The 4th of July is a time for celebrating our nation’s independence with fireworks, barbecues, and good old-fashioned fun. But as we all know, all that fun can be tough on our teeth. Here are a few funny ways to keep your teeth healthy and happy this 4th of July:
Opt for a tooth-friendly barbecue: Instead of chomping on a juicy cheeseburger or a sticky barbecue rib, try grilling up some crunchy veggies or a grilled chicken breast instead. These options are lower in sugar and less likely to get stuck in your teeth. And don’t forget to brush and floss after your barbecue feast!
Wear patriotic dental accessories: Show your patriotism and your oral hygiene game by rocking some red, white, and blue dental floss or a flashy 4th of July toothbrush. Your teeth will thank you for keeping them clean, and you’ll be the most patriotic person at the barbecue.
Protect your teeth from fireworks: While fireworks are a fun part of any 4th of July celebration, they can be dangerous if you’re not careful. If you’re planning on setting off your own fireworks, make sure to follow all safety guidelines and keep a safe distance. And if you’re watching a professional fireworks display, make sure to cover your ears and keep your mouth closed to protect your teeth from any stray sparks or debris.
Stay hydrated: With all the heat and excitement of the 4th of July, it’s easy to get dehydrated. Make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated and your teeth healthy. And if you’re indulging in some adult beverages, make sure to drink water in between cocktails to keep your teeth from getting too dry.
Celebrate with some tooth-friendly treats: Instead of loading up on sugary drinks and snacks, try celebrating with some tooth-friendly treats like cheese, nuts, or fresh fruit. These options are lower in sugar and can help protect your teeth from decay.
Overall, the 4th of July is a time for celebrating our nation’s independence and having fun with friends and family. But it’s important to remember to take care of your teeth and gums during all the festivities. By opting for a tooth-friendly barbecue, wearing patriotic dental accessories, protecting your teeth from fireworks, staying hydrated, and celebrating with some tooth-friendly treats, you can help keep your teeth healthy and happy all 4th of July long.
We think it is important for all of our patients, no matter their age, to receive the best dental care possible. For children, it is important to teach them how to properly care for this teeth at home, so they will not require extensive dental treatments as they age. When your child’s first tooth/teeth come in, dental care at home should begin. Cleaning these new teeth, as well as the gums, gently with a piece of gauze or a soft cloth will help to keep them clean. When several teeth have erupted, you can begin brushing them with a soft toothbrush.
Around the age of 1, your child should see a pediatric dentist for the first time, before this time, your pediatrician will be checking for any concerns or irregularities. To ensure that your child does not develop early tooth decay, make sure you do not send them to bed drinking a bottle, or right after breastfeeding, without brushing afterwards. Also, if you child has a thumb sucking habit, help them to kick the habit as early as possible.
You may be nervous about your child’s first dental appointment, we understand! Many parents have a fear themselves of the dentist and are worried their child will experience pain or discomfort during their exam or treatment. We urge you to try and remain calm, as your child can easily pick up on your tension. We work hard to ensure our office is warm, inviting, fun and our exams and treatments are as comfortable as possible.
Are you and your family ready to join the Smile Squad Shepherd family? We can’t wait to meet you! Give us a call today to set up your child’s appointment.
Visit Smile Squad at 3800 N Shepherd Dr #3A, Houston TX, 77018 or call us (281) 688-9816
Orthodontics, also known as dentofacial orthopedics, is a field of dentistry specializing in the diagnosis & treatment of facial and dental imperfections. Orthodontic irregularities are not just an effect of genetic but can also be a result of lifestyle and environmental factors. Some of our patients come to us because they are experiencing an issue with their jaw function or a misalignment in their bite, making it difficult for them to eat or speak. Others look to orthodontic care for issues such as crooked teeth or teeth that have actually rotated in their mouth. No matter the reason, orthodontics can resolve most dental malformations for patients of nearly any age.
TRADITIONAL METAL BRACES
What most people are familiar with when it comes to braces are the stainless steel brackets and wires we’ve all seen growing up. These traditional braces are the most affordable and most selected option for orthodontic treatment. Young patients enjoy the multitude of color varieties available for their bands and, unlike the “old days” of metal braces, today’s traditional braces have thinner wires and smaller brackets.
CERAMIC BRACES
Ceramic braces, more commonly referred to as clear braces, work just like traditional metal braces but are far less noticeable because of the clear or tooth-colored ceramic (or plastic) used for the brackets. You can also opt for the clear wires to make the braces even more unnoticeable.
These may sound like a dream come true, especially if you would prefer to have a more aesthetically pleasing treatment, but there are some things to be aware of with clear braces. They usually will cost more than metal braces and they will stain easier if proper care is not taken to clean them as directed.
Visit Smile Squad at 3800 N Shepherd Dr #3A, Houston TX, 77018 or call us (281) 688-9816
Many children give up the habit before they start preschool, but for persistent thumb suckers, intervention might be necessary.
Thumb sucking is a natural reflex that calms, soothes, and lulls a baby or child to sleep. Even in the womb, fetuses suck their thumbs to prepare themselves to breastfeed. Most children drop the habit on their own as they get a little older and are more capable of processing their emotions. But for some children, the need to soothe isn’t satisfied, and they continue to suck their thumb or pacifier.
Most pediatricians and dentists recommend that your child stop sucking their thumb or using a pacifier by the time they are between two and four years old. In most cases, thumb sucking is not usually a concern, but if the habit persists or becomes a constant or vigorous habit, professional intervention may be recommended.
Whichever treatment method you choose, remember to use positive reinforcement to encourage your child. Criticism, nagging, or scolding your child for sucking their thumb might make the problem worse and cause more anxiety for your child. Provide a loving and nurturing atmosphere and reassure your child that they are safe and loved.
Visit Smile Squad at 3800 N Shepherd Dr #3A, Houston TX, 77018 or call us (281) 688-9816.
Here are some tips for helping your child take care of their changing mouth.
Children usually start losing their baby teeth around age six. By age twelve, most kids have all their adult teeth until their wisdom teeth begin to erupt in their late teens.
The changes that happen to a child’s mouth over these six critical years require particular care to make sure the adult teeth grow in straight, healthy, and cavity-free. This time is referred to as the mixed dentition stage because your child will have both baby (primary) and adult (permanent) teeth.
Caring for Mouths with Mixed Dentition
Helping your child care for their teeth can be a challenge, and having a mixture of baby and permanent teeth can add to the difficulty.
Here are some ways to make sure your child’s mouth stays healthy during this time of change.
Brushing and Flossing
Proper Diet
Cleanings and Exams
Fluoride
Sealants
Visit Smile Squad at 3800 N Shepherd Dr #3A, Houston TX, 77018 or call us (281) 688-9816.
