Dr. Maggie Davis' Blog

It can be hard to protect your child’s teeth from cavities caused by poor brushing habits. Whether they still don’t understand the importance of oral health, or they can’t quite reach every surface of the tooth easily, giving kids some extra help protecting their teeth can go a long way towards preventing decay.

Thankfully, dental sealants can provide an added layer of protection to some of those harder to reach spaces, helping to ward off cavities and keep tooth enamel strong. In fact, according to the CDC, kids without sealants have on average three times more cavities than kids who do have them.  If you’ve been considering getting dental sealants for your child, here’s some important information to help you make your decision.

School is nearly out for summer vacation, so your kids are likely eager for sunny sun. They may try diving into the nearest swimming pool as soon as possible. Still, you should be cautious about where your family takes a dip. Swimming in a pool can harm teeth if you don’t act carefully. Luckily, your Palm Harbor pediatric dentist will help you reduce the risk. Read on to learn about chlorine, how it affects teeth, and ways to protect smiles from pool water.

As a parent, you’re attuned to your child. You know when they are really crying and when they’re faking it. You can pick up on the subtle clues that something may be off with them. When they complain to you about their teeth, you are naturally concerned. But what should you do about it? Check out these helpful actions you can take.

As a parent, ensuring your child’s dental health is important. After all, a healthy smile affects far more than just the way their teeth look! From the moment their first tooth appears, it’s best to emphasize oral care and lay a foundation for the future. But there are so many aspects of children’s dental care that get overlooked! Read on to learn five facts about your child’s tiny teeth you should know.

Baby teeth fall out after a few years, but they are invaluable for your child’s overall wellness and development. They also act as placeholders for their permanent teeth. Brushing and flossing help keep their mouth healthy, but regular dental checkups are equally important. Besides a visual examination, their pediatric dentist will also review panoramic X-rays. This allows their dentist to see every detail of their mouth in one image. Not only can they spot tooth decay, but they can also see their unerupted teeth. Here’s why this glimpse into the future is an important piece for your little one’s oral and overall health. 

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It can be difficult to hand over the reigns of caring for your child to a healthcare professional, whether it’s a pediatrician or pediatric dentist. An important key is to build a trusting relationship with them, and it’s an added bonus if they’re also a parent, as they’ll likely view situations more from your point of view. When you take your little one to visit the pediatric dentist, especially when they’re younger, it can be an anxiety-inducing event. However, there are some unique benefits that you and your child could enjoy by visiting a female pediatric dentist that would make the overall experience a more positive one.

Some dentists adamantly state that patients must use fluoridated toothpaste in order to maintain healthy teeth. However, there are a number of people who have some questions and concerns about fluoride. Is there an alternative substance that is equally good at preventing tooth decay?  Here at Dr. Maggie Davis & Associates, we sometimes suggest the use of hydroxyapatite toothpaste as part of our holistic approach to pediatric dental care. What is hydroxyapatite, and how might it protect your child’s smile? This blog post explains.

Having a reliable dentist for your child’s healthcare is advantageous, especially when dealing with the intricacies of the dental field. Delving into the subject on your own might give the impression that dentistry is intentionally complex. Take, for instance, two seemingly similar procedures: frenotomy and frenectomy. Although they share similarities, they are distinct and cater to different patients. If you’re interested in understanding these treatments and their differences, here’s some valuable information for you.

When you think about Halloween decorations, one of the most prominent is pumpkins. Often orange or white, they can be used in countless ways to create a festive and even spooky vibe for anyone who may be walking by your house. But as the big event approaches and children prepare to dress up as their favorite superheroes, princesses, and mythical creatures, you might consider throwing another color into the mix. Keep reading to learn more about the Teal Pumpkin Project and how you can help kids of all ages enjoy a safer and healthier Halloween.

Part of our job as parents is to care for the well-being of our little ones. That includes their oral health! Your child should see a pediatric dentist as soon as their first tooth erupts, which is usually about one year old. From there, your child should be getting a regular checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. This ensures that they’ll grow up with all the benefits of a healthy smile. Keep reading to learn about 4 of the advantages of keeping up with their dental visits!