Dr. Maggie Davis' Blog

Your son or daughter has been begging you to let them go swimming for months now, and since summer is here, the time is finally right. Before they dive in, though, you’ll want to take a few precautions. Just as you would make sure your little one puts on sunscreen where they go swimming, you should also consider another risk of chlorinated pool water: oral health problems. Is swimming bad for your child’s teeth? Read on as a pediatric dentist provides the answer and gives tips on how you can protect your kid’s smile.

When your child was younger, a pediatric dentist seemed like the best option to care for their growing smile, but now that they have become a teenager, should they switch to a general dentist? The truth is that your teen can still benefit from seeing a pediatric dentist, and here’s why.

Is your child feeling a bit nervous about their upcoming dental appointment? They’re certainly not alone! Plenty of children and adults suffer from dental anxiety. In fact, you may be feeling a bit anxious about your little one’s upcoming visit yourself if you don’t know what to expect. Thankfully, reading children’s books about dental visits with your little one can go a long way in helping you both feel more prepared! Here are a few great choices to get started.

Is your refrigerator stocked full of various juice flavors? Does your child constantly ask for the delectable taste of strawberry, apple, or mixed berry? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many parents find themselves in the same predicament. While you may buy natural fruit beverages thinking they are the “safer” option, the truth is that they are not. A pediatric dentist explains what happens to your child’s teeth when they begin consuming juice of any kind and why water is always a better option.  

With pink and red hearts everywhere, it can only mean one thing—Valentine’s Day is here! February is most known for this holiday celebrating love, but did you know that it is also Children’s Dental Health Month? Lifelong dental health needs to start early so that by the time children become adults, oral healthcare is already engrained. In this post, you’ll learn about why dental health matters and how you can show your little one’s smile some love!

From birth plans to sleeping schedules, there is a lot that goes into caring for the newest member of your family. And when you lock eyes with them and see their little, gummy smile for the first time, you know all the sleepless nights and endless preparation is worth it. Keeping their baby teeth in pristine condition throughout the years comes with its own set of do’s and don’ts, which many parents often forget. Fortunately, you can keep reading for four must-know tips to prevent that job from becoming overwhelming!

Gum disease is a serious dental issue that affects roughly 50% of American adults. If neglected, the harmful bacteria associated with this infection can significantly damage the soft tissue and bone underneath, resulting in everything from tooth loss to overall health concerns. But did you know that kids can get it too? Read on to learn the common causes of gum disease in children, symptoms to look out for, and treatment options.

As a parent, you’re always considering your child’s health and safety. So when your dentist recommends that your son or daughter has dental X-rays taken, you may be wondering just how necessary and safe this step is. Thankfully, you have nothing to fear! Thanks to advancements in dental technology, x-rays are now taken digitally and are safer than ever before! Here’s what you need to know about this important tool for keeping your little one’s smile healthy as it grows.

Does your child engage in nail biting when they are nervous or bored? Then you are not alone. In fact, 30% to 60% of school-aged children and 20% of adolescents engage in this behavior. Initially, it may seem like nothing more than a harmless “phase.” However, this destructive habit can lead to a number of dental issues that negatively affect your favorite smile. Read on for how it can impact your child’s oral health, five tips for kicking the habit, and how their dentist can help.

Whether you were expecting to homeschool your child or COVID-19 led you to make the decision to keep them at home this year, you’re probably looking for unique ways to incorporate oral health for kids into their curriculum. Even if your child comes downstairs each morning in their pajamas to learn, it’s important they not only practice a good oral hygiene routine before they start the day but also, learn about what can happen to their teeth when they don’t. To help them get excited about brushing and flossing, check out these available resources you can begin teaching today.