# Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry --- ## Pages - [Pediatric Dentist Serving Land O' Lakes, FL](https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/pediatric-dentist-land-o-lakes/): Pediatric Dentist Serving Land O’ Lakes, FL At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide the highest quality of dental care... - [Pediatric Dentist Serving Wesley Chapel, FL](https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/pediatric-dentist-wesley-chapel/): Pediatric Dentist Serving Wesley Chapel, FL At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide the highest quality of dental care for... - [Pediatric Dentist Serving East Bradenton, FL](https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/pediatric-dentist-serving-east-bradenton/): Pediatric Dentist Serving East Bradenton, FL At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide the highest quality of dental care for... - [Pediatric Dentist Serving Bayshore Gardens & South Bradenton](https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/pediatric-dentist-bayshore-gardens/): Pediatric Dentist Serving Bayshore Gardens & South Bradenton At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide the highest quality of dental... - [Pediatric Dentist Serving Lakewood Ranch, FL](https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/pediatric-dentist-serving-lakewood-ranch-fl/): Pediatric Dentist Serving Lakewood Ranch, FL At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide the highest quality of dental care for... - [Wesley Chapel Office](https://kidssmilesdental.com/wesley-chapel-pediatric-dentist-office/): Wesley ChapelPediatric Dentistry Visit Us in Wesley Chapel! Town & Country 6323 Memorial Hwy, Ste 131 Tampa, FL 33615 South... - [Dr. Kathryn Prado](https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/dr-kathryn-prado/): Meet Dr. Kathryn Prado Meet Dr. Kathryn Prado Kathryn Prado, DMD Dr. Kathryn Sierra Prado grew up in Tampa, Florida... - [Pediatric Dentist Serving Greater Carrollwood, Greater Northdale, and Lake Magdalene, FL](https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/pediatric-dentist-serving-carrollwood-northdale-lake-magdalene/): Pediatric Dentist ServingGreater Carrollwood, Greater Northdale, and Lake Magdalene, FL At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide the highest quality... - [Dr. Karen Pettit](https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/dr-karen-pettit/): Meet Dr. Karen Pettit Meet Dr. Karen Pettit Karen Pettit, DMD Dr. Karen Pettit was born and raised in Peru.... - [Sitemap](https://kidssmilesdental.com/sitemap/): SiteMap - [Privacy Policy](https://kidssmilesdental.com/privacy-policy/): PrivacyPolicy andTerms & Conditions GENERAL Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry has created this privacy statement in order to demonstrate our firm... - [Solea® Laser Technology for Kids’ Comfort](https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/solea-laser/): Solea® Laser Technology for Kids’ Comfort Solea® Laser Technology for Kids’ Comfort We’re proud to use the Solea dental laser... - [Home](https://kidssmilesdental.com/): Kinder, Gentler Pediatric Dentistry For Kids & Teens See How We’re Different Kinder, Gentler Pediatric Dentistry For Kids & Teens... - [Mouthguards](https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/mouthguards/): Kids’Mouthguards KidsMouthguardsIf your child plays sports or participates in any high-impact activities, it’s critical that he or she wears a... - [Digital X-rays](https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/digital-x-rays/): Digital X-Rays DigitalX-RaysLow Radiation, Digital X-Rays Your child’s safety and comfort are our top priorities! We’re proud to use low... - [Bradenton Office](https://kidssmilesdental.com/contact/bradenton-pediatric-dentist-office/): East BradentonPediatric Dentistry Visit Us in East Bradenton! Town & Country 6323 Memorial Hwy, Ste 131 Tampa, FL 33615 South... - [North Tampa Office](https://kidssmilesdental.com/contact/north-tampa-pediatric-dentist-office/): North TampaPediatric Dentistry Visit Us in North Tampa! Town & Country 6323 Memorial Hwy, Ste 131 Tampa, FL 33615 South... - [Town n Country Office](https://kidssmilesdental.com/contact/town-n-country-pediatric-dentist-office/): Town & CountryPediatric Dentistry Visit us in Town & County! Town & Country 6323 Memorial Hwy, Ste 131 Tampa, FL... - [Insurance Options](https://kidssmilesdental.com/patient-resources/insurance-options/): InsuranceOptions Kids Smiles accepts most PPO plans including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, Metlife, United Concordia, and United Healthcare. For... - [Contact Us](https://kidssmilesdental.com/contact-us/): ContactUs If you know which office you’re trying to reach please feel free to give us a call. You may... - [Dental Hygiene](https://kidssmilesdental.com/patient-resources/dental-hygiene-oral-health/): Oral Health & Dental Hygiene for Kids Every child deserves a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts for years to come.... - [Our Partners](https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/our-community-partners/): Our Partners Sometimes a Healthy Smile Needs More For some children, orthodontics is an important step toward a lifetime of... - [Our Team](https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/our-team/): Our Amazing Team At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our mission is to provide the highest quality children’s dental care and... - [Dental Emergencies](https://kidssmilesdental.com/patient-resources/emergency-pediatric-dentist/): Emergency Info Dental emergencies can catch you off guard, but Dr. Sierra, Dr. Patel and Dr. Kwon at Kids Smiles... - [Request an Appointment](https://kidssmilesdental.com/contact/request-an-appointment/): Request an Appointment At Kids Smiles, we strive to make dental care accessible for all our patients. We proudly accept... - [Dr. Khusbu Patel](https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/dr-khusbu-patel/): Meet Dr. Khusbu Patel MeetDr. Khusbu Patel Meet Dr. Patel , DMD Dr. Khusbu Patel completed her undergraduate degree in... - [Dr. Mia Kwon](https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/dr-mia-kwon/): Meet Dr. Mia Kwon MeetDr. Mia Kwon Mia Kwon, DMD Dr. Mia Kwon is originally from Seoul, South Korea. When... - [Exams and Preventive Care](https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/exams-preventive-care/): Preventive Dental Care for Children Preventive Dental Carefor ChildrenOur goal through preventive dentistry is to ensure that your child establishes... - [Pediatric Dental Services](https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/): Pediatric Dental Services Our team is committed to helping your child achieve beautiful, healthy teeth throughout their childhood! We want... - [Tooth Extractions](https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/tooth-extractions/): Tooth Extractions ToothExtractionsIf your child requires a tooth extraction, we’ll do everything we can to ensure that their experience is... - [Growth and Developmental Care](https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/growth-development/): Growth and Developmental Care Early interceptive/preventive orthodontic treatment can help your child avoid more complex treatment in the future! Space... - [Sedation Dentistry](https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/sedation-dentistry/): Pediatric Sedation Dentistry We use a “tell, show, do” philosophy to keep your child calm and at ease. We also... - [Restorative Care](https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/restorative-care/): Restorative Dentistryfor Children Restorative Dentistryfor ChildrenWe perform restorative dentistry care for kids in Tampa Bay and Bradenton! We create a... - [Patient Forms and Policies](https://kidssmilesdental.com/patient-resources/patient-forms-policies/): Patient Formsand Policies Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) and Lip-Tie (Lip Adhesion) New Patient Form – Children Under 1 Year Nuevo Paciente –... - [Your First Visit](https://kidssmilesdental.com/patient-resources/first-office-visit/): Your First Visit to Kids Smiles You can make yourselves comfortable in our waiting room, specially-designed to keep your child... - [Blog](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/): OurBlog - [Testimonials](https://kidssmilesdental.com/testimonials/): PatientTestimonials PatientTestimonials We love to see you smile! See what our patients are saying about us! - [Dr. Frank Sierra](https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/dr-frank-sierra/): Meet Dr. Frank Sierra MeetDr. Frank Sierra Frank Sierra, DMD Dr. Sierra is a Tampa native who graduated from The... - [South Tampa Office](https://kidssmilesdental.com/contact/south-tampa-pediatric-dentist-office/): South TampaPediatric Dentistry Visit us in South Tampa! Town & Country 6323 Memorial Hwy, Ste 131 Tampa, FL 33615 South... - [Our Practice](https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/): About Us We offerkinder, gentler dentistry for kids and teens. At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our mission is to provide... - [Tongue-Tie and Lip-Tie Revision](https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/tongue-tie-lip-tie/): Tongue Tie And Lip Tie Revision Tongue Tie And Lip TieRevisionMost of us think of tongue­-tie as a situation we... - [Pediatric Dental FAQ](https://kidssmilesdental.com/patient-resources/pediatric-dental-faq/): Frequently Asked Questions Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry encourages parents to stay informed about their child’s dental health and commit to... --- ## Posts - [When should my child start flossing? A Parent’s Guide](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/when-should-my-child-start-flossing/): Flossing is a simple habit with a big impact—and it’s not just for grown-ups. If you’re wondering, “When should my... - [How to Find the Right Pediatric Dentist in Wesley Chapel](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/find-pediatric-dentist-in-wesley-chapel/): Choosing the right pediatric dentist in Wesley Chapel for your child is an important decision—after all, you only want the... - [Celebrating Neurodiversity: How We Support Every Smile During Autism Awareness Month](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/pediatric-dentist-for-autism/): Every April, we take time to recognize Autism Awareness Month—a chance to learn, grow, and support a more inclusive world.... - [Top 6 Best Dentist Cartoon Shows for Kids](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/best-dentist-cartoon-show-for-kids/): Getting kids excited about dental visits isn’t always easy, but turning to a fun dentist cartoon show or YouTube video... - [Smile Stocking Stuffers: Best Gifts for Growing Smiles](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/stocking-stuffer-gifts-for-kids/): The holiday season is in full swing! You’ve got the big ticket items down on your kiddo’s wish list, but... - [Smiles are growing at our new pediatric dentist office in Wesley Chapel!](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/wesley-chapel-pediatric-dentist-office/): We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you! As of September 1st, we’ve opened a brand-new office in Wesley... - [Top 7 Dental Health Books for Toddlers](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/dental-health-books-for-toddlers/): Getting your toddler excited about brushing and flossing their teeth can be challenging. Our Kids Smiles Team has found that... - [Special needs dentistry: We cater to children with exceptionalities!](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/special-needs-dentistry/): As a parent, finding the right dentist for your child can be challenging, especially when your child has special needs!... - [When does my teen transition from a pediatric dentist to a general dentist?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/when-to-switch-from-pediatric-dentist/): As your child gets older, you may find yourself wondering if they should still be going to the pediatric dentist.... - [What to eat after a frenectomy](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-to-eat-after-frenectomy/): If your child has just had a frenectomy to correct their tongue tie or lip tie, you may be wondering... - [Top 6 common dental problems in children](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/top-6-common-dental-problems-in-children/): Parents, we know you’re doing your best to make oral hygiene fun! One of the best ways to teach your... - [February is National Children's Dental Health month! Why it's important](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/national-childrens-dental-health-month-2024/): It’s that time of year again... National Children’s Dental Health Month is here! Parents, we hope you’re excited as our... - [Does biting your nails damage your teeth?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/nail-biting-teeth-damage/): Let’s talk about nail biting – that habit that many of us pick up in our toddler days and some... - [What is National Tooth Fairy Day?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/national-tooth-fairy-day/): As the year melts into a new one, you may look back on some of the times you were able... - [What to do when a baby tooth won't fall out](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-to-do-with-baby-teeth-not-falling-out-new-teeth-coming-in/): The moment is finally here! Your child runs into the room to tell you their tooth is loose. It’s officially... - [How often should you replace your toothbrush?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/why-you-should-replace-your-toothbrush/): Today, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of toothbrush maintenance. Ever wondered why changing your toothbrush is important for your health?... - [Top 6 Kids' Oral Health Facts](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/6-childrens-oral-health-facts/): Good oral hygiene habits should begin even before the eruption of the first primary tooth! Developing strong oral hygiene habits... - [Capturing Smiles: Why Kid Selfies Are a Great Thing!](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/kid-selfies-why-to-embrace-this/): Taking selfies can be a fun and positive experience for your little ones! We love seeing little smiles light up... - [What is plaque? How can kids prevent it?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/plaque-is-ever-present/): Helping your child maintain their oral health is a top priority! One common villain in this ongoing battle is dental... - [Thumb sucking vs. pacifiers: which is better for your child's teeth?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/thumbsucking-vs-pacifier-which-is-better-for-kids-teeth/): As your teething baby happily sucks away on their favorite pacifier, it’s a source of relief for both you as... - [Brushing and Flossing Made Fun: 8 Tips for Kids' Dental Health!](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/how-to-make-brushing-teeth-and-flossing-fun-for-toddlers-kids/): Hey there no-cavity club warriors! Your Kids Smiles Team knows that parents and kiddos alike work-hard together to keep their... - [When should my child stop thumb-sucking?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/thumb-sucking-when-to-be-concerned/): Sucking is a normal baby reflex! It helps babies and toddlers feel secure and happy, and helps them learn about... - [Which beverages damage kids' teeth?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-foods-and-drinks-damage-tooth-enamel/): At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we not only monitor the growth and development of tiny smiles and physically work to... - [What foods strengthen kids teeth?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/best-food-choices-for-strengthening-kids-teeth/): Choosing healthy foods is one of the easiest ways for your child to improve their oral and overall health, strengthen... - [Say Cheese! The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Baby Teeth Happy and Healthy](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/guide-to-healthy-baby-teeth/): When it comes to our little ones, their bright smiles and adorable giggles warm our hearts! As parents, we want... - [What is a pulpotomy for kids?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-is-a-pulpotomy/): As trusted pediatric dental experts in Tampa Bay and Bradenton, we often see young patients with dental issues that require... - [How to soothe a teething baby](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/teething/): Teething is an exciting milestone as it heralds the approaching milestone of introducing your baby to solid foods. Which may... - [Summer smiles: top 5 dental tips for kids](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/four-summer-dental-tips-for-parents/): Summer is the season for things to heat up and for time to slow down. Your kids will enjoy their... - [Why choose laser dentistry for kids](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/why-use-laser-procedures/): Parents, we know you want the best for your children and are always thinking of their safety and comfort. You... - [What you need to know about tooth extractions for kids](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-to-know-tooth-extractions-kids/): We know that “tooth extractions for kids” can sound pretty intense, so we’re here to demystify the procedure, discuss what... - [The Great Sugar Swap: How to trade your favorite treats for healthier alternatives](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/healthy-alternatives-to-sweets-for-kids/): Parents, we all know that kids have a natural love for sweets! In fact, you may think back to your... - [How do children’s teeth develop over the years?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/how-teeth-develop/): If you have a child, you may be curious about the process of how your little one’s teeth develop, which... - [Top 5 Worst Habits for Your Child's Dental Health](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/top-5-worst-habits-for-childs-dental-health/): Dental health is an important part of overall health. After all, everything we need and drink to fuel our bodies... - [Should my child brush their tongue too?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/should-you-brush-your-childs-tongue/): In your child’s oral hygiene routine, you likely focus on brushing and flossing their teeth or supervising them brushing and... - [What happens at my child's dental check-ups?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-happens-at-kids-dental-appointments/): Hey parents! We know you work hard to provide the best possible care for your children, including helping them care... - [Brush, Floss, Smile! Why is oral hygiene so important?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/february-is-national-childrens-dental-health-month/): Happy National Children’s Dental Health Month, parents and kids! The ADA has named this year’s theme “Brush, Floss, Smile! ”... - [Is it okay for kids to use charcoal toothpaste?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/can-kids-use-charcoal-toothpaste/): Charcoal toothpaste has become more popular lately, with well-known brands like Colgate, Crest, Hello and Burt’s Bees entering the charcoal... - [5 Stages of teething](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/stages-of-teething/): When a baby starts teething, this can be a difficult time for parents! Your little one is going through the... - [Are plaque disclosing tablets safe?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/plaque-disclosing-tablets-safe/): If you’ve been looking for a way to help your child improve his or her oral hygiene routine, you may... - [Can tooth enamel grow back?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/can-tooth-enamel-grow-back/): When you understand the role that enamel plays in dental health, you know that it’s worth taking steps to preserve... - [Can I use my HSA for dental treatment?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/use-hsa-for-dental/): Spoiler alert: Yes you can! The portion of your child’s dental costs that isn’t covered by your insurance company may... - [Talk to Your Dentist if Your Child Snores](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/talk-to-your-dentist-child-snores/): Being a parent is a tough job! In fact, it’s the hardest job of all. The moment you notice anything... - [Top 4 Back to School Tips for Kids' Dental Hygiene!](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/back-to-school-tips-dental-hygiene-kids/): It’s that time again! School is back in session and routines are changing for both children and parents. If you’re... - [Yes, There Is a Recommended Tooth Brushing Technique](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/recommended-tooth-brushing-technique-for-kids/): So you’ve finally got your toddler used to their morning and nightly toothbrush and toothpaste routine. Congratulations! That is a... - [How to Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/how-to-prevent-baby-bottle-tooth-decay/): Baby teeth are small but mighty! Even though they only hang around for about a decade, baby teeth have fundamental... - [What to Know About Nitrous Oxide for Children’s Dental Anxiety](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-to-know-nitrous-oxide-pediatric-dental-anxiety/): Does your child experience dental anxiety before appointments? Nitrous oxide, sometimes called “happy gas” or “laughing gas” can be administered... - [What to do About Children Grinding Their Teeth (Bruxism)](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-grinding-teeth-bruxism-for-children/): Have you noticed your 4-year-old grinding their teeth while sleeping? Or maybe your 5 or 7-year-old has been waking up... - [What’s the best home remedy for a toothache?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/whats-the-best-home-remedy-for-a-toothache/): A toothache offers a unique kind of pain that many adults have low-tolerance for. In fact, about 45% of adults... - [What is the minimum age for teeth whitening?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/minimum-age-teeth-whitening-children/): Once your child’s permanent teeth start to emerge, you may notice that they aren’t as bright and white as their... - [Are there different types of dental fillings for kids?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/different-types-of-pediatric-fillings/): The most common types of dental fillings used in pediatric dentistry are composite (white) fillings and amalgam (silver) fillings. How... - [5 Tips to Ease Your Child’s Fear of the Dentist](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/tips-to-ease-child-dentist-fears/): It’s normal for children to feel a bit anxious about their first visit to the dentist. After all, the dentist’s... - [Should I Pull My Child’s Loose Baby Tooth?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/should-i-pull-my-childs-loose-baby-tooth/): Around 6 years old, children start shedding their baby teeth to make way for permanent teeth. This is a huge... - [How do you get your child to floss? With floss sticks!](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/floss-sticks-encourage-flossing-for-kids/): While 45% of parents say getting their child to floss is challenging, we’ve got a few tricks and tips to... - [Your Guide to Composite (Tooth-Colored) Fillings](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/composite-tooth-colored-filling/): If your child or teen has been complaining of tooth pain or tooth sensitivity, you may suspect they have a... - [Understanding Dental Sealants for Children](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/understanding-dental-sealants-for-kids/): February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! This month is all about raising awareness around the importance of children’s oral... - [Pro Tips for Infant Oral Care](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/newborn-oral-care-tips/): Did you know that oral care should begin before your baby’s first tooth? Yes, it’s true! Your baby is born... - [Is Mouthwash Safe for Children?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/is-mouthwash-safe-for-children/): So your child is growing up – and with your help, he or she is developing a strong oral hygiene... - [Are There Any Risks for X-Rays?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/are-there-any-risks-for-x-rays/): A dental X-ray is one of the most important tools used by pediatric dentists! X-ray machines produce a detailed image... - [Preventing Tooth Decay in Children](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/preventing-tooth-decay-in-children/): The best method to prevent tooth decay in children is through commitment to good health—oral health and nutritional health! Ideally,... - [It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month!](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/its-national-childrens-dental-health-month/): February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The ADA (American Dental Association) and our team are using this month as... - [Proud To Support the St. Lawrence “Gathering Together” Gala](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/proud-to-support-the-st-lawrence-gathering-together-gala/): Supporting our community is incredibly important to us! We’re always looking for ways to give back. We have donated $2,000... - [Lawrence A Martucci Benefit Corp Special Event](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/lawrence-a-martucci-benefit-corp-special-event/): Kids Smiles is proud to announce they are a Veronese Sponsor of the 8th Annual Lawrence A Martucci Benefit Corp.... - [What to Do if Your Child Doesn't Like Going to the Dentist: 4 Tips](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-child-doesnt-like-going-to-the-dentist-4-tips/): It’s no surprise that a trip to the dentist may make your child a bit anxious. Many parents say their... - [What to Expect Before, During & After Tongue Tie Revision](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-to-expect-before-during-after-tongue-tie-revision/): You know when you’re speaking too quickly and your words pile up in a slur of confusion? Many people call... - [6 Tips for Choosing the Right Pediatric Dentist](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/6-tips-for-choosing-the-right-pediatric-dentist/): The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child visit the dentist when they get their first tooth, or... - [Our COVID Cleanliness Precautions](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/our-covid-cleanliness-precautions/): We care about you! You and your child’s safety is of the utmost importance to us. We continue to take... - [Is Milk Good for Your Teeth?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/is-milk-good-for-your-teeth/): We hear a lot about the health benefits that nutritious foods can have on the body. “Carrots can improve your... - [What Parents Need to Know About Shark Teeth](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-parents-need-to-know-about-shark-teeth/): Shark teeth ... this dental term gets its name from the fact that sharks have from 5 to 15 rows... - [The Fluoride Debate Continues, This Time in Brooksville, FL](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/the-fluoride-debate-continues-this-time-in-brooksville-fl/): Dr. Frank Sierra shares some timely information on Fluoride in light of an upcoming vote in Brooksville, FL. I was... - [Orthodontics for Kids](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/orthodontics-for-kids/): The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child get a check-up with an orthodontist at age 7. Additionally,... - [What Does Good Oral Health Mean?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-does-good-oral-health-mean/): The American Dental Association defines oral health as “a functional, structural, aesthetic, physiologic and psychosocial state of well-being and is... - [Why Does My Child Need Their Baby Teeth Removed?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/why-does-my-child-need-their-baby-teeth-removed/): Your child will grow & develop to have 20 temporary, primary(aka “baby”) teeth – 10 on the top and 10... - [Teething Products Aren't Safe for Children](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/teething-products-arent-safe-for-children/): Recently The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned parents about the dangers of using teething products that contain the popular... - [What is Fluoride and What are its Benefits?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-is-fluoride-and-what-are-its-benefits/): Fluoride helps all of us to protect our children’s teeth, and it is a naturally occurring mineral. Fluoride comes from... - [How Does Sugar Affect Your Children's Teeth?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/how-does-sugar-affect-your-childrens-teeth/): Baby teeth are important as they are also the placeholders for adult teeth. They have a function in speech, eating,... - [Protecting Your Teeth During Pregnancy](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/protecting-your-teeth-during-pregnancy/): Pregnancy causes a range of hormonal changes in a woman’s body. These hormonal effects can lead to some dental health... - [The Importance of Good Oral Health](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/the-importance-of-good-oral-health/): Good oral health is important from before you get your first tooth to your last days. Let’s take a look... - [What's Involved With a Dental Exam?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/whats-involved-with-a-dental-exam/): The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that every child see a dentist by the... - [How to Find the Right Pediatric Dentist For You](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/how-to-find-the-right-pediatric-dentist-for-you/): Choosing healthcare providers for your children is one of the most important duties you have as a parent. In this... - [Sports and Oral Health: How To Protect Your Teeth When Playing](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/sports-and-oral-health-how-to-protect-your-teeth-when-playing/): No parent likes to receive the call that their child was injured at school or at their sporting event. One... - [The Difference Between General / Family Dentists and Pediatric Dentists](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/the-difference-between-general-family-dentists-and-pediatric-dentists/): Pediatric dentists, like the four at Kids Smiles, are dental specialists who focus on treating infants to adolescents. We are... - [What To Do With a Loose Tooth](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-to-do-with-a-loose-tooth/): Children eventually have 20 baby (primary) teeth – 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom. These teeth act... - [Does Tooth Extraction Hurt?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/does-tooth-extraction-hurt/): Fear of the unknown can make tooth extraction a difficult process for both children and their parents. Knowing what to... - [The Rule of Two's for Healthy Teeth](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/the-rule-of-twos-for-healthy-teeth/): The 2-2-2 Rule Is A Simple Way To Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy. This infographic can help you remember the... - [Dental Care for Autistic Children](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/dental-care-for-autistic-children/): Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by marked difficulties in behavior, social interaction, communication, and sensory sensitivities. Trips to the pediatric... - [Planning a Dentist Visit for Your Special Needs Child](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/planning-a-dentist-visit-for-your-special-needs-child/): At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we’re known for being a practice that caters to the unique requirements of special needs... - [Tongue­-Tie (Ankyloglossia) and Lip­-Tie (Lip Adhesion)](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/tongue-tie-ankyloglossia-and-lip-tie-lip-adhesion/): What is Tongue-Tie? Most of us think of tongue­-tie as a situation we find ourselves in when we are too... - [When Should my Baby First Visit the Dentist?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/when-should-my-baby-first-visit-the-dentist/): The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first visit to a dentist happens within their first year. Early... - [Is children's toothpaste different than adult toothpaste?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/is-childrens-toothpaste-different-than-adult-toothpaste/): A question, you most-likely won’t ask until you are a parent is, “is children’s toothpaste different than adult toothpaste? ”... - [The Right Toothbrush and When to Replace](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/the-right-toothbrush-and-when-to-replace/): Buying the right toothbrush for your child involves looking at the packaging for the correct age guidelines. The brush should... - [Can Chewing Gum Prevent Cavities?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/can-chewing-gum-prevent-cavities/): Chew on this. The answer is YES, chewing gum CAN prevent cavities, but only if it’s sugarless gum with the... - [What Parents Should Know About Their Children's Loose Teeth](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-parents-should-know-about-their-childrens-loose-teeth/): Between ages 6 and 13, your child’s baby teeth will fall out to make room for permanent adult teeth. The... - [Vacation Tips from Kids Smiles](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/vacation-tips-from-kids-smiles/): Our team from Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry hopes that you and your children have an excellent Summer and a relaxing... - [4 Oral Health Things Pregnant Women Can Do To Give Their Baby A Healthy Start](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/four-oral-health-things-pregnant-women-can-do-to-give-their-baby-a-healthy-start/): As pediatric dentists, Dr. Frank Sierra and Dr. Mark Dawoud challenge you to start thinking about your children’s dental health... - [What Parents Need to Know About Fruit Juice and Infants](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-parents-need-to-know-about-fruit-juice-and-infants/): On May 22, 2017 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued new recommendations on the appropriate consumption of fruit juice... - [5 Great Ideas to Make Tooth Brushing Fun](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/5-great-ideas-to-make-tooth-brushing-fun/): A recent article in the Huffington Post by dental student Mirissa Price has some great ideas for making tooth brushing... - [Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry Welcomes Dr. Frank Sierra](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/kids-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-welcomes-dr-frank-sierra/): Tampa native, Dr. Frank Sierra and staff have joined our growing team at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Since 1994, Sierra... - [Kids Smiles Patients Save!](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/kids-smiles-patients-save/): Have you heard of Invisalign Teen? It’s the clear alternative to traditional braces that allows for practically invisible orthodontic treatment... - [The Pirates' Fixable Teeth](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/the-pirates-fixable-teeth/): Kate Kyres, creator of Silly Dilly’s & The Enchanted Spot in Tampa, has authored the children’s book at the subject... - [Teen “Night Owls” More Likely To Have Tooth Decay](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/teen-night-owls-more-likely-to-have-tooth-decay/): Recently published research shows that teenagers who stay up late are up to four times more likely to require dental... - [7 Tips for A Successful Pediatric Dental Check-Up](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/7-tips-for-a-successful-pediatric-dental-check-up/): At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry we want you and your child to have a successful office visit from start to... - [Parents Guide to Proper Flossing](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/parents-guide-to-proper-flossing/): The American Dental Association recommends cleaning between teeth once a day. This is important because plaque that is not removed... - [5 Mistakes Parents Make With Their Kids' Smiles](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/5-mistakes-parents-make-with-their-kids-smiles/): Kids rely on their parents for the guidance and tools to a healthy smile and ongoing oral hygiene habits. We... - [Music To Your Ears - 7 Songs of Tooth Brushing](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/music-to-your-ears-seven-songs-of-tooth-brushing/): Bet you learned your ABCs to music as a child or still remember some of the songs from Sesame Street... - [Who Needs Teeth?](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/who-needs-teeth/): Parents have so many resources today to help them to educate their children in fun and colorful ways, including educational... - [Parents' Guide to Toothbrush Storage](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/parents-guide-to-toothbrush-storage/): Parents, it’s up to you to set an example and ensure that your children are brushing at least twice a... - [Parents Should Say No to Soda](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/parents-should-say-no-to-soda/): About 25% of people drink multiple sugar-sweetened beverages on a daily basis, and a substantial percentage drink a single beverage... - [Parents' Guide to Fluoride](https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/parents-guide-to-fluoride/): The ADA recently released A Mom’s Guide to Fluoride, because there are still so many questions from both moms and... --- # # Detailed Content ## Pages - Published: 2025-04-30 - Modified: 2025-04-30 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/pediatric-dentist-land-o-lakes/ Pediatric Dentist Serving Land O' Lakes, FL At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide the highest quality of dental care for children and teens! Founded by Dr. Frank Sierra, a trusted pediatric dentist with over 25 years experience in Tampa Bay, our Kid Smiles Team is your local pediatric dentist in Land O' Lakes. We’re proud to serve the surrounding communities of Wilderness Lake Preserve, Connerton, Lakeshore Ranch, Ballantrae, Stonegate of Pasco, Carpenter’s Run, Sable Ridge, Dupree Lakes, Odessa, and Trinity! Dentistry for Kids We provide expert dental care for kids, from your baby’s first dental visit throughout each pediatric dental exam. With a heavy focus on keeping children comfortable and relaxed, we’re proud to be a general anesthesia pediatric dentist as well as an experienced and compassionate special needs pediatric dentist near you in Land O' Lakes. Routine dental exams and cleanings Dental sealants for kids Fillings, crowns, and pulpotomies Tongue-tie and lip-tie revisions Tooth extractions Growth and development maintenance Low radiation digital x-rays Pediatric sedation options Mouthguards Schools We Serve Near Land O' Lakes, FL Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is proud to support local schools and provide a fun and positive dental experience for students in our communities! We serve families from the following schools in Pasco County, and more:Elementary SchoolsBexley Elementary School Connerton Elementary School Denham Oaks Elementary School Lake Myrtle Elementary School Oakstead Elementary School Pine View Elementary School Sanders Memorial Elementary SchoolCharter/Private SchoolsClassical Preparatory School Imagine School at Land O' Lakes Academy at the Lakes Center Academy LutzLand O' Lakes Christian School “Must-See” Attractions near Near Land O' Lakes Land O' Lakes Heritage Park Land O' Lakes Heritage Park is a vibrant community hub perfect for family fun and local events! This spacious park features a large playground, scenic walking trails, and open green spaces for picnics and outdoor activities. With a covered stage and amphitheater, it’s a go-to spot for concerts, festivals, and community gatherings, making it a beloved destination for residents and visitors alike. The Groves Golf and Country Club The Groves Golf and Country Club is a premier destination for golf enthusiasts and nature lovers alike! This beautifully designed course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for players of all skill levels. More than just golf, the club features a welcoming clubhouse, scenic walking trails, and a vibrant community atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for relaxation, recreation, and social gatherings. Tampa Bay Sporting Clays The Tampa Bay Sporting Clays is an outdoor adventure destination perfect for shooters of all skill levels! More than just a shooting range, this expansive facility offers scenic wooded courses, a covered pavilion, and expert instruction for a fun and safe experience. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned marksman, it's the ideal spot for a thrilling day of clay shooting in a beautiful natural setting. Popular Land O' Lakes Restaurants Welton Brewing Co And Oyster Bar Welton Brewing Company & Pub is a locally owned craft brewery serving up expertly brewed beers and delicious pub fare... --- - Published: 2025-01-12 - Modified: 2025-02-12 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/pediatric-dentist-wesley-chapel/ Pediatric Dentist Serving Wesley Chapel, FL At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide the highest quality of dental care for children and teens! Founded by Dr. Frank Sierra, a trusted pediatric dentist with over 25 years experience in Tampa Bay, our Kid Smiles Team is your local pediatric dentist in Wesley Chapel. Communities We ServeWe’re proud to serve the surrounding communities of Avalon Park West, Chapel Pines, Country Walk, Esplanade at Wiregrass Ranch, Estancia at Wiregrass, New River Township, Northwood, Seven Oaks, and Meadow Pointe. Dentistry for Kids We provide expert dental care for kids, from your baby’s first dental visit throughout each pediatric dental exam. With a heavy focus on keeping children comfortable and relaxed, we’re proud to be a general anesthesia pediatric dentist as well as an experienced and compassionate special needs pediatric dentist near you in Wesley Chapel. Our services include:Routine dental exams and cleaningsDental sealants for kidsFillings, crowns, and pulpotomiesTongue-tie and lip-tie revisionsTooth extractionsGrowth and development maintenanceLow radiation digital x-raysPediatric sedation optionsMouthguardsSchools We Serve Near Wesley Chapel, FLKids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is proud to support local schools and provide a fun and positive dental experience for students in our communities! We serve families from the following schools in Pasco County, and more:Elementary SchoolsWesley Chapel Elementary SchoolWatergrass Elementary SchoolKirkland Ranch K-8New River Elementary SchoolQuail Hollow Elementary SchoolSand Pine Elementary SchoolSeven Oaks Elementary SchoolVeterans Elementary SchoolCharter/Private SchoolsSaddlebrook PreparatoryUnion Park Charter Academy (K-8)Innovation Preparatory Academy (K- 8)Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel (K-8)“Must-See” Attractions Near Wesley ChapelEpperson LagoonEpperson Lagoon is a tropical oasis and a family-favorite destination offering endless fun in the sun! This stunning 7. 5-acre crystal-clear lagoon features a sandy beach, floating obstacle courses, cabanas, and a swim-up bar. Families can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and splash-worthy activities, making it the perfect spot for relaxation and adventure in Wesley Chapel. Tampa Premium OutletsThe Outlets are a shopper's paradise and a must-visit destination for the whole family! More than just a shopping center, this open-air outlet mall features a vibrant mix of top-designer brands, cozy dining spots, and scenic walkways with fountains and lush landscaping. With savings on favorite labels and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to shop, dine, and enjoy a day out. Clearwater Marine AquariumIt’s time for an exciting and educational destination for the whole family! This unique aquarium is home to rescued marine animals, including dolphins, sea turtles, and otters, with opportunities to learn about conservation efforts. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, watch live animal feedings, and even meet some of the stars of the aquarium’s inspiring rescue stories. Popular Wesley Chapel RestaurantsWalk-On's Sports Bistreaux - Wesley Chapel RestaurantKnown for its vibrant atmosphere and friendly service, this popular sports bar offers various dishes, from delicious po'boys and fresh seafood to flavorful burgers and signature cocktails. Whether catching a game on the big screen or enjoying a meal with family and friends, Walk-On’s delivers a memorable dining experience. Sunrise EateryA beloved, family-friendly diner known for its warm atmosphere and comforting breakfast and lunch options. Sunrise Eatery has... --- - Published: 2024-11-15 - Modified: 2025-07-10 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/pediatric-dentist-serving-east-bradenton/ Pediatric Dentist Serving East Bradenton, FL At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide the highest quality of dental care for children and teens. Founded by Dr. Frank Sierra, a trusted pediatric dentist with over 25 years experience in Tampa Bay, our Kid Smiles Team is your top pediatric dentist in East Bradenton! Communities We Serve We’re proud to serve East Bradenton and the communities of Lakewood Ranch, Heritage Harbour, Rosedale Golf and Country Club, Greenfield Plantation, River Club, GreyHawk Landing, Mill Creek, Braden River Lakes and Riverside Preserve. Dentistry for Kids We provide expert dental care for kids, from your baby’s first dental visit throughout each pediatric dental exam. With heavy focus on keeping children comfortable and relaxed, we’re proud to be a general anesthesia pediatric dentist as well as an experienced and compassionate special needs pediatric dentist near you. Routine dental exams and cleanings Dental sealants for kids Fillings, crowns, and pulpotomies Tongue-tie and lip-tie revisions Tooth extractions Growth and development maintenance Low radiation digital x-rays Pediatric sedation options Mouthguards Schools in East Bradenton Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is proud to support local schools and provide a fun and positive dental experience for students in our communities! We serve families from the following schools, and more: B. D. Gullett Elementary School Freedom Elementary School Tara Elementary School Gene Witt Elementary School Braden River Elementary School Robert E. Willis Elementary School Williams Elementary School Manatee Charter School Primrose School of Lakewood Ranch North “Must-See” Attractions near East Bradenton Sarasota Jungle Gardens A historic attraction featuring more than 150 animals and shows in a tropical setting, Sarasota Jungle Gardens is a must-visit for families in the area! Known for its beautiful jungles, flamingo and bird feeding activities, close-up animal encounters and diverse array of wildlife, Jungle Gardens spans 10 acres in Sarasota! Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium is a family-friendly aquarium featuring a stingray touch tank, shark tank and manatees in the mammal center. Visitors say the animals are well cared for; there's a wide variety of species; the facility is clean; and the employees are knowledgeable and friendly! If your child is a marine enthusiast, or you’re simply looking for an exciting family activity, Mote Marine Lab & Aquarium is the place to visit. Tibbals Learning Center and Circus Museum at The Ringling Tibbals Learning Center and Circus Museum at The Ringling is such a fun destination for the whole family! With expansive exhibits, short film exhibits, an extremely detailed mini circus, artwork around every corner and an incredible story of the circus’s historical background, this destination near East Bradenton is a visitor favorite. Popular Restaurants near East Bradenton Poppo's Taqueria in East Bradenton Poppo's Taqueria is a casual eatery known for its fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and build-your-own taco concept. The restaurant emphasizes quality and sustainability, offering a menu that includes a variety of tacos, burritos, and bowls. The laid-back atmosphere and commitment to quality make Poppo's Taqueria a popular spot for both locals and... --- - Published: 2024-11-07 - Modified: 2024-11-14 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/pediatric-dentist-bayshore-gardens/ Pediatric Dentist Serving Bayshore Gardens & South Bradenton At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide the highest quality of dental care for children and teens! Founded by Dr. Frank Sierra, a trusted pediatric dentist with over 25 years experience in Tampa Bay, our Kid Smiles Team is your local pediatric dentist in South Bradenton and Bayshore Gardens. Communities We Serve We’re proud to serve South Bradenton, Bayshore Gardens, Bradenton Beach, West Samoset, Tallevast, Bayou Oaks, Cedar Hammock, Bayou Oaks, Park East and all surrounding communities! Dentistry for Kids We provide expert dental care for kids, from your baby’s first dental visit throughout each pediatric dental exam. With heavy focus on keeping children comfortable and relaxed, we’re proud to be a general anesthesia pediatric dentist as well as an experienced and compassionate special needs pediatric dentist near you in South Bradenton and Bayshore Gardens. Our services include: Routine dental exams and cleanings Dental sealants for kids Fillings, crowns, and pulpotomies Tongue-tie and lip-tie revisions Tooth extractions Growth and development maintenance Low radiation digital x-rays Pediatric sedation options Mouthguards Schools in South Bradenton & Bayshore Gardens Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is proud to support local schools and provide a fun and positive dental experience for students in our communities! We serve families from the following schools in Manatee County, and more: Bayshore Elementary School Florine J. Abel Elementary School Oneco Elementary School Sara Scott Harllee Middle School Rowlett Elementary Academy Center Montessori School Manatee School of Arts & Sciences Prine Elementary School Blanche H. Daughtrey Elementary School Next Gen Jr. Preschool Bradenton Christian School St. Joseph School Electa Arcotte Lee Middle School Jessie P. Miller Elementary School Moody Elementary School Ballard Elementary School A Child’s Galaxy Preschool Sea Breeze Elementary School “Must-See” Attractions near South Bradenton & Bayshore Gardens Bradenton Riverwalk The Bradenton Riverwalk is a vibrant, scenic destination that stretches along the Manatee River. This 1. 5-mile park features lush green spaces, playgrounds, splash pads, and interactive art installations, making it a perfect spot for families. Known for its stunning waterfront views, lively events, amphitheater and skate park, the Bradenton Riverwalk offers a breath of fresh air in the heart of the city. Perico Preserve Perico Preserve is a serene natural haven, offering visitors 176 acres of winding trails, lush coastal habitats, and a rich variety of native wildlife. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts love the observation areas with stunning views of wading birds and other local fauna. With its blend of wetlands, uplands, and scenic overlooks, Perico Preserve is the perfect spot for Bradenton natives to reconnect with nature and explore the diverse beauty of the region. Robinson Preserve Another breathtaking preserve, Robinson Preserve spans 682 acres of coastal land. This expansive space is home to a network of trails for hiking, cycling, and paddling, winding through mangroves, tidal marshes, and saltwater ponds. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Tampa Bay and Terra Ceia Bay from the observation tower, perfect for birdwatching or catching a picturesque sunset. Mote Marine Laboratory &... --- - Published: 2024-10-14 - Modified: 2025-07-10 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/pediatric-dentist-serving-lakewood-ranch-fl/ Pediatric Dentist Serving Lakewood Ranch, FL At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide the highest quality of dental care for children and teens. Founded by Dr. Frank Sierra, a trusted pediatric dentist with over 25 years experience in Tampa Bay, our Kid Smiles Team is your top pediatric dentist in Lakewood Ranch! Communities We Serve We’re proud to serve Lakewood Ranch, including the communities of Central Park, Greenbrook, Summerfield, Harmony, Mallory Park, Savanna, Windward and Bridgewater, and the surrounding communities of West Bradenton, Parrish, Ellenton, Palmetto and Sarasota! Dentistry for Kids We provide expert dental care for kids, from your baby’s first dental visit throughout each pediatric dental exam. With heavy focus on keeping children comfortable and relaxed, we’re proud to be a general anesthesia pediatric dentist as well as an experienced and compassionate special needs pediatric dentist near you. Routine dental exams and cleanings Dental sealants for kids Fillings, crowns, and pulpotomies Tongue-tie and lip-tie revisions Tooth extractions Growth and development maintenance Low radiation digital x-rays Pediatric sedation options Mouthguards Schools in Lakewood Ranch Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is proud to support local schools and provide a fun and positive dental experience for students in our communities! We serve families from the following schools, and more: Robert E. Willis Elementary School B. D. Gullett Elementary School McNeal Elementary School Tara Elementary School Braden River Elementary School Freedom Elementary School William H. Bashaw Elementary School Gene Witt Elementary School Imagine School at Lakewood Ranch Rowlett Academy for Arts and Communication The Goddard School of Lakewood Ranch Primrose School of Lakewood Ranch North Kids 'R' Kids Learning Academy of Lakewood Ranch “Must-See” Attractions near Lakewood Ranch Jumpin Fun Inflata Park This place takes indoor trampoline parks to the next level! With over 20 different ways to bounce and have fun, there’s an activity for all ages—even parents. Go have a ball on their bounces or split into teams for some good old-fashioned dodgeball. This park offers all-day passes or 1. 5 or 2. 5-hour time slots. The Sarasota Children's Garden If your child loves fairies, pirates, or acting like a monkey, this whimsical garden is a great experience. It’s run by a non-profit group that offers art and nature-based events designed for imaginative play. They’re also known for their maze and monster garden! Big Cat Habitat Big Cat Habitat and Gulf Coast Sanctuary is a nonprofit animal sanctuary dedicated to the rescue and care of big cats, bears, and other exotic wildlife. You and the kiddos can check out over 60 species. With the added activities of watching feeding sessions, up-close animal encounters, and educational presentations/shows. Make it a family-fun adventure! Popular Restaurants near Lakewood Ranch Oak & Stone Oak & Stone is a unique, local gastropub offering lunner and dinner (with brunch on the weekends)! Some yummy favs include their Philly cheesesteak egg rolls and gouda mac 'n cheese. The best part? They offer a diverse kid-friendly menu and there’s even a self-serve craft beer wall for parents! Grove Take... --- - Published: 2024-09-05 - Modified: 2025-05-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/wesley-chapel-pediatric-dentist-office/ Wesley ChapelPediatric Dentistry Visit Us in Wesley Chapel! Town & Country 6323 Memorial Hwy, Ste 131 Tampa, FL 33615 South Tampa 3739 W Neptune St Tampa, FL 33629 North Tampa 1773 W Fletcher Ave Tampa, FL 33612 East Bradenton 6020 State Road 70 E, Unit 101 Bradenton, FL 34203 Wesley Chapel 2234 Native Woods Ln Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 Wesley Chapel 2234 Native Woods Ln Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 Get Directions Phone(813) 889-0780Fax(813) 885-2642Emailkidssmiles@kidssmilesdental. comHoursBy Appointment Only: Monday-Thursday: 8am - 5pm Friday-Sunday: Closed Get Directions Phone(813) 889-0780Fax(813) 885-2642Emailkidssmiles@kidssmilesdental. com HoursBy Appointment Only:Thursday: 8:30am - 3pmFriday-Sunday: ClosedWe offer standard treatments, like regular dental exams, x-rays, and routine teeth cleaning. Our specialties are in non-metal fillings, extractions, space maintenance and tongue tie and lip tie revision. At Kids Smiles, we want your children to have the most comfortable experience possible, so we offer sedation with our services to alleviate any dentist anxiety your children might experience. We provide the highest quality children’s dental care and a unique dental experience for every patient we treat in Wesley Chapel, and the surrounding communities of Land O’ Lakes, Lutz, Zephyrhills, Dade City, Odessa and many more. Exploreour office --- - Published: 2024-08-27 - Modified: 2024-10-23 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/dr-kathryn-prado/ Meet Dr. Kathryn Prado Meet Dr. Kathryn Prado Kathryn Prado, DMD Dr. Kathryn Sierra Prado grew up in Tampa, Florida with her large, close-knit family. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of South Florida, where she majored in Biomedical Sciences and minored in Psychology. She then went on to pursue her Master of Science degree in Biomedical Sciences at Barry University in South Florida and received her D. M. D from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston. Kathryn received her certificate of advanced education in pediatric dentistry from NYU Langone-Tampa, where she was honored to serve as chief resident. More about the doctor Dr. Prado takes pride in her compassionate approach and her ability to create a comfortable supportive environment for her young patients. She is committed to ongoing professional development and stays current with the latest advancements in pediatric dentistry. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Prado enjoys spending time with her husband, Tyler, and their baby boy, Lelo. Family is important to them and they are lucky to have a lot of it! Dr. Prado is very excited to be joining the practice with her father, Dr. Frank Sierra, and is looking forward to building relationships with her patients and their families! --- - Published: 2024-03-12 - Modified: 2024-03-12 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/pediatric-dentist-serving-carrollwood-northdale-lake-magdalene/ Pediatric Dentist ServingGreater Carrollwood, Greater Northdale, and Lake Magdalene, FL At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we provide the highest quality of dental care for children and teens. Founded by Dr. Frank Sierra, a trusted pediatric dentist with over 25 years experience in Tampa Bay, our Kid Smiles Team is your top pediatric dentist near 33618! We’re proud to serve the 33618 and the surrounding communities of Greater Carrollwood, Greater Northdale, Lake Magdalene, Cherry Creek, Hamlet, Hunter Lake, Brentwood,Lake Ellen Woods, and Monaco Gardens. Dental treatments for kids Routine dental exams and cleanings Dental sealants for kids Fillings, crowns, and pulpotomies Tongue-tie and lip-tie revisions Tooth extractions Growth and development maintenance Low radiation digital x-rays Pediatric sedation options Mouthguards “Must-See” Attractions near 33618 The Florida AquariumGrab the family for a fun-filled day of checking out amazing marine life at the Florida Aquarium. With tons of exhibits featuring Florida ecosystems, exotic fish, and more marine creatures, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Parents and older kids can enjoy presentations and behind-the-scenes tours while younger kids can take a break and enjoy the splash pad to cool off in the Florida heat. Adventure IslandAdventure Island has tons of water attractions for all ages, from twisting slides to a relaxing lazy river ride. The entire family can dive into a park filled with excitement or kick back and enjoy the Florida sunshine. Lettuce Lake ParkLettuce Lake Park offers a nature lover’s ideal retreat with lush greenery and wildlife. Even winding boardwalks and observation towers to get closer looks at native animals and plants, including tall and extensive cypress trees. Schools in the 33618 area Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is proud to support local schools and provide a fun and positive dental experience for students in our communities! Carrollwood Elementary School Dorothy Thomas Center Corbett Preparatory School of IDS Carrollwood Day School Schwarzkopf Elementary School Lutz Preparatory School Maniscalco Elementary School Country Day Montessori Schools Lake Magdalene Elementary School Northdale Christian Academy Popular Restaurants near 33618 Foodys RestaurantMake sure you check out Foody's! Foodys is a charming local restaurant featuring a wide variety of culinary delights such as breakfast, burgers, and Greek cuisine. This award-winning eatery is family-friendly with a relaxed atmosphere that’s open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (including for their award-winning brunch). Mom's Place RestaurantStep into the welcoming environment of Mom's Place. This local diner offers all the homemade classics for breakfast and lunch (even a few Greek options too). Loved by locals and tourists alike for their hearty portions, Mom’s Place is a good go-to for families and friends. Saigon BayIndulge in savory, authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Saigon Bay in Tampa, FL! crafted with ingenuity and passion. From traditional soups, noodle bowls, and delicious fried rice dishes, there’s a vietnamese delight for all tastes! Save room for a refreshing milk tea for the full authentic experience. No matter where you choose to visit in 33618, you really can’t go wrong! (And if an emergency happens or your child is experiencing tooth pain,... --- - Published: 2024-02-21 - Modified: 2025-02-06 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/dr-karen-pettit/ Meet Dr. Karen Pettit MeetDr. Karen Pettit Karen Pettit, DMD Dr. Karen Pettit was born and raised in Peru. She completed her dental training at Inca Garcilaso University in 2006 and worked for four years until she moved to the US. In 2016, she decided to return to school and enrolled in the international dental program at Virginia Commonwealth University where she received her Doctorate Dental Surgery degree. To further her education, she completed a General Practice Residency at Carillion Hospital in Roanoke Virginia. She worked for one year as a General Dentist at a Community Health Center in Lakeland Florida. In 2020 she joined Nicklaus Children's Hospital and completed her residency as Pediatric Dentist in 2022. More about the doctor Dr. Pettit believes that persistence and faith are the two core values that helped in achieving her professional goals. She and her husband Tim, who is an ARMY veteran, have been married for more than 11 years. Together they have a 7-year-old daughter named April, and a pet toy poodle named Violet. Dr. Pettit and her family live in the Tampa area and enjoy spending time at the beach. She also loves travel and winter vacations where she can ski with her family. --- - Published: 2022-02-10 - Modified: 2025-02-13 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/sitemap/ SiteMap --- - Published: 2022-02-10 - Modified: 2024-11-29 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/privacy-policy/ PrivacyPolicy andTerms & Conditions GENERALKids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry has created this privacy statement in order to demonstrate our firm commitment to privacy. The following discloses our information gathering and dissemination practices and outlines the rules and regulations for the use for these websites: www. kidssmilesdental. com/By accessing this website we assume you accept these terms and conditions. Do not continue to use www. kidssmilesdental. com/ if you do not agree to take all of the terms and conditions stated on this page. The following terminology applies to these Terms and Conditions, Privacy Statement and Disclaimer Notice and all Agreements: “Client”, “You” and “Your” refers to you, the person log on this website and compliant to the Company’s terms and conditions. “The Company”, “Ourselves”, “We”, “Our” and “Us”, refers to our Company. “Party”, “Parties”, or “Us”, refers to both the Client and ourselves. All terms refer to the offer, acceptance and consideration of payment necessary to undertake the process of our assistance to the Client in the most appropriate manner for the express purpose of meeting the Client’s needs in respect of provision of the Company’s stated services, in accordance with and subject to, prevailing law of us. Any use of the above terminology or other words in the singular, plural, capitalization and/or he/she or they, are taken as interchangeable and therefore as referring to same. IP ADDRESSES AND COOKIESWe employ the use of cookies. By accessing Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, you agreed to use cookies in agreement with the Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry’s Privacy Policy. We use your IP address to help diagnose problems with our server, and to administer our Web site. Your IP address and cookie file is used to help identify you and your personal profile, track shopping cart items, and track your access via . htaccess requests, where applicable. Most interactive websites use cookies to let us retrieve the user’s details for each visit. Cookies are used by our website to enable the functionality of certain areas to make it easier for people visiting our website. Some of our affiliate/advertising partners may also use cookies. LICENSE Unless otherwise stated, Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry and/or its licensors own the intellectual property rights for all material on this website. All intellectual property rights are reserved. You may access this from Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry for your own personal use subjected to restrictions set in these terms and conditions. You must not:Republish material from Kids Smiles Pediatric DentistrySell, rent or sub-license material from Kids Smiles Pediatric DentistryReproduce, duplicate or copy material from Kids Smiles Pediatric DentistryRedistribute content from Kids Smiles Pediatric DentistryThis Agreement shall begin on the date hereof. PERSONAL INFORMATION & MESSAGING PROGRAMSOur site uses a variety of feedback and/or registration forms, order forms, online survey forms, and submission forms which require users to give us contact information (like their name and email address). The user’s contact information is used to contact the visitor when necessary. Your privacy is important to us. Keeping your information safe is a... --- - Published: 2021-12-16 - Modified: 2023-11-01 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/solea-laser/ Solea® Laser Technology for Kids’ Comfort Solea® Laser Technology for Kids’ ComfortWe’re proud to use the Solea dental laser as an innovative, gentle treatment solution for our young patients! Dr. Sierra, Dr. Kwon, Dr. Patel and our experienced team are always looking for ways to minimize anxiety and improve our patient experience. We know that many children struggle with dental anxiety, so it’s important that we do everything we can to ensure that our patients feel positive about visiting the dentist. The Solea laser helps us to reduce dental anxiety and the need for sedation, promote fast healing after procedures, mitigate pain and bleeding, and make for more efficient office visits. What is the Solea dental laser? Solea is a breakthrough, innovative dental laser that allows for gentle, fast, predictable and precise incisions. The Solea laser is the first of its kind; it singlehandedly eliminates the need for drills, needles and sedation/numbness in most procedures. Solea uses unique wavelengths to gently cut the teeth or gums, which enables us to perform a variety of procedures (from simple cavities to complex surgeries) virtually pain-free and blood-free, without anesthetic or sutures. As recognized by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) using lasers in pediatric dental care is especially beneficial in providing dental restoration, and soft tissue procedures for infants, children and adolescents, including those with special healthcare needs. The Solea dental laser brings comfort and convenience. With the Solea laser, our dentists can perform procedures that involve cutting the teeth or gums with more comfort than ever before! Almost every patient is able to skip anesthesia with this advanced laser, which means you can get back to work and your child can head back to school after treatment with Solea. Most procedures can now be performed in minutes with no blood or pain. The Solea laser is a groundbreaking treatment for cavity removal. It allows our doctors to remove the decayed portion of the tooth or teeth, without administering anesthesia or shots! Say hello to anxiety-free pediatric dentistry: No blood, pain, drills, needles or loud noises with Solea. No sitting in our treatment chair for hours. Solea is quick and easy. The healing process is predictable and fast with Solea. Is the Solea laser safe? Yes, the Solea laser is safe! All technology we use with our young patients is considered safe. The Solea laser does not emit harmful radiation, and it’s approved by the FDA. Your child will wear an eye shield during their procedure for added protection. We are a proud Solea Laser dentist near you! If an anxiety-free, anesthesia-free, pain-free, highly-efficient procedure sounds ideal for your child, we encourage you to schedule your next appointment with us. Our team is led by Dr. Frank Sierra, who has been serving the Tampa Bay community for more than 25 years. He is known for providing expert, gentle pediatric dental care for the children in our communities and he now treats many of his previous patients’ children! We truly value the... --- - Published: 2021-07-20 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/ Kinder, Gentler Pediatric DentistryFor Kids & Teens See How We're Different Kinder, Gentler Pediatric DentistryFor Kids & Teens See How We're Different Town & Country 6323 Memorial Hwy, Ste 131 Tampa, FL 33615 South Tampa 3739 W Neptune St Tampa, FL 33629 North Tampa 1773 W Fletcher Ave Tampa, FL 33612 East Bradenton 6020 State Road 70 E, Unit 101 Bradenton, FL 34203 Wesley Chapel 2234 Native Woods Ln Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 5 Convenient LocationsIn Tampa Bay & Bradenton Town & Country South Tampa North Tampa Bradenton Wesley Chapel Our MissionIs to provide the highest quality care—in a supportive and educational environment. We are your trusted pediatric dental experts in Tampa Bay and Bradenton! You can rest assured that your child’s smile is in the best hands with our team. Each of our specialists has years of training and experience responding to children’s unique questions, needs and emotions in a supportive manner. We do everything we can to make your child’s dental experience positive and playful, while guiding them in maintaining a healthy, radiant smile for years to come. Schedule an Appointment MeetOur DoctorsFrank Sierra, D. M. D. I am dedicated to oral health and giving our patients the very best care dentistry has to offer. Learn More Mia Kwon, D. M. D. I’m excited to share my enthusiasm for my craft with my patients. Learn More Kathryn Prado, D. M. D. I’m committed to creating a welcoming environment where families feel supported, and children's smiles thrive Learn More Karen Pettit, D. M. D. Persistence and faith are the foundation of my approuch to dental health Learn More We're Excitedto Serve You! The Kids Smiles team is led by renowned pediatric dentist Dr. Frank Sierra who has more than 25 years of experience providing compassionate, expert care for children and teens. We’re here to provide the education and resources you need to support your child in maintaining stellar oral hygiene through the years! At your first visit, our goal is to get to know you and your child and map out a pediatric dentist healthcare plan that treats or prevents problematic dental conditions. Your child’s health, comfort and happiness are our primary concerns.   What to Expect at Your First Visit We're Excitedto Serve You! The Kids Smiles team is led by Dr. Frank Sierra, who has more than 25 years of experience providing compassionate, expert care for children and teens. We’re here to provide the education and resources you need to support your child in maintaining stellar oral hygiene through the years! At your first visit, our goal is to get to know you and your child and map out a pediatric healthcare plan that treats or prevents problematic dental conditions. Your child’s health, comfort and happiness are our primary concerns. What to Expect at Your First Visit Meet the Team Behind your Smiles It Takes a Village... Our team is dedicated to making your kids smile! Meet the Team Behind your Smiles Our Services Tell, Show, Do! We use... --- - Published: 2021-07-12 - Modified: 2024-03-28 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/mouthguards/ Kids'Mouthguards KidsMouthguardsIf your child plays sports or participates in any high-impact activities, it’s critical that he or she wears a mouthguard while playing! If there is any chance that your child may experience an impact, collision or injury, he or she should wear a protective mouthguard. What is the purpose of a mouthguard? Mouthguards serve as a protective barrier between an object of impact (whether it’s a football, soccer ball, basketball, hockey puck, or another player’s body part) and the child’s mouth. Teeth are relatively delicate! The mouth can be easily injured during sports that require running, jumping or swift movement. Not only do most youth sports players run the risk of a ball or object flying toward their face at high speeds, but they can collide with other players and come in contact with a hard elbow, another player’s head, a hand, a leg—anything really. This is why mouthguards are so critical. They can make the difference between broken teeth, punctured gums, lacerations to the mouth—and a beautiful, healthy smile. Mouthguards also protect other players from your child’s body parts. If your child’s teeth come in contact with another player’s head, this can do some serious damage. A child's mouthguard provides a necessary barrier to prevent injury or damage to the mouth. Types of Mouthguards for Kids There are a few main types of mouthguards for children, including boil-and-bite mouthguards, custom-fitted mouthguards and stock mouthguards. Stock MouthguardsA stock mouthguard is a one-size-fits-all mouthguard that is relatively easy to put in place and remove as needed. Although, stock mouthguards are generally bulkier than other mouthguards and are the least protective type of mouthguard. Boil-and-Bite MouthguardsBoil-and-bite mouthguards can be molded to fit your child’s teeth. These ones are made of thermoplastic material that softens when it’s warmed with lukewarm water. You can help your child to bite into the boil-and-bite mouthguard once it’s warm, and it’ll shape itself to fit his or her teeth. Custom-Fitted MouthguardsCustom-fitted mouthguards are the most comfortable mouthguards, as they’re custom-designed specifically for your child. Although the most expensive option, custom-fitted mouthguards fit the most comfortably and provide the most protection for kids’ mouths. When you and your child visit us, please let us know that your child plays sports and is in need of a mouthguard. Mouthguards are the best preventative measure against potentially serious injuries! We’ll help you make the best decision for your child’s smile. Have questions about mouthguards for kids? We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you and your child to know your options! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. Dr. Sierra, Dr. Kwon, Dr. Pettit and our team are here to help guide you and your child. We offer kinder, gentler dentistry for kids and teens. It is our goal that your child develops and maintains a positive association with dental care and we do everything we can to create a pleasant, supportive, and fun environment for our little patients. Ready to schedule an... --- - Published: 2021-07-12 - Modified: 2024-10-24 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/digital-x-rays/ Digital X-Rays DigitalX-RaysLow Radiation, Digital X-Rays Your child’s safety and comfort are our top priorities! We’re proud to use low radiation, digital dental X-rays to diagnose and treat conditions in-between and inside the teeth, as well as below the gumline. Are dental X-rays safe? Digital X-rays produce 80% less radiation than traditional imaging systems. Yes, digital dental X-rays are considered safe. They do still require minimal levels of radiation exposure, but we take every precaution to ensure that the radiation exposure is As Low As Reasonably Achievable (ALARA). What are dental X-rays used for? A physical, clinical exam alone cannot see the areas of a tooth that a radiograph provides. Dental X-rays are essential for ensuring that the child’s teeth are developing properly and healthily, and that their oral health is sufficient. Digital X-ray machines produce a detailed image of the gums, teeth and teeth roots, which our dentists use to assess the health of your child’s mouth and to identify problematic conditions, such as cavities and impacted teeth (teeth that aren’t able to erupt through the gum). By analyzing digital X-rays, our dentists can detect signs of oral health issues that may not be detectable to the naked eye. How often should my child get dental X-rays? It is recommended that children receive a dental check-up with X-rays every six months to a year. A child’s first dental appointment should be scheduled right before his or her first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth erupting. Depending on any risk factors your child may have for oral health problems, your dentist may suggest more frequent visits so we can monitor their development. How do dental X-rays work? Digital dental X-rays use a small sensor to produce a high-quality image of the teeth and gums. This small sensor will be placed inside the mouth, where it’ll scan the bones and gums in a few seconds. Once this scan is complete, the image will be automatically transferred to our computers. We don’t have to go through dental X-ray film or use any chemicals to create the X-ray! We’ve found the digital X-rays are more comfortable for our young patients, as the process only requires a small sensor, instead of inserting an uncomfortable plate into the mouth and applying a lead bib, as traditional X-rays require. Digital dental X-rays are more comfortable, accurate and convenient than ever before! It’s important to us that our young patients have a positive experience with us. We are constantly looking for ways to improve the patient experience. Our experienced team is led by Dr. Frank Sierra, who has more than 25 years of experience providing compassionate, expert care for children and teens in our communities. Have questions about digital dental X-rays for children? We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you and your child to know your options! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. Dr. Sierra, Dr. Kwon, Dr. Pettit and our team are here to help... --- - Published: 2021-07-09 - Modified: 2025-01-29 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/contact/bradenton-pediatric-dentist-office/ East BradentonPediatric Dentistry Visit Us in East Bradenton! Town & Country 6323 Memorial Hwy, Ste 131 Tampa, FL 33615 South Tampa 3739 W Neptune St Tampa, FL 33629 North Tampa 1773 W Fletcher Ave Tampa, FL 33612 East Bradenton 6020 State Road 70 E, Unit 101 Bradenton, FL 34203 Wesley Chapel 2234 Native Woods Ln Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 East Bradenton 6020 State Road 70 E, Unit 101Bradenton,FL 34203 Get Directions Phone(813) 889-0780Fax(813) 885-2642Emailkidssmiles@kidssmilesdental. comHoursBy Appointment Only: Monday-Thursday: 8am - 5pm Friday-Sunday: Closed Get Directions Phone(813) 889-0780Fax(813) 885-2642Emailkidssmiles@kidssmilesdental. com HoursBy Appointment Only:Thursday: 8:30am - 3pmFriday-Sunday: ClosedWe offer standard treatments, like regular dental exams, x-rays, and routine teeth cleaning. Our specialties are in non-metal fillings, extractions, space maintenance and tongue tie and lip tie revision. At Kids Smiles, we want your children to have the most comfortable experience possible, so we offer sedation with our services to alleviate any dentist anxiety your children might experience. We provide the highest quality children’s dental care and a unique dental experience for every patient we treat in East Bradenton, and the surrounding communities of Lakewood Ranch, South Bradenton, Bayshore Gardens, Creekwood / Ridge at Crossing Creek, Casa Loma, Manatee Oaks, West Bradenton, and many more. Exploreour office --- - Published: 2021-07-09 - Modified: 2025-01-29 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/contact/north-tampa-pediatric-dentist-office/ North TampaPediatric Dentistry Visit Us in North Tampa! Town & Country 6323 Memorial Hwy, Ste 131 Tampa, FL 33615 South Tampa 3739 W Neptune St Tampa, FL 33629 North Tampa 1773 W Fletcher Ave Tampa, FL 33612 Bradenton 6020 State Road 70 E, Unit 101 Bradenton, FL 34203 Wesley Chapel 2234 Native Woods Ln Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 North Tampa 1773 W Fletcher AveTampa, FL 33612 Get Directions Phone(813) 889-0780Fax813-885-2642Emailkidssmiles@kidssmilesdental. comHoursBy Appointment Only: Monday-Thursday: 8am - 5pm Friday-Sunday: Closed Get Directions Phone(813) 889-0780Fax813-885-2642Emailkidssmiles@kidssmilesdental. com HoursBy Appointment Only: Monday-Thursday: 8am - 5pm Friday-Sunday: ClosedWe offer standard treatments, like regular dental exams, x-rays, and routine teeth cleaning. Our specialties are in non-metal fillings, extractions, space maintenance and tongue tie and lip tie revision. At Kids Smiles, we want your children to have the most comfortable experience possible, so we offer sedation with our services to alleviate any dentist anxiety your children might experience. We provide the highest quality children’s dental care and a unique dental experience for every patient we treat in North Tampa, and the surrounding communities of Greater Carrollwood, Greater Northdale, Lake Magdalene, Temple Terrace, Seminole Heights, Lutz, New Tampa, Westchase, and many more. Exploreour office --- - Published: 2021-07-09 - Modified: 2025-01-29 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/contact/town-n-country-pediatric-dentist-office/ Town & CountryPediatric Dentistry Visit us in Town & County! Town & Country 6323 Memorial Hwy, Ste 131 Tampa, FL 33615 South Tampa 3739 W Neptune St Tampa, FL 33629 North Tampa 1773 W Fletcher Ave Tampa, FL 33612 East Bradenton 6020 State Road 70 E, Unit 101 Bradenton, FL 34203 Wesley Chapel 2234 Native Woods Ln Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 Town & Country 6323 Memorial Hwy, Ste 131 Tampa, FL 33615 Get Directions Phone(813) 889-0780Fax813-885-2642Emailkidssmiles@kidssmilesdental. comHoursBy Appointment Only: Monday-Thursday: 8am - 5pm Friday-Sunday: Closed Get Directions Phone(813) 889-0780Fax813-885-2642Emailkidssmiles@kidssmilesdental. com HoursBy Appointment Only: Monday-Thursday: 8am - 5pm Friday-Sunday: ClosedWe offer standard treatments, like regular dental exams, x-rays, and routine teeth cleaning. Our specialties are in non-metal fillings, extractions, space maintenance and tongue tie and lip tie revision. At Kids Smiles, we want your children to have the most comfortable experience possible, so we offer sedation with our services to alleviate any dentist anxiety your children might experience. We provide the highest quality children’s dental care and a unique dental experience for every patient we treat in Town n Country, and the surrounding communities of Bay Crest Park, Westshore, Pat Acres, Sweetwater Creek, and Rocky Point. Exploreour office For TeensGive them the smile they deserve without traditional braces Learn More --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2024-03-26 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/patient-resources/insurance-options/ InsuranceOptions Kids Smiles accepts most PPO plans including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, Delta Dental, Guardian, Humana, Metlife, United Concordia, and United Healthcare.  For more information please contact one of our 3 Tampa bay offices or our Bradenton Office.   --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2021-10-19 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/contact-us/ ContactUs If you know which office you’re trying to reach please feel free to give us a call. You may also contact us online at KidsSmiles@KidsSmiles. com, or by using the form below. If you know which office you’re trying to reach please feel free to give us a call. You may also contact us online at KidsSmiles@KidsSmiles. com, or by using the form below. --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2024-03-28 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/patient-resources/dental-hygiene-oral-health/ Oral Health & Dental Hygiene for Kids Every child deserves a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts for years to come. That’s why it’s important for children to practice good oral hygiene habits and maintain a positive attitude toward brushing, flossing—and visiting us! Kids Dental Care Establishing a strong oral hygiene routine begins in early childhood. Parents, it’s up to you to demonstrate proper oral hygiene and support your child in developing a healthy foundation for a beautiful set of teeth to emerge. Dental Care for InfantsTypically, the baby teeth will begin to emerge around 6 months. Although, oral care should begin during infancy, before the first tooth has broken through the gums. It’s important that your child establishes strong gums to support healthy teeth as they erupt. To care for your baby’s gums, gently wipe them with a soft washcloth after feeding to remove any bacteria left on the gums. (Leftover bacteria can lead to tooth decay. )Once the baby teeth have started to emerge through the gums, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the tooth (or teeth) twice a day. Apply a tiny amount of toothpaste, equivalent to about the size of a grain of rice. After your baby is done feeding, be sure to remove the bottle to prevent baby bottle tooth decay. This can occur when a baby keeps the bottle in their mouth for too long or falls asleep with the bottle in their mouth, and bacteria starts to grow. Your baby’s first dental appointment should be scheduled right before their first birthday, or within six months of their first tooth erupting. Dental Care for Children/ToddlersBy about 3 years old, your child should have all of his or her baby teeth! This is when you’ll switch to a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Make sure that your child brushes his or her teeth twice a day and is spitting out the toothpaste after brushing. Discuss the importance of not swallowing toothpaste with your child. Your child should brush his or her teeth twice a day, for two minutes at a time. During these younger years, there may be gaps or spacing between the teeth. This is completely normal! The mouth is preparing for more teeth to join and fill in the gaps. Once your child’s teeth are touching, it’s important that he or she starts flossing. Flossing is essential for removing plaque and bacteria buildup from between the teeth and at the gumline. Teach your child how to brush all surfaces of his or her teeth, including the back, front and chewing surfaces. Schedule a dental check-up with us every 6 months, or as often as your child’s dentist tells you! Dental Care for PreteensAs children continue to grow and they have more freedom in their habits and food choices, it’s essential that they’re brushing their teeth twice daily and flossing every night. Discuss the importance of maintaining healthy teeth with your child. Show him or her how beautiful their teeth can look when they’re cared for... --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2023-11-01 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/our-community-partners/ Our Partners Sometimes a Healthy Smile Needs MoreFor some children, orthodontics is an important step toward a lifetime of healthy smiles. Kids Smiles has partnered with Blue Wave Orthodontics to ensure the highest quality of pediatric dental care in the area. As recommended by the American Dental Association, your child should have their first orthodontic check up at the age of 7. This early checkup allows the specialists of Blue Wave Orthodontics to identify any issues and begin corrective treatment as early as possible. If your child isn't ready for orthodontic treatment, but we suspect they will need it at a later date, then we will monitor the situation and begin treatment when your child is ready. There are many benefits of early treatment, which can improve both your child’s oral health and self-esteem. The earlier your child’s orthodontic journey begins, the better the results of their treatment will be. --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2023-12-12 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/our-team/ Our Amazing Team At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our mission is to provide the highest quality children's dental care and experience for every patient we treat. This means it's important to us that our team members are experienced, friendly, and love making your kids smile! Check out some of the snapshots below of our day-to-day fun and team spotlights. Stay Social with us on Instagram! --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2024-03-28 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/patient-resources/emergency-pediatric-dentist/ Emergency Info Dental emergencies can catch you off guard, but Dr. Sierra, Dr. Patel and Dr. Kwon at Kids Smiles are here for you during your time of need! We provide emergency pediatric dentist services in the Tampa Bay Area, including virtual consultations for children experiencing dental emergency concerns! Examples of common dental emergencies include: Pain in the mouth including toothache Injury to face or mouth Abcess or infection Tight or short frenulum in babies Not sure if your child is experiencing a dental emergency? Use the following questions as a guide: Do you have swelling on your gums? Is your mouth or facial area swollen? Are you experiencing pain? Are you bleeding from the mouth? Have you incurred an injury to the face or mouth? Is your child experiencing a problem with pain or difficulty eating? Are you experiencing maternal pain? Are you a mother experiencing milk transfer issues when breastfeeding? Is your baby struggling to latch while breastfeeding? Is your baby experiencing weight gain issues? If you answer yes to any of the questions above, your child may be experiencing an emergency and should be connected with an emergency pediatric dentist as soon as possible. For true medical emergencies, please call 911 immediately. Depending on your child’s condition, we can schedule an immediate emergency appointment in our office. We want to alleviate you and your child’s concerns and assess his or her condition in a way that’s comfortable, convenient, and safe. In the meantime... If Your Child is in Need of a Tongue & Lip-Tie RevisionIf your child is struggling to latch while breastfeeding or experiencing weight gain issues, this may indicate the need for an emergency tongue and lip-tie revision. If you notice these signs, we urge you to reach out to us immediately. Mothers experiencing milk transfer issues or maternal pain should also contact us immediately, as these signs may indicate the need for an emergency procedure. If Your Child Loses a Permanent ToothKeep the tooth wet until you get to the dentist. If possible, place it back into the socket. If this is too painful for your child, keep it between his or her cheek and gums or place it in milk to try to save it. Please do not put the tooth in your child’s mouth if you are concerned that he or she might swallow it. If Your Child Has a Cracked Tooth or Bitten Tongue or LipAlways have the child rinse his or her mouth with warm water. A warm compress will help reduce swelling. If your child has something stuck in his or her teeth, gently use floss to get it out. Do not try to remove it with something sharp. To avoid Reye’s syndrome, children should not be given aspirin for pain. Protect Your Child’s SmileChildren should always wear a mouthguard during sports and other physical activities. Children should avoid chewing hard food like candy, ice, and popcorn kernels. These foods can break teeth. Everyone should use scissors instead of... --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2024-09-05 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/contact/request-an-appointment/ Request an Appointment At Kids Smiles, we strive to make dental care accessible for all our patients. We proudly accept a wide range of dental insurance plans to help you receive the best care possible. Our team is committed to assisting you in maximizing your benefits and understanding your coverage. Please call our office 813-889-0780 for more information or to schedule. At Kids Smiles, we strive to make dental care accessible for all our patients. We proudly accept a wide range of dental insurance plans to help you receive the best care possible. Our team is committed to assisting you in maximizing your benefits and understanding your coverage. Please call our office 813-889-0780 for more information or to schedule. --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2022-02-24 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/dr-khusbu-patel/ Meet Dr. Khusbu Patel MeetDr. Khusbu Patel Meet Dr. Patel , DMD Dr. Khusbu Patel completed her undergraduate degree in Biology with a minor in Education from the University of Florida—go Gators! Her dental education began at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts. During this time, she was able to organize dental research and various philanthropy projects geared towards improving oral health in children. She graduated dental school with honors in research and community service. After dental school, she completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency. Then she chose to pursue her passion for working with children by furthering her education in Pediatric Dentistry and completed a specialty residency with the University of Florida in Naples, Florida. Dr. Patel is board certified in pediatric dentistry. Moreabout the DoctorDr. Patel truly values the relationships she makes with her patients and their families. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing a child grow, build positive health habits and develop a comfortable lifelong relationship with dentistry. She is fortunate to have supportive friends and family in the Tampa Bay area. In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach, riding her bike, and kayaking while enjoying all that Florida has to offer. She also loves crafting and trying new foods. She and her husband are excited to explore the Tampa Bay area and become a part of this amazing community! --- - Published: 2021-07-08 - Modified: 2023-11-16 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/dr-mia-kwon/ Meet Dr. Mia Kwon MeetDr. Mia Kwon Mia Kwon, DMD Dr. Mia Kwon is originally from Seoul, South Korea. When she was 14, she moved to California to study abroad by herself. After high school, she decided to continue her education in the U. S. because she enjoyed being here so much. In 2011, she received her B. S. in Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin—Madison. In 2015, she received her D. M. D. degree with cum laude from the University of Louisville School of Dentistry. In dental school, she was actively involved in community based dental volunteer clinics, health fairs, and school based oral hygiene education programs. During this time, she found her passion for interacting and treating young children and decided to devote her career to pediatrics. She received her certificate of advanced education in pediatric dentistry from NYU Langone Hospitals –Florida in June 2018. During her time in residency, she fell in love with the sunshine state and after she graduated she decided to make Florida her permanent home. Dr. Kwon is a board certified pediatric dentist. More about the doctor Outside of work, Dr. Kwon enjoys cooking and baking, which allows her to continue to express the same creativity and dexterity she uses in her dental practice. She is also passionate about music. She enjoys playing the piano and violin, as she has done since ages 5 and 12, respectively. Her favorite part of the day is singing Disney songs with her patients. --- - Published: 2021-07-06 - Modified: 2024-03-28 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/exams-preventive-care/ Preventive Dental Care for Children Preventive Dental Carefor ChildrenOur goal through preventive dentistry is to ensure that your child establishes a healthy, strong foundation for a beautiful set of permanent teeth to emerge! Commitment to excellent oral health begins with preventive dentistry during childhood, and will continue to benefit your child throughout the rest of their life. Pediatric Dental Cleaning The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that every childs see a dentist by the time their first tooth erupts and no later than their first birthday. During a routine check-up, your child's teeth will be polished to remove any plaque build-up or tartar. Teeth cleanings are just as important for baby teeth as they are for permanent teeth! Comprehensive Oral Evaluations (Routine Exams) During routine exams, we assess your child’s teeth and gums and discuss the best techniques for at-home dental hygiene. Preventive dentistry starts with instructing patients and parents in proper brushing and flossing techniques. We do this at every visit! If the child’s teeth exhibit decay or other problems requiring further treatment, your dentist will discuss them with you at this time. Fluoride Varnish Fluoride is essentially a vitamin for the teeth! Fluoride helps to prevent tooth decay by strengthening the enamel and making it more resilient. We recommend fluoride treatments after dental cleanings. Can I brush the fluoride off my teeth? You don’t want your child to brush the fluoride varnish off their teeth right away. (We’ll tell you everything you and your child need to know about proper aftercare when you visit us! ) Your child should avoid brushing and flossing for 4 to 6 hours after the fluoride varnish. This allows it to set in and strengthen the teeth. Fluoride varnish is safe for children. Only a small amount of fluoride is used, and only a tiny amount of that may be swallowed. This treatment doesn’t hurt, shouldn’t cause any discomfort, and only takes a few minutes. Dental Sealants for KidsA dental sealant is a protective coating applied to the chewing surfaces of premolars and molars, where four out of five cavities are found! Sealants act as a barrier against food, plaque, and acid. They’re effective for protecting the decay-prone areas of the teeth to prevent future cavities from developing. Sealants have proven to reduce the risk of decay (cavities) by nearly 80% in molars! Low Radiation X-Rays We use digital radiographs with less radiation than traditional radiographs. X-rays are needed to diagnose and treat issues in-between and inside teeth as well as below the gum-line. A clinical exam alone cannot see the areas of a tooth that a radiograph can! Child dental x-rays enable us to get a clear picture of your child’s dental development. We can assess jaw bone health, tooth roots and the underlying dental structure to ensure that everything is developing properly and healthily. Have questions about our preventive dental care for children? We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you and your... --- - Published: 2021-07-06 - Modified: 2025-05-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/ Pediatric Dental Services Our team is committed to helping your child achieve beautiful, healthy teeth throughout their childhood! We want your child to build a strong foundation for a lifetime of excellent oral health. Preventive Care The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatrics recommends every child see a dentist by the time their first tooth erupts and no later than their first birthday! We provide routine check-ups, comprehensive exams, fluoride treatments, dental cleanings and dental sealants as a part of pediatric preventive care. Learn More Special Needs Care We’re known as a practice that proudly caters to the unique requirements of special needs patients. If your child has a developmental disability, including down syndrome or cerebral palsy, behavioral issues or physical limitations, please let us know when booking your appointment. We have special days set aside for children with sensory issues, and we will make sure that we provide extra time for your child’s comfort and your piece of mind. Tooth Extractions In some cases, your child may require a tooth extraction to remove a tooth. We understand that tooth extractions can be scary, so we’ll only recommend this option as a last resort. To alleviate any pain or discomfort, we provide local anesthesia (laughing gas) for children with dental anxiety. Learn More Tongue Tie and Lip Tie Revision Proper development of the tongue and lips are essential for the mouth to function properly. Children who are tongue-tied or lip-tied have a lot of trouble nursing and eating. When a child suffers from tongue-tie and lip-tie, we offer a simple procedure called a revision. Learn More Sedation Dentistry Your child's safety and comfort is our primary concern! Because young children are naturally apprehensive about dental treatment, we can use nitrous oxide analgesia (happy gas) to minimize anxiety. The more anxious patients may benefit from conscious sedation in the office. Learn More Fillings Composite (tooth-colored) fillings are a simple, gentle way to fix cavities or small areas of damage in your child’s teeth. They blend right in with their natural smile and can be used on both front and back teeth. It’s a quick and easy treatment that helps keep their teeth healthy and strong. Learn More Mouth Guards If your child plays a sport, a mouth guard is essential for protecting their smile! Mouth guards can protect your child from dental injuries, and in some cases, concussions. This form of mouth protection is effective for absorbing impact and stabilizing the child’s jaw. Learn More Digital X-Rays We use low radiation x-rays to produce digital radiographs! These x-rays use less radiation than traditional radiographs. These are needed to diagnose and treat issues in-between and inside teeth as well as below the gum-line. Learn More Have questions about our pediatric dental services? We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you and your child to know your options! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. Dr. Sierra, Dr. Kwon, Dr. Patel and our... --- - Published: 2021-07-06 - Modified: 2024-03-28 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/tooth-extractions/ Tooth Extractions ToothExtractionsIf your child requires a tooth extraction, we’ll do everything we can to ensure that their experience is as comfortable as possible. In some cases, your child may require a tooth extraction. A tooth extraction is an outpatient procedure performed at our Town & Country, Bradenton, North Tampa and South Tampa Locations, and it involves the removal of a tooth. The most common causes for a tooth extraction are: Tooth decay that is too far progressed for restoration Making room for orthodontic treatment (Braces, Invisalign, etc) Baby teeth fail to fall out before the permanent teeth come in A chipped or damaged tooth from disease or trauma that is beyond repair Does tooth extraction hurt? We understand that tooth extractions can be scary, so we will only recommend this option as a last resort. To alleviate any tooth extraction pain or discomfort, we provide local anesthesia (laughing gas) for children with dental anxiety. For children with minimal anxiety, we will suggest nitrous oxide (laughing gas), while those with signs of more severe anxiety may benefit from conscious sedation in the office. General anesthesia (asleep) is a good fit for longer procedures or for very young children. To ensure safety and a comfortable climate for your child, a pediatric anesthesiologist will provide the anesthesia while our dental team performs the tooth extraction. If your child requires a tooth extraction, all options will be presented to you and thoroughly explained. Your peace of mind is our top priority! Signs of dental anxiety include: Sweating Racing heartbeat Low blood pressure and or fainting Crying, visible distress or signs of panic Tooth Extraction CostWhen a tooth extraction is needed, it's important to get it taken care of. To remove any barriers, we do our best to make tooth extractions affordable for you. While tooth extraction costs can vary depending on the case, we accept most insurance plans and will work with you regarding payment options. If you have any questions about tooth extraction costs, please contact our office! We’d love to hear from you. Tooth Extraction Healing Time The tooth extraction healing time is typically 1-2 days. It is important to monitor your child until all numbness from the procedure has subsided, and it’s essential that you follow proper tooth extraction aftercare instructions: Make sure your child bites down on the gauze pad provided by your doctor to prevent any biting or chewing of the cheeks or tongue while numb. Prepare softer foods and make sure that your child stays hydrated. Keep your child's head elevated and relaxed while the clot forms on the extraction site. Maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing the areas around the extraction site. Use ice packs if needed to control swelling. Tooth extraction bleeding should not occur after 24 hours. Your child should continue proper oral hygiene while remaining extremely careful around the area of the extraction. By following these tooth extraction aftercare steps, recovery from a tooth extraction should be relatively quick. Have questions about tooth... --- - Published: 2021-07-06 - Modified: 2024-03-28 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/growth-development/ Growth and Developmental Care Early interceptive/preventive orthodontic treatment can help your child avoid more complex treatment in the future! Space Maintenance Many appliances are considered to maintain the space between teeth after a removal. The space is often necessary for the eruption of an adult tooth. Dr. Sierra, Dr. Kwon, or Dr. Pettit will determine if your child will benefit from a space maintainer based on the location of tooth loss, age, and specific dental needs. Development Supervision Our doctors are trained to recognize growth, habit, and/or airway issues and will provide treatment or make the appropriate referral to a certified orthodontist at the necessary time. Early preventive orthodontic treatment can save time and money and may help your child avoid more involved treatment in the future. Have questions about growth & development? We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you and your child to know your options! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. Dr. Sierra, Dr. Kwon, Dr. Pettit and our team are here to help guide you and your child. We offer kinder, gentler dentistry for kids and teens. It is our goal that your child develops and maintains a positive association with dental care and we do everything we can to create a pleasant, supportive, and fun environment for our little patients. Ready to schedule an appointment? Let’s get started. Visit us in Town & Country, South Tampa, North Tampa or Bradenton! --- - Published: 2021-07-06 - Modified: 2024-03-28 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/sedation-dentistry/ Pediatric Sedation Dentistry We use a “tell, show, do” philosophy to keep your child calm and at ease. We also provide options in pediatric sedation! Keeping Kids Calm Young children (and many adults) are naturally apprehensive about dental treatment. At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we use a "tell, show, do" philosophy. First, we "tell" by explaining the next step in words your child understands. Then we "show" them what we will be doing. It may be using an instrument on their finger. Then, we "do" the procedure. This is the best way to earn your child's trust. Some procedures may still be too stressful for your child. We have many options to help ease your child’s mind! Options in Pediatric Sedation Dentistry We are proud to offer nitrous oxide sedation in pediatric dentistry! We can use nitrous oxide analgesia (happy gas) for children with minimal anxiety. Although, the more anxious patients may benefit from conscious sedation in the office. Medication is given in the office which relaxes the child but they are not "asleep. " Longer procedures, treatment for very young children, and kids with medical issues may be best treated under general anesthesia (asleep). A pediatric anesthesiologist will provide the anesthesia while our dental team performs the treatment safely. If your child requires anesthesia, all of the options will be fully discussed with you before the appointment is scheduled. Your child's safety and comfort are our primary concerns. If you’re seeking pediatric sedation dentistry near you, we encourage you to reach out to us today! Still have questions about sedation dentistry? We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you and your child to know your options! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. Dr. Sierra, Dr. Kwon, Dr. Pettit and our team are here to help guide you and your child. We offer kinder, gentler dentistry for kids and teens. It is our goal that your child develops and maintains a positive association with dental care and we do everything we can to create a pleasant, supportive, and fun environment for our little patients. Ready to schedule an appointment? Let’s get started. Visit us in Town & Country, South Tampa, North Tampa or Bradenton! --- - Published: 2021-07-06 - Modified: 2024-03-28 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/restorative-care/ Restorative Dentistryfor Children Restorative Dentistryfor ChildrenWe perform restorative dentistry care for kids in Tampa Bay and Bradenton! We create a positive environment for kids to feel comfortable and calm while they undergo restorative dental care with our experienced dentists. What is restorative dentistry? Restorative dentistry is performed to treat or replace missing or damaged teeth. Whether your child experienced a dental injury, developed a cavity, or has an aesthetic or functional dental concern, our dentists can effectively restore teeth to ensure a healthy smile and a beautiful appearance. Types of Dental Restorations for Kids Strip CrownsStrip crowns are tooth-colored caps placed on front teeth that develop cavities. These crowns cover the entire tooth and are made of the same material as composite fillings. Strip crowns have a very natural appearance as the composite material is tooth-colored. Using a clear shell, strip crowns are filled with composite material, then placed on a damaged or decaying tooth. This material will remain in place until it’s hardened, then the plastic-like shell is removed and the hardened crown remains. PulpotomyA tooth consists of several layers of structure. From the outermost layer inward, these include the enamel, dentin and the pulp. The pulp is the deepest portion of a tooth and is filled with nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue. When a cavity reaches the pulp of a tooth, the infected portion needs to be removed. This process is called a pulpotomy. The pulpotomy procedure is most often performed on children with baby teeth and is effective for removing the infected inner pulp beneath the tooth crown to save decaying teeth. FillingsComposite fillings include a tooth-colored material, used to restore decay in the front or back teeth, or where a cosmetic concern is located. The shade of the composite material is matched to the natural color of the tooth for a virtually-invisible appearance. Fillings are the most common types of dental restorations as well as the least invasive. Dental fillings are used to fill cavities, or areas of tooth decay. Cavities are caused by bacteria in the mouth that blend with leftover sugars stuck in the teeth. This mixture eats away at the tooth enamel, causing decay on parts of the tooth. This is why it’s essential that your child develops a strong oral hygiene routine and visits us regularly for professional cleanings and exams. Cavities can be easily prevented with regular oral care and a commitment to good health! Have questions about restorative care for children? We’re here to answer your questions, and we want you and your child to know your options! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. Dr. Sierra, Dr. Kwon, Dr. Pettit and our team are here to help guide you and your child. We offer kinder, gentler dentistry for kids and teens. It is our goal that your child develops and maintains a positive association with dental care and we do everything we can to create a pleasant, supportive, and fun environment for our little... --- - Published: 2021-07-06 - Modified: 2023-02-14 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/patient-resources/patient-forms-policies/ Patient Formsand Policies Tongue-Tie (Ankyloglossia) and Lip-Tie (Lip Adhesion) New Patient Form - Children Under 1 Year Nuevo Paciente - Niños Menor de 1 Año New Patient Form Nuevo Paciente CONSENT FOR USE AND DISCLOSURE OF HEALTH INFORMATION --- - Published: 2021-07-01 - Modified: 2023-11-01 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/patient-resources/first-office-visit/ Your First Visit to Kids Smiles You can make yourselves comfortable in our waiting room, specially-designed to keep your child happy and entertained. (One of our locations even has a movie theatre playing kid-friendly favorites all day long! ) What to Expect at your child's first visit Our experienced doctors and team members are trained in responding to children’s unique questions, needs and emotions. We do everything we can to make your child’s experience positive and playful, while guiding them in achieving and maintaining a perfectly happy, healthy little smile. Our goal during your child’s first appointment is to gain a clear picture of their current dental condition to provide them with the services and education they need to establish a strong and bright smile! Your dentist will perform a thorough exam of your child’s mouth to assess any potential underlying conditions. Your child may have low-radiation radiographs taken so we can examine below the gum line. We’ll discuss your child’s dental care history and daily habits, and we’ll educate him or her on best oral health practice. We’ll work with your child, demonstrating how to best implement these steps in an encouraging and natural manner! What's Next? stay ahead of the game! It’s recommended that your child visit us within six months of his or her first tooth erupting. This may sound early, but beginning a prevention plan at this time can help avoid early onset and future dental problems. From there, you and your child should visit us for dental check-up every six months. Depending on a number of factors, like your child’s hygiene, tooth growth and development, and the health of their teeth and gums, there may be additional visits required between those regular check-ups. We Can't Wait to Meet You! Ready to schedule your child’s first visit? Our team is excited to meet you! Contact Us --- - Published: 2021-06-23 - Modified: 2021-10-21 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/ OurBlog --- - Published: 2021-06-23 - Modified: 2021-10-27 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/testimonials/ PatientTestimonials PatientTestimonials We love to see you smile! See what our patients are saying about us! --- - Published: 2021-06-22 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/dr-frank-sierra/ Meet Dr. Frank Sierra MeetDr. Frank Sierra Frank Sierra, DMD Dr. Sierra is a Tampa native who graduated from The University of South Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Natural Sciences and Master of Science in Public Health. He earned Doctor of Dental Medicine from The University of Florida College of Dentistry with awards in pediatrics. Following dental school, he completed residency training in pediatric dentistry at University of Florida–Shands Hospital. He is board certified in pediatric dentistry and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. More about the doctor Dr. Sierra is a member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals, and American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. He has served as President of Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the Florida Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association. Dr. Sierra is on the clinical faculty at the University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics. He is an author and has made national presentations in the dental care of the child with facial differences. He has been involved in family-centered care and oral health care for children with special needs for over 20 years. Dr. Sierra and his wife Theresa are very involved in the community. They stay busy with family outings with their five children. --- - Published: 2021-06-21 - Modified: 2025-01-29 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/contact/south-tampa-pediatric-dentist-office/ South TampaPediatric Dentistry Visit us in South Tampa! Town & Country 6323 Memorial Hwy, Ste 131 Tampa, FL 33615 South Tampa 3739 W Neptune St Tampa, FL 33629 North Tampa 1773 W Fletcher Ave Tampa, FL 33612 East Bradenton 6020 State Road 70 E, Unit 101 Bradenton, FL 34203 Wesley Chapel 2234 Native Woods Ln Wesley Chapel, FL 33544 South Tampa 3739 W Neptune St Tampa, FL 33629 Get Directions Phone(813) 889-0780Fax813-885-2642Emailkidssmiles@kidssmilesdental. comHoursBy Appointment Only: Monday-Thursday: 8am - 5pm Friday-Sunday: Closed Get Directions Phone(813) 889-0780Fax813-885-2642Emailkidssmiles@kidssmilesdental. com HoursBy Appointment Only: Monday-Thursday: 8am - 5pm Friday-Sunday: ClosedWe offer standard treatments, like regular dental exams, x-rays, and routine teeth cleaning. Our specialties are in non-metal fillings, extractions, space maintenance and tongue tie and lip tie revision. At Kids Smiles, we want your children to have the most comfortable experience possible, so we offer sedation with our services to alleviate any dentist anxiety your children might experience. We provide the highest quality children’s dental care and a unique dental experience for every patient we treat in South Tampa, and the surrounding communities of Palma Ceia, Bayshore Beautiful, Virginia Park, Sunset Park, Beach Park, Hyde Park, Davis Islands, and many more. Exploreour office --- - Published: 2021-06-21 - Modified: 2023-11-01 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/our-practice/ About Us We offerkinder, gentler dentistry for kids and teens. At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our mission is to provide the highest quality children’s dental care and a unique dental experience for every patient we treat. We offerkinder, gentler dentistry for kids and teens. At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our mission is to provide the highest quality children’s dental care and a unique dental experience for every patient we treat. Kids Smiles is led by Dr. Frank Sierra, a respected pediatric dentist with over 25 years of dedicated service to the Tampa Bay community. His commitment to providing the highest quality of children's dental care makes Kids Smiles the trusted choice for families across Tampa Bay. Dr. Sierra has had the privilege of caring for generations of families, even treating the children of some of his earliest patients. Our collaboration with Blue Wave Orthodontics ensures that we provide top-tier pediatric dental care from Tampa Bay to Sarasota. With our team of experienced pediatric dental specialists, you can trust that your child's smile is in expert hands. At Kids Smiles, we understand that children have unique dental needs and that going to the dentist can sometimes be seen as a stressful experience. This is why we have Pediatric dentists who specialize in handling these needs. Our dentists have undergone extensive advanced training in addition to dental school in behavior guidance techniques, restorative care, nitrous oxide, conscious sedation and the latest technology to provide a tailored experience to every child. is to protect your children’s teeth so they can eat and speak correctly. We also strive to help your children have the bright beautiful smiles they deserve. Our environment was designed specifically for children and early teens. It includes open bays, private treatment areas, and a family-friendly atmosphere. We treat your children with respect and explain every step of their dental care in age appropriate, child-friendly terms. It is our goal that your child develops and maintains a positive association with dental care and we do everything we can to create a pleasant, supportive, and fun environment. What We'll Bringto Your Dental Experience We encourage parents to be actively involved in developing dental care plans specific to their child’s needs. Our open-door policy fosters a fun and safe environment by allowing parents to be present during treatment sessions. We understand that the dental care process can be difficult for children and will work with you to optimize your child’s oral health. At your appointment, we will go over the care that you need to be providing at home for your child’s teeth and look for problems as well. If needed, we will work with your child’s pediatrician. It is our goal to ensure that each visit goes well so that they think of the dentist’s office as a good place. Our entire staff is wonderful with children, which helps them to relax while we care for their dental needs. Please reach out to us with any questions or if you would like... --- - Published: 2021-06-20 - Modified: 2024-03-28 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/pediatric-dental-services/tongue-tie-lip-tie/ Tongue Tie And Lip Tie Revision Tongue Tie And Lip TieRevisionMost 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 moved normally. What is Tongue-Tie? Before we are born, a strong cord of tissue that guides development of mouth structures is positioned in the center of the mouth. It is called a frenulum. As we develop, this frenulum recedes and thins. The lingual (tongue) or labial (lip) frenulum is visible and easily felt if you look in the mirror under your tongue and lip. In some children, the frenulum is especially tight or fails to recede and may cause tongue/lip mobility problems. The tongue and lip are a very complex group of muscles and are important for all oral function. For this reason having tongue-­tie can lead to nursing, eating, dental, or speech problems, which may be serious in some individuals. Signs of Tongue-tie and Lip Tie Inability to stick out their tongue Unable to touch the roof of their mouth with tongue Trouble moving the tongue around the mouth Some may have V-shaped notch at the tip of the tongue Future dental problems that can arise from Tongue-Tie or Lip-Tie A gap between their front teeth Recession of the gums More cavities because of tapped food, plaque, and bacteria. When Should Tongue-Tie and Lip-­Tie be Treated? InfantsA new baby with a too tight tongue and/or lip frenulum can have trouble sucking and may have poor weight gain. If they cannot make a good seal on the nipple, they may swallow air causing gas and stomach problems. Such feeding problems should be discussed with Dr. Sierra. Nursing mothers who experience significant pain while nursing or whose baby has trouble latching on should have their child evaluated for tongue and lip tie. Although it is often overlooked, tongue and lip tie can be an underlying cause of feeding problems that not only affect a child’s weight gain, but lead many mothers to abandon breastfeeding altogether. In Toddlers and Older ChildrenWhile the tongue is remarkably able to compensate and many children have no speech impediments due to tongue-tie, others may. By the age of three, speech problems, especially articulation of the sounds ­ l, r, t, d, n, th, sh, and z may be noticeable. Evaluation may be needed if more than half of a three–year–old child’s speech is not understood outside of the family circle. As a simple test, caregivers or parents might ask themselves if the child can lick an ice cream cone or lollipop without much difficulty. If they cannot, then it may be time to consult Dr. Sierra or another specialist in tongue/lip tie. Dental ConcernsFor older children with tongue-tie, appearance can be affected by persistent dental problems such as a gap between the top or... --- - Published: 2021-06-17 - Modified: 2024-03-28 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/patient-resources/pediatric-dental-faq/ Frequently Asked Questions Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry encourages parents to stay informed about their child’s dental health and commit to improving and maintaining the health of their family’s teeth and gums. We want you to feel confident that you are receiving the most advanced pediatric dental services available. To help you better understand your child’s oral health and the options available, please refer to the information provided below. We encourage parents to stay informed about their child’s dental health! Beautiful smiles begin with a commitment to dental hygiene during childhood. We want you to feel confident that you are receiving the most advanced pediatric dental services available. To better understand your child’s oral health and the options available, please refer to these FAQs at any time! If you have any unanswered questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. When should my child first see a dentist? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first visit to a dentist happens within their first year. This initial visit will establish a dental home for your child. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and for years to come. What can I expect at my child’s first visit? At your first visit to one of our offices, the doctor will complete a thorough exam of your child’s mouth. If necessary, the doctor will take a few minor radiographs if he or she suspects an underlying issue. Parents are encouraged to ask questions! Want to know more about your first visit? Here’s what you and your child can expect. Why so early? What dental problems could a baby have? The most important reason is to begin a prevention program as some dental problems can begin early. A big concern is early childhood caries (also known as baby bottle tooth decay). When this occurs, sometimes the only possible treatment is an extraction. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing future dental problems. How often do I take my child for his/her dental check-up? It is recommended that children have a dental check-up every 6 months. Some cases of tooth decay, unusual growth and development, or poor hygiene may require additional visits. The doctor will review each case individually and create a proper schedule, personalized for your child. Are radiographs safe and does my child need them? The amount of radiation transmitted in a dental radiograph is extremely low. With modern high-speed digital technology and proper shielding used in our office, we take every step to ensure that each child has minimal radiation exposure. We recommend radiographs because they are useful to detect cavities between teeth—a common area for tooth decay. A visual exam can only detect cavities on the top and sides of teeth. Radiographs are also used to monitor the growth of adult teeth. What is a sealant? A sealant is a protective coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces (grooves) of the back teeth (premolars and molars) where four out... --- --- ## Posts - Published: 2025-06-10 - Modified: 2025-06-19 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/when-should-my-child-start-flossing/ Flossing is a simple habit with a big impact—and it’s not just for grown-ups. If you’re wondering, “When should my child start flossing? ”, you’re not alone. Parenthood doesn’t come with a handbook! Knowing what age to start flossing is one of the most common questions we get from parents at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, and it’s a great one to ask. Let’s break it all down: When should my child start flossing? Flossing removes food and plaque between teeth—where toothbrushes can’t reach—and helps prevent cavities, especially in those tight spaces. Flossing your child's teeth is essential for removing plaque and preventing cavities in areas a toothbrush can't reach, and helping your kiddo establish positive oral hygiene habits early. Parents should begin to floss their child's teeth as soon as their teeth begin to touch, which usually occurs around ages 2 to 3. When the teeth begin to close the gaps and they can no longer reach between each tooth with a toothbrush, it’s necessary to start cleaning between them. Your Introduction to Kids’ Oral Health Oral health is an extremely important part of your child’s overall health and happiness. Caring for your child’s baby teeth from an early age sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Establishing a daily routine that includes both brushing and flossing helps prevent tooth decay and gum disease—two of the most common dental problems in children. The American Dental Association recommends that children start flossing as soon as two teeth touch, which often happens around age 2 or 3. At this stage, food particles and plaque can get trapped between teeth, where a toothbrush simply can’t reach. By making flossing a regular part of your child’s daily routine, you’re helping them develop a healthy habit that will protect their teeth and gums as they grow. Introducing flossing at an early age not only keeps your child’s mouth clean, but also teaches them the importance of taking care of their teeth. With your guidance, your child will learn that brushing and flossing go hand in hand for strong, healthy teeth and gums. Why Flossing Baby Teeth Matters Some parents think baby teeth don’t need as much care since they’ll fall out anyway—but baby teeth play a crucial role in a child’s development. Flossing children's teeth and toddler's teeth is essential to prevent oral health issues and establish good habits early on. They help with: Chewing and proper nutrition Speech development Holding space for adult teeth Cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, infections, and even damage the permanent teeth growing underneath. Not flossing a child's teeth can also lead to gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease marked by redness and swelling. That’s why starting flossing early is one of the best things you can do to protect your child’s oral health. For kids with braces or space-maintainers, flossing becomes even more important. Trapped food around appliances can lead to cavities and gum irritation if not cleaned out thoroughly. If you... --- - Published: 2025-05-30 - Modified: 2025-05-30 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/find-pediatric-dentist-in-wesley-chapel/ Choosing the right pediatric dentist in Wesley Chapel for your child is an important decision—after all, you only want the best care for your little one's growing smile. You may be wondering: What makes a pediatric dentist different? What should you look for in a dental office for kids? How can you be sure your child will feel comfortable? We’re here to help make this decision easier! Here are four key tips to help you find the right pediatric dentist for your family: 4 Tips for Choosing the Best Pediatric Dentist in Wesley Chapel 1. Start by researching pediatric dentists near you. A Google search for “pediatric dentist in Wesley Chapel” is a great starting point. This will help you gather a list of local dental offices that specialize in children’s dental care. If you're looking for a children’s dentist in Wesley Chapel, we invite you to visit us at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry! Our experienced and compassionate team is dedicated to creating a fun, friendly, and positive dental experience for your child, and we’re conveniently located at 2234 Native Woods Ln (33544). We're proud to serve families throughout Wesley Chapel and surrounding communities (like Meadow Pointe, Seven Oaks, Estancia at Wiregrass, Epperson and Country Walk. ) Don’t forget to ask your friends and neighbors for recommendations on pediatric dentists in Wesley Chapel too! Reading through google reviews can also give you insight into the quality of care and atmosphere at each office. 2. Look into the dentist’s experience and credentials. Not all dentists are trained to work with children! A pediatric dentist completes additional education and hands-on training after dental school to specialize in treating infants, toddlers, children, and pre-teens. At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, our team is highly trained in child-specific dental care, including preventive treatments, growth and development maintenance, and working with children who may have special healthcare needs. When evaluating a practice, make sure the dentist is board-certified or a member of professional organizations like the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). These credentials show that the dentist is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in pediatric care. Our team is led by Dr. Frank Sierra, who’s board-certified in pediatric dentistry and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry! With our team, your little one is in highly-experienced and skilled hands. 3. Make sure the office is kid-friendly. The right pediatric dentist knows how to make kids feel safe and comfortable from the moment they walk through the door. Look for an office that’s designed with children in mind—bright colors, friendly staff, fun decorations, and age-appropriate entertainment in the waiting room are all great signs! At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we believe a trip to the dentist can be a positive experience! Our “tell, show, do” approach helps ease dental anxiety and teaches children that dental care is nothing to fear. We also take the time to educate parents on how to maintain their child’s oral health at home. We’re especially... --- - Published: 2025-04-27 - Modified: 2025-04-27 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/pediatric-dentist-for-autism/ Every April, we take time to recognize Autism Awareness Month—a chance to learn, grow, and support a more inclusive world. For families with kids on the autism spectrum, even the simplest routines can feel tough. Add something new, like a trip to the dentist? It can quickly become overwhelming! That’s why it’s so important to find a pediatric dentist for autism who gets it—someone who knows how to create a calm, supportive space for your child, because every kid deserves to feel safe and cared for. Here’s how we make that happen at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry! Understanding the Needs of Every Child Kids with autism often experience the world a little differently—they might be sensitive to lights, sounds, smells, or changes in routine. So, when it comes to something like a dental visit, it can feel like a lot all at once. That’s where a pediatric special needs dentist can really make a difference. Our Kids Smiles team is trained to create a calmer and more predictable environment, from the way we talk to your child to how we pace each step of the appointment. Our method is all about building comfort, trust, and making the experience as smooth as possible—for both kids and parents. What Makes a Special Needs Dentist Different? A special needs dentist isn’t just for kids on the autism spectrum—they’re trained to care for any child who might need a little extra support, whether it’s developmental, behavioral, emotional, or physical. Here’s what you can expect from a pediatric dentist for special needs: Flexible scheduling – We offer longer or early appointments to avoid long waits and help keep things calm. Desensitization visits – Your child can get used to the office little by little, with short, low-pressure visits. Visual aids & social stories – We use simple tools to show your child what to expect before they even walk through the door. A sensory-friendly environment – Think dimmed lights, noise-canceling headphones, or even a weighted blanket—whatever helps your child feel more at ease. Gentle communication – We speak clearly and calmly, always at your child’s pace and comfort level. Our team meets your child where they are and helps them feel safe and supported! Tips for Supporting Your Child's Smile During Autism Awareness Month Autism Awareness Month is a great reminder to check in on your child’s dental routine and find ways to make things a little easier for them. Here’s a few simple tips to help set your child up for success: Practice at home – Try role-playing a dental visit with a toothbrush and a mirror. Let your child be the dentist—or the patient—to help them get familiar with what to expect. Stick to a routine – Brushing and flossing at the same times each day can make things feel more predictable and comfortable. Use visuals – Books, videos, or picture charts about going to the dentist can take away some of the mystery and help your child feel more prepared. Find the... --- - Published: 2025-03-17 - Modified: 2025-03-17 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/best-dentist-cartoon-show-for-kids/ Getting kids excited about dental visits isn’t always easy, but turning to a fun dentist cartoon show or YouTube video can help! Whether you’re looking for a way to introduce your child to dental care or just want an entertaining and educational video to soothe any dental anxiety, there’s plenty of great options out there. Here’s the top 7 best dentist cartoon shows and YouTube videos for kids: 1. Blippi Visits The Dentist Blippi is a favorite among toddlers for his engaging and educational videos. In this episode, Blippi takes a trip to the pediatric dentist where he learns proper toothbrushing techniques, gets his teeth cleaned, and learns about what foods are great for healthy teeth. His playful and curious approach helps children understand what to expect during their own dental visits, making it a fantastic resource for parents looking to prepare their kids for a trip to the dentist. 2. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood - “Daniel Gets His Teeth Cleaned” In this comforting episode, Daniel Tiger visits Dr. Plat for his very first dental checkup! With the help of his toy dinosaur, Mr. Dino, Daniel learns about the dentist’s tools, from the bright exam light to the special toothbrush that polishes his teeth. Dr. Plat explains each step, reassuring Daniel that everything is safe and even a little fun—like the tickling toothbrush! Through songs and a ‘tell, show, do’ method like our own at Kids Smiles, Daniel discovers that a trip to the dentist isn’t scary at all. This video is great for encouraging kids to feel more confident about their first appointment. 3. Peppa Pig – “Dentist Trip” Peppa Pig is a household favorite, and in the episode “Dentist Trip,” Peppa and George visit the dentist for a checkup. This video features a dentist cartoon that introduces children to the experience of visiting a dentist in a lighthearted and engaging way. The friendly dentist checks George’s teeth and shows Peppa how to take care of hers. It’s a short and simple episode that helps ease any fears kids might have about their next dental appointment. 4. Caitie's Classroom Field Trip - “A Visit To The Dentist” Join Caitie, the fun and friendly host of Caitie’s Classroom, as she visits her dentist, Cathy, for a teeth cleaning! Watch as she checks in, sits in the special dentist chair, and learns all about the tools that help keep our teeth healthy—like the bright exam light and the silly-sounding Mr. Slurpy! Plus, she gets her teeth polished until they sparkle and even picks out a brand-new toothbrush. It’s a real-life adventure that makes going to the dentist fun and easy to understand! 5. Curious George - “George Goes To The Dentist! ” This dentist cartoon show is perfect for kids who might be experiencing toothaches or heading to the dentist for a filling. Curious George shows how a toothache can be a sign of problems in your mouth, and kids will love following George on his imaginative journey to discover how bacteria... --- - Published: 2024-12-23 - Modified: 2025-02-12 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/stocking-stuffer-gifts-for-kids/ The holiday season is in full swing! You’ve got the big ticket items down on your kiddo’s wish list, but sometimes even Santa needs some inspiration for stocking stuffer gifts for kids! Well, the elves here at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry are clocking in, and we’ve put together a guide with practical, fun, and perfect stocking stuffer ideas for kids of all ages to promote healthy dental habits. Here are our top 9 stocking stuffer ideas to make sure your kiddo’s smile shines as bright as the holiday lights this Christmas! 1. Colorful Toothbrushes Every child needs a good toothbrush, and adding a fun, vibrant one to their stocking is always a hit! Toothbrushes designed specifically for kids are perfect for caring for growing teeth and gums while helping them build healthy brushing habits. You can easily find them at local stores like Target, Walmart, or Amazon (for bundle deals). Just make sure they’re ADA-approved toothbrushes! Here’s a quick list of them. Preschool stocking stuffer: Look for toothbrushes with their favorite cartoon characters or ones that light up. Spinbrush™ is a great ADA-approved brand that always has the coolest character toothbrushes! For 7- to 10-year-olds: Opt for electric toothbrushes with built-in timers—they make brushing simple and easy while ensuring your kiddo brushes for the full two minutes. Quip kids sonic toothbrush vibrates in increments to let your kiddo know when to switch brushing areas and when their brushing time hits 2 minutes. 2. Tasty, Kid-Friendly Toothpaste Make brushing more exciting with fun-flavored toothpaste! Again, make sure it’s an ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste. Here’s a quick list of them to view. Kindergarten stocking stuffers: Go for fruity flavors like bubblegum or strawberry. For older kids: Choose fluoride toothpaste in cool flavors like watermelon or berry blast that still provide excellent cavity protection. 3. Dental health books for kids Help your little ones learn about brushing, flossing, and trips to the dentist through stories! Bonus that books add some bulk to those stockings too. For preschoolers and kindergarteners: we have our top 7 picks here for dental health books for toddlers! For older kids: Seek out puzzle books, storybooks featuring tooth fairies, or adventures at the dentist's office. Ask our Kids Smiles team for recommendations too! 4. Mini Dental Travel Kit A travel dental care kit is perfect for kids to add to their school bags so they can brush their teeth after meals and snacks at school. These are often small enough to store in their lunchboxes too! You can find holiday gift sets at Walmart or you can build your own! Just grab a cute zippered bag/pouch and fill it with: A kids toothbrush A fluoride kid-friendly toothpaste Kids flossers A compact mirror And their favorite lip balm 5. Chapstick or Lip Balm Winter can be rough on lips, so lip balm is a thoughtful addition to any stocking. Plus around the holidays, there’s always chapstick gift sets on sale! For preschool and kindergarten-aged kids: Pick out fun flavors like cotton... --- - Published: 2024-08-30 - Modified: 2025-05-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/wesley-chapel-pediatric-dentist-office/ We’re thrilled to share some exciting news with you! As of September 1st, we’ve opened a brand-new office in Wesley Chapel! We’re located at 2234 Native Woods Ln, Wesley Chapel (33544), right next to our partner orthodontist office, Blue Wave Orthodontics. We’ve created this space to better serve families in our community, and we can’t wait for you to visit. Whether you’re a new family or have been with us for years, we’re here to ensure your child’s dental experience is positive, comfortable and convenient. Meet our newest Wesley Chapel pediatric dentist, Dr. Kathryn Prado! We’re also excited to introduce you and your family to Dr. Kathryn Prado, the latest addition to our Kids Smiles family! A proud Tampa native, Dr. Prado brings a wealth of knowledge, a genuine love for our community, and a compassionate approach to our practice. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of South Florida and went on to receive her D. M. D from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. She completed her advanced pediatric dentistry training at NYU Langone-Tampa, where she served as chief resident. Dr. Prado is dedicated to creating a comfortable and supportive environment for her young patients. Like all of our Kids Smiles dentists, Dr. Prado is committed to staying current with the latest advancements in pediatric dentistry and is excited to build lasting relationships with our patients and their families. Outside of work, Dr. Prado enjoys spending time with her husband, Tyler, and their baby boy, Lelo. She’s especially excited to be joining the practice alongside her father, Dr. Frank Sierra. We know you’ll love her warm and caring nature just as much as we do! A Space Designed Just for Kids We design our kids’ dentist offices with your child’s comfort in mind. Our environment is bright, welcoming, and filled with kid-friendly features. From open bays to private treatment areas, we’ve thought of everything to make your child’s visit enjoyable. We believe that a positive experience at the dentist can make all the difference in helping children develop a lifelong love of dental care. Our Mission: Bright, Healthy Smiles Our mission is simple: to protect your child’s teeth so they can eat, speak, and smile confidently for a lifetime. We’re dedicated to providing the highest quality kids’ dental care and making every visit special. We treat each child with kindness and respect, explaining every step of their dental care in ways they can understand. Our goal is to help your child feel excited about their dental visits! Come visit our new pediatric dentist office in Wesley Chapel! Whether you’re coming in for a routine check-up or your child’s first dental visit, we’re here to make it a positive experience. At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we’re more than just a dental office—we’re a place where smiles grow, and we’re so happy to be a part of your family’s journey to bright, beautiful smiles! Schedule an appointment with our Wesley Chapel pediatric dentist, or visit our... --- - Published: 2024-04-11 - Modified: 2025-05-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/dental-health-books-for-toddlers/ Getting your toddler excited about brushing and flossing their teeth can be challenging. Our Kids Smiles Team has found that our little patients often build stronger dental habits through the magic of storytelling! (There’s even a little science to why storytelling is so effective too). That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our top picks to help parents out! Here’s the top 7 dental health books for toddlers: 1. The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss Get ready for a classic you may be familiar with! "The Tooth Book" by Dr. Seuss, is a great first book to introduce the idea of dental health to littles. This book uses the whimsical rhymes and colorful illustrations of Dr. Seuss that we’re all so familiar with to explain the importance of teeth. While a little silly like all Dr. Seuss books, this book highlights what teeth can do and how to take care of them. For extra fun, you can use silly voices and big hand motions to keep your child’s attention and share a giggle! 2. Brush, Brush, Brush! by Alicia Padron Perfect for beginner brushers, "Brush, Brush, Brush! " by Alicia Padron is a bright and engaging board book. The simple rhymes and colorful illustrations introduce the basics of brushing in a fun and easy-to-understand way. Even though it's short, it makes brushing feel like a game! 3. Sugarbug Doug: All About Cavities, Plaque, and Teeth by Dr. Ben Magleby For slightly older children (around 7 or 8 years old), "Sugarbug Doug" is a must-read! This book introduces cavities and plaque as the mischievous “Sugarbug Doug,” who is defeated by good brushing habits and regular dental check-ups. The imaginative storyline motivates kids to become their own oral health heroes by brushing away their own sugar bugs! 4. Going to the Dentist by Anne Civardi If your child is a bit anxious about their first dental visit, "Going to the Dentist" by Anne Civardi is a wonderful guide. The book gently walks children through what to expect at a dental appointment, breaking down each step in a friendly, easy-to-understand way. Perfect for calming any pre-visit nerves! 5. Melvin the Magnificent Molar by Julia Cook Meet Melvin, the chatty tooth who teaches children about brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist in a fun and playful way! This charming book is great for kids aged 3 and up, helping them feel more comfortable about dental care in a lighthearted, cartoon style. 6. The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain A timeless classic, "The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist" is a fantastic way to introduce children to the dental experience. Brother Bear’s visit to the dentist is relatable and engaging, helping kids become familiar with what to expect in a fun, reassuring way. 7. Peppa Pig: Dentist Trip For Peppa Pig fans, this book is a hit! "Peppa Pig: Dentist Trip" tells the story of Peppa and George’s visit to the dentist. It's especially helpful for families with multiple children, as... --- - Published: 2024-03-30 - Modified: 2024-06-11 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/special-needs-dentistry/ As a parent, finding the right dentist for your child can be challenging, especially when your child has special needs! At Kids Smiles, we understand that children with exceptionalities require a unique and gentle approach to the world of dentistry. Here’s how we make this transition and journey simple for kids with special needs. What exactly is special needs dentistry? Special needs dentistry is just a fancy way of saying that a dental office is dedicated to accommodating and treating patients with physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional needs. Kids with conditions such as autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, or other developmental delays often face unique challenges when visiting the dentist. But our Kids Smiles team is specially trained to handle these challenges with patience, skill, and compassion. How to find a dentist for special needs child near you Searching for a “dentist for special needs child near me” or a “pediatric dentist for special needs child near me” can give you a good starting point. We suggest you call each office to ask if they see special needs patients and have any experience in caring for them. If you live in or near Town 'n' Country, South Tampa, North Tampa or East Bradenton, we recommend Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, of course! Finding a pediatric dentist for autism Going to the dentist can be nerve-wracking for autistic children. A new place, new faces, and lots of opportunity for sensory stimuli is enough to put them in sensory-overload. Our entire office is trained and familiar with caring for children on the spectrum. Here’s how we help make dental visits for autistic children more manageable: We offer free desensitization visits. These are scheduled “appointments” during our down-time where you and your child can explore and familiarize yourself with our offices and staff. During these visits, they’ll learn that a dental office can be a fun place to be! You can make as many of these appointments as you’d like until you feel your child is ready for their regular check up. (We usually recommend at least 2 before the first visit, but every child is unique and may need more or less! ) We have books on visiting the dentist in the office. We use books to help communicate with autistic children as they can be non-verbal or limited-verbal and many engage with visuals and verbal cues together. We use visuals. Our team also uses step-by-step visual “schedules” that outline a dental appointment, helping children know what will happen next. Why choose Kids Smiles? As special needs parents know there is a world of difference between a dentist who can accommodate children with special needs and one who is experienced in caring for kiddos with exceptionalities. Here’s a few of the ways we cater to children with exceptionalities: Our team has hands-on training Our team is led by renowned pediatric dentist, Dr. Frank Sierra, who has more than 25 years of experience providing compassionate, expert care for children and teens, including those with... --- - Published: 2024-03-15 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/when-to-switch-from-pediatric-dentist/ As your child gets older, you may find yourself wondering if they should still be going to the pediatric dentist. When to switch from a pediatric dentist to a family dentist is an important decision in your child’s oral health journey. Your Kids Smiles Team has a comprehensive guide just for you! Here’s everything you need to know about the transition from pediatric dentist to family dentist for your child. What age to stop seeing a pediatric dentist? Pediatric dentists focus on providing comprehensive dental care for children from birth to adolescence. Your child’s pediatric dentist is their first dental home and helps build the foundation for a lifelong healthy smile! At Kids Smiles, our patients begin to transition to seeing a family dentist at age 12. (But this can vary based on their unique smile needs! ) What are some signs my child is ready to transition? How can you tell if your child is ready to make the switch? This is something we’ll discuss with you at your child’s dental check-ups as the time draws near, but there’s a few key indicators that they’re ready such as: They have all their permanent teeth. Most kids have all their permanent teeth between the ages of 12 to 14. Switching to a general dentist at this age is perfect as this is often the age where their wisdom teeth begin to erupt. They’re gaining more independence. By this age, your teen is quite comfortable at voicing their needs and concerns. They may even tell you that they’re “too old” to see a kids dentist! Their dental needs are growing. While pediatric dentists specialize in caring for little teeth and gums, a general dentist is best suited for your teen as they have more experience in treating a great deal of dental issues that may arise in your child as they grow. When to switch from pediatric dentist Our Kids Smiles Team uses age 12 as the magic number for transitioning out of treatment with a pediatric dentist, but there’s a few instances where parents may consider switching sooner. Before age 12 Often we begin to work with parents on transitioning their child to a general dentist before age 12 if they voice the concerns that they’re “too old” for a pediatric dentist. Keeping your child engaged and positive about their dental experiences is key to motivating them to care properly for their smile. If they feel out of place in our kid-friendly offices with young children and toys, it can negatively impact their confidence and discourage them from coming. At age 12 Many parents wait until this age if their teen has special needs, dental anxiety, or is in the middle of specialized treatments. This gives them time to prepare their child for the change and help find the right general dentist for their family. Tips for making this transition smooth and simple! Once our team along with you and your teen come to the conclusion it’s time for your... --- - Published: 2024-02-28 - Modified: 2024-04-12 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-to-eat-after-frenectomy/ If your child has just had a frenectomy to correct their tongue tie or lip tie, you may be wondering when and what they can eat after this procedure. Good news! Your child can eat right after their lip tie or tongue tie surgery as it only involves a little numbing cream and a precise incision with a laser to correct. There is little to no bleeding after a frenectomy whether it’s for a lip tie or tongue tie revision, but your kiddo’s mouth may be a little sore for about 24 hours as the frenum (connective tissue) heals. As to what they can eat, there’s a few types of foods that can help with frenectomy healing and are easy for your child to chew. Please keep in mind that you should opt for age-appropriate foods from our post-op recommendations as infants and children can undergo this procedure. Let’s check them out! 1. Soft foods Like after any oral surgery or dental treatment, it's important to stick to soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow. Here’s a few soft foods to eat after frenectomy: mashed potatoes, yogurt, oatmeal, scrambled eggs, and cooked vegetables are great for kids to get the nutrition they need for a speedy recovery without causing them further discomfort. If your baby is on solid food, you can opt for these foods or substitute purees of fruits or vegetables. 2. Cold treats Anything cold after a frenectomy can help reduce swelling and bring your kiddo some relief! Things like cold applesauce, smoothies, yogurt or fruit popsicles, or ice cream can go a long way in helping them recover. Frozen breastmilk or formula pops can help soothe discomfort for babies who aren’t old enough for water or solid food. Older babies can also enjoy frozen fruits or yogurt in a mesh feeder to get some cool comfort. 3. Hydrating beverages While this one isn’t a food option, it’s still just as important as eating after a frenectomy! Keeping your child hydrated will keep their recovery on a speedy track by keeping them hydrated and the surgical site free of food debris. Essential drinks such as water, breastmilk or formula, and apple juice can be great choices! Be sure to avoid carbonated beverages like soda or acidic beverages like orange juice for a few days as these can irritate their healing frenum. 4. Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods For the first few days following your child’s frenectomy, help them avoid any hard, crunchy or spicy foods. These can irritate or hinder their frenum healing and increase their risk of infection. Foods such as popcorn, chips, nuts, raw vegetables, or any food that’s spicy should be off the table until they’re fully recovered. 5. Practice good oral hygiene Another non-food item that’s also just as important! Making sure your child brushes their teeth twice a day and flosses once helps keep harmful bacteria from infecting the frenum or surgical site. Older kiddos with a sore mouth can... --- - Published: 2024-02-15 - Modified: 2024-07-03 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/top-6-common-dental-problems-in-children/ Parents, we know you’re doing your best to make oral hygiene fun! One of the best ways to teach your kiddo how to properly care for their growing teeth is by understanding the common dental problems in children. Let’s explore all the baby teeth problems and solutions! 1. Cavities Studies show that 2 to 5 year olds have had an average of 5 teeth with cavities. This happens when the bacteria in their mouth feed on the sugars and starches from food and drinks and create acids. Over time, these acids break down your child’s tooth enamel and create a small hole. Without proper care and treatment, this infection will borrow deeper into the layers of their teeth and into their tooth nerve (and even possibly into their jawbone! ) How to prevent cavities: Encourage your child to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss once a day. An alcohol-free, antibacterial mouthwash can help too - if your child is old enough to spit it out. Limit sugary snacks and drinks like candy and soda. Attend regular dental check-up appointments. Consider dental sealants. How to treat cavities: Fillings. A pulpotomy. 2. Gingivitis Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease and a term most parents are familiar with. But did you know that 50% of children have gum disease? You can tell your child has gingivitis if they have red, swollen gums or their gums bleed when brushing or flossing (after 5 consecutive days of doing so). But the good news is that gingivitis is simple to prevent and easy to reverse! How to prevent gingivitis: Encourage your child to practice strong oral hygiene as poor oral hygiene is a major cause of gum disease. Have your child practice proper tooth brushing techniques. How to treat gingivitis: Have your child brush twice a day and floss once a day. Make sure your child receives their bi-annual teeth cleanings at their pediatric dentist visits. 3. Malocclusions (bad bites) Malocclusion is a condition where your child’s teeth don’t meet properly at bite. It can be as obvious as having an overbite or as subtle as crowded teeth. Both of these are types of malocclusions or common orthodontic conditions. They can lead to problems chewing, speaking, and even affect your kiddo’s self-confidence. How to prevent malocclusions: Unfortunately, most malocclusions are hereditary and can’t be entirely prevented, but you can stop these conditions from worsening! How? Schedule an exam with an orthodontist when your child turns 7. Discourage thumb sucking or pacifier use after age 4. How to treat malocclusions: An orthodontic treatment such as braces, Invisalign, and/or the use of a palatal expander. One benefit to choosing Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry as your child’s pediatric dentist is that we partner with Blue Wave Orthodontics, Tampa Bay’s preferred orthodontic practice! Our pediatric dental team works closely with their orthodontic team so our staff is trained and experienced in growth and development monitoring. (A few of our Kids Smiles locations are even next... --- - Published: 2024-01-31 - Modified: 2025-05-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/national-childrens-dental-health-month-2024/ It’s that time of year again... National Children’s Dental Health Month is here! Parents, we hope you’re excited as our Kids Smiles Team is about this February holiday. But if you’re lost on the significance of this month, we’re here to support you and your littles! February isn't just about heart-shaped chocolates and getting cute Valentine’s Day cards; it's also a month full of new and fun ways to get your child excited about caring for their teeth. Here’s why this month is such a big deal for kids and their families. Why is Children's Dental Health Month important? Let's start with the big question – why does National Children's Dental Health Month even matter? Well, let’s look at it this way... cavities are still the most common childhood disease in America today. In fact, more than 1 out 5 children (aged 2- 5 years) have at least one cavity and there’s research to support that children with poor oral health miss more school and have lower grades. We know you want the best for your child - in health and in growth, that’s why we do what we can to make dental health care fun for you and your child. We like to believe all of us share the same dream - pediatric dentists, teachers, caregivers, and parents alike - a world where every child grows up with a bright, healthy smile! So how can we get there? By using all the resources available to us and the ADA has some great ones this year! Let’s talk about the 2024 National Children’s Dental Health Month theme... “Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles”. What “Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles” means “Healthy Habits for Healthy Smiles” just means that the foundation of a healthy smile starts with healthy habits! The more your child practices healthy habits, the better their oral health is, aka the whiter and brighter their smile is. So what are these healthy habits? Have your child brush their teeth twice a day for 2 minutes with fluoride toothpaste. Have your child floss once a day. Encourage your child to eat healthy foods and limit sugary beverages. Make sure they see their dentist twice a year for checkups. Healthy smiles essentials: tools to build a healthy smile for your child So how exactly do you as parents accomplish this? Here’s 5 things you can do as a parent with your child to help build up a strong oral hygiene routine and make dental care fun! Have your child choose colorful and fun toothbrushes. There’s tons of cool and interesting toothbrushes out there for kids. Just make sure they’re ADA-approved toothbrushes and age appropriate (toothbrushes with smaller heads can help take the frustration out of toothbrushing for younger kids and get them excited about a toothbrush that’s “just their size”). Use reward charts and stickers. Positive reinforcement is great for creating habits. You can make or buy your child’s own tooth brushing chart or print off a free one here on... --- - Published: 2024-01-15 - Modified: 2024-10-24 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/nail-biting-teeth-damage/ Let’s talk about nail biting - that habit that many of us pick up in our toddler days and some of us just can't seem to shake off into adulthood. Is nail biting bad for you? Why do we do it anyway? How do we break the habit? Here’s everything you need to know: Why do people bite their nails? The tendency to bite your nails is a common childhood habit, similar to thumbsucking or fingersucking. That’s because babies have natural rooting and sucking reflexes that encourage them to latch and breastfeed. A lot of babies start sucking their thumbs in the womb! Thumbsucking is a healthy habit; it makes babies feel secure and helps them sleep. Over time, thumbsucking can turn into fingersucking, and eventually, nail biting. Kids may start biting their nails as a response to stress or anxiety, or simply out of boredom. It generally begins in toddlers, but can trickle into teen years and adulthood if proper measures aren’t taken to correct the habit. Effects of nail biting on teeth and overall health While nail biting may seem harmless, it can actually harm your child’s dental health as well as his or her overall health! •Exposure to bacteria: When you bite your nails, all of the bacteria that was behind your nails is now in your mouth. This allows viruses to pass through your body and cause infections. •Effects on teeth: Exerting pressure on the teeth and jaws by biting your nails can cause teeth to move out of place, leading to malocclusion (misalignment) or dental wear. This can require orthodontic treatment to correct. All in all, yes, nail biting can damage your little one’s teeth and impact their future dental development. It’s important that you work with your little one to kick this habit before their teen years. How to stop nail biting There are a few effective methods that can help your child stop nail biting at an early age. One of the easiest and most effective treatment options is applying Mavala Stop nail polish. Mavala Stop nail polish Mavala Stop is a specialized clear nail polish used to stop thumbsucking and nail biting. When applied to nails, it has a bitter taste that discourages a child from putting their fingers in their mouth. Mavala Stop ingredients are safe, considered ‘worry-free’, and do not contain formaldehyde, phthalate, toluene and other chemicals commonly found in nail polish. It’s most effective if applied daily or every other day, because children have a tendency to pick it off or suck it off. Over time, the desire to bite their nails will disappear! Still need help with your child’s nail-biting habit? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! Our experienced Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry team is here to help your child develop healthy oral hygiene habits that lead to a lifetime of beautiful smiles. We are your trusted pediatric dentist in Tampa Bay and Bradenton! Schedule an appointment with us today! --- - Published: 2024-01-10 - Modified: 2024-01-10 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/national-tooth-fairy-day/ As the year melts into a new one, you may look back on some of the times you were able to make your kid’s dental experiences more magical and positive. While our Kids Smiles Team is dedicated to giving our patients a fun and playful experience when you visit us twice a year, there’s still the other 363 days where there’s an opportunity to bring a bit of whimsical to your child’s oral hygiene routine at home (especially with young children)! One great way to inspire your child to develop a strong oral hygiene routine is by introducing the enchanting character of the Tooth Fairy. The best part about this special mythical character is that unlike Santa or the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy can inspire kids throughout the year. The perfect time to introduce your children to the concept of the Tooth Fairy is on National Tooth Fairy Day (which comes twice a year)! So let’s dive into the exciting world of the Tooth Fairy and how you can celebrate with them. The story behind the tooth fairy When first introducing your child to the Tooth Fairy, we recommend you start with a story! Stories are scientifically proven fun and interactive ways to engage your child’s imagination. The backstory on the Tooth Fairy is that she’s a magical fairy who visits children when they lose a tooth and leaves them a gift if their tooth is healthy and clean. The most common gift parents settle with is money in the form of a quarter or a dollar. But parents, you can make the prize be whatever you’d like - a treat, a wish, or a small toy! Some of the best books about the Tooth Fairy can be found here. Why celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day? National Tooth Fairy Day 2024 comes on February 28th and August 22nd, 2024. (And every year on the same two days! ) It’s a fantastic opportunity to get your growing kiddo excited again about taking care of their teeth and that losing their teeth is just part of growing up. Families can celebrate their growing kiddos and make lasting memories about the magic of good oral health. What are some National Tooth Fairy Day ideas? At a loss of what to do on these days to encourage good oral health for your child’s growing smile? The Kids Smiles Team is here to help you make magical dental moments at home! Read a book about the Tooth Fairy to your child. Children can start losing baby teeth at age 4 so this is an excellent time to introduce them to the tooth fairy in the form of storytime! Gift them a special container for storing their lost teeth. You can find personalized Tooth Fairy pillows, door hangers, and more for free or available for purchase on Amazon, Etsy, or other stores. (Be sure to ask our Kids Smiles Team for a free tooth holder at your child’s next appointment and you can give it... --- - Published: 2023-11-30 - Modified: 2024-05-13 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-to-do-with-baby-teeth-not-falling-out-new-teeth-coming-in/ The moment is finally here! Your child runs into the room to tell you their tooth is loose. It’s officially happening! Their adorable baby smile is making way for their big kid smile. However as the days go by, you may find your child growing annoyed with their loose tooth and you see the telltale sign of their new permanent teeth emerging too. Is that a cause for concern? The Kids Smiles Team hears this question a lot from our families! But don’t worry, we’re here to address this common concern and provide expert tips for a safe and pain-free way to conquer stubborn baby teeth. Why won’t it just fall out already? This is not an uncommon frustration with parents. After all, we remember the days of our parents or siblings tying strings to our teeth and slamming doors to try to get those loose teeth out. (Please don’t try this at home! ) So will a loose tooth fall out on its own? The answer to this is a resounding yes! And there’s a reason why these stubborn baby teeth stay put. Just like adult teeth, baby teeth have roots and nerves. For these teeth to fall out, the roots and nerves need to dissolve naturally. Then the eruption of their permanent teeth helps them fall out. Some permanent teeth can take longer to erupt causing your child’s baby tooth to be loose but not fall out. How to get a loose tooth out without pain So if the old string method isn’t safe for pulling teeth, what do you do? Sometimes patience is the only answer, but there are a few gentle methods you can try to get a loose tooth out. Wiggle it gently. You kiddo is probably doing this already! Just remind them to wash their hands before wiggling their tooth and show them how to be gentle about it. Eat crunchy foods. Biting and chewing an apple or carrot is a natural and safe way to loosen teeth. And you get your child to eat nutritious foods as a bonus! Warm saltwater rinse. Have your child do a warm saltwater rinse to alleviate any discomfort and reduce inflammation for your child - especially if they’re successful in getting their loose tooth out! What if the loose tooth is stuck to gum? In this scenario, it’s still a good idea to wait for your child’s loose tooth to fall out on its own. But rest assured the end is in sight! The gums will be attached to this loose tooth for only a little longer until they realize the roots and nerves are dissolved and pull away from the tooth. Just keep encouraging your child to try the gentle techniques we mentioned earlier. This baby tooth just won’t fall out and a new tooth is coming in! What should I do? Not to worry! This situation is a common and natural one. After all, remember how we mentioned that your child’s emerging permanent teeth will... --- - Published: 2023-11-21 - Modified: 2024-10-24 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/why-you-should-replace-your-toothbrush/ Today, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of toothbrush maintenance. Ever wondered why changing your toothbrush is important for your health? We're here to spill the beans on why a fresh brush means a fresh smile! How often to replace your toothbrush Both the American Dental Association (ADA) and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommend replacing toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles get worn. Why is that? Toothbrushes should be replaced regularly to prevent bacteria/germ buildup, but also to maintain the effectiveness of your toothbrush. When the bristles start to bend in different directions, the brush is not as effective at cleaning teeth and you will leave more bacteria behind. Especially with children who may chew their toothbrush, replacing their toothbrush is key. Pro tip: It's a good idea to replace your family's toothbrushes with each dental cleaning! This ensures that you start off with a sparkly clean toothbrush. How often should you change your electric toothbrush? Whether you use a manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush, replace the brush every 3 to 4 months. With an electric toothbrush, you only have to replace the toothbrush head. Should you change your toothbrush after being sick? Yes! It’s important that you replace your current toothbrush with a fresh, clean toothbrush after you’re sick. The bacteria that caused your sickness can continue growing within toothbrush bristles and reintroduce the illness back into your body while your body is trying to heal. Experts advise that you replace your toothbrush once you start feeling better, in order to “make sure lingering bacteria doesn’t lead to reinfection or get passed on to family members” (Cleveland Clinic). How to store your toothbrush The ADA and the Council on Scientific Affairs also has recommendations on toothbrush care and storage. These can extend the life of the brush and prevent harmful bacteria. These include: Store the brush in an upright position. This helps with proper dry-time and gets the brush out of standing water. Keep brushes apart. If you do store brushes together, try to keep the bristles from touching to reduce contamination. Rinse toothbrushes with tap water after brushing. This will remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. Do not store in closed containers. Keeping your toothbrush covered just aids the bacteria to have the perfect environment. A word from our dentist Dr. Frank Sierra adds, "Buying the right toothbrush for your child involves looking at the packaging for the correct age guidelines. We have a blog on that subject too, so take a look. " We also have another best-practice suggestion and recommend having two toothbrushes. The idea is to alternate every time your child brushes as this allows the toothbrush more time to dry between brushings and extends the life of both brushes. Still have questions? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions! Our experienced Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry team is here to help you and your child develop healthy habits that lead to a lifetime of... --- - Published: 2023-11-07 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/6-childrens-oral-health-facts/ Good oral hygiene habits should begin even before the eruption of the first primary tooth! Developing strong oral hygiene habits early on can set your child up for a lifetime of beautiful, confident smiles. Let's dive into the top 6 kids' oral health facts that not only make you appreciate the wonders of those tiny teeth but also empower you with knowledge to keep your little ones' smiles bright and fresh. 1. The 2-2-2 Rule Is A Simple Way To Keep Your Child's Teeth Healthy. This one is very important and applies to children and adults! Here's what the 2-2-2 rule says: Children should visit a dentist twice per year. Children should brush and floss at least twice a day (alone, or with supervision depending on their age). Children should spend two whole minutes brushing and flossing daily. 2. Proper Oral Hygiene Should Begin Early, Even Before Baby Teeth Arrive. Even before your baby starts teething, run a clean, damp washcloth over the gums to clear away harmful bacteria. After your baby is done feeding, be sure to remove the bottle to prevent baby bottle tooth decay. This can occur when a baby keeps the bottle in their mouth for too long or falls asleep with the bottle in their mouth, and bacteria starts to grow. Once the baby teeth have started to emerge through the gums, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to brush the tooth (or teeth) twice a day. Apply a tiny amount of toothpaste, equivalent to about the size of a grain of rice. Learn more about dental care for infants! 3. A Child's First Dental Visit Should Occur After Their First Tooth Erupts. Dental checkups are encouraged within a baby’s first year. This may seem early, but beginning a prevention plan at this time can help avoid early-onset and future dental problems. Dr. Frank Sierra says, "This initial visit will establish a dental home for your child. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future. " 4. Children Have A Set of 20 Milk Teeth! Primary teeth are also called baby teeth. By age 3 years, there are usually 20 primary teeth. The first tooth eruption is usually between 4 and 15 months of age. If eruption of the first tooth has not occurred by 18 months, the child should be referred to a dentist for evaluation. 5. Bottles Should Only Contain Water During Bed Or Nap Time. Bottles should only be used with formula, breast milk, or water. Fruit juices, sweet teas, formula, or milk should not be put in a baby’s bottle during bedtime or nap time. At these times, bottles should only contain water. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents should avoid fruit juice for children under one year of age: "Although juice consumption has some benefits, it also has potential detrimental effects. High sugar content in juice contributes to increased calorie consumption and the risk of dental caries. " 6. Prolonged Thumb Sucking... --- - Published: 2023-10-31 - Modified: 2023-10-31 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/kid-selfies-why-to-embrace-this/ Taking selfies can be a fun and positive experience for your little ones! We love seeing little smiles light up with confidence. Turns out, there are quite a few benefits to kids taking selfies! Let's dive into why embracing this trend can be both entertaining and educational for your children. 1. Capturing Precious Moments Snapping a selfie is one of the easiest ways to capture your child's genuine expressions and their rapidly changing features. They grow up too quickly! Their bright smiles, curious eyes, and adorable missing teeth moments are all too precious not to capture. You'll be able to look back on these photos for the rest of your life, and share them with friends and family to keep them connected! 2. Boosting Self-Esteem Selfies can be a wonderful tool to boost your child's self-esteem. Encourage them to take selfies and show them the beauty in their unique features. When they see their smiling faces on the screen, it can be a confidence booster, empowering them to feel great about themselves. 3. Promoting Healthy Dental Habits As pediatric dentists, we're big advocates for promoting good oral hygiene habits early on! Selfies can be a fun way to reinforce the importance of a bright and healthy smile. You can use this opportunity to talk to your kids about taking care of their teeth, and even create a selfie routine around brushing and flossing! 4. Documenting Dental Milestones Childhood is a time of rapid growth and development, especially when it comes to teeth. From baby teeth falling out to those new permanent teeth coming in, selfies can be a great way to document these milestones. You and your child can look back and marvel at their journey from baby teeth to a full-grown smile! 5. Quality Family Time Taking selfies together as a family can be a fantastic bonding experience. Whether it's capturing your child's first visit to the dentist or sharing the joy of a successful tooth fairy exchange, it's a great way to create lasting memories together. 6. Sparking Creativity Let your child's imagination run wild when taking selfies. They can experiment with funny faces, different angles, and even costumes. It's a creative outlet that can be a lot of fun, and who knows, you might discover a budding photographer in your family! 7. Online Safety Teaching your children about online safety is crucial in today's digital world. By guiding them in taking kid-friendly selfies and being selective about what they share, you're helping them develop a healthy online presence and protect their privacy. Encourage little selfies! Kid selfies are a delightful way to embrace the digital age while nurturing your child's self-esteem, creativity, and healthy dental habits. As your pediatric dentist in Tampa and Bradenton, we wholeheartedly support this trend, provided it's done safely and responsibly. So, grab your smartphone, encourage those big, beautiful smiles, and start capturing those memorable moments with your little ones! Is your child ready for his or her next appointment? Schedule an appointment... --- - Published: 2023-10-25 - Modified: 2023-10-26 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/plaque-is-ever-present/ Helping your child maintain their oral health is a top priority! One common villain in this ongoing battle is dental plaque. Plaque is like a stealthy intruder that's always present, just waiting for an opportunity to wreak havoc in your child's mouth. Let's explore what plaque is, why it's a concern, and how you can keep your little one's teeth healthy and clean. What is plaque? Plaque is the soft, sticky film that covers the teeth and eventually becomes tartar. It's made up of bacteria and micro food particles that begin to release acids that wear down the enamel, the outer covering of the teeth. Around four hours after brushing your teeth, plaque starts to form. Plaque thrives on the sugars and starches found in the food and drinks, like candy, cookies, soda, and starchy foods such as bread and crackers. When these sugars aren't properly removed through brushing, they serve as a food source for the bacteria, leading to the production of harmful acids that can erode tooth enamel. When plaque is left on teeth, tartar forms. Tartar is a hard, crusty deposit that only a dental professional can remove. Why is plaque bad? Why is plaque such a concern? Here are some key reasons: 1. Tooth Decay: When plaque isn't removed, it can lead to tooth decay (cavities). 2. Gum Issues: Plaque buildup can irritate the gums, causing inflammation and gingivitis. For children, this might lead to discomfort, reluctance to brush their teeth, and gum disease! 3. Bad Breath: The bacteria in plaque can release unpleasant odors, resulting in bad breath. As kids grow, self-esteem becomes crucial, and bad breath can be a confidence-killer. Bad breath also indicates that bacteria is abundant and wreaking havoc on their smile! 4. Long-term Health Effects: Over time, plaque buildup can lead to more serious issues, including: cavities, gum disease, tooth infection (abscessed teeth) and tooth loss. All of these conditions would require more extensive dental work! How to prevent plaque buildup Dr. Frank Sierra advises that parents help their children to maintain healthy teeth by: Visiting us for check-ups and cleanings twice a year. Brushing and flossing at least twice a day. Spending two minutes brushing and flossing each time. Here are a few more tips to help your child prevent plaque buildup before it leads to more serious issues: 1. Start Early: Begin oral care routines early. Even before the first tooth erupts, clean your baby's gums with a soft, damp cloth. Once teeth come in, use a small, soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean them. 2. Use the Right Toothpaste: Choose fluoride toothpaste once your child is old enough to spit it out (usually around age 2). Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. 3. Teach Proper Brushing Techniques: As your child grows, teach them how to brush their teeth correctly. Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and make sure they brush for at least two minutes. 4. Limit Sugary Snacks and Drinks: Reducing sugary snacks and beverages in... --- - Published: 2023-10-10 - Modified: 2024-01-10 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/thumbsucking-vs-pacifier-which-is-better-for-kids-teeth/ As your teething baby happily sucks away on their favorite pacifier, it’s a source of relief for both you as a parent and your baby. But you may start to wonder what effects will the pacifier have on their teeth? Should you start encouraging them to use their thumb as a pacifier instead? Which one is better for their developing teeth? Our Kids Smiles Team is here to help! Let’s start the great debate on pacifier vs thumb: the best habit for growing smiles. Is thumb sucking bad? Thumb sucking is a natural habit for infants and toddlers. In fact, you may have even seen an ultrasound from one of your babies or friend’s babies sucking their thumb in the womb. This is what the Mayo Clinic calls “a natural rooting and sucking reflex”. It’s how babies know to seek substance from breast milk or formula through this instinctual urge to suck. While thumb sucking provides a self-soothing method for your baby too, it eventually becomes a question our Kids Smiles Team is asked a lot during regular dental check-ups... ”is thumb sucking bad for their teeth? ” Thumb sucking is only “bad” in the sense of the intensity and duration of your child’s habit. As prolonged and vigorous thumb sucking leads to dental issues such as open bite, cross bite, palate changes, and even gum recession in some rare cases. This is because your child’s thumb sucking puts their jaws in a less than ideal position for proper growth and development and the sucking exerts force on their teeth, causing unhealthy tooth movement. Is what they say about pacifier teeth true? Pacifiers have been the “go-to” tools for moms to use for fussy babies for over a 100 years! And with that comes valuable data and studies that show how pacifiers have affected children across generations, including how it affects developing teeth. If you’ve heard the term “pacifier teeth” before, you’re familiar with how kids can develop the same dental issues we mentioned earlier with thumb sucking. While this is true, it’s important to understand the full details behind the cause and the most important factor in all these cases of kids with pacifier teeth is age. At what age does a pacifier affect teeth? Children who continue to suck on a pacifier past age 5 are at risk of developing a number of different dental conditions. The same applies to thumb sucking as well! The main problem with pacifier use and thumb sucking into the childhood years is when the permanent teeth begin to erupt. Continuing these habits while the permanent teeth are emerging can have a significant impact on how they develop. Thumb vs. pacifier: the bottom line Thumb sucking and pacifier use can be an important part of your child’s early development, but when it comes to their dental health, using a pacifier can be a gentler option for little teeth. If you find your child favors thumb sucking over a pacifier, that’s ok too! Every... --- - Published: 2023-09-26 - Modified: 2024-10-24 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/how-to-make-brushing-teeth-and-flossing-fun-for-toddlers-kids/ Hey there no-cavity club warriors! Your Kids Smiles Team knows that parents and kiddos alike work-hard together to keep their teeth bright and white and free of plaque. But sometimes you can meet some resistance on getting those pearly whites clean, in the form of crying, yelling, or just outright refusal. But don’t worry, our pediatric dentists in Tampa are here with the tips and tricks to help make your child’s oral hygiene routine a fun time for all. 1. Toddler-Friendly Techniques First let’s talk toddlers! From 1 year olds to 2 years old, your toddler will start to show defiant behavior and want to do things themselves, it’s all part of healthy development. But that can mean that brushing and flossing time becomes a little different, maybe your toddler refuses to brush their teeth or they prefer to do it independently and get frustrated when you try to help. One great strategy to try with your toddler is to encourage their independence through play. For example, make their toothbrushing a safari adventure! Get a colorful toothbrush, explain you’re going on a safari so they can find an animal and brush their teeth. Encourage them to find their favorite stuffed animal and bring it back to the safari clinic so they can brush the germs/sugar bugs off their teeth and help them stay safe in the wild. Have them “brush” their stuffy’s teeth first as this creates a fun and positive experience before having them brush their own teeth. Be sure you’re standing with them and offer assistance with their technique as the “animal” hygienist (and with your own child’s brushing). 2. Make toothbrushing into a story If your 7 year old refuses to brush teeth, make their oral hygiene routine like an interactive story! This is a great strategy to help foster their imagination and inquisitive mind. Here’s a fun story that parents like you can try out for your kiddo: "Mr. Toothbrush" and "Miss Floss" are the superheroes of oral hygiene who need assistance from your child (have them make up a superhero name for themselves). Their mission is to clean up "Sugar Bug Castle" and save the “Kingdom (or Queendom) of Smiles”! You can use silly phrases to describe how a toothbrush cleans their teeth. Announcements such as "Fear not, Miss Floss! With my mighty scrubbing powers, I'll scrub away the stickiness from the castle walls! " and for Miss Floss you could use “And with my minty threads, I'll floss away the Sugar Bugs from every nook and cranny”! Let your child interject and encourage their replies as you paint them to be the heroes of this story as they wield their toothbrush and floss to save the day. 3. Play some music Music is a great way to make brushing and flossing fun! Studies have been done that show music boosts your concentration and helps reduce anxiety. You can have your child pick out a 2 minute song or create their own “toothbrushing” playlist or... --- - Published: 2023-08-17 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/thumb-sucking-when-to-be-concerned/ Sucking is a normal baby reflex! It helps babies and toddlers feel secure and happy, and helps them learn about their world and their developing teeth. Thumb sucking is also soothing, and helps to induce sleep or calms the child when separated from their parents or when placed in a stressful situation. So, when should thumb-sucking stop naturally? Or when is it time to intervene? Is it harmful for your child to continue thumb-sucking after the recommended time? How do you help them stop this habit? Here's everything you need to know! When to stop thumb sucking Our highly experienced dentist, Dr. Frank Sierra, shares, “The American Dental Association (ADA)" recommends that children be encouraged to stop their thumb sucking habits by age four. The continuation of vigorous thumb sucking can lead to changes in the palate and teeth alignment. Proper bite is important for the adult teeth which are set to replace the baby teeth. ” Usually the child will begin to change and cease their thumb sucking habits with gentle encouragement from their family and peers. There are some tips that can help the situation. Is thumb-sucking bad? Thumb-sucking is not "bad" and it certainly has an important role in your child's development. However, when children continue to suck their thumbs after age four, this habit starts to impact the alignment of teeth, as well as the jaw bone formation. As your little one's teeth and mouth are growing, thumb-sucking can push their teeth out of place or change the shape of their mouth. This could lead to problems like an overbite, protruding front teeth, or gaps between teeth. If this happens to your child's teeth, he or she will likely need orthodontic treatment to align their teeth. It's ideal to help your child break the thumb-sucking habit before it takes a toll on their teeth! Thumb-Sucking Treatment: Ways to Help Your Child Quit Thumb Sucking So now you know why it's important to break this habit, but how do you go about it? Here are 5 ways to discourage your child from thumb sucking: Give praise when your child doesn’t suck their thumb. Being positive and reassuring is very important and goes a long way! Take notice when your child sucks their thumb and look for ways to distract them. Make it a game! Say, "let's see how long you can go without sucking your thumb! If you make it through the rest of the day, you'll be rewarded with . " If your child sucks their thumb when they feel anxiety, look for ways to alleviate that anxiety and help them self-soothe with beneficial habits. Maybe they take a dance break and bust a move every time they try to suck their thumb, or maybe they take 3 huuuuge breaths when they revert to the habit. Add a bandaid or sock to your child’s hand as a reminder that thumb sucking should be avoided. Note that this technique can potentially cause stress in some children, while... --- - Published: 2023-08-15 - Modified: 2023-08-17 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-foods-and-drinks-damage-tooth-enamel/ At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we not only monitor the growth and development of tiny smiles and physically work to keep them healthy; but, we also strive to educate our parents and patients. Parents and guardians are predominantly responsible for the shopping and preparation of foods and beverages for their children, so it’s important that they know which drinks may cause damage to their little one’s smiles. They also have an even more difficult job - setting the proper example. Let's dive into all-things-enamel. We'll discuss: What is enamel? Can enamel grow back? Which drinks are most harmful to enamel? How do I help my child protect their enamel? What is tooth enamel? Tooth enamel is the outer surface of teeth that serves as a protective barrier for the softer inner layers, especially the dentin. Enamel is super tough, even though it appears smooth and pearly. However, certain bacteria and acids are even stronger than enamel and can start to deteriorate enamel over time! A lot of these harmful acids come are found in beverages, because liquids easily coat the teeth and penetrate between them. A few items like coffee and alcohol are not on the pediatric list, but parents, those drinks can be harmful when left on teeth! Here's a list of liquids that damage tooth enamel: Soft Drinks Sports Drinks Energy Drinks Fruit Juices Sour Candy Citrus and Berries Vinegar Tomato Sauce Is eating ice bad for teeth? Ice alone isn’t dangerous, but children should be taught not to chew ice. Eating ice puts unnecessary pressure on teeth, and can lead to cracks in the enamel. Can enamel grow back? Since tooth enamel doesn't contain living cells, it cannot regenerate or fix itself naturally. Although you can't repair the enamel, you have the power to aid your teeth in remineralization. Remineralization involves replenishing some of the minerals in your enamel, which helps to recover some of the protection it lost! Eating foods rich in calcium, like milk and cheese, and also foods with phosphates, like lean meats, eggs, and nuts can give your enamel the minerals it needs to become strong again. This is why we recommend brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste too! Fluoride helps reinforce the minerals in your enamel, creating stronger teeth. How to strengthen enamel 1. Avoid brushing teeth right after consuming acidic beverages. If your child consumes anything acidic, they should avoid brushing their teeth for at least 30 minutes. Food and drinks containing citric acid, like oranges, grapefruits and lemons, weaken tooth enamel. Brushing too soon after eating them can damage the enamel in its weakened state. 2. Rinse your mouth with water. Rinsing with water is a good practice! After drinking acidic beverages, drink some water and swish it around your mouth to 'unstick' the acids from your teeth. This prevents the acids from doing prolonged damage on your teeth. 3. Don't skip dentist visits! We're here to help your child maintain beautiful, healthy teeth for a lifetime! At his or... --- - Published: 2023-07-15 - Modified: 2023-11-30 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/best-food-choices-for-strengthening-kids-teeth/ Choosing healthy foods is one of the easiest ways for your child to improve their oral and overall health, strengthen their immune system, and live their most confident life! Our bodies need certain nutrients to facilitate proper and healthy cell production and growth. And it all starts with your child’s food choices! So which types of foods can be specific to improving your child’s dental health? Here’s a collection of some of the best food choices for healthy teeth and gums. 1. Leafy Greens Leafy greens are packed with fiber and require more chewing. The extra chewing generates more saliva which neutralizes mouth bacteria. They are also full of nutrients such as Vitamin A, C, E, and K, and phosphorus (a necessary mineral in enamel revitalization). Dark leafy greens also contain an abundance of folic acid which has a number of health benefits including fighting tooth decay. Serving suggestions: 2 cups per serving. 3 to 4 servings a week. Suggested leafy greens: Spinach, romaine lettuce, kale, chard, collard greens, brussel sprouts, and bok choy. 2. Celery Let’s add celery to the mix! This healthy snack contains vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that improve the health of your child’s teeth and gums. Bonus: the fibrous strands help clean food debris and bacteria from your child’s teeth - while also promoting saliva production. So cunch away, kiddos! Serving suggestions: 1-4 stalks per day. Suggested preparation: serve with veggie dip, ranch, or peanut/almond butter. 3. Milk, yogurt, and cheese Milk, yogurt, and cheese are great sources of calcium which is the powerhouse for bones and teeth. In fact, studies have shown that dairy food consumption can help against cavities! Dairy products not only contain bone-fortifying calcium and phosphorus, but a protein called casein. Casein contains every amino acid necessary for your child’s cells to function properly! And it also reduces acid levels in the mouth, Serving suggestions: 3 cups of low-fat or fat-free dairy per day. Suggested dairy products: 1% or fat-free milk; low-fat or fat-free greek yogurt or regular yogurt; Monterey jack cheese, cheddar, Brie, or Camembert. 4. Almonds More fiber, calcium, and protein can be added to your child’s diet with almonds! This crunchy snack also has no sugar and helps scrape off plaque as they chew. So it’s great at deterring the bacteria that causes tooth decay. Serving suggestions: 1 oz per day (about 23 almonds). Suggested preparations: Eat by themselves; add to salads or meals such as stir-fry or asian style dishes. 5. Carrots Vitamin A is a great benefit of carrots, along with their high fiber content which helps generate saliva while snacking - so your child can enjoy a healthy snack and a light teeth cleaning as well! Serving suggestions: 3 medium-sized carrots per day. Suggested preparations: Carrots are a great healthy alternative to chips or candy. Think of munching carrots while watching TV instead of popcorn or as a side to your child’s sandwich! 6. Apples It’s hard to find a more portable and delicious... --- - Published: 2023-07-05 - Modified: 2023-07-05 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/guide-to-healthy-baby-teeth/ When it comes to our little ones, their bright smiles and adorable giggles warm our hearts! As parents, we want to do everything possible to keep our children healthy, including taking care of their precious baby teeth. Maintaining proper dental hygiene from an early age sets the foundation for a lifetime of healthy teeth. In this guide, we'll explore some simple yet effective tips to prevent cavities and keep those pearly whites clean! How to prevent cavities The key to preventing cavities in baby teeth is a combination of healthy eating habits, regular dental care and regular professional cleanings! Sugary snacks and drinks can lead to tooth decay, so it's important to limit your little one’s consumption. Encourage your child to enjoy a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium to help strengthen their teeth. Avoid sugary snacks and sticky candies that can cling to their teeth and cause cavities. Opt for water or milk as their primary drinks, and limit the consumption of sugary beverages. Tip #1: Make snack time fun! Spend some quality time with your little one while you make fun, creative snacks! Try cutting cucumbers into heart shapes, cheese into star shapes, or make ‘ants on a log’ for an exciting, colorful and healthy snack. Tip #2: Consider dental sealants! Dental sealants are a highly-effective precautionary treatment against cavities and tooth decay. These powerful sealants provide an extra layer of protection against cavities, and we can apply them easily and painlessly during your child’s routine cleaning. How to clean baby teeth at home A commitment to brushing and flossing is essential for maintaining clean teeth. For babies and toddlers, gently clean their teeth and gums with a soft cloth or infant toothbrush. As they grow older, transition to a child-sized toothbrush and a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Fluoride helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities. Teach your child to brush their teeth twice a day, reaching all surfaces and paying special attention to the gumline! Tip #3: Make brushing an interactive experience! Make it a fun and interactive experience by using a timer or playing your child’s favorite song to ensure that they brush for the recommended full two minutes. Consider a treasure hunt experience! Hide small, non-edible treats or stickers throughout the bathroom, and let your child know that these treasures can only be discovered after a successful brushing and flossing session. As they clean their teeth, they can imagine themselves as adventurous explorers searching for hidden treasures in their own mouths! Tip #4: Use fun, kid-friendly flossing tools! Introduce your child to the importance of flossing, as soon as they have two teeth that touch. Use floss sticks or kid-friendly flossing tools to make it easier and more fun for your little one. Check out all of the kid-friendly floss options on Amazon! Regular flossing removes plaque and food particles from between the teeth and helps prevent gum disease. Developing this habit early on will serve your child for a lifetime! Show... --- - Published: 2023-07-05 - Modified: 2023-07-17 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-is-a-pulpotomy/ As trusted pediatric dental experts in Tampa Bay and Bradenton, we often see young patients with dental issues that require more advanced procedures than a routine cleaning. One common restorative procedure that we perform is a pulpotomy! Here’s everything you need to know about the pulpotomy procedure, pulpotomy vs. pulpectomy, and more: What is a pulpotomy for baby teeth? A pulpotomy is a dental procedure performed on baby teeth that are decayed (due to cavities) or damaged. When teeth are damaged, the inner layers can become infected. If left untreated, infection in the pulp can spread and cause pain, swelling, and even abscesses (pockets of pus below the gum line). During a pulpotomy procedure, the infected or damaged part of the pulp will be removed, while the healthy parts remain intact. A pulpotomy aims to prevent the spread of infection and preserve the tooth. The pulpotomy procedure To prepare for the pulpotomy procedure, we will first administer local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. Next, we use a dental drill to create a small hole in the top of the tooth to access the pulp chamber. The damaged or infected part of the pulp will be removed, and a medicated material will be placed on the remaining healthy pulp to help protect it and promote healing. Finally, we fill the tooth with a dental filling material to restore its structure and function! Pulpotomy vs. Pulpectomy: What’s the difference? While a pulpotomy removes only the damaged part of the pulp, a pulpectomy is a more extensive procedure that involves removing all of the pulp from the tooth. This procedure is typically performed on adult teeth, as primary teeth will eventually fall out on their own. However, in cases where a baby tooth is severely damaged or infected, a pulpectomy may be necessary to prevent further complications. Compared to a pulpotomy, a pulpectomy is a more invasive procedure that requires additional steps and may require a longer recovery period. Child Pulpotomy vs. Tooth Extraction When a baby tooth is severely damaged or infected, parents may wonder if it would be better to simply have a tooth extraction. While extraction is sometimes necessary, preserving the baby tooth can have several benefits! Baby teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth, helping to guide their proper alignment and eruption. Additionally, early tooth loss can lead to speech and eating problems, and may even cause adjacent teeth to shift out of place. A pulpotomy can help preserve the baby tooth until it naturally falls out, avoiding these potential complications. Our gentle care approach at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry We have extensive training and experience in handling the unique needs and concerns of young patients! We understand that dental procedures can be scary or uncomfortable for children, which is why we take special care to ensure that they are comfortable and relaxed - before, during and after during their pulpotomy procedure. We use child-friendly language and techniques to explain the procedure to children in a... --- - Published: 2023-06-24 - Modified: 2023-09-19 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/teething/ Teething is an exciting milestone as it heralds the approaching milestone of introducing your baby to solid foods. Which may mean longer stretches of sleep are to come (for parents and babies alike). While parents may be elated and surprised that their baby is growing so fast, teething can be a challenging time for all! But don't worry, the Kids Smiles Team is here to provide expert advice on how to soothe a teething baby. What are some baby teething facts? Your baby is teething when their first set of teeth (or primary teeth) break through the gums. This usually begins around 4 to 12 months old, starting with one of the front bottom teeth. The upper front teeth usually follow. The remaining teeth (20 total) will slowly come in until the child is about two and a half years old. Baby teeth help maintain the space for permanent teeth and allow a toddler to: eat a nutritious diet speak properly have a healthy smile What do teething symptoms look like? Your baby may have discomfort during teething, starting before a tooth appears and lasting several days. Common symptoms can be: Irritability and fussiness Restlessness or difficulty sleeping Increased saliva and drooling Desire to chew on anything within reach Swollen, tender gums The 6 best baby teething tips and tricks! When your baby is crying or fussing, your first instinct as a parent is to comfort them and help fulfill their needs. But how can you relieve pain from teething? Here's a few tried and true methods! Simple distractions. Many babies find cuddling, going on a walk outside (or inside around the house), rocking, or simple toys to be a welcome distraction from the discomfort of teething gums. Rub baby’s gums. Use a clean finger or washcloth to massage or rub baby’s irritated gums for 2 minute intervals. Offer a teething aid. A damp washcloth chilled in the fridge, a teething ring, or an infant toothbrush can be great ways for your baby to get some teething relief. Just be sure to keep an eye on them for their safety. Keep it cool. If your baby is already eating solid foods, it may enjoy cold items such as applesauce, pureed fruit, or yogurt. Frozen breastmilk or formula given in a mesh food feeder can also help soothe babies who aren't quite ready for solid foods. Dry the drool. A bib will keep your baby’s face dry and prevent rashes. Keep a clean, dry cloth on hand for wiping drool. Over-the-counter remedies. If your child is over 6 months, you may try an infant acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin). Do not give a baby anything that contains aspirin, and be careful about teething gels that can be rubbed directly on a baby’s gums. Do follow the directions on the package and consult your pharmacist for any assistance. How to soothe a teething baby at night When your baby is teething during the night, parents and babies suffer restlessness. A few tips... --- - Published: 2023-06-15 - Modified: 2023-10-23 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/four-summer-dental-tips-for-parents/ Summer is the season for things to heat up and for time to slow down. Your kids will enjoy their freedom from school, indulge in cool sweet treats, and play to their heart’s content. While school routines may be thrown out the window during this time, it’s important to still keep up with your child’s dental health care routine. Especially considering kids consume 5 times the amount of sugar during the summer! If your child’s routines have been lacking lately, we have just the tips to help you get them back on track and keep their teeth healthy and sparkling again this summer! Here’s the top 5 summer dental tips for kids from your Kids Smiles Team: 1. Brush and floss regularly Start your kiddo back on their strong oral hygiene routine, brushing twice a day at least - preferably after their sugary treats, and flossing each night before bed. You may meet with some resistance so look at our brushing and flossing made fun tips for kids to renew their interest in oral hygiene. 2. Encourage a balanced diet While summer is often prime ice-cream truck time and popsicle eating contests as our kids try to stay cool and energized for all the summertime fun. Kids go for these because they’re a quick, cool option but it’s important to encourage nutritious foods as well. Have them help you prep ready-to-go baggies of their favorite fruits or veggies with grab-and-go dips. Then they’ll have the option of cold healthy snacks too! 3. Attend your child’s regular dental check-ups Add your child’s upcoming dental appointments to your phone calendar, work calendar, and calendar at home (if you don’t have a home calendar, just a note on the fridge will do! ) If you notice a conflict with your schedule or vacation plans, give us a call ASAP so we can accommodate you to the best of our ability. Keeping their regular dental appointments every 6 months is critical to children's teeth care, helping us keep their teeth healthy and bright and detect issues early on. 4. Protect their teeth with a mouthguard Kids enjoy sports activities all summer long! From a little backyard football to structured sports like baseball or basketball. If your kiddo participates in any contact sport, it’s a good idea to get them a mouthguard to help protect their developing craniofacial structures, as dentofacial trauma that occurs under age 18 can have a detrimental impact on dental and craniofacial health. The Kids Smiles team can help recommend a mouthguard type that fits your child’s unique needs. We also offer custom-fit performance mouthguards as well! 5. Be their role model Brush and floss your teeth with your child. They’ll be watching you and you’ll be able to help improve their brushing or flossing skills. When your children see you brushing and flossing regularly, they’re more likely to be interested and adopt your healthy habits. Remember, these are the formative habits that will follow them well into adulthood and promote... --- - Published: 2023-06-10 - Modified: 2023-09-20 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/why-use-laser-procedures/ Parents, we know you want the best for your children and are always thinking of their safety and comfort. You may have heard talk about laser dentistry lately and wanted to learn a little more about what that is and if it's safe for your kiddo. The Kids Smiles Team is always thinking of the safety and comfort of our little patients too and how we can make the dental experience more enjoyable and fun for them. One of the ways we can do so is through the practice of dental laser therapy. So let's dive into the laser dentistry world together! First of all, what is laser dentistry? Laser dentistry is an advanced, stress-free approach to common dental procedures using specialized dental lasers. These FDA-approved lasers use precise beams of light to expertly cut and vaporize bacteria in the teeth and gums. Imagine pain-free dentistry for your children without the sound of the drill, without shots, and without stress. The innovation of laser dentistry creates a positive dental experience for pediatric patients, leading to reduced dental anxiety and less stress for both you and your child. Types of lasers used in dentistry While there are a few different types of dental lasers used, the two most common are... Soft tissue lasers. These lasers are used for treatments that involve the gum, cheek, or other oral soft tissues, such as a tongue-tie or lip-tie revision. Hard tissue lasers. You guessed it! These lasers are used in treating your little one's teeth or supporting bone. We use these in treatments such as fillings or sealants in the name of preserving as much of your child's healthy tooth structure as possible, with very little bleeding and no noisy drills. Kids Smiles is proud to be a pediatric laser dentistry near you which uses the Solea® dental laser - a soft and hard tissue laser! What are some benefits of dental laser treatment? Now let's talk more positives about this gentler form of dentistry for kids. Here are a few benefits to choosing a pediatric dentist who uses dental laser therapy in their treatments. Minimally invasive. Lasers are less invasive than traditional dental techniques, allowing for smaller incisions. Reduced pain and discomfort. A laser avoids many common problems of the high-speed drill from cracks and weakening of your child's teeth due to the vibration and rapid turning of the drill bits. Laser dentistry results in less pain and discomfort during and after your child's procedure. That means less stress for your kiddo and you! Faster recovery time. The laser sterilizes as it cuts, leaving less chance for bacterial contamination. This is especially helpful in pulpotomies where bacteria are the number one cause of failure. Less bleeding. The laser effectively performs numerous soft tissue (gums) procedures with little or no bleeding. The laser gives us a new high-tech tool for many procedures that previously required stitches. No anesthesia is required. Heat and vibration are the causes of most of the pain associated with the... --- - Published: 2023-05-19 - Modified: 2023-06-14 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-to-know-tooth-extractions-kids/ We know that “tooth extractions for kids” can sound pretty intense, so we’re here to demystify the procedure, discuss what to expect during the process, and talk about sedation options available to keep your child calm and comfortable during the appointment! Here’s what you need to know about tooth extractions for children: Reasons for tooth extractions in children There are several reasons why a child may need a tooth extraction. One of the most common reasons is due to severe decay (cavities) or damage/injury to the tooth that can’t be repaired with a filling or crown. (This is why we don’t want you to miss any of your regular exams or cleanings! ) Other reasons children may require a tooth extraction is due to overcrowding (not enough room in the mouth for all teeth to emerge without crowding each other), baby teeth not falling out on their own, and impacted teeth (teeth that can’t push through the gums due to insufficient space or teeth being twisted or tilted). In other cases, a tooth extraction may also be necessary to prepare for orthodontic treatment. What can I expect during the extraction process? At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we follow a “tell, show, do” philosophy to help ensure that your child is comfortable before the procedure. We “tell” first by explaining the process in child-friendly words. We “show” next, by demonstrating what we’ll be doing. Then, we “do” the treatment. At your appointment, we’ll explain in detail what you can expect before, during and after the procedure. The first step is to numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic, so your child won’t feel any pain during the procedure. We know that children can be particularly anxious at the dentist, so we offer sedation options to help keep your little one calm and relaxed. (We’ll discuss sedation further down the page! ) Once the area is numb, we use special instruments to carefully loosen the affected tooth from its socket. In some cases, we may need to make a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth. Once the tooth is loose, we gently remove it from the socket. In most cases, the extraction process is quick and relatively painless. Sedation Dentistry for Children At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that many children feel anxious or fearful about tooth extractions. We want to help your child maintain a positive association with the dentist, which is why we offer several sedation options, including: Nitrous Oxide Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is safe and effective for children of all ages. It works quickly to help your child feel relaxed and at ease, before and during the procedure. The effects of laughing gas wear off quickly after the appointment, so your child will be able to resume their normal activities. Oral Sedation Oral sedation involves giving your child a pill or liquid medication to help them relax before the appointment. Throughout the procedure, your child will still... --- - Published: 2023-05-13 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/healthy-alternatives-to-sweets-for-kids/ Parents, we all know that kids have a natural love for sweets! In fact, you may think back to your childhood when you enjoyed airheads, jolly ranchers, and the pixie stick or two (and maybe you still do). But just like your parents had to be, you are your child’s dental health champions, so it's important to help protect their oral health while satisfying their sweet tooth. But how is it possible? The Kids Smiles Team is here with a treasure trove of healthy alternatives that will keep your kiddo’s smiles free of plaque and shining bright. Let's embark on our journey into the sweet world of healthy candy alternatives! 1. Encourage fruit and veggies instead There’s a reason it’s called “Nature's candy”! Fruit and vegetables are a great way to satisfy your kiddo’s sweet tooth while promoting a healthy smile. What, how? Our instinctual urge for sweets is actually our body’s way of telling us we need more calories. Back in our hunter-gather days, plucking an apple or orange from the tree was a tasty and quick way to do so. Use this spin to encourage your child’s imagination while teaching them about nutrition and how it affects their dental health. You can help them “hunt” for snacks in the kitchen while explaining how fiber and vitamins help their body and teeth grow strong. Here’s a few healthy candy alternatives using fruit and vegetables: Strawberries Apples Watermelon Bell peppers Carrots Cucumbers Note: Slice up these fruits and serve with vanilla yogurt for a dipping treat. Hummus or a homemade veggie dip can be paired with their veggies too! 2. Try offering them a yogurt parfait Your kid doesn’t feel like dipping or is craving a more filling snack? Throw their favorite fruits into a bowl of yogurt and top it with crushed nuts. This is a great way to incorporate vitamins, fiber, and protein into your kiddo’s diet. Plus they just might like layering and adding their own flair to it. 3. Nuts and chocolatey goodness Speaking of nuts... these can be good healthy snack alternatives to sweets! Break out your container of mixed nuts and bags of raisins or craisins for your child to create their very own snack container. If they want more sweet to their nut mix, encourage them to add dark chocolate chips to the mix as well! These will not only satisfy their sweet tooth but help your child get healthy fats, nutrients, and antioxidants into their diet. If your child gets bored of these, offer to help them make “turtles” using nuts, raisins, and drizzled dark chocolate! 4. Cool off with frozen treats Sometimes situations call for a cooler snack (especially in Florida). You can blend up their favorite fruits and pour the mixture into popsicle molds for a nice frozen treat to enjoy later. If your kiddo isn’t an ice pop fan, add a little yogurt to the blended fruit mixture and offer them a smoothie. Still have questions about healthy alternatives... --- - Published: 2023-04-17 - Modified: 2023-04-25 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/how-teeth-develop/ If you have a child, you may be curious about the process of how your little one’s teeth develop, which stages your child’s smile goes through, and how teeth break through the gums. We’re here to give you some insight! At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we love educating parents and helping young children achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Let’s dive into the unique stages of tooth eruption: Stages of tooth eruption Understanding the different stages of tooth eruption can help you and your child develop positive oral hygiene habits that support a lifetime of beautiful smiles! Stage 1: Baby teeth emerge During the first stage of smile development, baby teeth erupt through the gums! This process can be uncomfortable for your little one, and he or she will likely feel some pain or tenderness in the gums. We call this ‘teething’ as their mouth is making space for new teeth. These tiny teeth usually come in pairs, with the two bottom front teeth appearing first, followed by the two top front teeth, and then the molars at the back of the mouth. Girls’ teeth tend to emerge before boys’ teeth! By the time your little one is 3 years old, he or she should have a full set of baby teeth, including 20 teeth in total. Stage 2: Permanent teeth emerge As children grow, their baby teeth start to fall out to make way for your permanent teeth. How do teeth grow through gums? Permanent teeth form underneath baby teeth, and as the roots of the baby teeth dissolve, the adult teeth push their way up and through the gums. When do permanent teeth form? This process usually starts when they’re about 6 years old, and it can continue until they’re about 12 years old. First, the molars will come in at the back of the mouth, followed by the front teeth. Your teen will have a total of 32 adult teeth when the permanent teeth are done emerging! Stage 3: Final growth and formation Your child’s permanent teeth will continue to grow and develop until he or she is about 17-21 years old. Third molars (wisdom teeth) generally come in between the ages of 17 and 21. After the wisdom teeth emerge, your child will have their full set of adult teeth! Are babies born with all teeth in their skull? No, babies are not born with all of their teeth in their skull. They’re only born with a full set of baby teeth in the gums. The permanent teeth start to develop in the jaws at birth and continue to develop after your child is born. How to protect teeth through the years From your child’s first tooth erupting, to their last tooth developing, it’s important that they develop strong dental hygiene habits and commit to protecting their teeth in the long run! Cavities (tooth decay), gum disease, and tooth loss due to decay or damage are all preventable. Work with your child to come up... --- - Published: 2023-04-14 - Modified: 2023-04-25 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/top-5-worst-habits-for-childs-dental-health/ Dental health is an important part of overall health. After all, everything we need and drink to fuel our bodies comes through the mouth! By instilling good habits early on, you as parents can set the foundation for a lifetime of bright, healthy smiles. Unfortunately, there’s also bad habits that can have a big impact on dental health, especially for children who are still developing their oral hygiene routines. Here’s the 5 worst habits for kids' dental health. 1. Nail-biting Many parents may be familiar with this one! If you’ve been catching your child nibbling away or their nails, it affects more than just the appearance of their nails. Fingernails and toenails are made of hardened keratin. When your child chews and bites off their nails, they’re forcing their teeth to bite through a hardened substance, causing unnecessary wear and tear to their enamel. Over time this can lead to chips and cracks in their teeth. Also take into account that your child’s dentofacial structures are growing and developing along with the rest of their body. By biting their nails, they’re also encouraging tooth movement which can lead to gaps and malocclusions. How to discourage nail-biting: First and foremost, parents need to discover what’s triggering their nail-biting habit. Many children can be stressed, anxious, or just plain bored. Once the trigger behind the behavior is found, you can teach them breathing techniques, exercises, or offer them a stress ball or fidget toy. If these methods don’t work for your child, talk to your child’s pediatrician for more guidance. 2. Thumb-sucking Much like nail-biting habits, thumb-sucking can lead to problems with your child's teeth, including - gapped teeth, overjet, or protruding teeth. And the reason behind their thumb-sucking habit is similar as well. Babies have natural rooting and sucking reflexes that follow them into toddlerhood. And just like babies sometimes nurse for comfort, your child is keeping themselves calm by sucking their thumb. This habit doesn’t pose a threat to your child’s oral health until after age 4 as their permanent teeth will soon begin emerging. You can find ways to discourage thumb-sucking at this age in this blog here. 3. Not brushing and flossing every day The most obvious and most important habit that can harm dental health is not brushing or flossing regularly! Having a strong oral hygiene routine in place for your child is critical for removing food particles and plaque (which keeps their teeth clean and healthy! ) Children who skip brushing and flossing are more likely to have cavities and are at a risk of developing gum disease, which can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss. If you need tips on best tooth brushing techniques or advice on how to encourage your child to floss, we’ve got you covered! Feel free to explore our “#DentalHealth” tab on our blog or check out our Dental Health page for more pro dental tips. 4. High-sugar diet Sugary foods and drinks can be a serious threat to your... --- - Published: 2023-03-31 - Modified: 2023-04-25 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/should-you-brush-your-childs-tongue/ In your child’s oral hygiene routine, you likely focus on brushing and flossing their teeth or supervising them brushing and flossing. But what about their tongue? Is there any benefit to brushing your child’s tongue? Here’s everything you need to know about this great oral hygiene tip. We’ll discuss the benefits of cleaning your child’s tongue and how to use tongue scrapers for a beautiful, healthy smile! Bad bacteria Vs. Good bacteria For the most part, bacteria in our mouths is normal and we have about 20 billion bacteria in our mouths at any moment. These bacteria reproduce every five hours; if your little or teen doesn’t brush their teeth for 24 hours, those 20 billion bacteria multiply to 100 billion bacteria! A lot of these bacteria are “good” and beneficial for defending their teeth and gums, freshening their breath and aiding the digestive process. “Scientists have identified more than 700 different species of oral bacteria that live in the mouth and make up oral microbiome. ” However, there are also “bad” bacteria that do just the opposite: cause bad breath and foul odors, cavities, gum disease, heart disease, and other diseases in the body. Needless to say, minimizing the “bad” bacteria and keeping a clean mouth is essential for maintaining a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the mouth to prevent disease. Cleaning your child’s tongue can play a major part in helping your child achieve and maintain a beautiful smile that lasts a lifetime! Top 3 benefits of brushing your child’s tongue 1. Cleaning your child’s tongue removes bacteria Bacteria flourish between taste buds and within the crevices of the tongue. Cleaning your child’s tongue helps to remove additional bacteria that you (or they) may be missing during their daily brushing routine. Studies published in the National Library of Medicine have shown that tongue scrapers (we’ll get to these in a minute) can reduce bacteria by 75%, while using only a toothbrush reduces bacteria in the mouth by 45%. That’s a significant 30% difference in bacteria, just from using a tongue cleaning tool! Helping to reduce bacteria in your child’s mouth will help prevent bad breath and bad tastes in the mouth, as well as prevent gum disease, cavities and associated health conditions. 2. Cleaning your child’s tongue supports better digestion The food digestion process begins in the mouth, where our saliva has specialized enzymes that break down food and make it easy for the stomach and intestines to digest food. Cleaning your child’s tongue first thing in the morning can help to activate those digestive enzymes, promoting happy digestion throughout the day! This can help keep tummy aches at bay, give them more energy throughout their day, and help them maintain a healthy weight. 3. Cleaning your child’s tongue helps them learn the importance of oral health Cleaning your 5 year old’s tongue (or a child at any age) gives you another way to encourage proper oral hygiene and gives your child a better understanding of the... --- - Published: 2023-03-20 - Modified: 2025-05-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-happens-at-kids-dental-appointments/ Hey parents! We know you work hard to provide the best possible care for your children, including helping them care properly for their teeth and gums. While our pediatric experts know you do your best at home, it’s important to remember that regular dental check ups also play a crucial role in preventing cavities and keeping your child’s smile healthy and bright! But if you’re new to Kids Smiles, you may be wondering what exactly happens during your child's dental check-ups? Join us as we explore the ins and outs of these appointments, from your child’s first visit to subsequent check-ups, ensuring you're well-informed and ready to support your child's dental health. Is the first dental visit age 2 or 3? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit around the age of 1 or within six months after their first tooth erupts. This is a great way to learn about caring for your child’s developing teeth and how you can comfort them during the teething stages. Our team also performs a professional teeth cleaning suitable for their age and checks for any lip-tie or tongue-tie concerns during these exams. From there, your child should visit us for a dental check-up every 6 months to receive a thorough teeth cleaning, help us detect any development or growth concerns with their teeth, and help get your child familiar and excited about the dentist! What can I expect during these dental check ups? A comprehensive dental check-up as most adults are familiar with typically takes place around the age of 2 or 3 when your child has a full or near full set of primary teeth. These visits will focus on giving your child a dental home, regular cleanings and exams, and x-rays if needed. 1. Welcoming, playful environment Our Kids Smiles offices are all about fun! Because children learn best through play, our team is dedicated to maintaining a positive and playful environment where your child can feel comfortable and learn about the importance of caring for their teeth. Our waiting areas may feature under-the-sea murals, cool colors, or game rooms with books, toys, and/or arcade games. The Kids Smiles Dental Team are also all trained and experienced in working with children from ages birth to 18 years old. 2. X-rays (if necessary) Depending on your child's age and dental maturity and history, our technicians may take digital dental X-rays. These x-rays will provide our pediatric dentists with a detailed view of your child’s teeth and jaw, allowing them to detect dental problems which are difficult to see during an exam, such as cavities between the teeth or impacted teeth. Our Kids Smiles Team uses only low-radiation x-rays which conform to ALARA (As low as reasonably achievable) standards and provide protective equipment such as lead aprons. 3. Dental cleaning After getting a quick bitewing x-ray, one of our friendly dental hygienists will perform a professional teeth cleaning. Your child can choose from 2 kinds of... --- - Published: 2023-02-10 - Modified: 2023-03-17 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/february-is-national-childrens-dental-health-month/ Happy National Children’s Dental Health Month, parents and kids! The ADA has named this year’s theme “Brush, Floss, Smile! ” in honor of building a strong oral hygiene routine for your child. So parents, give yourselves a pat on the back for helping your child develop healthy oral hygiene habits. We know it isn’t always easy, but we like to think that seeing your child’s bright, healthy smile is worth it. Every February is a great time for dentists, parents, and kids to come together and learn simple techniques to care for your teeth and gums. So let’s talk about why oral hygiene (regular brushing and flossing) is so important for growing smiles. Why is brushing kids teeth important? Making sure your child’s teeth are brushed twice a day for 2 minutes each is incredibly important! Regular tooth brushing helps remove stubborn food debris and plaque-causing bacteria. And baby teeth just like adult teeth are susceptible to tooth decay. Why brush my kid’s teeth twice a day? Plaque is a sticky substance that forms when food particles come into contact with saliva. As your child eats and drinks throughout the day, plaque will accumulate build-up on their teeth and create acids that attack your child’s tooth enamel. Fighting plaque is a constant battle as your body requires 3 meals a day with snacks in between (not to mention if your child drinks milk, juice, or anything other than water as well). Plaque even forms while your child sleeps, this is when our mouths produce twice as much bacteria! But plaque can be easily removed with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. This is why it’s so important to brush twice a day! Depending on their age and capabilities, you may help brush your child’s teeth or supervise their brushing. Having a timer or their favorite song playing can help a lot of kids get excited about brushing their teeth. If you need some pro tips on the best tooth brushing techniques or how to make brushing fun, our Kids Smiles Team is here to help! The importance of fluoride toothpaste The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), American Dental Association (ADA), and the Center for Disease Control (CDC), all recommend that your child begins using fluoride toothpaste at age 2. This is because fluoride holds a number of powerful benefits for dental health! Fluoride benefits include: Remineralizes teeth: Fluoride treatment helps remineralize teeth by strengthening the building blocks in teeth and making them more resistant to mineral loss. Prevents cavities: Fluoride strengthens teeth to prevent decay and cavities and can even reverse smaller cavities. Low concentrations of fluoride are added to our drinking water in certain areas around the world, because studies have shown fluoride in drinking water to reduce cavities by 40% to 60%. Preserves enamel: Over time, tooth enamel is damaged by bacterias that develop from acids in sugary drinks like sodas and fruit juices, and acidic drinks like coffee. Fluoride can help... --- - Published: 2023-01-05 - Modified: 2023-02-07 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/can-kids-use-charcoal-toothpaste/ Charcoal toothpaste has become more popular lately, with well-known brands like Colgate, Crest, Hello and Burt's Bees entering the charcoal toothpaste market. Is charcoal toothpaste as effective as these brands claim? Is this trend worth the try? Is it safe for kids? Spoiler alert: Children should not use charcoal toothpaste! We’ll explain why. Here’s everything you need to know to make the best decision for you or your child’s smile. What is charcoal toothpaste? Charcoal toothpaste uses activated charcoal, which is a fine-grain powder made from wood, coconut shells, and other natural substances. Activated charcoal is highly absorbent, acting like a sponge, and is claimed to pull out toxins and lift stains from the enamel (the surface layer of the teeth). Is charcoal bad for your teeth? Charcoal toothpaste is not advised for children, teens or adults. Charcoal is abrasive, and over time, it can wear down your enamel. While charcoal toothpaste may appear to remove surface stains in the short run, it can cause your teeth to yellow over time and become more sensitive as it damages your enamel. Your enamel has the critical responsibility of protecting the sensitive inner layers of your teeth. It protects your teeth from damage due to chewing, biting and grinding teeth. Enamel does not grow back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone. Preserving your enamel by avoiding abrasive materials and minimizing contact with sugary acids is key - even with baby teeth! The American Dental Association (ADA) does not currently approve of any toothpastes with activated charcoal. Our experts at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry do not recommend that you or your child use charcoal toothpaste, or any other abrasive ingredients, on your teeth. Is a charcoal toothbrush safe? A charcoal toothbrush is a toothbrush that has bristles infused with activated charcoal. These bristles are typically attached to a wooden/bamboo handle. Charcoal bristles are believed to absorb bacteria and help prevent bad breath. However, like charcoal toothpaste, charcoal toothbrush bristles are abrasive and damaging to tooth enamel. Charcoal toothbrushes do not have the ADA’s seal of acceptance and therefore are not safe to use. Is charcoal mouthwash safe? Based on a study published in the National Library of Medicine, “There is insufficient evidence to substantiate the therapeutic and cosmetic marketing claims of charcoal-based mouthwashes, including antimicrobial activity, anti-halitosis, tooth whitening, periodontal disease control, caries reduction and tooth remineralisation, among others. ” In other words, there is not enough evidence to prove that charcoal-based mouthwashes provide any benefits for neither cosmetics nor health. Charcoal mouthwash is therefore unnecessary and potentially damaging to enamel. Try a mouthwash that has been approved by the ADA instead! Is charcoal floss safe? Like charcoal toothpaste and charcoal mouthwash, using charcoal floss is a gamble. Charcoal particles can wear down enamel and make you more susceptible to tooth decay (cavities) and sensitivity. Use one of these flosses with the ADA seal of acceptance instead! Are there any safe whitening toothpaste options? The ADA has approved a few whitening toothpastes, including Burt's... --- - Published: 2022-12-28 - Modified: 2023-02-07 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/stages-of-teething/ When a baby starts teething, this can be a difficult time for parents! Your little one is going through the monumental process of growing new teeth, and you aren’t too sure what’s happening below the gum surface. Your friends at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry are here to help guide you through your baby’s dental milestones to make the process as smooth as possible for both you and baby. It's important to understand what to expect and how to best support your baby throughout the teething process. Here are the 5 stages of teething: How long does teething last? Teething typically begins around 6 months of age and can last up to 3 years. However, teething is not a continuous process. Your baby will only experience teething symptoms for about a week at a time as teeth are actively erupting. Signs of teething include sore or red gums, a mild temperature increase, dribbling and drooling, gnawing and chewing on things, and potential irritability. How long do teething symptoms last before teeth appear? You may notice teething symptoms months before any teeth start to emerge. The first stage of teething occurs from birth to about 6 months, before any teeth are nearing the surface of the gums. Around 6 months, the first teeth start to emerge and teething symptoms become more noticeable. Teething stages Stage 1 (0-6 months) This is the stage before teeth start to erupt through the gums. Babies have all 20 teeth located in the jawbone, beneath the gums. These primary teeth growing to the surface are called “milk teeth”, because during this time, the baby’s diet is primarily milk from mom. During stage 1, you can help your baby adjust to the teething process by gently massaging her or her gums with a clean finger or damp washcloth. Stage 2 (6-8 months) This is when the first teeth (incisors) start to erupt. As the teeth start applying pressure directly on the gums, this can cause your baby to chew objects, chew his or her hands, and express irritation. During stage 2, when your baby is teething at 8 months, you can help relieve your baby’s discomfort by providing a teething ring made of non-toxic, hard rubber. Remember, your baby’s first dentist visit should be scheduled within 6 months of his or her first tooth appearing. At this visit, we’ll start monitoring your child’s growth and development and create a prevention plan to avoid potential dental problems. Stage 3 (10-14 months) As the primary molars start to emerge and break through the gums, your child may start to drool, become fussier and lose their appetite. They can also become more restless and wake up through the night. During stage 3, providing hard, safe-to-eat foods for your baby is ideal. Solid vegetables like cucumbers cut up into tiny pieces can be relieving for your child. Stage 4 (16-22 months) Canine teeth then start to surface, and the same symptoms from stage 4 are felt. Try chilling a washcloth or teething... --- - Published: 2022-12-06 - Modified: 2023-02-07 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/plaque-disclosing-tablets-safe/ If you’ve been looking for a way to help your child improve his or her oral hygiene routine, you may have come across plaque disclosing tablets! Naturally, you’d want to know if these dental tablets are safe for your child to use before you buy them. We have answers! Here’s everything you need to know about plaque disclosing tablets. What are plaque disclosing tablets? Plaque disclosing tablets, or dental disclosing tablets, are tablets that use a special dye to identify remaining plaque in the mouth and show areas that need more attention in your oral hygiene routine. These tablets are intended for temporary use as an educational tool to help children improve their brushing skills. They create a visual representation for children to understand which areas they may be missing with their toothbrush. What is in the plaque disclosing solution? Dental disclosing tablets use a harmless vegetable dye that naturally sticks to plaque. The tablets may be pink or blue, and the darker the stain left behind, the more plaque accumulation in that area. How are disclosing tablets beneficial for oral health? Plaque can be difficult to see before it turns into tartar. Disclosing tablets help you identify areas where plaque may be building up without you knowing. As plaque and tartar build up, this can lead up to cavities and tooth decay, gum disease, yellowing teeth, and bad breath. Ideally, we'd be able to see the areas where plaque is accumulating in order to adjust our oral hygiene routine to reach these areas before those symptoms or conditions appear. This is what the tablets provide! Dental disclosing tablets: How to use them They use a special dye that reacts with plaque to leave a temporary red, blue or purple coloring behind. Here’s how you use them: Your child brushes his or her teeth as they normally would. You break the tablet down into quarters or halves. Your child chews the tablet, lets it mix with saliva and swishes it around the mouth for about 30 seconds. (Read the instructions on the box to be sure. ) Your child spits out the solution. Make sure that they do not swallow it! Assess the areas around the mouth where the pink dye sticks. Work with your child to create a plan that targets these areas with their toothbrush or floss. Who can use plaque disclosing tablets safely? Plaque-disclosing tablets are kid-friendly, however, your child should be old enough to understand not to swallow the solution. Generally speaking, children over the age of 6 can safely benefit from these tablets. Dentaly. org states that the following groups of people can safely benefit from disclosing tablets: Children over the age of 6 who are still learning how to brush thoroughly People with limited manual dexterity Anyone with braces (flossing with braces can be tricky) People with receding gums or gum disease People with certain chronic medical conditions How frequently can you use plaque disclosing tablets? There is no known danger to using plaque... --- - Published: 2022-11-25 - Modified: 2022-12-02 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/can-tooth-enamel-grow-back/ When you understand the role that enamel plays in dental health, you know that it’s worth taking steps to preserve your enamel and maintain strong teeth! If you’ve noticed a loss of enamel in your child’s teeth (or your teeth) and have questions, here’s everything you need to know: What is tooth enamel? Enamel is one of the four dental tissues that make up teeth. Three of our four dental tissues are ‘hard’ tissues, and these include enamel, dentin and cementum. The fourth dental tissue, pulp, is a soft tissue located at the center of a tooth. Hard dental tissues, like enamel, serve as protective layers for the soft inner layer of teeth (pulp), which serves as the nerve center for teeth. The pulp contains nerves, blood vessels and connective tissues. The enamel is the outermost layer of calcified tissue that covers the sensitive inner layer called dentin. Your enamel helps protect the more vulnerable parts of your teeth and is your teeth’s first line of defense against damage and decay. Over time, enamel can start to degrade and deteriorate due to certain habits, such as: Consuming acidic foods and beverages (sodas and candies) Poor oral hygiene routine Teeth grinding and clenching Over-brushing (brushing teeth with too much pressure or force) Once this degradation takes place, can enamel be restored? Does tooth enamel grow back? Because tooth enamel does not consist of living cells, it does not grow back or repair naturally. However, while you cannot repair your enamel, you can help your teeth remineralize. Remineralizing your enamel means restoring some of its minerals to help recoup the loss of your protective enamel. You can help remineralize your teeth with a few healthy habits. Ways to remineralize teeth for enamel repair 1. Use fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral that strengthens enamel and helps to prevent cavities, reverse early stages of gum disease (gingivitis), and protect the teeth against further enamel loss. It’s essentially a vitamin for your teeth! You can find fluoride in ADA-approved toothpastes and mouthwashes. Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and use fluoride mouthwash at least once a day to help repair your enamel. 2. Eat a nutrient-rich diet. Eating a balanced diet filled with nutrients promotes good dental health, gives your enamel the support it needs to remineralize, and provides your saliva with the nutrients it needs to help the enamel remineralize. Your saliva plays a role in your dental health by neutralizing harmful acids and delivering calcium, phosphate and fluoride to the teeth to strengthen dental tissues. Foods that are high in vitamin D, calcium and vitamin K can help restore enamel. Think cheese, milk, yogurt, salmon, tuna, seeds, nuts, avocados, olive oil, carrots and fruits. 3. Be cautious of your sugar intake. Bacteria feed on sugar, so when there is an excess of sugar in the mouth or sugars left in the teeth, this leads to an increase in bacteria growth. Bacteria lead to plaque buildup, and... --- - Published: 2022-10-25 - Modified: 2025-05-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/use-hsa-for-dental/ Spoiler alert: Yes you can! The portion of your child’s dental costs that isn’t covered by your insurance company may be covered by your HSA account. Plus, since HSA money is untaxed, you can get even greater value from your HSA funds than you would from your typical checking or savings account! If you’re wondering “can HSA be used for dental” or searching for an HSA dentist, here’s everything you need to make the best decision for your child’s smile (and your wallet! ) What is HSA or FSA? HSA stands for Health Savings Account, which is a type of savings account that allows you to set money aside (pre-taxed) to be used for qualifying medical expenses. This money can then be withdrawn tax-free and dedicated toward healthcare deductibles, copays or out-of-pocket costs. HSA funds are tax-deductible, tax-deferred and tax-free! Since HSA money goes into your account untaxed and comes out of it untaxed, this allows you to get even greater value from your HSA funds than you would from your typical checking or savings account. An FSA, which stands for Flexible Spending Account, is essentially a less-flexible version of an HSA. For example, FSA funds may not be able to roll over to the next year if benefits aren't used by the end of the year. FSAs are also owned by your employer, whereas HSAs are personal savings accounts. Does HSA cover dental? It sure can! In fact, any dental treatment deemed medically necessary can be considered a qualified expense for your HSA. Most dental expenses are medically necessary and may be covered by your HSA funds. Qualified medical expenses include: Routine exams & cleanings Sealants Fluoride treatments X-rays Tooth extractions Fillings Expenses that aren't qualified for HSA coverage include treatments that aren't medically necessary, like teeth whitening treatments. Do HSA funds roll over to the next year? Yes, unlike FSA accounts, all money in an HSA account rolls over to the next year. If you have a healthcare FSA from your employer that does roll over, you’ll only be able to carry over about $570 from your 2022 contributions to 2023. If you have an FSA, it’s a good idea to use those funds before the year ends in order to receive the maximum benefit! We encourage you to schedule an appointment with the Kids Smiles team to get the treatment process started and make the most out of your 2022 FSA! How do you use HSA for dental? The steps you’ll need to take to apply your HSA funds to your dental costs will depend on your HSA specific provider. However, there are a few common ways to access or redeem your savings. Use your HSA debit card or benefits card. When you open your HSA, you typically receive a debit card attached to your account to access your funds. You can use this benefits card like you would a traditional debit card, but only for healthcare expenses. If you use the HSA debit card method, you... --- - Published: 2022-09-30 - Modified: 2022-10-20 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/talk-to-your-dentist-child-snores/ Being a parent is a tough job! In fact, it’s the hardest job of all. The moment you notice anything out of the ordinary with your child - whether it’s a sudden coughing frenzy, a sequence of sneezes, or abnormally loud snores - it can be pretty troubling. When children are young and unable to communicate their experiences, symptoms like loud snoring can be even more concerning! Your experienced team at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is here to help you find the right solutions for your child. Here’s what you need to know if your teenager is snoring, or your infant or newborn is snoring! What causes snoring? When children snore, this is known as pediatric sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) - a general term to describe breathing difficulties during sleep. There are a number of potential causes behind children snoring, including: Allergies: indoor allergies like pet dander, dust/mold, or outdoor seasonal allergies Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea: lack of oxygen due to narrow or blocked airways Dental conditions that block the airways: like crowded teeth, crooked teeth or narrow palates Enlarged tonsils and adenoids Do enlarged tonsils cause snoring? They certainly can! This is the most common cause of disordered breathing during sleep. Swollen or infected adenoids (glands located in the back of the nasal cavity) can block the airways, making it more difficult to breathe during sleep. Should I be concerned if my child or newborn is snoring? It’s important to diagnose the cause behind snoring in order to determine whether it’s a cause for concern. Newborn or infant snoring If your newborn makes light noisy breathing sounds, this is likely normal! Newborns have smaller nasal passages, which can cause them to make noises while sleeping. Especially if they have a little extra mucus or dryness, this can cause noisy breathing. Please reach out to your pediatrician if you’re concerned about your newborn snoring. Children snoring Light snoring may be normal in children as well. However, if you notice your child snoring loudly with lapses in breathing during sleep, it’s important that you visit your pediatrician as soon as possible. Sleep apnea is a dangerous disorder that restricts oxygen to the brain, so it’s crucial to get this condition diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. You also want to rule out the possibility of other contributing health conditions, like allergies, asthma or enlarged tonsils. Visiting your pediatrician can help to ensure that there aren’t other conditions at play. If you notice your child snoring, please let us know during their next dental check-up. We will examine their dental alignment to help determine whether their teeth or palate is contributing to their snoring. If so, we can help you and your child find the right solution! Teenagers snoring Like children snoring, teenagers snoring may indicate a dental misalignment, a health condition like sleep apnea or allergies, or enlarged tonsils or adenomas. To rule out health conditions, visit your pediatrician or an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist if tonsils are the... --- - Published: 2022-09-22 - Modified: 2025-05-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/back-to-school-tips-dental-hygiene-kids/ It’s that time again! School is back in session and routines are changing for both children and parents. If you’re anxious about getting into the school year flow again, you’re not alone! It’s only natural. Your team here at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry has the pro tips you need to help your child back to school with a confident, healthy smile! 1. Start the school year off with a fresh new toothbrush! Get your child excited about their dental hygiene routine with a cool new toothbrush! It’s advised that you replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months. Children’s toothbrushes often need replacing before adult toothbrushes, since children tend to brush more rigorously. Replacing their toothbrush helps to prevent bacteria that inevitably grows within the bristles over time. Especially if your child has been sick recently or if they store their toothbrush next to their siblings’ toothbrushes, getting a new toothbrush will help them maintain a clean and healthy smile. Plus, picking out a new toothbrush is fun! Check out these ADA-approved kids’ toothbrushes: Spinbrush Kids Battery Powered Toothbrush CVS Health Children's Stripe manual toothbrush RADIUS children’s manual toothbrush quip Kids’ Electric Toothbrush 2. Keep it cool with a refillable water bottle. Have your child bring their coolest water bottle to school. If the budget allows, you could let your child pick out their favorite new water bottle for the year! Water plays an important role in not only dental health and dental hygiene - but mental health too. Drinking water strengthens your teeth and keeps your mouth clean. Drinking water is great for mental health. Studies show that it reduces the risk of anxiety and depression, which is especially important as children grow. Water supports healthy skin and is proven to have a positive effect on skin appearance. It can even prevent acne! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ages 4 to 8 years need at least 5 cups of water a day for proper development. Children older than 8 years need at least 7 to 8 cups of water a day! 3. Don’t take risks with your precious smile! One risk you don’t want to take this school year (or ever) is your child stepping onto the field or court without their mouthguard. Leaving teeth exposed to a ball spiraling toward their face or another player’s elbow is a dangerous, painful, and expensive risk. According to studies published by the American Dental Association, “individuals who do not use mouthguards have more than twice the increased risk of orofacial injury. ” Wearing a mouthguard reduces the chances of dentofacial injuries in collision sports by 27. 6%! A mouthguard protects your child from a potential dental emergency. If you don’t have a mouthguard yet, please give us a call or let our team know at your next appointment and we can help you choose the best one. 4. Don’t miss your child’s regular dental cleanings! Attending regular cleanings and check-ups with our team is an essential part of... --- - Published: 2022-09-12 - Modified: 2022-10-20 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/recommended-tooth-brushing-technique-for-kids/ So you’ve finally got your toddler used to their morning and nightly toothbrush and toothpaste routine. Congratulations! That is a big accomplishment. Now might be the time when you have questions about improving or making changes to your tooth brushing technique for your child. You may be thinking, “am I brushing my child’s teeth the right way? ”. Or maybe your older child needs a refresher on their tooth brushing skills. Our pediatric dental experts are here to help! While you can always ask us to demonstrate our recommended brushing technique in office, you can always refer to this guide to recall a step or to craft fun tooth brushing visuals with your child. Let’s go over the best tooth brushing technique for kids and teens. #1 Recommended tooth brushing technique for children’s teeth The right technique can make all the difference! Not just to improve plaque removal, but also make the process more comfortable for you and your child. Before starting your child’s tooth brushing, get you and your child in a comfortable position for the tooth brushing process. This may be them lying down with you sitting at their head or you both standing up in the bathroom. As the parent, you know your child’s capability best so assist depending on that - but always supervise as most children won’t have the fine motor skills to brush on their own until age 8. Now let’s get ready for a proper brushing technique! Wet your child’s toothbrush and apply the right amount of toothpaste for their age. Most children will need a soft-bristle toothbrush and a pea-size amount of toothpaste, but your child’s dentist will let you know at their regular dental check-up. Brush at a 45-degree angle. This keeps the toothbrush angled at your child’s gum line so you can make sure to remove the plaque that builds near their gums and any trapped food particles. Brush inside surfaces first. This is one of the most commonly missed spots when brushing! Brush on the inside or tongue-side surfaces of your child’s bottom teeth before moving to the top teeth. Don’t forget the chewing surfaces or crowns of their teeth too. Make sure to pay extra attention to your child’s molars as these teeth are most susceptible to cavities due to their pits and fissures, aka the deep grooves of your child’s premolars and molars. Ask them to use their tongue to ensure smoothness. This helps them understand what plaque can feel like and makes sure they get a thorough cleaning! Plaque will have a gritty-feel to it and once all surfaces of your child’s teeth feel smooth, it’s been properly removed. There you have it! Your pediatric dentist’s #1 recommended tooth brushing technique. A few things to keep in mind while you and your child follow these step-by-step instructions: Don’t rush. Use as much time as you need to brush all of their teeth - 2 minutes, twice a day is the standard. Think of this tooth brushing... --- - Published: 2022-09-05 - Modified: 2022-09-06 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/how-to-prevent-baby-bottle-tooth-decay/ Baby teeth are small but mighty! Even though they only hang around for about a decade, baby teeth have fundamental responsibilities as your child learns how to speak, chew and bite, develop healthy oral hygiene habits, and build self-confidence. It’s important that your child’s teeth are clean and strong enough to support them through childhood. Babies’ immune systems are still developing, which makes them more susceptible to bacteria, germs and common childhood diseases, like baby bottle tooth decay. Tooth decay is actually the most common chronic infectious childhood disease (American Academy of Pediatrics). We’re here to help you prevent it! At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we believe that a healthy baby is a happy baby. We’ll work with you to develop healthy oral hygiene habits that support your child for a lifetime. Here’s what you need to know about baby bottle tooth decay: What is bottle rot? Bottle rot, also called baby bottle tooth decay, is a serious childhood disease that develops when a child drinks sugary liquids consistently, over long periods of time. Consistent exposure to sugars encourages bacteria growth in the mouth, leading to an infection in the teeth and gums. Baby bottle tooth decay often progresses unnoticed, because most babies don't show any symptoms at first; however, if left untreated, this disease can cause permanent damage to your child's teeth. How does a child get baby bottle tooth decay? Drinking sugary liquids, such as milk or formula, creates a coating on the teeth that promotes bacterial growth and produces acids. These acids then attack the enamel (protective outer layer of the teeth), leading to cavities and tooth decay. Bottle rot causes include: Feeding your baby for long periods of time. Babies falling asleep with a bottle in their mouth. Bacteria passed from mom, guardian or dad to the infant. (If a parent cleans the pacifier with his or her mouth, or licks the baby’s feeding spoon, this can pass cavity-causing bacteria to the baby. ) Children consume sugary drinks prior to sleeping, which allows the acids to attack the teeth. How can I prevent baby bottle tooth decay? Here are a few tips for preventing baby bottle tooth decay: Keep your baby’s teeth clean, according to American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations: Birth to 12 months: Gently wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, soft washcloth. Once their first tooth emerges, use a very soft baby toothbrush and a bit of ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste (the size of a grain of rice) to gently brush the teeth. 12 to 36 months: Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and ADA-approved fluoride toothpaste, brush your child’s teeth twice daily for two minutes each time. Use a rice-sized toothpaste smear, and be sure to brush after breakfast and before bed. Only use formula, milk, or breast milk in baby bottles. Liquids with high sugar content, like sugar water, juices or soft drinks, can quickly lead to bacteria buildup in the bottle and in your child’s teeth. Don’t allow your child to fall asleep with... --- - Published: 2022-08-28 - Modified: 2022-10-20 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-to-know-nitrous-oxide-pediatric-dental-anxiety/ Does your child experience dental anxiety before appointments? Nitrous oxide, sometimes called “happy gas” or “laughing gas” can be administered to help curb your child’s anxiety without putting them to sleep. At Kids Smiles, we’re proud to be a pediatric dentist providing nitrous oxide to make children feel more comfortable during routine exams or treatments. Ensuring that your child is comfortable, happy and healthy is most important to us! How does nitrous oxide sedation in pediatric dentistry work? Nitrous oxide has a mild sedative effect when administered in small doses. If your child would benefit from nitrous oxide, your experienced Kids Smiles dentist will attach a nose piece to your child to administer the gas. (This doesn’t cover their mouth. ) Your child will be fully awake throughout the procedure or exam! In most cases, children will immediately feel the effects of nitrous oxide and experience a warm, tingly feeling. This often makes children laugh a lot and experience a euphoric sensation. Children then feel relaxed enough to endure the scheduled treatment without anxiety. We will constantly monitor your child’s mild sedation and prompt them to follow simple instructions to demonstrate their consciousness. How long does nitrous oxide last? It can take as little as 5 minutes for the sedation effects to wear off once we stop administering nitrous oxide. As it wears off, your child may feel giggly and a little confused; this is normal. They may not even remember the procedure, which can help prevent future dental anxiety! Our experienced team will continue to monitor your child as they come down from the laughing gas effects. We will ensure that they are safe and healthy following treatment. Some children feel nauseous after laughing gas is administered, but this should go away within an hour or so. If this occurs, keep them hydrated with water and/or soup. If your child vomits twice within the hour following laughing gas, please give us a call and we can advise you on next steps. We use a “tell, show, do” philosophy. At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we follow a “tell, show, do” philosophy to keep you and your child informed every step of the way. Dental anxiety is normal for kids and adults! First, we “tell” by explaining the next step in words that your child understands. Then we “show” them what we will be doing. It may be using an instrument on their finger. Then, we “do” the procedure. We’ve found that this is the best way to earn your child’s trust and minimize anxiety! Our team is led by renowned pediatric dentist Dr. Frank Sierra who has more than 25 years of experience providing compassionate, expert care for children and teens. When you’re with our team, you’re in the most experienced hands. Still have questions about pediatric nitrous oxide? We’re here to answer your questions! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time. Dr. Sierra, Dr. Kwon, Dr. Patel and our team are here to help guide... --- - Published: 2022-07-29 - Modified: 2025-02-12 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/how-to-deal-with-grinding-teeth-bruxism-for-children/ Have you noticed your 4-year-old grinding their teeth while sleeping? Or maybe your 5 or 7-year-old has been waking up with headaches, and you’re wondering whether bruxism is the cause. Either way, if you’re curious about teeth grinding or bruxism, you’re in the right place! Here’s everything you need to know about the causes behind grinding teeth, and how to stop grinding teeth in sleep: What is bruxism? ‘Bruxism’ is the term used to describe grinding or clenching teeth subconsciously. This may occur during the day, during sleep, or day and night. It’s estimated that 3 out of 10 children experience bruxism before age 5. Pinpointing the exact cause of bruxism in children can be difficult, as there are a number of factors that may be at play. Potential causes of bruxism in children include: Pain, potentially due to an earache or teething Misalignment in the teeth and/or jaw bones Dehydration Caffeine consumption Stress due to changes in the environment or within the family Medical conditions, like cerebral palsy Certain types of medications, specifically antipsychotics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors Should I be concerned about my child clenching or grinding their teeth? Oftentimes, children will stop this habit on their own as their teeth continue to develop. It’s important that you try to identify the cause of grinding teeth to rule out stress as a cause and to ensure that there is not an underlying medical condition present. If you aren’t sure what is causing your child’s bruxism habit, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with our experienced team. We have seen many children who clench their teeth or grind their jaws habitually. We can examine your child’s smile and work with you to identify the cause. Children who continue grinding their teeth when permanent teeth are developing (around age 6 or 7) should be seen for an assessment by our team. Please let us know that your child is grinding their teeth when you visit us for their next check-up, and we’ll help you find the right solution! How to Stop a Child Grinding Their Teeth If you’re wondering how to stop grinding teeth in sleep naturally, we have some tips for you! 1. Give your child a teething toy (or DIY toy). If teething (biting down to relieve the sensation of teeth breaking through the gums) is the cause behind your child’s habit, consider giving them a baby teething toy to bite down on, or a damp towel as a DIY teething toy. Biting down on something other than the teeth can help to reduce some of the pressure. 2. Ensure that your child is drinking enough water. Dehydration and/or caffeine consumption can cause clenching and grinding. Support your child in drinking the recommended amount of water each day: Children 1 to 3 years old need about 4 cups of water per day Children 4 to 8 years old need about 5 cups of water per day Children older than 8 years need 7 to 8 cups... --- - Published: 2022-07-21 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/whats-the-best-home-remedy-for-a-toothache/ A toothache offers a unique kind of pain that many adults have low-tolerance for. In fact, about 45% of adults (in this study) say it’s the highest pain possible. Now imagine your child being the one with tooth pain. It will have most parents googling “how to stop tooth pain fast” in record time! You’ll be happy to know there’s a lot of home remedies for toothaches and our pediatric dental experts are here to tell you which ones are safe and effective! Let’s chat about the best ones! The 5 best home remedies for a toothache Now the strongest toothache medicine is diligent dental care! Making sure your child has a strong oral hygiene routine and that they attend their dental check-ups every 6 months, is how best to combat toothaches. But if you and your child find yourselves with a suspected cavity or an unexpected tooth trauma, your sole focus will be on getting your child the help (and the relief) they need! Your first step in helping your child with their toothache is to give our emergency pediatric dentists a call! Our friendly team will be able to help schedule an immediate appointment to help alleviate your child’s toothache. Our dental experts (Dr. Sierra, Dr. Patel, and Dr. Kwon) may also schedule a virtual consultation with you and your child if needed. While you wait for your child’s emergency dental appointment, you can try out these tooth nerve pain relief methods at home. Salt water rinse. Salt offers natural healing properties and is a natural disinfectant. Having your child gargle warm salt water can help dislodge any food particles that may be in the decayed portion of their tooth, irritating their tooth nerve. Simply mix ½ teaspoon of salt with warm water until dissolved. Help your child swish and gargle this in their mouth and spit out. Repeat until the glass is empty. Cold compress. A pack of ice or a pack of frozen peas can offer some relief for your child as well. Apply a wrapped cold compress to the general area of their tooth pain for 15 minutes to numb the area. Be sure to follow the 15-on-15-off rule. Tylenol or Mortin. Over-the-counter pain relievers can go a long way to helping alleviate tooth pain. Especially if your child’s toothache is from a cavity (as this usually means there’s inflammation). Just follow your pediatrician’s recommended dosage by weight. Tea bags. A warm or a cold tea bag can help alleviate tooth pain too! Make sure if you use a warm tea bag, it’s cooled down enough to not burn your child. Depending on their age you can apply the tea bag directly on the affected tooth or press it to the affected area on the outside. Bonus if the tea bag is from peppermint tea as peppermint is an antimicrobial! (This is why most toothpaste is peppermint-flavored! )  Vanilla extract. Now we know what you’re thinking and yes, there are more uses to this baking... --- - Published: 2022-07-18 - Modified: 2022-07-19 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/minimum-age-teeth-whitening-children/ Once your child’s permanent teeth start to emerge, you may notice that they aren’t as bright and white as their baby teeth were! This is due to the fact that the top layer of enamel on baby teeth is thinner and whiter than enamel on adult teeth (American Academy of Pediatrics). If you’re wondering whether you should start whitening your child’s teeth to restore their smile, here’s everything you need to know: Is it safe to whiten my child’s teeth? It’s best to wait until all of the permanent teeth have emerged (around age 14) before considering teeth whitening for your child. Even then, we advise that you try natural methods of whitening teeth, or choose treatments with low bleach content. When there is a mixed dentition of both baby teeth and adult teeth, this tends to make the adult teeth look more yellow in contrast. Once all of the permanent teeth have developed, their smile will appear whiter! If your child is of age to have their teeth whitened and you’re interested in a treatment, please let us know and we can assess your child’s smile to determine whether it’s the best route. What causes teeth discoloration? Discoloration in teeth may be the result of a cavity, trauma or injury, or they can be surface stains from drinking or eating dark colored beverages (like soda and coffee) and artificially-colored food (like candy and popsicles). This is why it’s important that you and your child visit us for regular check-ups and cleanings every 6 months. We want to ensure that the discoloration is not caused by an underlying factor. How to Whiten Teeth Naturally 1. Don’t underestimate the power of your toothbrush, tooth paste, and floss! Discoloration and yellowing in the teeth are often due to negligent oral hygiene. Simply committing to your oral hygiene routine and brushing your teeth after each meal can help restore a healthy smile. Tip: Encourage your child or teen to carry a smile care kit with a travel-sized toothbrush, toothpaste and floss! 2. Make good beverage decisions. It’s a good idea to limit food and beverages that are acidic in nature or artificially-colored. Drinks like sodas, coffee and fruit juices and sports drinks are notorious for staining teeth and damaging enamel. Tip: If your child or teen is craving sweets, encourage them to brush their teeth and/or swish mouthwash after snacking to prevent damage to their teeth. 3. Use whitening treatment sparingly. If brushing and eating smile-friendly foods aren’t sufficient, consider trying any of these ADA-approved whitening strips. If your teen experiences tooth sensitivity or soreness, do not continue using the strips. Whitening toothpaste with fluoride can also help to remove discoloration and surface stains. (Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth by making them more resilient to harmful acids. ) Tip: Try one of these six fluoride whitening toothpastes that are ADA-approved! We can help you make the right decision! When you visit us, please let us know that you’re interested in teeth whitening. We’ll... --- - Published: 2022-06-21 - Modified: 2022-06-21 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/different-types-of-pediatric-fillings/ The most common types of dental fillings used in pediatric dentistry are composite (white) fillings and amalgam (silver) fillings. How do you know which type of filling is best for your child? Here’s everything you need to know about the different types of fillings in pediatric dentistry: What is a dental filling? Dental fillings are used to fill cavities and restore teeth from damage. Cavities form when bacteria builds up on a tooth, causing the enamel (top layer of the tooth) to decay. As the cavity penetrates deeper into the tooth, it develops into a small hole. This is when a dental filling, or cavity filling, is necessary to fill the hole. The tooth also needs to be cleaned to prevent further damage. Cavities that are not filled can lead to a serious infection and cause irreparable damage to the teeth and/or jaw bone. The sooner we can catch a cavity, the easier and more effective treatment will be. (That’s why routine exams with our experienced team are essential! ) Catching cavities early in their development can also prevent nerve damage and painful symptoms. Types of Dental Fillings The two most common types of dental fillings are composite resin fillings and amalgam silver fillings. Composite Fillings Composite fillings are tooth-colored fillings made of plastic materials, glass and resin. They’re the most common type of filling we use for children. Resin fillings are made to imitate the natural appearance of the teeth for a less noticeable appearance than amalgam fillings. Pros: Composite fillings, or white fillings, are almost indistinguishable from surrounding teeth. Composite is a safe and effective dental filling material for children. The material bonds well to teeth, making them strong and less likely to pop out of place. Preserves more of the natural tooth structure. Cons: Composite fillings are more costly than amalgam fillings. Composite fillings take longer to place than amalgam fillings, which can be challenging if young children are not under conscious sedation. Silver Fillings (Amalgam Fillings) Amalgam is a mixture of metals, including silver, tin and mercury. Amalgam fillings are generally strong and durable, but have a noticeable appearance and can make teeth more sensitive. Pros: Amalgam can be placed in most areas that have lost tooth structure, including large cavities. Amalgam is durable and holds up well against biting pressures. Silver fillings are some of the most affordable types of fillings. Cons: Amalgam is silver-colored and therefore noticeable in the mouth. About 50% of the material used in silver fillings is mercury, an element that is toxic to humans. Amalgam can expand and contract, creating cracks over time, and potentially straining teeth. Schedule your child’s next appointment today! We recommend composite fillings for our young patients! If your child needs a tooth filling, we will explain the dental filling process, answer all of your questions and help you make the best decision for your child’s smile and overall health. Our team at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is led by Dr. Frank Sierra, who has more... --- - Published: 2022-05-27 - Modified: 2022-05-31 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/tips-to-ease-child-dentist-fears/ It’s normal for children to feel a bit anxious about their first visit to the dentist. After all, the dentist’s office is a new environment with different sounds, stimulations, unfamiliar people and unfamiliar tools! Kids being scared of the dentist is completely normal and natural - and it probably indicates that you’re doing a good job of teaching your child not to dive headfirst into the unknown. Although, just because it’s normal that your child is afraid of going to the dentist, it doesn’t mean that nothing can be done to make your child more comfortable. There are a number of ways you can help your child conquer their fear of going to the dentist! Here are 5 ways to help ease your child’s dental anxiety: 1. Explain to your child why it’s important that everyone visits the dentist regularly. If your child doesn’t understand why they need to visit the dentist, it’ll be a lot harder to get them to the dentist’s office. Consider showing your child pictures of beautiful, healthy smiles that result from regular care and maintenance. Try to explain to your child that their dentist is on their side! Dentists are here to help children smile with beautiful, clean teeth for a lifetime. 2. Use positive words to explain how the dentist checks and cleans teeth. If you create a positive narrative around dental check-ups, your child is more likely to think the dentist is a positive experience. Try framing the process as a simple check-up, where their dentist ‘counts’ each tooth (not examines) and ‘cleans the sugar’ from each tooth (not scraping or deep cleaning). Using positive words that depict dentist visits as more of an experience than a task can create the idea that the dentist is fun, not scary. 3. Reward your child after their first few dental visits. One of the most effective ways to teach your child how not to be scared of the dentist is by rewarding them after a successful visit. Tell your child ahead of time that a reward awaits them after the dentist’s office! The reward could be a new toy, extra time on the playground, an extra episode of their favorite show or seeing a movie on the weekend. Whatever your child’s motivating factor may be, try rewarding them with it after their dentist visit to create a positive association with the dentist. When the time comes to visit the dentist again, your child’s fear of the dentist may be replaced with excitement for the dentist - because now they know that a successful visit means a reward is coming! 4. Do a mock dentist visit at home! Another way to ease your child’s fear of the dentist is by performing a mock dentist visit at home in your bathroom. Get a little creative and use your imagination to ‘clean’ and ‘check’ your child’s teeth with their toothbrush or the end of a floss stick, so he or she is a little more familiar with the... --- - Published: 2022-04-05 - Modified: 2023-02-14 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/should-i-pull-my-childs-loose-baby-tooth/ Around 6 years old, children start shedding their baby teeth to make way for permanent teeth. This is a huge developmental milestone and a reason to celebrate your child’s growth! As your child’s teeth loosen up, you may wonder if you should help them shed - or let nature decide when it’s time for each one to retire. Your team at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry has the answers for you! Here’s what you need to know about pulling out a loose baby tooth: Should you pull a loose tooth? No, you shouldn’t pull a loose tooth when it first loosens up - as tempting as it may be. When a baby tooth becomes loose, it can be more challenging for your child to eat and speak properly. This may lead you to believe that pulling it out is in your child’s best interest. After all, the old ‘tie floss around your loose tooth and slam the door’ trick is something every child needs to experience, right? As it turns out, pulling loose teeth can actually be harmful - and pretty painful! Teeth may become loose for a number of reasons, not just because they’re ready to shed. If the tooth became loose due to an injury, and you pull it out, this could be painful, cause excessive bleeding, and possibly lead to permanent dental damage. It’s best to let nature run its course and decide when your child’s tooth is ready to come out. While you shouldn’t pull the loose tooth out (until it’s 100% ready), there are ways you can support the process and encourage the loose tooth to shed! How to Get a Loose Tooth Out First, let’s take a look at nature’s process for ejecting baby teeth: The underlying permanent tooth starts to grow, loosening the baby tooth above. The permanent tooth starts to absorb the root of the baby tooth, while pushing the baby tooth upward. About 6 months after the baby tooth loosens up, the permanent tooth will have absorbed the entire baby tooth root. Once the baby tooth has been pushed out of the gums, the gum tissue is the only thing holding it in place. This is when the baby tooth is ready to come out! When the tooth can be twisted nearly 360 degrees, without pain, it’s ready to be removed! This is when you can apply very gentle pressure to try to remove the tooth. If your child is in pain, stop pulling the tooth and try one of these tricks: Have your child bite into an apple. The pressure needed to bite into an apple will likely be enough to pop the tooth out! Your child can try brushing and/or flossing his or her teeth to encourage the tooth to detach too! If your child asks for help removing the tooth, and they’re not experiencing pain, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that you wash your hands, place a paper towel over the tooth, and gently squeeze it. If the... --- - Published: 2022-04-05 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/floss-sticks-encourage-flossing-for-kids/ While 45% of parents say getting their child to floss is challenging, we’ve got a few tricks and tips to help you keep their pearly whites safe from plaque. Giving them the right tools is key to making flossing fun. Then you can apply your expert flossing techniques for them while encouraging them to observe and try. Let’s go over the best way to floss and what flossing tools are safe to use on little smiles. What age should you start to floss your child’s teeth? You may have heard that children should start flossing when two teeth begin to touch. But the truth is that children don’t have the dexterity to properly floss at this age. That’s where you - the parents come in! But what exactly does “two teeth touching” mean? Should you be flossing your 8 month old’s teeth? The answer is no, you shouldn’t be flossing your infant’s teeth! Flossing should start between the ages of 2 and 3. You’ll know it’s time to start flossing your toddler’s teeth once their baby teeth begin to close the gaps between them and the sides touch. One of our pediatric dental specialists (Dr. Sierra, Dr. Patel, or Dr. Kwon) will also let you know when it’s time to start flossing at your child’s bi-annual check-up. 5 best floss sticks for children Floss sticks are a great tool to use to get your child excited about flossing! They’re colorful and the perfect size for little hands and mouths. Some are silly shapes like swirls or animals, others have flavored floss, and most have fluoride-coated floss thread. You can choose whichever one you feel your child will be comfortable with or try out a few different ones to find the perfect fit! To help narrow down your choices, we’ve put together a list of the 5 best floss sticks for kids: DenTek Kids Fun Flossers. These floss sticks are the first and only ADA-approved flossing tools for kids! They effectively remove plaque from your child’s teeth, are colorful, and have a fruit flavor. GUM-897 Crayola Kids' Flossers. These offer a wide sturdy grip, a fluoride-coating, a variety of flavors, and have cool, colorful designs. Plackers Kids Dual Grip Flossers. This one checks all the boxes too! From the makers of the first dental flossers, Plackers flossers for kids offer shred-proof floss and a comfortable dual-grip handle. EcoFrenzy Kids Floss Picks. These strawberry-flavored, giraffe-shaped flossers are also great for establishing healthy dental habits. Bonus - these are dentist recommended and safe for the environment! Firefly Kids Flossers. This brand offers bright-colored flossers that are fluoride and flavor-free. If you find another brand that you think your child will like, give it a try! Fun and comfort are the strongest motivators to help your toddler learn healthy oral habits. How to floss a toddler’s teeth The two most important things to remember when flossing your child’s teeth is to be firm, but gentle as you hug their tooth with floss and be... --- - Published: 2022-03-18 - Modified: 2023-02-14 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/composite-tooth-colored-filling/ If your child or teen has been complaining of tooth pain or tooth sensitivity, you may suspect they have a cavity. Dental caries, or cavities, begin to form when the healthy bacteria in your mouth comes into contact with sugars and starches. Together, they form an acid that begins to break down the enamel of the tooth, creating a small, painful hole in your child’s tooth! To alleviate your child’s pain and save their tooth, our pediatric dentists may recommend a composite filling! But what is a composite filling? And is it safe for your child? Here’s everything you need to know about composite fillings! What is a composite filling? A composite filling goes by many names! “Tooth colored fillings”, “Composite resins”, or simply “white fillings”, they offer a natural appearance to your teeth after cavities. A dental composite filling is made from acrylic resin, an FDA-approved plastic substance created from a mixture of powdered glass quartz, silica, and other ceramic materials. Although not as strong as traditional amalgam (silver) fillings, composite fillings are a safe and effective treatment for cavities! This type of filling is designed to withstand the pressure and stress of chewing so they can be used on any tooth—front or back! How long do composite fillings last? Composite fillings on average last about 7 years. But some can last 10 years or more! Why such a range between the two? Well how long your child’s tooth colored filling lasts relies on a few different factors. Location. The pressure exerted on your child’s teeth is greatest on their posterior teeth, or back teeth. Size. Filling size matters! Smaller fillings tend to last longer because your child has more of their natural tooth structure. Placement Technique. Composite fillings can be tricky to place because they require your child’s affected tooth to stay clean and dry during the procedure. But our pediatric dentists have extensive experience in placing composite fillings so no moisture or bacteria will get into your child’s filling. Diet. Kids with high-sugar diets are at a risk of developing more cavities, even around their composite tooth filling. Encouraging your child to stick to a healthy diet can protect their teeth from further damage and help them fight off cavity-causing bacteria! Your Oral Hygiene Routine. Establishing and maintaining a strong oral hygiene routine for your child is not only essential to protecting their smile from more cavities, but also allows their composite fillings to last longer! Mouth Habits. Teeth grinding, or bruxism can affect the longevity of your child’s composite filling too! Normal chewing forces exerts up to 40 lbs of pressure on your child’s teeth. If they suffer from bruxism, the forces exerted on their teeth can equal hundreds of pounds of pressure. Our pediatric dentists may recommend a mouthguard to help protect your child’s teeth from further damage as well! Advantages and disadvantages of a composite tooth filling A tooth-colored filling doesn’t retract from the brilliance of your child’s smile because it blends in with... --- - Published: 2022-03-11 - Modified: 2024-10-24 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/understanding-dental-sealants-for-kids/ February is National Children’s Dental Health Month! This month is all about raising awareness around the importance of children’s oral hygiene. This year’s National Children’s Dental Health Month theme is: Sealants Make Sense. Dr. Irene Hilton (D. D. S. ), chair of the American Dental Association Council on Advocacy for Access and Prevention says, "Sealants on permanent molars reduce the risk of caries (cavities) by 80%! ” Kids Smiles is joining the ADA and supporting this year’s theme, so we can make more families aware of this cavity-preventing treatment! Here’s everything you need to know about dental sealants for kids: What are sealants for teeth? Sealants on teeth, or dental sealants, are protective seals that cover the chewing surfaces of the molar teeth to keep out plaque and harmful acids, and prevent cavities from forming. With sealants, a dental material is applied to the teeth, typically to fill the indents and pits in the molars, then hardened to create a barrier that prevents teeth from decaying. These pits or ridges in the chewing surfaces of the teeth are most susceptible to cavities, so dental sealants help to fill these spaces and prevent bacteria from reaching softer parts of the teeth. Can you put dental sealants on primary (baby) teeth? Yes! Dental sealants for kids are actually ideal! The earlier children can receive dental sealants, the sooner they’re protected from cavities. Sealing baby teeth is advantageous, as (according to the CDC) 1 in 5 children between the ages of 5 and 11 have at least one untreated cavity. From ages 12 to 19, the risk declines slightly to 1 in 7 kids with untreated cavities. The greatest risk for cavities is present during the child and teen years, which is why dental sealants are most common in younger patients! How are kids’ dental sealants applied? The process is quick, painless, and simple! It only takes a few minutes to apply dental sealants for kids. Here’s how it works: The dentist cleans and dries your child’s tooth. We place a dental gel on the chewing surfaces of the teeth, to prepare them for the sealant. We let the gel sit, then rinse it off. We dry the tooth. We apply liquid plastic/resin material in the grooves of teeth. We use a special blue light to harden the resin. The resin forms a dental sealant! How long do dental sealants last? Dental sealants can last several years before they need to be reapplied! Studies have shown dental sealants to last up to 9 years after placement. It’s important to know that sealants can fall off, which would make your child’s teeth vulnerable to cavities. Your child’s dentist will check on his or her sealants at each routine appointment to ensure that they’re still in place. Should my child get dental sealants? It’s a great idea for children between the ages of 6 and 14 to get dental sealants! Once the molars break through the gums, (usually around age 6), they can be protected... --- - Published: 2022-02-03 - Modified: 2024-10-24 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/newborn-oral-care-tips/ Did you know that oral care should begin before your baby’s first tooth? Yes, it’s true! Your baby is born with 20 teeth nestled safely in their jaw, blanketed by their gums. When your infant begins “cutting teeth”, their teeth actually don’t cut the gums, but rather their gums move for their teeth to come through! So it’s incredibly important to keep their gums clean and healthy to set the perfect stage for their pearly whites to erupt. But how exactly do you practice newborn oral care? Here’s a few pro tips for infant oral hygiene! Infant Oral Care Before Teeth Before your infant’s teeth start to come in, the CDC and the ADA recommend gently wiping their gums, tongue, and cheeks with a damp washcloth or gauze pad twice a day. This helps remove any lingering liquid or food from their gums and helps regulate their mouth bacteria. Why is this important? Because babies produce less saliva than adults. Saliva is the body’s first defense against germs. It’s responsible for producing many important substances, such as proteins, antibacterial compounds, and minerals to help your mouth fight off infections, maintain healthy soft tissues, and even helps prevent bad breath. Establishing a strong oral care routine for your baby will help your little one become accustomed to caring for their smile and make it simple for you to adapt their oral hygiene routine as their smile grows. If your child has started teething, keeping a handful of damp washcloths in your fridge can go a long way in alleviating their pain and fussiness. If your baby has good control over their limbs (usually around 4 to 6 months), you can offer them the washcloth and supervise while they chew their tooth pain away! Teething a damp washcloth will also help stimulate gum movement and provide relief for swollen gums. What’s the Best Infant Oral Hygiene Routine? Around 6 months is when your child’s teeth start to erupt! Once their tooth is through the gum line, your baby is ready to switch from a washcloth or gauze pad to a small, extra soft-bristle toothbrush. Here’s a few of the best toothbrushes for babies (ages 0-2). My First® Toothbrush from Colgate® MAM Training Brush Brilliant Baby Toothbrush Now that you have the perfect toothbrush, it’s time to brush those new baby teeth! Before you begin, make sure you and your baby are in a comfortable position. Whether it’s with you sitting down with your infant in your lap or laying your baby on a soft surface, feet facing you. Find a position that keeps your face in your baby’s focus without straining your back or arms. Now let’s walk through how to brush baby teeth: Wet toothbrush bristles with plain water Gently brush at a 45-degree angle for 2 minutes Talk or sing to your newborn while continuing to brush all surfaces of each tooth in a circular motion Gently brush your infant’s tongue When you’re finished brushing, make it a celebration! Clap... --- - Published: 2022-01-27 - Modified: 2024-10-24 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/is-mouthwash-safe-for-children/ So your child is growing up - and with your help, he or she is developing a strong oral hygiene routine that’s making you proud! Your child is already using a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss in their routine, but what about mouthwash? When should you start using mouthwash? Is mouthwash even safe for children? Here’s what you need to know about mouthwash for children! Is mouthwash necessary? In general, mouthwash is highly recommended for teens and adults. Mouthwash is excellent for clearing out any remaining bacteria or debris after brushing and flossing. Did you know that when you brush your teeth, you only reach 25% of your mouth (Listerine®)? Using an antibacterial rinse as the last step in your oral hygiene routine is an efficient way to cleanse your mouth and reach spaces that your toothbrush can’t. Is mouthwash necessary for young children? No, in fact, mouthwash can be harmful for young children. When should children begin using mouthwash? It’s recommended that you wait until the age of 7 or 8 (depending on your child’s development) to integrate mouthwash into your child’s daily routine. Before the age of 7, it can be difficult to understand the concept of swishing mouthwash around and then spitting it out. Young children are prone to swallowing mouthwash, which can unfortunately put their health at risk. Swallowing mouthwash that has alcohol or fluoride in it can lead to development problems. As a general rule of thumb, wait until your child is at least 7 years old to consider introducing them to the world of mouthwash. Use your judgement to determine whether your child is ready for mouthwash. Even then, pay close attention to the mouthwash formula you choose. Are all mouthwash formulas safe for children? Not all mouthwashes are approved for kids. There are two common mouthwash ingredients to consider before choosing a formula: alcohol and fluoride. Although fluoride is beneficial for strengthening teeth enamel, it’s best to wait until your child knows how to properly spit out mouthwash before choosing a formula with fluoride. “Fluorosis” is a childhood condition that develops due to a child consuming excess fluoride. Fluoride is a key ingredient in many mouthwashes, due to its ability to protect and strengthen the enamel. Consuming too much fluoride at an early age can cause permanent white marks or discoloration to appear on the teeth. Many antibacterial mouthwashes contain alcohol too. These mouthwashes should be avoided at every age! Ingesting mouthwash as a child can lead to developmental issues, stunt physical growth, and cause various symptoms, like vomiting or difficulty breathing. Alcohol is damaging at every age. This harsh ingredient disrupts the natural pH of the mouth, dries out the mouth, and can further irritate existing symptoms or conditions. Any mouthwash that has alcohol in it is not a safe mouthwash for young children - and it’s best to stay leery of fluoride. Once your child grasps the concept of spitting out mouthwash and you feel comfortable with them using it, a fluoride... --- - Published: 2021-03-22 - Modified: 2021-09-21 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/are-there-any-risks-for-x-rays/ A dental X-ray is one of the most important tools used by pediatric dentists! X-ray machines produce a detailed image of the gums, teeth and teeth roots, which our dentists use to assess the health of your child’s mouth and to identify problematic conditions, such as cavities and impacted teeth (teeth that aren’t able to erupt through the gum). Most dental professionals advise that children receive dental check-ups with X-rays every six months to a year to ensure that their teeth are growing properly and their oral health is up to par. During these check-ups, we sometimes have parents wonder about the safety of X-rays. Many parents ask, “How many X-rays are safe in a year? ” The truth is... dental X-rays use such a low amount of radiation that they are considered safe for children! At Kids Smiles, our doctors use digital radiographs that use significantly less radiation than traditional radiographs to keep our young patients safe. Risks of X-rays for Babies Do you know when you should bring your child in for his or her first dental exam? The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends that children see a pediatric dentist as soon as their first tooth comes in! But what does that mean for your child? Are there risks associated with X-rays? Dental X-rays are used to see the teeth, bones and soft tissues where cavities and other conditions may reside. It is important to remember that age does not play a role in the “risks” associated with X-rays. Dental X-rays are considered safe because they use a considerably low amount of radiation. When considering the safety of an X-ray, keep in mind that the risk is associated with the amount of radiation used during the exam. This is why we use low-radiation X-rays! While we use low-radiation dental X-rays for baby teeth , it is still important to keep exposure to a minimum. Be sure to notify your dentist of any recent X-rays your child may have had to minimize exposure. How Many X-Rays Are Safe in a Year? One thing to keep in mind about X-ray safety is that it's not the number of X-rays that put you at risk, but the intensity of each X-ray. Dental X-rays are typically performed each year. Although, we may suggest a dental X-ray sooner than a year to better monitor the progress of your child’s dental condition. The number and frequency of dental X-rays your child may need depends on a few factors, such as: Age Oral health Risk factors or symptoms of oral disease History of gum disease (gingivitis) or tooth decay It is normal for us to request dental X-rays if your child is a new patient. This is so we can get a good understanding of your child's current dental health to understand his or her needs. If this is your child's first dental visit, getting a dental X-ray of their baby teeth is especially important. This is so we can identify any existing... --- - Published: 2021-02-17 - Modified: 2024-10-24 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/preventing-tooth-decay-in-children/ The best method to prevent tooth decay in children is through commitment to good health—oral health and nutritional health! Ideally, children should brush their teeth at least twice a day and follow a healthy, balanced diet to prevent tooth decay. Attending regular dental check-ups is also a critical part of good oral health! Frequent exams are essential for identifying and treating tooth decay at an early stage. So what do the signs of tooth decay look like? Tooth decay may appear as the following: Dull, white band on the tooth surface closest to the gum line Yellow, brown or black band on the tooth surface closest to the gum line (this indicates progressed decay) Teeth that look like brownish-black stumps (this indicates advanced decay) Dental Health for Kids Dental health for kids is crucial for a healthy, happy smile! Children should be brushing twice a day and flossing each day. As a parent, working with your child to develop a strong oral care routine will serve him or her for years to come. Show your child how to properly brush the front surfaces, back surfaces and chewing surfaces of their teeth. Give them a flossing lesson too! To prevent tooth decay, we also suggest using an ADA-approved toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride helps to strengthen the tooth enamel and has been shown to reduce tooth decay by 18-40% among children and by nearly 35% among adults! Do certain food and drinks make a difference? Yes! Tooth decay is primarily caused by bacteria in the plaque that cover the teeth, due to an excessive amount of sugar in a person’s diet or sugar left on the teeth. It’s important that parents monitor children’s consumption of sweets and sugary beverages. (All things in moderation! ) Eating sweets sometimes is completely fine, of course, but a sugar-rich diet can quickly lead to decayed teeth. Regular Dental Check-Ups Receiving regular dental check-ups and cleanings is an essential part of preventing tooth decay in children. The sooner we’re able to assess your child’s smile and identify potential tooth decay, the quicker we’re able to treat the condition and prevent it from progressing. Depending on the child’s age, dental check-ups should occur anywhere from once every 3 months to once every year. (At your appointment, we’ll tell you when it’s best to visit us next! ) As Tampa’s preferred children’s dentist, we only want what’s best for your child’s health and wellbeing! We want you and your child to have the information you need to keep your child’s smile in its healthiest condition. If you are seeking a dentist for kids in Tampa or Bradenton, we would love to meet you! We have 4 convenient locations to better accommodate you and your child. Reach out to us today or request an appointment with us to see why Kids Smiles is the top child dentist in Tampa! --- - Published: 2021-02-11 - Modified: 2024-10-24 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/its-national-childrens-dental-health-month/ February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. The ADA (American Dental Association) and our team are using this month as an opportunity to educate our patients, social media followers, parents and children on oral health. We want to promote good dental hygiene habits that support healthy smiles for a lifetime! According to the CDC, 1 in every 5 children (20%) aged 5 to 11 years old have at least one untreated cavity! That’s about 5 children in every classroom who have untreated tooth decay. We’re joining in on pediatric dental health awareness, because now is the time to prevent cavities! Here’s why: The Importance of Oral Health with Tiny Teeth Baby teeth may be small, but they play a critical role in preparing the mouth for a beautiful set of permanent teeth. They also impact major functions, like chewing, speaking, and sleeping quality. Baby teeth are in our mouths for about 8 to 10 years—a significant amount of time! Good oral hygiene is as important as ever when the baby teeth are still present. Baby teeth can still develop cavities (tooth decay) and the gums can still develop gum disease! Developing strong oral hygiene habits early on can protect the gums and baby teeth, and support the permanent teeth for a lifetime. How You Can Celebrate The best way to bring awareness to pediatric dental health month is to help your child develop a strong oral hygiene routine. Help your child understand why it’s important to brush and floss their teeth every night. Explain the potential consequences of neglecting their dental hygiene. Lead by example. Brush and floss your teeth with your child. Encourage your child to love their smile and to do everything they can to protect their smile. What if my child doesn’t like going to the dentist? We understand this challenge! It’s a natural response for your child to feel anxious about their dental appointments. Preparing your child before his or her visit to the dentist can make all the difference in how they feel when they arrive at their appointment. Choose positive, calming words when describing the dentist and dental appointments. Consider a mock appointment in your own home, using a toothbrush to count each tooth. This shows your child that a dental checkup isn’t simple and—it won’t hurt! Want some more advice? Check out these 4 tips to help change your child’s mind about the dentist. Please don’t hesitate to call us if you have any more questions! We’re here to create a calm and comfortable environment for you and your child. Still have questions about children’s dental hygiene? We’re here for you! Our dentists have years of experience working with young patients and their parents to develop strong, healthy smiles. If you have any questions, or you’d like some more advice, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. If your child hasn’t received a dental check-up recently, we encourage you to request an appointment today. We offer routine care check-ups, exams and prevention... --- - Published: 2020-12-30 - Modified: 2021-10-19 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/proud-to-support-the-st-lawrence-gathering-together-gala/ Supporting our community is incredibly important to us! We’re always looking for ways to give back. We have donated $2,000 to support the “Gathering Together” gala, organized by St. Lawrence Catholic School. “Gathering Together” is St. Lawrence’s largest fundraising event. This year, the school is raising money to pay for the new installation of a communication system that enables fast, reliable communication to ensure safety under everyday conditions and emergency situations for the entire campus We’re honored to help make a difference in children’s lives and the future of the school. Learn more about the St. Lawrence “Gathering Together” Gala. --- - Published: 2020-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-19 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/lawrence-a-martucci-benefit-corp-special-event/ Kids Smiles is proud to announce they are a Veronese Sponsor of the 8th Annual Lawrence A Martucci Benefit Corp. (LAMB) fundraising event taking place on October 17th. LAMB focuses on providing funding for local pediatric cancer research. Their mission is to raise funds for organizations that are dedicated in the pursuit of finding a cure or prevention of children’s cancers. In addition, 20% of net profits raised and designated for donation shall go towards the benefit of improving the lives and well-being of families with children with cancer. The Lawrence A. Martucci Benefit Corp. has taken an active role in supporting not-for-profit organizations researching vaccines to prevent and cure childhood cancers. Kids Smiles is honored to be sponsoring the local event. Helping the community is what we do and this is a great cause that we want to get behind. "The Martucci's are an amazingly loving family and I have known them for a very long time. In memory of their brother, Lawrence, who passed away at age 6 of pediatric cancer, I have a lot of respect for all the hard work they've done raising money for continued children's cancer research. I have also known the main Research Director, Dr Cameron Tebbi, for over 30 years. He is amazing and I know once they discover a cure for pediatric cancer, he will have been a big part of it. " - Dr. Sierra --- - Published: 2020-07-22 - Modified: 2021-09-21 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-to-do-if-your-child-doesnt-like-going-to-the-dentist-4-tips/ It’s no surprise that a trip to the dentist may make your child a bit anxious. Many parents say their child is “terrified” of the dentist; others say their child won’t open their mouth at the dentist, and some even say their kids scream at the dentist! Surprisingly, these are all natural and predictable responses. Many children experience anxiety when it comes to meeting strangers, especially a stranger sticking tools in their mouth! So, what can you do to help ease your child’s fear of their dental appointments? Here are 4 tips to help change your child’s mind about their experience at the dentist: 1. Have your child meet the dentist beforehand. Arrange a meeting between your child and his or her dentist before the appointment to allow your child time to build a relationship with his or her dentist. As many children have anxiety when meeting a new person (especially an unknown doctor), an introductory meeting will help ease some anxiety before the appointment. Show your child that their dentist is a friendly person who wants to help their smile! 2. Create positive reinforcement for your child. If your child isn’t a fan of their dental appointments, give him or her some positive reinforcement after their appointment. Help your child associate a positive reward with their trips to the dentist. Consider taking them to the playground after their appointment, or reward them with a movie. Show them that going to the dentist means something positive is coming! As your child grows older and realizes that the dentist isn’t so bad, these rewards won’t be necessary (of course). 3. Choose positive, less daunting words around your child. The words you use around your child can strongly affect the way he or she perceives a situation. If you choose words like “pain”, “drill”, “shot”, or similarly intimidating words, your child is likely to feel scared of his or her dentist appointments. Tell your child that the dentist is simply counting your child’s teeth, not examining them. Your child’s dentist is cleaning the sugar off their teeth. Choose positive words that your child can relate to, so they can understand that this will be a positive, fun, pain-free experience. 4. Explain to your child why a dentist visit is important. Possibly the most effective way to ease someone’s anxieties or fears, regardless of their age, is through education. Educate your child (using positive terms) on why they need to visit their dentist. Show them pictures of what a brilliant, healthy smile looks like with a full mouth of adult teeth. Show them their own teeth in the mirror and praise them for their cleaning habits. Help your child understand the consequences if they don’t visit their dentist or brush their teeth regularly! Preparing your child before his or her visit to the dentist can make all the difference in how they feel when they arrive at their appointment. Choose positive, calming words when describing the dentist and dental appointments. Consider a mock... --- - Published: 2020-07-09 - Modified: 2021-10-19 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-to-expect-before-during-after-tongue-tie-revision/ You know when you’re speaking too quickly and your words pile up in a slur of confusion? Many people call this “tongue-tied”, but tongue-tie is actually a more serious condition that often requires a frenectomy (or tongue-tie revision) to restore the full ability of the tongue. The frenulum of the tongue (the piece of skin under the tongue that connects it to the bottom of the mouth) is intended to grow thinner as a person ages. In some children, the frenulum doesn’t thin out as much as it should, which causes a tongue-tie condition. What are the symptoms of tongue-tie? Inability to stick out the tongue Unable to touch the roof of the mouth with the tongue Trouble moving the tongue around the mouth Some may have V-shaped notch at the tip of the tongue When a child suffers from tongue-tie, we offer a simple procedure called a revision. Before tongue-tie treatment: Tongue-tie revisions have very low records of complications, and this procedure can be performed as early as the day of birth! If symptoms of tongue-tie are present in a child, we may recommend that the child endures a tongue-tie revision to gain full functionality of his or her tongue. (As a quick test, caregivers or parents can assess whether the child can lick an ice cream cone or lollipop with ease. If they can’t, then it may be time to consult Dr. Sierra or another specialist in tongue-tie revision. ) During the tongue-tie treatment: We will explain the procedure in detail to ease any worries you or your child may have. Older children who understand the procedure often report no pain or discomfort at all during their revision! With younger children, parents are welcome to hold their child or wait outside of the room during the procedure as babies sometimes cry when their mouth is opened in a tongue-tied condition. To ensure that your child’s procedure is as comfortable as possible, we will apply a numbing cream to the area. Using a laser, Dr. Sierra removes the frenulum tissue so gently that it causes virtually no bleeding. In most cases of tongue-tie, stitches are not necessary. After the tongue-tie treatment: Following your child’s tongue-tie procedure, he or she is allowed to nurse or feed immediately! Discomfort in your child’s mouth typically goes away after 24 hours, or 48 hours for older children. With babies, breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact yield a natural form of pain relief. Your child may benefit from medication, like acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the first 24 to 48 hours, but natural healing techniques prove to be an effective form of pain relief. (What you give your child is entirely up to your personal decision and what you’re comfortable with. ) If you decide to give your child medication, we ask that you please check with Dr. Sierra or your pharmacist to determine the appropriate doses and to ensure that the medication is right for your child. If your child bleeds after the procedure, apply direct pressure... --- - Published: 2020-06-25 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/6-tips-for-choosing-the-right-pediatric-dentist/ The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child visit the dentist when they get their first tooth, or by their 1st birthday. Establishing a healthy dental routine with your child is essential for their confidence and oral health! Finding the best pediatric dentist near your home is important. A convenient location is ideal for regular exams and preventative cleanings, but also for emergencies! Accidents happen, and you want to be near a top pediatric dentist when they do. But how do you choose the right pediatric dentist for your child? Here’s how you find one that meets your needs and goes above and beyond to ensure a welcoming, calming environment. The Best Dentist for Kids You take your child to a pediatric doctor, so of course you’d take them to a pediatric dentist too. Pediatric dentists specialize in treating small, growing mouths! Taking your baby to the dentist when they get their first tooth or by their 1st birthday may seem early, but it’s important to do this when the baby teeth are emerging. Establishing a healthy foundation for baby teeth and ensuring that your child’s oral health is on the right track is critical for a healthy and confident life! If you’re looking for the top pediatric dentist in your area, here are 6 tips to help the process: 1. Do They Have Special Training? In addition to dental school, a pediatric dentist must complete an additional two to three years of training. This training not only teaches them how to best work in little mouths, but also how to keep kids comfortable and calm. Pediatric dentists are trained in children's behavior, including dental anxiety and special needs. These unique qualifications make them the best kids dentist! 2. Do They Have a Fun, Clean and Comfortable Environment? Choosing a pediatric dentist who maintains a clean office should be a top priority! Clean environments are not only critical for health and safety, but essential to minimizing anxieties and worries. A dental office doesn’t have to be a scary place for your little one; your child's dental home should be inviting, exciting, clean and colorful! 3. Do They Take A Preventative Approach? Children are prone to tooth decay and cavities, and your pediatric dentist should take measures to prevent these unhealthy conditions from developing. Taking a preventative approach toward pediatric dental treatment, through regular cleanings and examinations, is important for protecting your child’s oral health and establishing a healthy dental routine! We perform precautionary treatments, such as sealants and fluoride treatment, to prevent these potential problems. Sealants include a painless, protective coating that covers the teeth and helps to prevent cavities from developing in the hard-to-reach spaces. The sealant acts as a barrier to keep food, plaque, and bacteria away from the decay-prone areas of the teeth. Fluoride treatment is like a vitamin for the teeth! We suggest a fluoride treatment in addition to cleanings to strengthen the enamel and prevent tooth decay. 4. Choose a Top Pediatric Dentist!... --- - Published: 2020-06-11 - Modified: 2021-10-21 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/our-covid-cleanliness-precautions/ We care about you! You and your child’s safety is of the utmost importance to us. We continue to take the Coronavirus seriously, and we are going above and beyond to do our part in stopping the spread! Our team is focusing on the health and safety of our patients, our staff, and our doctors. When you visit us at any of our locations, you can rest assured that we are taking every necessary precaution. Here’s what you can expect to see at your future visits to our office: Temperature checks: We are checking patients’ temperatures as they arrive. Any person with a temperature higher than 100. 4 will be kindly asked to reschedule their appointment. COVID consent forms: Parents are asked to please sign a COVID consent form at every appointment, until further notice. (Confirming that the patient isn’t feeling ill that day, hasn’t traveled within the last 14 days, etc. ) One parent only: Only one parent/guardian is allowed to accompany the patient for their appointment (no siblings). Any additional family members or guardians are asked to wait in the car. Masks and PPE equipment: Masks are required for parents or guardians. All of our staff members are wearing masks, in addition to extra PPE equipment worn by our assistants (ex: face shields). Limited waiting room: During the patient’s appointment, parents are asked to wait in the car to limit the number of people in the waiting area at a time. Social distancing: Our offices have been reconfigured to maintain social distancing. (Waiting room chairs are spaced out and treatment area chairs are each at least six feet apart. ) Minimizing the spread of germs: In an effort to minimize the spread of germs, we are no longer offering coffee or magazines in the waiting room. No toothbrushing in the office: Please have the patient brush his or her teeth before their appointment. We are not allowing toothbrushing in our office. Modified patient office hours: To accommodate extensive cleaning procedures in between patient appointments and at the end of the day, we are modifying patient office hours. No walk-in appointments: No walk-in appointments will be accommodated. Please call us (813 889-0780) to schedule an appointment—even for emergency visits. Keeping Our Offices Clean As always, we keep our offices incredibly clean! We use disinfectant spray and disinfectant wipes at every corner, and we’ve removed items that can harbor bacteria. Understanding how to clean properly and thoroughly is the first line of defense against the spread of germs. We are disinfecting our offices before we open, between appointments, and after we close. At Kids Smiles, we are here to serve you with the highest quality of care and the highest standards for sanitation and cleanliness. We pride ourselves on being the pediatric dentist of choice for our communities! Our team is led by Dr. Frank Sierra, who has more than 25 years of experience providing compassionate, expert care to children and teens in Tampa Bay. If you have any questions... --- - Published: 2020-05-13 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/is-milk-good-for-your-teeth/ We hear a lot about the health benefits that nutritious foods can have on the body. “Carrots can improve your vision and spinach can strengthen your muscles! ” But what about the old saying that milk is good for your teeth? Believe it or not, this one is true! Along with a number of other drinks that are good for your teeth, milk can support your child in achieving a strong and healthy smile. That’s because milk is one of the best sources of calcium, and calcium is a key mineral that strengthens the bones and teeth. Babies need calcium before they're even born! Calcium is critical for a child’s development! Luckily, calcium is abundant in milk—and even luckier, most children love the taste of milk! Drinking one cup of milk a day can provide nearly 300 milligrams (mg) of calcium. According to Kids Health, babies under six months old require 200 mg of calcium a day; babies six to eleven months old require 260 mg, and children one to three years old require 700 mg of calcium a day. One cup of milk can provide a significant amount of your child’s daily calcium intake! Bones store 99 percent of the body’s calcium. So you can imagine how important calcium intake is for bone growth and strength—even before you’re born! The National Institutes of Health (NIH) advises that expecting mothers consume between 1000 and 1300 mg of calcium per day. This is because baby's teeth begin growing during early pregnancy! Calcium plays an integral role in supporting healthy bodies, long before birth and well into the adult years. Does milk cause tooth decay? The short answer is no! Dairy products are loaded with minerals that can reduce tooth decay. That means more milk and cheese for you! Not only do these dairy products have calcium, but they're loaded with proteins that work together to strengthen the enamel. According to Nutrition Australia, the combination of these proteins and minerals can create a protective coating on the teeth, which can fight against harmful acids and bacteria. There is More Than One Way to Get Calcium in Your Diet! While there are a lot of ways to get calcium in your diet, the NIH states that dairy products are the best choice! Consuming foods such as milk, cheese, yogurt and buttermilk is a great way to enrich your diet with calcium. The calcium in these products is easily absorbed by the body—and these products are also rich in Vitamin D! Is Almond Milk Good for Your Teeth? With so many choices of milk at the grocery store, it's helpful to know which options pack a bigger punch. Goats milk is the highest in calcium with a whopping 327 mg per cup, followed by cows milk (300 mg), rice milk (283 mg), coconut milk (41 mg) and soy milk at 19 mgs. So what about almond milk? While this one may be a popular choice for many non-dairy milk drinkers, this option provides 0mg... --- - Published: 2018-11-01 - Modified: 2021-10-21 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-parents-need-to-know-about-shark-teeth/ Shark teeth ... this dental term gets its name from the fact that sharks have from 5 to 15 rows of teeth in each jaw. Their teeth do not have roots and are replaced after about a week. Shark teeth is a condition in children when they develop adult teeth behind their baby teeth, creating a double row of teeth. This occurs when there is either a failure of eruption of the adult teeth or failure of resorption of the primary (baby) teeth. Sometimes both. Either condition lends itself to the baby teeth not exfoliating (falling out) when they should and thus, resulting in multiple rows of teeth aka “shark teeth”! Usually “shark teeth” are more common in the lower (front teeth) incisors; but they also occur in the upper incisors as the molars adult teeth grown in and develop. They often occur around age 6, but can also occur as late as age 11-12 years of age when the upper back molars erupt. Sometimes shark teeth do not need to be treated, as the primary teeth generally will become loose and fall out on their own. The real issue is how much the adult teeth are deflected and if they can be easily orthodontically corrected! Keeping regular pediatric dental appointments will help your child to have ongoing dental eruption pattern assessments as to the proper development of their adult teeth, bite and smile. If the baby teeth are causing the adult teeth to develop and erupt improperly, your child’s pediatric dentist may recommend extraction of the teeth that are causing the problem. The primary teeth are placeholders for the adult teeth, so removing them too soon can also be an issue. Early space loss can contribute to future orthodontic issues. Continued assessment by the pediatric dentist can definitely mitigate, if not obviate future orthodontic care, saving parents time and expense! Shark teeth are not uncommon but should be evaluated if they don’t seem to be resolving naturally. They can cause crowding of adult teeth over time and can also make brushing and flossing more difficult. Dr. Frank Sierra and the Pediatric Dental team at Kids Smiles are not afraid of sharks, especially the little ones! We’ve seen plenty of shark teeth and have the expertise and equipment to review their development and recommend an appropriate remedy. If you have any questions, please come to any of our 3 Tampa offices and our Bradenton office. --- - Published: 2018-09-12 - Modified: 2023-02-13 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/the-fluoride-debate-continues-this-time-in-brooksville-fl/ Dr. Frank Sierra shares some timely information on Fluoride in light of an upcoming vote in Brooksville, FL. I was reminded by a friend of a situation that the City of Brooksville, FL is having regarding Fluoride in their water supply. It seems like a great opportunity to share one of the news articles on the subject, and to talk about the importance of Fluoride. What Is Fluoride? We at Kids Smiles plan to keep watching the situation, and sharing information with our client families. Let’s start with some facts about the mineral itself. Fluoride helps to protect your children’s teeth, and it is a naturally-occurring mineral. Fluoride comes from fluorine, which is a common, natural, and abundant element. Often referred to as nature’s cavity fighter, fluoride helps to prevent cavities in teeth by making the outer surface of the teeth, your enamel, more resistant to damage from tooth-decaying acids. Fluoride helps to rebuild weakened tooth enamel and has the amazing ability to reverse early tooth decay. When it makes contact with teeth, fluoride is absorbed into the enamel, and helps to repair it by replenishing any lost calcium and phosphorous to keep your teeth hard. We refer to this process as remineralization. Fluoride is found in most water sources including rivers, lakes, wells, and oceans. Once the benefits of fluoride was discovered, local governments started adding it to the public water supplies as well. Before fluoridation, children had about three times as many cavities. So What’s Happening in Brooksville? If you have not already read the article from the introduction, the short version of the story is that the Mayor of Brooksville and City Council members have been discussing in favor of ceasing to add fluoride to the water supply. They bring up the financial cost and there is an opinion that the city shouldn’t add a chemical against the wishes of its residents. Some, unfamiliar with the opinions of the CDC, ADA, and other scientific groups in favor of the benefits of fluoride are causing doubts for the residents. The City Council voted 3-0 this summer to pursue a referendum on the November ballot, asking the residents whether they want to continue adding fluoride to the city water supply. This is alarming to many dental professionals, not just in the City limits, but around the state and beyond. There is a great set of quotes from a letter that a Pinellas County dentist sent to the council. He’s right. There is no recognized health or medical organization on the planet that opposes water fluoridation. Our office at Kids Smiles hopes that the citizens of Brooksville vote to keep their fluoride. The cost for the city to treat dental decay for low-income residents as a result of missing this simple mineral will be much greater than the cost-savings of this short-sighted idea. Please share this article with friends and family who are working to keep a child’s smile healthy. If you have any other questions about fluoride, contact our... --- - Published: 2018-08-25 - Modified: 2021-10-19 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/orthodontics-for-kids/ The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that your child get a check-up with an orthodontist at age 7. Additionally, the developmental milestone would be the full eruption of all four adult first molars. These erupt behind the baby teeth (primary second molars) and NO teeth are lost for their development and eruption into the dental arches. Early detection of any orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later. At Kids Smiles we know, sometimes a healthy smile needs more. For some children, orthodontics is an important step towards a lifetime of healthy smiles. Kids Smiles has partnered with Blue Wave Orthodontics to ensure the highest quality of pediatric dental care in the Tampa Bay area. Blue Wave Orthodontics is the combined practice of Dr. Randy Feldman, a Hillsborough County orthodontist, and Dr. Ernest McDowell, a Pinellas County orthodontist. Both are Board Certified and Top 1% Invisalign providers in the world. By age 7, your child has enough permanent teeth for Blue Wave Orthodontics to determine whether a problem is developing or already exists. Like most problems in life, orthodontic problems may be easier to correct if they’re found early. It is important for parents to know that early detection of orthodontic problems does not necessarily require treatment, but if early treatment is needed, our combined teams may be able to achieve results that may not be as easy once your child's face and jaws have finished growing. Orthodontic treatment can correct protruding teeth, crossbites, crowding, excessive tooth spacing, jaw alignment, and airway deficiencies to name just a few oral problems. In some cases, our orthodontic partners will use orthodontic appliances such as palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw and create more space for the adult teeth to finish erupting. The Kids Smiles team and Blue Wave Orthodontic team both strive to provide a tailored experience for every child in an environment designed specifically for children and early teens. We treat your children with respect and explain every step of their dental care in age-appropriate, child-friendly terms. At the time this blog was written, Kids Smiles patients are enjoying a $500 off orthodontic treatment with Blue Wave Orthodontics discount. This offer can’t be combined with other discounts. Request an appointment with Kids Smiles by using our online form. If you also want to inquire about orthodontics, please mention that in the comment section of the form. --- - Published: 2018-08-15 - Modified: 2021-10-19 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-does-good-oral-health-mean/ The American Dental Association defines oral health as “a functional, structural, aesthetic, physiologic and psychosocial state of well-being and is essential to an individual’s general health and quality of life. Now let’s review what it means to Kids Smiles and our Kids Smiles’ patients and their families. Dr. Frank Sierra explains, “I explain that good oral health in pediatric dentistry is a child or teen with good oral habits, regular dental appointments, a mouth free of decay, a bite that functions properly to chew food and speak, and a smile that can be shared with good self-esteem. ” That’s a mouthful right, but there is a lot to good oral health! Good oral health is also a partnership between children, their families, dental professionals, and to some degree, the school system and anyone that has input in a child’s eating habits. It does “take a village”. Daily preventive oral health care which includes proper brushing and flossing is critical to preventing painful and expensive dental problems. Eating a balanced diet and limiting snacks between meals can also contribute to better oral health. Visiting the dentist twice a year is also something that parents should make a part of their children’s overall health regimen. Getting a dental professional examination of the teeth and soft palate, including radiographs, and review of proper dental and jaw development is one of the most important things in the quest for good oral health. Plaque can be removed properly before acids create decay and cavities, and a partnership with an orthodontist around age 7 can also help to determine if any alignment problems are developing. We are oral health partners with Blue Wave Orthodontics, as you may know. The Kids Smiles pediatric dental specialists have a number of blogs that support their mission of providing the highest quality children’s dental health care. Make sure to check out our 6 Children’s Oral Health Facts which contains our 2-2-2 rule and our blog about The Importance of Good Oral Health. --- - Published: 2018-07-14 - Modified: 2021-10-19 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/why-does-my-child-need-their-baby-teeth-removed/ Your child will grow & develop to have 20 temporary, primary(aka “baby”) teeth - 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom; and then they are all replaced by 32 permanent(secondary) adult teeth. That is a total of 52 teeth in the human dentition! 52 weeks in a year! 52 cards in a deck! You will now, never forget! (? ? ? ? ) The primary teeth are very important as they hold the space for the adult teeth. We attempt to keep them intact until they are naturally ready to come out. Most children begin to lose their baby teeth at six years old, and this process continues into their early teens. The reasons why a baby tooth might need to be removed include accidents, major decay, or situations in which they actually block adult teeth from coming in properly. Teens sometimes need their wisdom teeth removed due to crowding or bad positioning. ? Infection or Trauma If there is an infection in or around the baby tooth, it may be best for it to be removed. This is done to save additional teeth and the health of the child. A large cavity that causes inflammation and pain is another reason to perform an extraction. In the case of trauma where milk(“baby”) teeth become cracked or broken beyond repair, they should be removed. When adult teeth are not yet ready to erupt in the space of the missing tooth, a space maintainer should be used by your dentist(prefably Pediatric Dentist or Orthodontist in order to allow the adult teeth to naturally come in to their predetermined position. Guidance or Eruption Sometimes baby teeth are removed to change the eruption pattern for the permanent teeth. If there are problems with the angulation of the permanent teeth that are preparing to erupt, sometimes removal of some baby teeth can prevent further damage or problems. If the baby tooth has not fallen out by the time an adult tooth is coming in, it may need to be removed by a pediatric dentist as well. Dr. Frank Sierra expands on the actual extraction procedure in an earlier blog, in terms of “does it hurt? ” and working with apprehensive children. We use a “tell, show, do” technique where we explain the steps in child-friendly terms, then “show” what we will do next using a finger or the instrument. Once we are at the “do” stage, we are working with a child that is more comfortable and ready for the experience. Visiting the dentist during your child’s regular appointments allows him or her to check for proper development and problems before they occur. If you would like to visit one of our dentists in Tampa, Town & Country, or East Bradenton just request an appointment online. --- - Published: 2018-06-30 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/teething-products-arent-safe-for-children/ Recently The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned parents about the dangers of using teething products that contain the popular numbing agent benzocaine. We are sharing the news here, as it is important for parents and family of teething children to know. The FDA informs that benzocaine can have a rare, but serious side effect on children, and especially those under 2 years old. The local anesthetic can cause a condition called methemoglobinemia, which reduces the amount of oxygen in the blood and can be life-threatening. FDA officials requested that these products no longer be marketed or sold – or, at the least, that companies add warnings with up to date drug safety information to all oral health products containing benzocaine. You should be noticing the changes soon, and may have seen articles in CNN, Time, and other national news sources. If the drug companies don’t comply, the FDA may take regulatory action to remove these products from the market. So as a Parent, What Should You Do? First, check your teething relief product labels to see if benzocaine is an active ingredient. If you find any, please throw them away. If you use a teething remedy and your child becomes pale, or looks gray or blue in their lips and nail beds, has shortness of breath, fatigue, headache, lightheadedness, and rapid heart rate, they need immediate medical attention. Dr. Frank Sierra states, “As to what you should do to soothe your baby’s gums, check out the video that the FDA posted a video on YouTube titled ‘Do Teething Babies Need Medicine on Their Gums? No. ’ The video tells parents to gently rub a child’s gums with a finger or let the child chew on a firm rubber teething ring. ” We will continue to share important health topics for your children, especially in the areas of dentistry and oral health. Please share this information with your friends and family. --- - Published: 2018-06-17 - Modified: 2021-10-21 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-is-fluoride-and-what-are-its-benefits/ Fluoride helps all of us to protect our children’s teeth, and it is a naturally occurring mineral. Fluoride comes from fluorine, which is a common, natural, and abundant element. Often referred to as nature’s cavity fighter, fluoride helps to prevent cavities in teeth by making the outer surface of the teeth, your enamel, more resistant to damage from tooth-decaying acids. We will explain later how it can also help to repair small cavities. Dr. Frank Sierra and his colleagues recently added a blog about food and drinks that damage tooth enamel and one about sugar, so be sure to take a look. In order to keep your child’s teeth healthy, they need to eat right, brush and floss, visit their dentist, and have access to fluoride. How Does Fluoride Help? Fluoride helps to rebuild weakened tooth enamel and can reverse early tooth decay. When it makes contact with teeth, fluoride is absorbed into the enamel. It helps to repair that enamel by replenishing any lost calcium and phosphorous to keep your teeth hard. We refer to this process as remineralization. How Do I Expose My Child’s Teeth to Fluoride? Fluoride is found in most water sources including rivers, lakes, wells, and oceans. Once the benefits of fluoride was discovered, local governments started adding it to the public water supplies as well. Before fluoridation, children had about three times as many cavities. Adding fluoride to the water supply reduces the incidence of tooth decay. Fluoride in Tampa occurs naturally at . 2-. 3 ppm (parts per million). Community water Fluoridation brings the efficacy up to . 6-. 7 ppm which provides the amount required to reduce the incidence of tooth decay. In 1986, Dr. Randy Feldman was most instrumental in speaking in front of city and county leaders and was able to get a referendum passed that directed and authorized the Tampa Department of Water to add the appropriate amounts of supplemental Fluoride. It is important to note that bottled water may not provide the same levels of fluoride protection that most tap water does. Toothpaste containing fluoride is another important way to introduce the proper levels of the mineral to your children’s teeth. When shopping, look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance to make sure it is a toothpaste containing fluoride. For more information on children’s toothpaste and the proper amounts for different ages view our detailed blog on the subject. In 2014, the United States Preventive Services Task Force released its updated recommendation on fluoride varnish. The new recommendation advises medical providers to apply fluoride varnish to primary teeth starting with the eruption of the first tooth through age 5 years. Only a small amount is used. It is quickly applied and hardens and is then brushed off after 4 to 12 hours. In some cases, Silver Diamine Fluoride, which is composed of silver and fluoride is used. The silver acts as an antimicrobial agent and also strengthens the dentin layer of the teeth. The fluoride helps to stop... --- - Published: 2018-05-27 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/how-does-sugar-affect-your-childrens-teeth/ Baby teeth are important as they are also the placeholders for adult teeth. They have a function in speech, eating, smiling, and should be maintained until it is their time to come out. What Causes Cavities? A cavity requires three things to form: a tooth, bacteria, and carbohydrates (sugar). Once you eat or drink sugars, it only takes seconds for the bacteria on your teeth to combine with the sugar and convert it into acid. It is this acid that eats away at the tooth enamel and breaks it down. Over time this reaction of sugar and bacteria results in tooth decay, which leads to cavities, and oftentimes early tooth loss. It is this loss that many times results in much more difficult Orthodontic issues! Sugary Drinks About 25% of people drink multiple sugar-sweetened beverages on a daily basis, and a substantial percentage drink a single beverage about once a day. Excess sugar is a major contributor to obesity and other health problems, but some drinks are also high in acidity, and combined with this sugar makes these drinks particularly bad for teeth. These choices become the choices of our children and lead to problems later in life, but also cavities very quickly without proper dental care. More details about the dangers of sugary drinks can be found in this blog. It is also key to note nowadays all the “new age health Doctors” refer to inflammation and how that really destroys the human body! Well, guess what, sugar, carbohydrates, carbs are ALL SUGARS and are all very bad for you! So what you help your teeth with, will certainly help your overall health as well! Not in the title, but consumption of sugar is also immensely responsible for childhood obesity. Dr. Frank Sierra adds, “Set a good example with your own diet, dental habits, and physical activity (in terms of the obesity factor). Combat the effects of sugar on your children with their visits to the dentist, helping/requiring them to brush and floss at least twice a day, and making sure that they spend at least two minutes brushing and flossing each time. ” And the rest of our Kids Smiles Team adds, “be an example for what you should eat”, start with great health habits and eating habits NOW and you WILL change your world! Just say “No” to all the extra sugars, rice, grits, potatoes, pastas and breads, and crackers... learn NOW when you are young and get the basics right! Sure, it is always fine in moderation, just NOT excess! As always... . . ”TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH”! --- - Published: 2018-05-11 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/protecting-your-teeth-during-pregnancy/ Pregnancy causes a range of hormonal changes in a woman’s body. These hormonal effects can lead to some dental health problems, such as the increased risk of tooth decay, gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), and enamel damage from pregnancy-related vomiting. There are several things that you can do to protect your oral health during pregnancy. Maintain Your Dental Hygiene Routines Brushing twice a day and flossing once can fall by the wayside during pregnancy for many reasons, including morning sickness, a more sensitive gag reflex, tender gums, and exhaustion. It’s important to keep up your routine as poor habits during pregnancy have been associated with premature delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. It is especially important to brush before bed because the mouth produces less saliva at night, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria. Work To Reduce Morning Sickness As the acidic vomit that occurs during morning sickness can cause damage to your tooth enamel, there are steps you can take to reduce your nausea. Drinking ginger tea or taking other steps as advised by your doctor will help make pregnancy more pleasant and protect your teeth. We advise rinsing your mouth well with water and baking soda if vomiting does occur in order to neutralize the acid. Drink Tap Water Drink tap water daily. Many communities in the U. S. add fluoride to their drinking water, making it an even better choice. Most brands of bottled waters have little or no fluoride. Limit or avoid sodas, "energy drinks," acidic drinks, and sugary beverages. Avoid Some Dental Treatments Make and keep your regular dental appointment. Getting a dental exam will help to identify any oral health problems, so you can get treatment and guidance. Cosmetic dental work is best left until after pregnancy. Share News About Your Pregnancy With Your Dentist It is important that your dentist know that you are expecting so that he or she can best advise and treat you. Your dentist also needs to protect your baby from potentially harmful medications and be shielded from radiographs. Talk to your dentist or doctor about ways to prevent or manage any dental problems. Tooth decay is preventable, even after the decay process has started. Follow these guidelines and your good oral health can help your baby have a healthy start. Give them the smile they deserve without traditional braces Learn More Find Your Location --- - Published: 2018-04-03 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/the-importance-of-good-oral-health/ Good oral health is important from before you get your first tooth to your last days. Let's take a look at oral health, its definition, and what should be happening both in our pediatric dental offices and in your own homes. “Oral health is multifaceted and includes the ability to speak, smile, smell, taste, touch, chew, swallow, and convey a range of emotions through facial expressions with confidence and without pain, discomfort, and disease of the craniofacial complex,” reads the definition. Dental checkups are encouraged within a baby’s first year. Beginning a prevention plan at this time can help avoid early-onset and future dental problems. Dr. Frank Sierra says, "This initial visit will establish a dental home for your child. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future. " Mouth Healthy. org states, "Tooth decay is a disease that can begin with cavity-causing bacteria being passed from the mother (or primary caregiver) to the infant. These bacteria are passed through the saliva. When the mother puts the baby’s feeding spoon in her mouth or cleans a pacifier in her mouth, the bacteria can be passed to the baby. " This is an important concept, as your child's good oral health is very much the responsibility of you, the parent. We even wrote a blog about what pregnant women should do to maintain their own oral health, for the health of their children. Baby teeth are important as they are also the placeholders for adult teeth. They have function in speech, eating, smiling, and should be maintained until it is their time to come out. We have a 2-2-2 rule blog with tasks for keeping your child's teeth healthy. We encourage you to take a look and to obey the rules for their lifelong health. One of the rules mentioned above is visiting the dentist twice a year. If you are in the Tampa Bay area, Kids Smiles would love to be your pediatric dentist. We don't require a referral for an appointment, so schedule one today. --- - Published: 2018-03-20 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/whats-involved-with-a-dental-exam/ The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that every child see a dentist by the time their first tooth erupts and no later than their first birthday. During the routine check-up, the pediatric dentist will review your child's medical and dental history. He or she will gently examine your child's teeth, oral tissues, and jaws. The teeth will be cleaned to remove any plaque build-up or tarter. The teeth are then polished, followed by the application of a sealer. Sealants are thin, protective plastic coatings added to permanent molars and other back teeth susceptible to decay. We may also apply fluoride, a preventative treatment for tooth decay which can be thought of as a vitamin for teeth as it makes the enamel more resistant. Application is recommended after dental cleanings. Our pediatric dentists will talk to you and your child about dental health in ways that they can understand. We will teach you how to motivate your child to help to take responsibility for their healthy smile. According to Dr. Frank Sierra, "Preventive dentistry starts with instructing patients and/or their parents in proper brushing and flossing techniques. We do this at every visit. If the child’s teeth have decay or other problems requiring further treatment, we will discuss that with you as well. " The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling regular dental checkups, with the most common interval being every six months. However, we might recommend fewer or more-frequent visits depending on your child's risk factors for oral health problems. Our pediatric dentists and staff are committed to helping your child enjoy healthy teeth throughout their childhood and work with you to help them build a strong foundation for a lifetime of oral health. To set up an appointment in North or South Tampa, Clearwater, Seminole, or Town & Country, just fill out or online form. We don't require a referral for an appointment. --- - Published: 2018-03-05 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/how-to-find-the-right-pediatric-dentist-for-you/ Choosing healthcare providers for your children is one of the most important duties you have as a parent. In this blog, we will provide some advice to those of you who are seeking a pediatric dentist. Most factors are what you would consider when making a choice for own adult dentist - proximity, reputation, insurance coverage, experience, environment, and personalities of the team. Let's explore this further. Proximity So location, location, location. You might drive out of your way to reach the best pediatric dentist for you, but a place close to home, work, or your child's school will be a big factor to consider. We'll add office hours into the mix. Convenient appointment times, and an office that is taking new patients and has opportunity to book an appointment will be important too. Insurance Coverage This one might be the deal breaker, and should be something you look at very early in your search. If you can only see in-network dentists or for some reason a pediatric dentist doesn't accept your insurance, you should keep looking. Kids Smiles accepts most PPO plans including Aetna, BCBS, Delta Dental, Cigna, Guardian, Metlife, Humana, United Concordia, United Healthcare as well as Medicaid insurances. Reputation Online reviews, recommendations from your friends and family, and "hearing good things" are really important. Sure, everyone might get a bad review here and there, but you should average the poor reviews and the extremely high reviews. Look for the general consensus. How are the newest reviews? You might want to consider holding the last 5 or so reviews in higher regard than something from a few years past. Experience Our dentists and staff care for children with special needs and have developed strategies that could help support your child. Our dentists will also give you advice on oral health home care, like tips for brushing teeth. Specialized Clinical Training There are benefits to visiting a pediatric dentist vs family dentist as well. Our pediatric dentists have received special training to treat children and continue to update their clinical education in every way. A general dentist is allowed to treat patients of any age. However; there are complex conditions that require the expertise of a pediatric dentist. As an example, pediatric dentists are trained to provide fluoride treatments and dental sealants to children. Environment So, you are looking for a clean, modern office, and more. The waiting room and exam rooms at a pediatric dentist should be specially designed for the comfort of children. Dr. Frank Sierra adds, "Our Kids Smiles locations include open bays, private treatment areas, games, toys, and family movies. We treat children with respect and explain every step of their dental care in age-appropriate, child-friendly terms. " Pre-Appointments Building on the environment topic, at Kids Smiles, we offer pre-appointment to give your child a chance to meet our dentists, staff, and to see the exam room and equipment. This could help your child feel more at ease and be more cooperative during the actual... --- - Published: 2018-02-28 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/sports-and-oral-health-how-to-protect-your-teeth-when-playing/ No parent likes to receive the call that their child was injured at school or at their sporting event. One of the most common injuries is to the teeth and mouth. The front teeth and soft tissues of the tongue, lips, and inner cheeks. No injury can be avoided entirely, but it can be prevented. Protective Gear for Mouths and Teeth The method of protection depends on the sport, so make sure that your child has the opportunity to play it safe. Mouthguards, helmets, and face cages are the gear that we must consider when talking about sports protection for the face and mouth. Helmets Most helmets protect the head, but not the mouth specifically. They should always be worn when batting, during football, hockey, cycling, and other sports that have concussion risk. Most helmets extend beyond the face and just might protect your teeth during a face plant. Face Cages Baseball catchers, hockey goalies, football players all should be playing with helmets that have face cages. This is the best protection against a nasty mouth injury. Mouth Guards Dr. Frank Sierra adds, "We saved the best for last, as they are inexpensive but can really provide some excellent protection. Not just for boxers, you have seen all your favorite players using mouth guards. Think basketball, football, hockey, wrestling, and basically any contact sport. The benefits of a custom sports mouthguard are more comfort and the proper fit. Your student-athlete will be more apt to wear their guard too. Other benefits are increases in strength and endurance and quicker reaction time. " The Kids Smiles team hopes that all of our patients have fun and are safe while they play their favorite sports. Share this post with parents that might benefit from these tips and reminders of personal protective equipment for the teeth and mouth. Did you know? Our partner company, Blue Wave Orthodontics can produce a custom mouth guard for your child. Dr. Randy Feldman is a Fellow of the American Academy of Sports Dentistry and has fabricated custom mouth guards for the Buccaneers, Lightning, Rays and has been the Team Orthodontist for the University of South Florida Athletic program for over 25 years, at one time fabricating custom mouth guards for every active USF athlete that asked for one! Click here to learn more! Give them the smile they deserve without traditional braces Learn More Find Your Location --- - Published: 2018-01-23 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/the-difference-between-general-family-dentists-and-pediatric-dentists/ 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 have knowledge of and an aptitude for treating the unique needs of infants, children, adolescents, and young patients with special health care needs. A general dentist is allowed to treat patients of any age. However, just as in general medicine, there are complex conditions that require the expertise of a pediatric dentist. A Pediatric dentist will monitor the growth and development of your child's teeth and bite, as they have expert knowledge in childhood dental developmental stages. They provide comprehensive early detection and treatment of cavities or any dental concerns. Pediatric dentists are also specifically trained on relating to infants, children, and teenagers during procedures and explanations of proper oral health care. Pediatric dentists are also trained to provide fluoride treatments and dental sealants to children. Dr. Frank Sierra adds, "One of our mottos is that We offer kinder, gentler dentistry for kids and teens. ' At Kids Smiles, we understand that children have unique dental needs and that going to the dentist can sometimes be seen as a stressful experience. This is why we have Pediatric dentists who specialize in handling these needs. " The waiting room and exam rooms at a pediatric dentist is also usually specially designed for the comfort of children. Dr. Mark Dawoud shares, "Our Kids Smiles locations were designed specifically for children and early teens. It includes open bays, private treatment areas, accessible games, toys, and family movies. We treat children with respect and explain every step of their dental care in age-appropriate, child-friendly terms. " At Kids Smiles it is always our goal that your child develops and maintains a positive association with dental care and we do everything we can to create a pleasant, supportive, and fun environment. Although it may seem convenient to bring the whole family to the same dentist, the experience and service from a pediatric dentist have major benefits. --- - Published: 2018-01-09 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-to-do-with-a-loose-tooth/ 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 teens. The primary teeth are usually lost in the order that they come in, so the bottom two teeth are first, followed by the top two. Most parents ask what should be done with a loose tooth? Dr. Frank Sierra tells patients, "It is better for a loose tooth to come out on its own. Removing it early can be uncomfortable for the child and has an infection risk for the soft tissues and gums. The nerve will dissolve naturally if the tooth is loose because it is set to be replaced by an adult tooth. " He adds "If they feel comfortable, it is OK to let your child wiggle the baby tooth until it falls out on its own. They should be prompted to have clean hands while doing so. " In some cases a baby tooth can become loose due to decay or damage, and this can lead to poor timing and spacing of permanent teeth. This is one of the reasons that we recommend consulting with your dentist about any loose teeth. We also get questions about accidental tooth swallowing. Dr. Mark Dawoud calms parents by saying, "Although not a part of the plan, a swallowed tooth is harmless and will naturally pass. The tooth fairy will understand if there isn't a tooth to place under the child's pillow. " Your children depend on you to provide the proper example, tools, and resources for their oral health. Do continue to learn as much as possible about the development of their teeth and the best ways to maintain a happy and healthy smile. Dr. Dawoud summarizes that, "Our pediatric dentists are always happy to help guide you and to give your child more awareness and enthusiasm for their oral hygiene, and we have five offices to serve you better. " Give them the smile they deserve without traditional braces Learn More Find Your Location --- - Published: 2017-12-26 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/does-tooth-extraction-hurt/ 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 Bradenton will make sure that the experience is comfortable. Let's go over some facts about tooth extraction before we answer the question "does tooth extraction hurt. " Reasons for Pediatric Tooth Extraction First of all, unlike adults, your child will develop to have 20 temporary, primary teeth; and then 32 permanent adult teeth. The primary teeth are still very important as they hold the space for the adult teeth. We attempt to keep them intact until they are naturally ready to come out. The reasons why a baby tooth might need to be removed include accidents, major decay, or situations in which they block adult teeth from coming in properly. In teens, sometimes their wisdom teeth are removed due to crowding or bad positioning. Why a Pediatric Dentist Dr. Frank Sierra explains, "At Kids Smiles, we understand that children have unique dental needs and that going to the dentist can sometimes be seen as a stressful experience. This is why we have Pediatric dentists who specialize in handling these needs. Our dentists have undergone extensive advanced training on working with children and teens. We have the patience and experience in making frightened children feel comfortable, child-friendly equipment, and an environment helps to make visits a positive experience. " Earning Trust Young children, and even some adults, are naturally apprehensive about dental treatment. At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we use a "tell, show, do" philosophy. First, we "tell" by explaining the next step in words your child understands. Then we "show" them what we will be doing. It may be using an instrument on their finger. Then, we "do" the procedure. This is the best way to earn your child's trust. So, Does It Hurt? It's best to be honest with you and your child. There will be some discomfort during tooth extraction, but preventing pain takes a lot less than for adults. Our office can prevent anxiety with nitrous oxide (happy gas) and may use a combination of topical numbing ointment and a shot if necessary. Dr. Mark Dawoud shares, "Do not give your child any pain medication before their appointment, as this has been shown to cause blood clotting difficulties. " After Care As you may recall, if you ever had a tooth removed, there is also a level of discomfort after the topical or local anesthesia wears off. You can also use children's Tylenol or Ibuprofen if we do not prescribe anything specific. These should not be used until after the blood clot forms. Dr. Frank Sierra adds, "You can apply a bag of ice or frozen vegetables to the outside of the cheek to reduce the swelling and numb the pain. If... --- - Published: 2017-12-05 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/the-rule-of-twos-for-healthy-teeth/ 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 spend two whole minutes in brushing and flossing daily. Give them the smile they deserve without traditional braces Learn More Find Your Location --- - Published: 2017-11-30 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/dental-care-for-autistic-children/ Autism Spectrum Disorder is characterized by marked difficulties in behavior, social interaction, communication, and sensory sensitivities. Trips to the pediatric dentist are more successful and pleasant for the autistic child when the parent helps them to prepare. We've prepared some ideas for you as parent or guardian to use with your autistic child. Visit Prior To Your Appointment Take some time to visit the dental office with your child, and let them to become familiar with the space, staff, and processes. Our Kids Smiles team will always make arrangements to do this, so just give us a call. Role Play At Home Another step you can take to prepare your child is with role playing at home. You can pretend to do a dental exam and practice having your child lay down with their mouth open wide. Getting access to some real or play dental tools can also be helpful as your child can hold and explore them. Read Books And Watch Videos There are a number of good children's books about visiting the dentist. Check with your local library and local bookstores for some options. There are also kid-friendly clips on YouTube and other sites that can be good to watch with your child. If you're feeling creative, you can also make up your own stories. Make sure the stories are ones that will put the listener at ease and build confidence. Look at Photos Take photos of the outside of the dentist's office, and take some photos during your visit of the staff, dental chair, and your child visiting. You can review these when you prepare for your real visit. Take Breaks During your visit, your child may need frequent breaks. If your child requires some time off from all the movement, lights, and sounds from the dental office, then by all means, take a break. Do what needs to be done for your child. Find the Right Dentist All of our Kids Smiles dentists are very experienced with special needs and autistic children. If you plan to visit a different office, ask the staff about their experiences. If you feel that they are not as familiar with autistic children, tell them what they should expect when working with your child. The discussion will be helpful for all parties. Make Your Child Comfortable Bring along whatever your child requires for comfort. If they have a favorite blanket, animal, fidget toy, or other item, bring the item along and allow the child to have it in the waiting room and during the examination and visit. You will also feel more confident when you prepare. You can't predict all results, but Dr. Sierra and Dr. Dawoud will make adjustments during your child's visit based on their comfort. --- - Published: 2017-10-24 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/planning-a-dentist-visit-for-your-special-needs-child/ 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, we "tell" by explaining the next step in words your child understands. Then we "show" them what we will be doing. It may be using an instrument on their finger. Then, we "do" the procedure. This is the best way to earn your child's trust. Dr. Frank Sierra and Dr. Mark Dawoud are also experts in working with special needs children and their parents. If your child has a developmental disability including down syndrome or cerebral palsy, behavioral issues or physical limitations, just let us know when booking your appointment. We will make sure that we provide extra time for their comfort and your piece of mind. Our office and team have all of the special supports necessary for serving children with special needs. These include: Pre-Appointments We offer pre-appointment to give your child a chance to meet our dentists, staff, and to see the exam room and equipment. This could help your child feel more comfortable and be more cooperative during the actual dental appointment. Accessibility All of our locations are accessible to wheelchairs, including our front door and examination rooms and we have designated disabled parking close to the building. Every Kids Smiles location also offers private treatment areas. This ensures your child’s comfort by offering a more quiet and structured environment. Experience As we mentioned, our dentists and staff care for children with special needs and have developed strategies that could help support your child. Our dentists will also give you advice on oral health home care, like tips for brushing teeth. Specialized Clinical Training Our pediatric dentists have received special training to treat children with special needs. They also continue to update their clinical education in every way. Sedation Some procedures may still be too stressful for your child. We have many options. We can use nitrous oxide analgesia (happy gas) for children with minimal anxiety. Down syndrome and other genetic disorders can cause delays in tooth eruption. Malformed or missing teeth, and poor alignment raise the risk of gum disease and tooth decay because their teeth are difficult to keep clean. Making appointments twice a year, brushing two times a day, and for two minutes each time is even more essential in these cases. Let us know if you have any questions. We do not require a referral for an appointment, so schedule a visit today. Give them the smile they deserve without traditional braces Learn More --- - Published: 2017-10-17 - Modified: 2023-02-13 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/tongue-tie-ankyloglossia-and-lip-tie-lip-adhesion/ 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 moved normally. Before we are born, a strong cord of tissue that guides the development of mouth structures is positioned in the center of the mouth. It is called a frenulum. As we develop, this frenulum recedes and thins. The lingual (tongue) or labial (lip) frenulum is visible and easily felt if you look in the mirror under your tongue and lip. In some children, the frenulum is especially tight or fails to recede and may cause tongue/lip mobility problems. The tongue and lip are a very complex group of muscles and are important for all oral functions. For this reason, having tongue-­tie can lead to nursing, eating, dental, or speech problems, which may be serious in some individuals. When Are Tongue and Lip-­Tie a Problem That Needs Treatment? Infants A new baby with a too-tight tongue and/or lip frenulum can have trouble sucking and may have poor weight gain. If they cannot make a good seal on the nipple, they may swallow air causing gas and stomach problems. Such feeding problems should be discussed with Dr. Sierra. Nursing mothers who experience significant pain while nursing or whose baby has trouble latching on should have their child evaluated for tongue and lip tie. Although it is often overlooked, tongue and lip tie can be an underlying cause of feeding problems that not only affect a child’s weight gain, but lead many mothers to abandon breastfeeding altogether. In Toddlers and Older Children Speech While the tongue is remarkably able to compensate and many children have no speech impediments due to tongue­tie, others may. By the age of three, speech problems, especially articulation of the sounds ­ l, r, t, d, n, th, sh, and z may be noticeable. The evaluation may be needed if more than half of a three–year–old child’s speech is not understood outside of the family circle. Although there is no obvious way to tell in infancy which children with ankyloglossia will have speech difficulties later, the following associated characteristics are common: V­shaped notch at the tip of the tongue Inability to stick out the tongue past the upper gums Inability to touch the roof of the mouth Difficulty moving the tongue from side to side As a simple test, caregivers or parents might ask themselves if the child can lick an ice cream cone or lollipop without much difficulty. If they cannot, then it may be time to consult Dr. Sierra or another specialist in tongue/lip tie. Dental For older children with tongue­tie, appearance can be affected by persistent dental problems such as a gap between the top or bottom two front teeth. The frenum can also pull against the gingiva (gums)... --- - Published: 2017-09-26 - Modified: 2021-10-21 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/when-should-my-baby-first-visit-the-dentist/ 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 for the early visit is to begin a prevention program as some dental problems can begin early. A big concern is early childhood caries (also known as baby bottle tooth decay). When this occurs sometimes the only possible treatment is extractions. The earlier the dental visit, the better the chance of preventing future dental problems. " At this first appointment, the doctor will complete a thorough exam of your child's mouth. If necessary, the doctor will take a few minor radiographs if he or she suspects an underlying issue. Parents are encouraged to ask questions! The first dental visit also lets parents discuss and learn about: Children's oral habits, including finger and thumb sucking How to care for their infant's or toddler's mouth Proper use of fluoride The link between diet and oral health Ways to prevent childhood accidents that could damage the face and teeth Teething and what to expect in the coming months It is recommended that children have a dental check-up every 6 months. Some cases of tooth decay, unusual growth and development, or poor hygiene may require additional visits. The doctor will review each case individually and create a proper schedule specific to your child. If you have any questions about your child's first dental visit, be sure to contact our clinical staff. A lifetime of smiles starts in a child's first year. Give them the smile they deserve without traditional braces Learn More Find Your Location --- - Published: 2017-09-17 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/is-childrens-toothpaste-different-than-adult-toothpaste/ 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 encourages them to brush more often and for longer periods. The dispensers also tend to be easier to dispense for small hands, and often stand up to make bathroom sinks a bit tidier. Fluoride has been proven to protect from future cavities, and to re-mineralize small cavities. For children age 3 and younger, use a children's fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. Again, you can use a non-fluoride version, if they tend to eat or not swallow it. For children 3 to 6 years old, the amount should be pea sized, and they may be ready for adult toothpaste. Dr. Frank Sierra reminds parents that, "most children don't have the motor skills to brush their teeth effectively until age 8, so should be supervised to make sure that each brushing session is getting the job done. " If you have any questions about your child's teeth, brushing, or pediatric dental care, please feel free to ask any of our Kids Smiles dentists or clinical staff. We hope to see you soon at any of our 3 Tampa Offices and our Bradenton office. --- - Published: 2017-08-22 - Modified: 2021-10-21 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/the-right-toothbrush-and-when-to-replace/ 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 and proper toothbrushes for the pediatric age ranges below. The American Dental Association (ADA) also stamps toothbrush packaging that passes their tests with their Seal of Approval. Babies and Toddlers Toothbrushes for babies come in bright colors and have very small heads designed to fit inside your baby's mouth. By age two, your toddler will most likely want to participate in toothbrushing time. Toddler toothbrushes have small heads and large handles with soft grips for small hands to hold. Dr. Frank Sierra advises, "You should brush your child's teeth, but let them practice brushing as well. " Age 5 to 8 Children between the ages of five and eight are getting ready to be independent about their brushing and flossing. You will find that toothbrushes for kids this age have slimmer handles than toddler toothbrushes in order to fit their more dexterous grip and larger mouths. Children at this stage can brush their own teeth, but should be observed doing so. Many toothbrushes for children in this age range (and younger) are based on popular cartoon or movie characters. Age 8 and up Kids aged eight and up have toothbrushes that look similar to adult products, but still have slightly smaller heads and larger handles. Both powered and manual toothbrushes are appropriate for preadolescent children. Dr. Mark Dawoud adds, "It's still a good idea to let your child pick out their own brush so that they feel a part of their dental health. " Replacing Your Child's Toothbrush You should replace your child’s toothbrush every three or four months or even sooner if the bristles fray. Choosing a fun toothbrush design will also make brushing more fun and more effective. If you have any further questions about children's toothbrushes or best pediatric dental practices, contact anyone on the Kid Smiles team. Dr. Frank Sierra summarizes, "Whatever toothbrush design you choose, the most important thing is that you or your child uses the toothbrush at least 2-3 times a day. At least two minutes should be spent brushing for the best results. " Give them the smile they deserve without traditional braces Learn More Find Your Location --- - Published: 2017-08-08 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/can-chewing-gum-prevent-cavities/ Chew on this. The answer is YES, chewing gum CAN prevent cavities, but only if it's sugarless gum with the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal. This seal provides assurance that the product has met the ADA criteria for effectiveness and safety. Chewing sugarless gum after meals increases the flow of saliva, which helps to wash away particles of food. The increase in saliva flow brings added calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel. The gum can also neutralize the bacteria that causes tooth decay. Pretty effective results from an activity as pleasant and common as chewing gum. The website Mouth Healthy has a great video on it's website that illustrates the points in this blog very well. The video also advises the following: Eat healthy foods Drink plenty of water Brush twice a day Floss once a day Schedule regular dental check-ups Dr. Frank Sierra adds, "I recommend that parents carry some sugar-free gum for occasions when they or their family can't brush or floss right away. It's not a substitute or proper dental care, but it does more good than damage. " --- - Published: 2017-07-25 - Modified: 2021-10-21 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-parents-should-know-about-their-childrens-loose-teeth/ Between ages 6 and 13, your child's baby teeth will fall out to make room for permanent adult teeth. The primary teeth are usually lost in the order that they come in, so the bottom two teeth will be the first to go, followed by the top two. The question we answer for parents is, "should we pull the loose tooth? " In some cases a baby tooth can become loose due to decay or damage, but this can lead to the permanent tooth coming in too soon and spacing issues. This is one of the reasons that we recommend consulting with your dentist about any loose teeth. In terms of taking any action on your own, Dr. Frank Sierra's advice is to "Let your child wiggle the baby tooth until it falls out on its own. This cuts down on any pain or bleeding that may occur by removing the tooth by force, and before it is ready. " Another danger to removing the tooth too early is the risk of infection or damage to soft tissues of the gums. Letting the nerve dissolve naturally is the best course of action. Some parents worry about the child swallowing the tooth by accident, but that is harmless. Makes for difficulty in placing the tooth under their pillow for transaction with the Tooth Fairy, but she'll understand. Give them the smile they deserve without traditional braces Learn More Find Your Location --- - Published: 2017-07-04 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/vacation-tips-from-kids-smiles/ Our team from Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry hopes that you and your children have an excellent Summer and a relaxing and fun vacation from school. Although there are no obligations to get their homework done, the kids still have a responsibility to maintaining good oral habits and their dental health. We came up with five tips to a healthy Summer smile. Keep Dental Routines Brushing and flossing are just as important on the kids' Summer vacation, so be sure to encourage them to keep up with the good work. Dr. Frank Sierra adds, "Falling asleep without the nightly routine is tempting, especially while watching a good movie, so make sure the household takes care of their teeth before the fun of the day brings restful sleep. " Eat Wisely Vacations and even days out at the beach or park bring less opportunity to control both young and old diets. Trips to the ice cream shop, Summer soda, and many other tempting treats; including sweet fruit juices can become an issue if not accompanied with regular brushing and flossing. Dr. Mark Dawoud suggests, "Packing healthy snacks, water, and meals when possible can help offset the fast-food, impulsive choices that are much easier to find when not at home. " Visit the Dentist If you plan to be away from home for a vacation with the kids, and their dental check-ups are due; consider making and keeping appointments for them before the trip. Contact our most convenient office to schedule around your busy summer plans. It's never fun to run into dental trouble when you are away from home. Prepare an Oral Health Travel Kit Purchasing travel-sized toothbrushes, floss, and carrying cases for each family member is something that you want to add to your packing and shopping list. Protect Your Toothbrush When travelling with your family toothbrushes, be sure to keep them covered, but not covered when still moist. A closed cover on a wet toothbrush can cause bacteria to thrive. We hope these tips inspire and remind you that Summer has extra challenges, but just as many reasons to care for your children's teeth. Give them the smile they deserve without traditional braces Learn More Find Your Location --- - Published: 2017-06-17 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/four-oral-health-things-pregnant-women-can-do-to-give-their-baby-a-healthy-start/ As pediatric dentists, Dr. Frank Sierra and Dr. Mark Dawoud challenge you to start thinking about your children's dental health prenatally. The Children's Dental Health Project (CDHP) is doing a great job of getting prenatal oral health information out to the community. Research shows that a woman's oral health during pregnancy is a great predictor of her child's risk of tooth decay. Mothers also unintentionally transmit to infants the bacteria that play the main role in causing tooth decay. That’s one of the main reasons children end up with cavities later on. CDHP mentions that four in 10 pregnant women have tooth decay or gum disease, but many are not seeking dental care. The acidity level in the mouth also rises during pregnancy, thus putting them at even greater risk of dental issues. To compound that factor, hormonal changes cause gums to swell and bleed, creating vulnerability to infection and possibly discomfort as a reason to become negligent in care. Overall health for expectant mothers contributes to the fewer complications and health issues in their newborns. There is a connection of low birth weight, pre-term births, and other issues related to the oral health of pregnant women. If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, CDHP shares four ways pregnant women can give their newborns a healthy start by taking care of their own oral health. Make and keep your regular dental appointment. Getting a dental exam will help to identify any oral health problems, so you can get treatment and guidance. Brush at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste. It is especially important to brush before bed, because the mouth produces less saliva at night, leaving your teeth more vulnerable to cavity-causing bacteria. Drink tap water daily. Many communities in the U. S. add fluoride to their drinking water, making it an even better choice. Most brands of bottled waters have little or no fluoride. Limit or avoid sodas, "energy drinks," and sugary beverages. Talk to your dentist or doctor about ways to prevent or manage any dental problems. Tooth decay is preventable, even after the decay process has started. The guidelines are something that everyone should do. To start being a great mom, you should really stick to these, and use your good oral health as a healthy start for baby. --- - Published: 2017-05-30 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/what-parents-need-to-know-about-fruit-juice-and-infants/ On May 22, 2017 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) issued new recommendations on the appropriate consumption of fruit juice for infants, toddlers, and adolescents. The most significant guideline is that parents should avoid fruit juice for children under one year of age. The previous guideline was avoidance under 6 months. The concern for the AAP is that juice offers no nutritional benefits early in life, and disrupts opportunity for what babies really need: breast milk or formula and their protein, fat and minerals like calcium. Infants can be encouraged to consume whole fruit that is mashed or pureed as it has less sugar, less calories, and more fiber. After 1 year of age, fruit juice may be used as part of a meal or snack. The recommendations also mention that prolonged exposure to the sugars in juice are also a contributing factor to tooth decay. There are suggestions to offer juice to toddlers in a cup vs bottle to limit the exposure on the teeth. When used as part of a healthy diet for children over the age of 1 year, parents should buy only 100% fresh or reconstituted fruit juice. AAP notes that fruit drinks are not nutritionally equivalent to fruit juice. For full details, including those for children and adolescents, Dr. Frank Sierra and Dr. Mark Dawoud suggest reviewing the policy’s abstract. Give them the smile they deserve without traditional braces Learn More Find Your Location --- - Published: 2017-04-19 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/5-great-ideas-to-make-tooth-brushing-fun/ A recent article in the Huffington Post by dental student Mirissa Price has some great ideas for making tooth brushing more fun and more effective for families. Creating an environment where tooth brushing is a family affair, and more fun goes a long way to keeping the dentist’s drill away. We encourage you to read the full article, but here are Mirissa’s 5 tips, and we think they’re pretty great. 1) Stickers Kids love stickers, and even more so – they love rewards. The article suggests creating a poster board chart for your family to which you add a sticker for proper brushing (at least twice a day for two minutes). The author suggests teaching and inspiring your child if they don’t brush their teeth properly. Your family can set goals such as 10, 14, or 30 stickers for a prize. 2) Making tooth brushing a family affair In this tip, the author suggests that the family gather around one sink twice a day and brush teeth together for the two minutes. That actually sounds fun. Tooth brushing family selfie anyone? 3) Add a song and dance A lot of songs are about two minutes. The idea behind this tip is to find or make up a song to listen to or play in your head while brushing. Adding a little hip action makes it even more fun. 4) Take them shopping When your kids have a role in choosing their toothbrush every 3 or 4 months, they may be more invested in use. The article suggests looking at brushes with action heroes, princesses, or other fun characters. Makes adult toothbrushes sound a bit dull. 5) Disclosing tablets This is a good one. You can buy disclosing tablets at stores like Target or online at Amazon. com. The tablets are chewable and stain the plaque deposits on teeth a vibrant shade of green or blue. The game element is to see who can brush away more of the color, thus getting a better set of clean choppers. Many stores carry toothbrushes with timers and or songs coordinated with the normal 2 minute brushing cycle. Dr. Feldman’s personal toothbrushes, he uses 2, one to dry out and one to use, are Lady Gaga singing “Born this Way” and “Bad Romance” which he recently purchased at Wal-Mart! We suggest coming up with your own ideas as well to make tooth brushing fun. Every child responds differently to rewards and games, so get creative, stay positive, and most importantly, set the good example. Please share these ideas with friends and family. --- - Published: 2017-04-04 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/kids-smiles-pediatric-dentistry-welcomes-dr-frank-sierra/ Tampa native, Dr. Frank Sierra and staff have joined our growing team at Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. Since 1994, Sierra Pediatric Dentistry and Laser Center has been treating pediatric patients at 6323 Memorial Hwy, Tampa, FL 33615. They are now our pediatric dental partner, and our newest Kids Smiles location. Dr. Sierra graduated from The University of South Florida with a Bachelors degree in Natural Sciences and Master of Science in Public Health. He earned Doctor of Dental Medicine from The University of Florida College of Dentistry with awards in pediatrics. Dr. Sierra completed his residency training in pediatric dentistry at University of Florida-Shands Hospital. He is board certified in pediatric dentistry and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Sierra is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Florida Dental Association, American Dental Association, International Affiliation of Tongue-Tie Professionals, Academy of Laser Dentistry, and American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association. He has served as President of Florida Cleft Palate Craniofacial Association and the Florida Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Sierra is on the clinical faculty at the University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine in the Department of Pediatrics. He is an author and has made national presentations in the dental care of the child with facial differences. He has been involved in family-centered care and oral health care for children with special needs for over 20 years. Like the entire Blue Wave Dental Group family, Dr. Sierra and his wife Theresa are very involved in the community. They also stay busy with the activities of their five children. To request a complimentary consultation, please fill out our online form. Someone from the Kids Smiles office will contact you within one business day to schedule. If, for any reason, this fails to occur, please be kind enough to call them directly at your nearest location and we will definitely handle your request. --- - Published: 2017-03-08 - Modified: 2021-10-21 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/kids-smiles-patients-save/ Have you heard of Invisalign Teen? It’s the clear alternative to traditional braces that allows for practically invisible orthodontic treatment with clear aligners and the flexibility teenagers crave. The best part? Kids Smiles Patients who decide to start their orthodontic journey with Blue Wave Orthodontics will receive $500 off of Invisalign Teen! The kind of excellent care Dr. Sierra and Kids Smiles provide won’t end once your child is ready and in need of orthodontic treatment. Kids Smiles’ sister company, Blue Wave Orthodontics, applies the same kind of care and knowledge only attainable through years of experience to its patients. Blue Wave Orthodontics is led by Dr. Feldman and Dr. McDowell who are excited to welcome Kids Smiles patients to receive the kind of personalized orthodontic care they need. Give them the smile they deserve without traditional braces Learn More Find Your Location --- - Published: 2017-02-19 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/the-pirates-fixable-teeth/ Kate Kyres, creator of Silly Dilly's & The Enchanted Spot in Tampa, has authored the children's book at the subject of this blog—The Pirates' Fixable Teeth. She says she wrote this story to encourage kids to treasure their teeth and to connect Tampa's love of pirates with a good message. "Never stray too far from a toothbrush and toothpaste. Treat your teeth like the gold they are and your smile will never go to waste. " We love the book because we love Tampa, Gasparilla, and of course educating children and protecting their teeth. In the book, Pirate Captain Roy and his hungry crew capture an unsuspecting Royal ship. They intend to steal not only all of the passengers’ gold but all of their meals too. When the pirates begin to feast, their teeth fail them and their tooth pain becomes unbearable. The star of the book, the Royal ship’s dentist, offers her dental services to the pirates, teaching them that the real treasure lies within their healthy, golden smiles. That's the short version of this fine 37 page children's book. We find that children love to read and be read this timeless tale that promotes dental health, courage, kindness, confidence and resourcefulness. The book is available locally at Silly Dilly's, 3217 S. MacDill Avenue, Tampa, on Amazon. com, and at other fine book sellers. Congrats Kate! --- - Published: 2017-01-26 - Modified: 2025-06-09 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/teen-night-owls-more-likely-to-have-tooth-decay/ Recently published research shows that teenagers who stay up late are up to four times more likely to require dental fillings than those who have an earlier planned bedtime. The study published in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene basically states that teens who stay up later than their parents often do not brush their teeth before falling asleep. We would also predict that they are drinking soda and eating other sugary snacks right up until the moment of sleep as well. Even the best of us have probably done this. The research study also mentions that these teens wake up later and skip breakfast. This may lead to increased snacking during the day, and more missed opportunities to brush. The best-case scenario is getting a good night's sleep and brushing before bed. Working to that goal, parents should also encourage choosing water as a beverage and switching to healthy snacks like carrot sticks, apples, and popcorn with little or no butter and salt. Dr. Mark Dawoud adds that adolescents need between 9 and 9 1/2 hours of sleep, but the average amount of sleep is about two hours short. This article has additional results of lack of sleep above and beyond the dental ones, and offers some parental suggestions. --- - Published: 2017-01-11 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/7-tips-for-a-successful-pediatric-dental-check-up/ At Kids Smiles Pediatric Dentistry we want you and your child to have a successful office visit from start to finish. Like most successful ventures, some preparation and planning can assist. Our 7 tips are adapted from a longer blog at Mouth Healthy, which is also a good read especially in the details of age-appropriate dental habits. 1. Plan Ahead It's always best if you can plan your next office visit while checking out of one. Dr. Mark Dawoud suggests bringing a planner or electronic calendar with you to each office visit, so scheduling becomes a breeze. The article we reference has good advice about scheduling a back-to-school appointment by using your child's spring report card as a reminder. 2. Encourage Age-Appropriate Dental Habits at Home The best office checkup is cavity-free and limited to the basics of mouth inspection, cleaning, and maybe some radiographs. These easy visits happen when you encourage your child to brush twice a day for two minutes and to floss once a day. A fun-looking toothbrush can be encouraging for some small children. All benefit from a regular schedule and planned bedtime. The Mouth Healthy article excels in its advice for kids 6 and under, ages 7-12, and 12-18, so take a look for specifics. 3. Timing Is Everything Dr. Frank Sierra suggests that you schedule appointments at the optimum time for your child. That will be different for each individual. For young children, who may have a naptime, it is helpful to avoid that period, especially if they are always cranky after waking up. It's also good to consider the older child who may be exhausted after a full day at school. You can always make them a part of the decision on when best to schedule their appointment. 4. Make One Child a Model This might be the greatest advice yet... besides brushing of course. "If you’ve scheduled back-to-back appointments for your children, there’s a simple way to decide who goes first: Choose the child who’s had the most positive experiences at the dentist. " Basically the article suggests that the behavior of subsequent children at the dentist may be based on the prior experiences of their siblings. Makes sense ... 5. A Hungry Child Is Not a Happy Patient We love the word "hangry. " Know that one yet? It's basically hungry and angry. The two go hand in hand, so feed your child a light meal before the appointment. Do be sure to have them brush afterward. Tip numbers 6 and 7 are pretty much about you, so read on. 6. Leave Your Anxiety at the Door Even if you have some fear of the dentist, be sure to model calmness - your child will pick up on your anxiety. The article has some good advice about encouraging your child to ask questions of your dentist and their team about any procedures that cause them anxiety. "Will it hurt? " 7. Keep Cool If Your Child Won’t Cooperate Last but not... --- - Published: 2016-12-28 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/parents-guide-to-proper-flossing/ The American Dental Association recommends cleaning between teeth once a day. This is important because plaque that is not removed by brushing and flossing can eventually harden into calculus or tartar. Flossing may also help prevent gum disease and cavities. Parents should begin flossing or cleaning between their children's teeth when at least two teeth begin to touch. This can occur before or after brushing as is also true for adults. You can use child-friendly plastic flossing tools to more easily floss your child’s teeth until your child learns to do it. Because cleaning between teeth demands more dexterity than very young children have, children are not usually able to do a thorough job on their own until age 10 or 11. The next set of flossing instructions apply to teens and adults too. To properly floss, use about 18 inches of floss wound around one of your middle fingers, with the rest wound around the opposite middle finger. Hold the floss tightly between the thumbs and forefingers and gently insert it between the teeth. Curve the floss into a “C” shape against the side of the tooth. Rub the floss gently up and down, keeping it pressed against the tooth. Don’t jerk or snap the floss. Floss all teeth. Don’t forget to floss behind the back teeth. Flossing properly can still be a difficult task. Our dentists suggest using a product that is easier to use, thus having a better success rate. One example are Opalpix, and are pictured in this blog. Remember always to also lead by example. Establishing healthy habits early on can lead to a lifetime of good dental care practices and good health. --- - Published: 2016-12-13 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/5-mistakes-parents-make-with-their-kids-smiles/ Kids rely on their parents for the guidance and tools to a healthy smile and ongoing oral hygiene habits. We assembled a list of 5 mistakes that some parents make when managing their children's oral health. Hopefully, you're on the right track to superstar parenting, but let's review. 1) Letting children brush alone Most children don't have the motor skills to brush their teeth effectively until age 8, so parents should supervise and make sure that each brushing session is getting the job done. 2) Putting your baby to bed with a bottle This mistake is the easiest to avoid, but it still happens and causes the worst damage. If your baby wakes needs a bottle or to nurse at night, wipe out its mouth with a soft cloth or brush if teeth are present. 3) Missing critical dental appointments The first dental visit should be when the first tooth appears or by baby's first birthday. Future dental appointments should be every six months, which will help to establish comfort with visiting the dentist, and opportunities for the excellent oral care. 4) Not using fluoride Fluoride has been proven to protect from future cavities, and to re-mineralize small cavities. For children age 3 and younger, use fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6 years old, the amount should be pea sized. Your supervision of brushing is also necessary to ensure the proper amount of toothpaste is used. 5) Offering sports drinks and soda There is absolutely no benefits to drinking soda, especially in children. Sports drinks also have a high amount of sugar and acidic consistency. Both are damaging contributors to tooth decay in children. If these types of drinks are consumed, the child should brush and floss even more often. If you know any new parents, or anyone that may benefit from this article, please share it with them today. Dr. Mark Dawoud and Dr. Frank Sierra want you and your child to have a successful time with oral health. They are available to answer any and all questions in person, by phone, or even through the website or our social media platforms. --- - Published: 2016-11-23 - Modified: 2021-10-21 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/music-to-your-ears-seven-songs-of-tooth-brushing/ Bet you learned your ABCs to music as a child or still remember some of the songs from Sesame Street or School House Rock. Children often learn faster when music is involved. It can be used as a creative and fun way to increase enjoyment and achievement in areas where children normally struggle or don't show interest. Catchy, cute songs are a perfect opportunity to get the idea of proper tooth brushing into a child's head. The American Dental Association (ADA) collected 7 tooth brushing songs in a recent post on their website, and there are definitely some catchy ones involved. YouTube is an amazing thing as the songs and videos are all there, and probably more. The videos have enough range so that some would be interesting to younger children, while others would be more for an older child. Here are two examples. The first is set to the children's nursery song, Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush. The modified song emphasizes the importance of brushing twice a day with an easy-to-remember tune. Elmo from Sesame Street has a super catchy tune which has a radio-pop feel, and we've got the lyrics too, if you want to practice with the kids. ELMO: OK, everybody. It’s time to brush your teeth. Go get your toothbrush! Brush, brushy-brush, brushy-brush, brush. Brush, brushy-brush, brushy-brush, brush. Brushy-brush, you’re looking good. SINGERS: Brush, brushy-brush. ELMO: Brushy brush them round and round. SINGERS: Brush, brushy-brush. ELMO: To keep teeth happy, here’s the truth. You gotta brush each and every tooth. The teeth in the front get a lot of care. But don’t forget the ones back there. Brush your teeth, keep them looking clean and bright. SINGERS: Brush, brushy-brush. b-b-brush, brush. ELMO: Brush your teeth, every day and every night. SINGERS: Brush, brushy-brush, b-b-brush, brush. ELMO: Now your toothpaste might taste good when you got it in your mouth. But you should never swallow it. You’ve got, got, got to spit it out. Go on and spit. We’ll wait for it. ELMO: Brush your teeth, keep them looking clean and bright. SINGERS: Brush, brushy-brush, b-b-brush, brush. ELMO: Brush your teeth, every day and every night. SINGERS: Brush, brushy-brush, b-b-brush, brush. ELMO: Now if your parents heard, here’s what you’ve gotta do–let them have your toothbrush so that they can brushy brush your teeth. Great job, you’re almost done. SINGERS:Five, four, three, two, one. ELMO: Now spit! Dr. Frank Sierra suggests that you make brushing fun for your kids, and a part of every day. Your time at Kids Smiles will be a breeze and who knows you just might replace Let it Go or Do You want to Build A Snowman? with a new dental-related tune. Dr. Frank Sierra suggests that you make brushing fun for your kids, and a part of every day. Give them the smile they deserve without traditional braces Learn More Find Your Location --- - Published: 2016-10-12 - Modified: 2021-10-21 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/who-needs-teeth/ Parents have so many resources today to help them to educate their children in fun and colorful ways, including educational games and apps, videos, and traditional books. We came across an illustrated children's book called "Who Needs Teeth" that has some wonderful reviews from parents on Amazon. com. Two of the seven great reviews so far, read as follows. "This is a simply adorable book! A charming story of the importance of healthy teeth. Anyone who has struggled to get their children to brush their teeth, will love this book! Delightful rhymes that remind our little ones that teeth really need attention and care. I read this to my niece and she promptly got up and said to me, "Auntie, I am sorry, but I have to go and to brush my teeth now. " Great message! " "Convincing small children to brush their teeth may be akin to pulling teeth -- but this little book makes it easy. With unexpected rhymes and adorable drawings, "Who Needs Teeth? " answers its own question. We all do, even little ones who may otherwise think that they are invulnerable. A great book to be read as part of a nighttime ritual! Finally a multicultural series for helping kids. " Sally Huss, the author/illustrator's 30+ year body of work is described as "Bright and happy," "light and whimsical. " She seems to have quite the collection of fun and educational children's books, and a very interesting background. This title is available in paperback and in Kindle version and is listed for ages 2 to 8. Sounds like the perfect book to settle down with after brushing teeth and getting a nice glass of water for bed time. What a great way to teach better dental habits, than with rhymes and good examples of the benefits of having teeth. If you come across other great children's oral health guides, activities, or books - please share them with us on Facebook or tell us more when you visit. Give them the smile they deserve without traditional braces Learn More Find Your Location --- - Published: 2016-09-14 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/parents-guide-to-toothbrush-storage/ Parents, it's up to you to set an example and ensure that your children are brushing at least twice a day with a soft-bristled brush and toothpaste accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA). But there is more... . . what about proper toothbrush storage and timely replacement? The ADA recommends replacing toothbrushes every 3 to 4 months or sooner if the bristles get worn. Perhaps add a calendar alert either electronically or on your wall calendar and replace the whole family's brushes at the same time. The ADA and the Council on Scientific Affairs also has recommendations on toothbrush care and storage. 1) Store the brush in an upright position. This assists with proper dry-time and gets the brush out of standing water. 2) Keep brushes apart. If you do store brushes together, try to keep the bristles from touching to reduce contamination. 3) Don't share toothbrushes. Sharing a toothbrush results in exchange of body fluids and bacteria placing both parties at risk of infection. 4) Rinse toothbrushes with tap water after brushing. This will remove any remaining toothpaste and debris. 5) Do not store in closed containers. Keeping your toothbrush covered just aids the bacteria to have the perfect environment. Not on the list, but a bonus recommendation from us at Kids Smiles. In the restroom, close the lid when flushing as bacteria can spray up to ten inches above the lid and too close to your beloved toothbrush. Dr. Frank Sierra also suggests "If you have room in the bathroom to use two different toothbrushes. You can get two different colors for your child and instruct them to use one before noon and the other in the evening, this way you allow time for the bristles to dry out our before being used again and alternating two toothbrushes increases the overall longevity significantly! " Be sure to share these toothbrush tips with friends and family, and SMILE. --- - Published: 2016-07-20 - Modified: 2021-10-25 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/parents-should-say-no-to-soda/ About 25% of people drink multiple sugar-sweetened beverages on a daily basis, and a substantial percentage drink a single beverage about once a day. The excess sugar is a major contributor to obesity and other health problems, but some drinks are also high in acidity, and combined with this sugar make these drinks particularly bad for teeth. These choices become the choices of our children and lead to problems later in life, but also cavities very quickly without proper dental care. Dental enamel is the coating that protects the inner structures (dentin) of the tooth. It can become worn and eroded due to our naturally occurring acids. Energy drinks, sodas, and some fruit juices are high in acids, and the sugars they contain feed oral bacteria, which then produce even more acids. Some of the biggest offenders include regular and diet soft drinks, energy drinks, fruit-flavored drinks, and juices. Drinkers of soda and energy drinks are at higher risk of enamel erosion, sensitivity, tooth decay, decalcification (white spots/brown spots), and infection. The body remineralizes the enamel daily thanks to the calcium and other minerals in the saliva, but high levels of acidity can prevent the saliva from doing its job. How much sugar is in the drinks your kids are consuming? Water – 0 grams of sugar Sports Drink – 21 grams of sugar Energy drink 27 grams of sugar Soda – 49 grams of sugar Dr. Frank Sierra, recommends healthier beverage choices instead. These can include: Tap water, which usually contains enamel-strengthening fluoride Bottled water Milk, which has calcium and vitamin D to help your body better absorb the calcium The choices that are made early in life become habits that we often maintain as adults. A love of drinking water, proper brushing/flossing, and avoidance of excess sugar would have huge health benefits. Set a great example for your children as well and have fun with proper diet and exercise. Give them the smile they deserve without traditional braces Learn More --- - Published: 2016-06-08 - Modified: 2025-04-08 - URL: https://kidssmilesdental.com/blog/parents-guide-to-fluoride/ The ADA recently released A Mom's Guide to Fluoride, because there are still so many questions from both moms and dads about fluoride, its usage, and safety in children. Fluoride is a preventative treatment for tooth decay. Fluoride can be thought of as a vitamin for your teeth as it makes the enamel more resistant to the acids that cause tooth decay. Application is recommended after dental cleanings and fluoride is also your friend in toothpaste and in drinking water. As dentists, Dr. Mark Dawoud and Dr. Frank Sierra treat cavities, but preventing cavities and educating our young patients and their families have the most enduring benefits. With that said, we're sharing the link to this great web page from the ADA, because it is so well done. Do I need to be worried about my child drinking water with fluoride? When should I start brushing my child's teeth and how much fluoride should toothpaste should I use? Those are great questions, and we get those all the time. They are all there, and more. The article also contains this cute answer to the question, "What's a kid-friendly way to explain why fluoride is so important? " Here's the bulk of that answer. "Use some of your child’s favorite things to describe fluoride in a way he or she can understand. Here’s what worked for me: My three-year-old daughter loves superheroes and pretending she has superpowers! I explained to her that the fluoride in her water and in her toothpaste is like a superpower to fight sugar bugs on her teeth that cause cavities. She seems to know what this means and is really good about taking care of her teeth. " If you have any questions about fluoride or pediatric dental issues, give us a call at your local office, or ask our team 24/7 on our Facebook or Twitter accounts. --- ---