. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future. This initial pediatric visit will establish a dental home for your child.  Dr. Frank Sierra explains that the most important reason

A question, you most-likely won’t ask until you are a parent is, “is children’s toothpaste different than adult toothpaste?” The answer is yes! The most obvious difference is in the flavors (bubblegum / watermelon for example), but the branding (for kids) is also evident. Cartoon characters make the product more enticing to children, and that

Buying the right toothbrush for your child involves looking at the packaging for the correct age guidelines. The brush should fit in the mouth well, be comfortable to hold and be fun for them to use. Unless otherwise advised by your dentist, always choose a soft-bristled toothbrush. Our Kids Smiles team describes the brushing ability