A sealant is a clear or white coating that covers the deep pits and grooves on the chewing surface of teeth. The Sealants help to keep out plaque and bacteria decreasing the risk of decay. The goal with sealants is to maintain cavity free teeth for a lifetime! Since the covering is only on the…
Read moreFor parents
Sealants and the Prevention of Dental Decay
Sealants are a great prevention tool that can really reduce your child’s risk for decay. With that being said, what are sealants? The sealant is a tool that the pediatric dentist uses to prevent decay. The sealant is made of a liquid resin material that can be flowed into the pits and grooves of back…
Read more7 Dental Problems in Babies
Q. When should my child first see a dentist? A: “First visit by first birthday” sums it up. Your child should visit a pediatric dentist when the first tooth comes in, usually between six and twelve months of age. Early examination and preventive care will protect your child’s smile now and in the future. Q.…
Read moreHow to floss with braces
While wearing braces it is even more important to make sure you are brushing and flossing properly. It takes a big commitment to make sure teeth stay healthy. It will take up to three times as long to clean your teeth but it is very important because there are more surfaces for plaque and bacteria to hide…
Read moreLoose Teeth and What You Need to Know
What do I do if my child’s tooth is pushed back? Your child’s pediatric dentist must address any variety of tooth movement within the first 24 hours after the injury. Many times they can reposition baby teeth within the first couple of hours. The bone may firm up If you wait too long, and the…
Read moreWhen should kids start flossing?
What age should kids floss? When your children reach the ages of around 2 to 3 years old or when two of their teeth begin touching this is a sign that you should begin flossing. Floss Test for toddlers A simple test you can perform is to take a piece of floss and slide it…
Read moreShould you pull your child’s tooth?
Most children begin to lose teeth around age six, but some can lose teeth as early as four years old and as late as eight. The general rule is the first one in, first one out. Your child will most likely lose them in the order they erupted. They will start wiggling and it may…
Read moreCauses of Bleeding Gums in Children
Bleeding gums in children are never normal When flossing your toddler’s teeth they may experience some bleeding and even think it’s ok, BUT IT IS NOT! It is important to understand that bleeding is not normal, for toddlers or adults, and can be a clue that something is wrong. At Anchorage Pediatric Dentistry, we examine…
Read moreThe 5 Most Common Dental Issues in Children
As the needs change for children’s dental health as they grow, so do possible dental issues they may experience. By understanding what these potential problems maybe you are a long way ahead of helping your children what is necessary to prevent them in the first place. Here are the five most common dental problems seen…
Read moreWhy Should I Take My Baby to the Pediatric Dentist by Their First Birthday?
First Dental Visit Here at Anchorage Pediatric Dentistry, we hear this question all the time. It may seem silly because maybe your baby only has a few teeth but these visits are very important. You can think of it as a regular checkup like the ones you would take them to with their pediatrician. According…
Read moreBrushing Calendar for Kiddos
Help your child make brushing their teeth part of their daily routine. Make this year something to smile about! Download our valentines calender to help your child remember to brush twice a day and clean between your teeth daily. Four ADA recommendations for a healthy mouth Your child should use a soft toothbrush and…
Read moreSix Surprising Bad Foods For Your Child’s Teeth
Everyone knows and has been told numerous times that sugar is bad for our children’s teeth. Many foods are less obvious than candy and soda and that can result in cavities at their next dental appointment. 6 bad foods for teeth Here are six foods that can cause the most trouble for your children’s teeth…
Read moreHow do I Find a Pediatric Dentist Near Me?
If you are looking for a children’s dentist in Anchorage, Alaska it is important to know what type services they offer. A pediatric dentist is able to provide services related to checkups and filling cavities. They teach children and parents how to take care of their teeth so they can prevent serious oral health problems.…
Read moreStop Bad Brushing Habits in 2019
As the holiday season begins to come to a close, you are probably starting to think about resolutions for 2019. It may be eating healthier or starting a budget, it’s a great time to set these goals. While you are making a list of resolutions for 2019, Anchorage Pediatric Dentistry wants to give you some…
Read moreHow to know if your child has a cavity?
According to the National Institutes of Health, the most prevalent health condition after the common cold is tooth decay. If your child has not had a cavity yet, they are likely to develop at least one in their lifetime. So, how do you know if your child has a cavity? Well, depending on the severity…
Read moreHow to clean your tongue
Imagine it’s still winter … you’re standing at the door, ready to brave the cold. You’re layered-up with three shirts and a sweatshirt, your heavy winter coat, and two layers of socks underneath your waterproof winter boots. Then you’ve got those awesome jeans with the flannel on the inside, your comfy hat, scarf, and gloves.…
Read moreHow does Pediatric Sedation Dentistry Work?
Our pediatric dentists’ first consideration when it comes to a child receiving pediatric sedation dentistry is safety. Pediatric dentists recommend sedation for long, complex procedures especially for patients who are young or very nervous. Sedation is typically a very safe procedure. Types of Pediatric Sedation Dentistry The major types of sedation pediatric dentists provide are oral…
Read more5 Most Common Errors In Brushing Your Teeth
To keep your teeth and mouth healthy, brushing is the most important thing you can do every single day! It is very important to make sure you are brushing correctly or you may miss out on the benefits brushing has on your oral health. 1. Do not use an old or damaged toothbrush. You need…
Read moreWhen should orthodontic treatment start?
Developing malocclusions, or bad bites, can be recognized as early as 2-3 years of age. Often, early steps can be taken to reduce the need for major orthodontic treatment at a later age. Braces between the age of 2-6 years old Stage I – Early Treatment: This period of treatment encompasses ages 2 to 6 years.…
Read more4 Tips to Stop Kids from Grinding Their Teeth (Bruxism)
Bruxism or the nocturnal grinding of teeth is often concerning for Parents. Often, the first indication is the noise created by the child grinding on their teeth during sleep. Does Your Child Grind His Teeth At Night? Referred to as Bruxism (BRUK-siz-um) The parent may notice wear (teeth getting shorter) to the dentition. One theory as…
Read moreSix tips to care for your toddler’s teeth
Caring for your toddler’s teeth should begin early. You must develop the tools and habits that will help your toddler have the best oral health. Begin oral hygiene habits as soon as possible. Use a damp cloth to clean the inside of your baby’s mouth as well as any teeth that may have erupted. Be…
Read more5 Tips to stop thumbsucking
Sucking is a natural reflex and infants and young children may use thumbs, fingers, pacifiers and other objects on which to suck. It may make them feel secure and happy, or provide a sense of security at difficult periods. Since thumbsucking is relaxing, it may induce sleep. How Does Thumbsucking effect permanent teeth? Thumbsucking that…
Read moreWhen should you start brushing your baby’s teeth?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry suggests brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as the first tiny tooth pops through the gums to prevent cavities early on. Brush Baby’s Gum with a washcloth Better yet, you can make tooth brushing a routine for baby from the start by brushing baby’s gums with a little finger…
Read more5 Reasons to Schedule Your Kid’s Back-to-School Dental Exam
Parents, schedule your kid’s dental exam before school starts because of a beautiful ѕmіlе hеlрѕ in winning a mіllіоn hearts. Whеn planning уоur сhіld’ѕ rеturn tо ѕсhооl іn the fаll, аѕ parents уоu hаvе a lіѕt оf ѕuррlіеѕ and рurсhаѕеѕ that nееd tо bе mаdе tо mаkе ѕurе they hаvе everything they nееd tо hаvе…
Read moreBaby Teething Chart
When do Babies Begin Teething? Most babies begin teething somewhere between six to twelve months. Usually, the last primary molar pops through by age three. Please download our Baby Teething Chart Baby Teething Chart: See When Your Baby’s Teeth Will Come In UPPER TEETH ERUPT SHED Central incisor 8-12 months 6-7 years Lateral incisor 9-13 months 7-8 years…
Read moreDoes my child need braces?
Taking a short break from our Dental Trauma series, I thought I write about something a little more lighthearted and something that you may already be wondering about for your child. “Does my child need braces?” For the most part, you may already know the answer to this question. You see, most orthodontic problems such…
Read moreFour Signs of a Teething Baby
Parents always gush over baby’s first tooth, but what you don’t see in the precious picture are the miserable moments leading up to it. A teething baby is one of the most distressing problems that affect little ones and their parents. You are probably aware of the fact that babies’ teeth start growing in a certain…
Read moreBaby tooth knocked loose, What should I do?
Baby Tooth Knocked Loose AKA subluxation The two types of dental trauma injuries that result from a fall involving trauma to the mouth are a dental concussion and dental subluxation. These two types of dental trauma are the most common dental injuries I see in the office. Basically, the individual falls forward and “bangs” the…
Read moreWhat causes toddler cavities?
My toddler has cavities! But why? We have almost all had a cavity at some time, but why do some get more than others? Here is some information and a few tips to help keep your child cavity free: Cavities also called caries or “sugar bugs” by pediatric dentists, are caused by The most likely…
Read moreKnocked out Baby Tooth
Dental Trauma and injuries: Part 1 The most commonly knocked out baby tooth/ teeth are the top front teeth. Whether it is your toddler learning to walk (remember the days of the “zombie” walk?) or chasing his/her sibling and running into a coffee table, those top front teeth especially the two middle teeth are in…
Read moreBleeding after a baby tooth falls out
How do I stop bleeding after my child’s baby tooth falls out? Children often start losing teeth around the age of six. Usually, the two bottom teeth will fall out first since teeth tend to fall out in the order they came in. 1. Fold a clean piece of gauze and place it (tightly) over…
Read morePossible broken jaw in Children
In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room. Typical causes of a Broken Jaw in children Bicycle Falls Car Accidents Sports A punch to the jaw Typical signs & symptoms of a broken jaw Bruising, swelling and sourness along the jaw…
Read more4 Things to do if your child knocks out a Permanent Tooth
As a continuation of our dental trauma series, we will be discussing the what-to-do’s if you or your child knocked out or “avulsed” a permanent tooth. The two front teeth are by far the most commonly avulsed teeth due to their position and the nature of how we fall or how facial injuries occur. Management…
Read moreBroken tooth
Rinse the area with warm water. Put a cold compress over the facial area of the injury. Recover any broken tooth fragments. Get immediate dental attention
Read moreCut or Bitten tongue, lip or cheek
Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm (but gentle) pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room. Baby tooth knocked loose, What should I do? 4 Things to do if your…
Read moreWhat to do if your child has a toothache?
For a parent one of the most difficult things to watch is your child in pain. Toothaches are usually caused by tooth decay. Here are a few ways to help your child if he or she has a toothache. Evaluate the Situation Does your child have a fever? Sensitive to hot or cold? Facial swelling?…
Read more