Simply Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry Blog

Summer is here, which means it’s time for outdoor adventures, backyard fun, and soaking up the sunshine—especially for kids! But did you know that spending a little time in the sun isn’t just great for making memories? It can also greatly benefit your child’s oral health! Read on to find out why getting outside this summer might be one of the best things your child can do for their oral health!  

April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day, an opportunity to celebrate, support, and advocate for individuals on the autism spectrum. While many conversations about autism focus on educational support and daily routines, one important topic that frequently gets overlooked is oral health. In fact, research shows that children on the autism spectrum face a significantly higher risk of developing certain dental problems, from tooth decay to gum disease. However, with the right approach, a healthy, happy smile is absolutely within reach! As a parent, here’s what you should keep in mind.

As a parent, you probably know that getting your child to brush their teeth each day isn’t always an easy task. However, the solution may be simpler than you think! A new study published in Child Development suggests that the way parents respond after their child brushes can be just as important as the brushing itself. Specifically, children who received praise for brushing were more likely to brush consistently and spend more time on each session. Here’s why.

As a parent, you work hard to keep your child healthy, making sure they eat nutritious meals, get plenty of sleep, and have regular doctor visits. But how often do you think about their oral health? Routine dental checkups are one of the most powerful tools for keeping your child healthy from head to toe. Beyond just checking for cavities, regular visits to the dentist offer a wide range of benefits that can set your child up for a lifetime of strong, healthy smiles. Here’s why you should ensure your child is attending those twice-yearly appointments.

From fruit juices and sodas to flavored waters and sports drinks, many products that appear wholesome based on their packaging are quietly putting your child’s smile at risk. However, understanding the connection between diet, sugar, and cavities is one of the most important steps parents can take to protect their children’s long-term oral health. Here’s what you need to know, along with some smile-friendly substitutes.

The teenage years are full of big and exciting moments—homecoming, prom, all kinds of sports, marching band, and plenty of photos that get saved forever. The last thing most teens want to worry about is a mouth full of metal braces stealing the spotlight and tanking their confidence. Fortunately, there’s an orthodontic option that fits seamlessly into teen life: Invisalign clear aligners. Designed with both effectiveness and lifestyle in mind, Invisalign has become one of the most popular choices for teenagers who need orthodontic treatment. Here are several reasons why!

Summer break is officially in full swing! Between June and August, your child will likely spend the majority of their time hanging out with friends, soaking up some sun by the pool, and enjoying time with loved ones by the barbeque. However, summer is also the perfect time to schedule your kid’s dental checkup. Here’s why!

When your child was born or when their first tooth erupted, you probably weren’t handed a guidebook full of answers on how to care for their oral health. That’s alright! A pediatric dentist has all the training and experience needed to help you keep your little one’s precious smile healthy as it grows. However, it’s easy to get nervous about your baby’s first dental visit if you don’t know what to expect. Thankfully, knowing what this early checkup is all about can go a long way in making it a great appointment for both you and your little one! Read on as we go over everything you need to know about your baby’s first dental checkup.

Have you heard that your child’s oral health can be negatively impacted if they ingest too much fluoride? If so, you may be confused as to why your pediatric dentist is recommending that your child brush with fluoride toothpaste and drink fluoridated water. Is fluoride safe for kids? Yes! Fluoride is completely safe and essential for protecting your child’s pearly whites from cavities, as long as they get the right amount of it. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping your little one’s precious smile safe with fluoride.

If your son or daughter is a teenager, they’ve likely already reminded you several times that they aren’t children anymore! However, just because they’re a few steps closer to becoming an adult doesn’t mean that their teeth, gums and mouth have stopped growing. Thankfully, a pediatric dentist has all the special training and experience needed to address the unique oral healthcare needs of teens as they continue to develop. Here are four great reasons why your teenager should keep visiting a pediatric dentist until they’re 18.