Blog Archive

Eating for Healthy Teeth: What Should I Include and Exclude on My Child's Plate? Dec 2nd, 2024

When it comes to your child’s smile, their diet plays a huge role. What they eat can either strengthen their teeth or leave them vulnerable to cavities and decay. As a parent, knowing what to add — and avoid — on their plate is key to supporting their oral health. ...

What Causes Baby Bottle Tooth Decay? Nov 8th, 2024

Your baby's smile is precious, and protecting it starts from day one. When it comes to baby bottle tooth decay (also known as early childhood caries), many parents are caught off guard by how quickly problems can develop.  Though it might seem like a minor concern at first, untreated tooth...

10 Ideas For Making Brushing and Flossing Fun For Your Kids Oct 17th, 2024

Convincing kids to brush and floss can be a real struggle for parents. But starting good oral habits early is necessary for healthy teeth as they grow up. The pediatric dentists at My Kidz Dentist in Phoenix, Arizona, offer the following clever tricks to make tooth care more fun for...

6 Mouth Injuries That a Custom Mouthguard Protects Against Sep 10th, 2024

An estimated 13-39% of dental injuries occur when playing sports. Imagine your child sprinting down the soccer field, and suddenly, there's a collision. A custom mouthguard can be the difference between a quick recovery and a trip to the dentist. Custom mouthguards mold perfectly to your child’s teeth, so they...

Is Nitrous Oxide Safe? Aug 9th, 2024

Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, is widely used in pediatric dentistry to help children relax during dental procedures.  In the anxious moments before a dental procedure, this mild sedative reliably soothes and relaxes to make the procedure easier. But how safe is nitrous oxide for children?  The compassionate...

At What Age Should I See If My Child Will Need Braces? Jul 22nd, 2024

You want the best of everything for your child, including a healthy, happy smile. Prioritizing their oral health is simply part of the parenting package. One common concern is determining the right time to assess whether your child needs braces.  When dental problems arise, braces can straighten the issues, from...

How Does a Pediatric Dentist Differ from a Traditional Dentist? Jun 24th, 2024

Choosing the right dental care provider is crucial to ensure optimal dental health for your children. Pediatric dentists and traditional dentists both play essential roles in maintaining oral health, but they cater to different needs and age groups.  At My Kidz Dentist in Phoenix, Arizona,  we understand the importance of...

Consider These Benefits of Dental Sealants May 15th, 2024

Dental sealants provide a significant protective barrier against tooth decay, especially for molars and premolars, which often harbor food particles and bacteria because of their location and grooved surfaces. The team at My Kidz Dentist in Phoenix, Arizona, helps parents and caregivers understand the benefits of dental sealants, so they...

Why Would a Tooth Need to Be Extracted? Apr 1st, 2024

Dental health is a vital part of your overall well-being. The primary goal of the team at My Kidz Dentist in Phoenix, Arizona, is to preserve natural teeth whenever possible. However, certain situations necessitate tooth extraction to maintain or improve oral health.  Understanding why a tooth might need to be...

Here's How to Brush and Floss Properly Mar 10th, 2024

Good oral hygiene is paramount for maintaining the health of your teeth and gums. It prevents dental issues such as cavities, gum disease, and even bad breath. Brushing and flossing are the cornerstones of good oral hygiene, but it's surprising how many people don't do them correctly - especially children. ...

When Is a Root Canal Necessary? Feb 1st, 2024

Ensuring the dental health of our children is a key responsibility as parents. Among the various treatments our little ones might require, root canal therapy often raises questions and concerns. The team at My Kidz Dentist in Phoenix, Arizona, helps you understand when a root canal is necessary to empower...

Cavity Prevention Strategies: All About Silver Diamine Fluoride? Jan 10th, 2024

Dental health is important to our overall well-being, and cavity prevention remains at the forefront of maintaining a healthy smile. Among the various treatments and preventive measures, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) offers the world of dentistry a long list of potential benefits. The team at My Kidz Dentist in Phoenix,...

How Is a Baby Root Canal Different from an Adult Root Canal? Dec 28th, 2023

Root canals are a common dental procedure designed to address problems in the tooth's pulp, which can be caused by decay, injury, or disease. Though many associate root canals with adult dental care, children, especially those with their baby teeth, may also require this treatment.  The team at My Kidz...

Is It Always Necessary to Treat Cavities in Baby Teeth? Nov 13th, 2023

It isn’t uncommon for new parents to wonder if cavities in baby teeth need treatment since baby teeth eventually fall out and get replaced by permanent teeth. If the primary teeth only last a short time, you might wonder why you should bother with fillings and other treatments. The team...

8 Important Oral Health Benefits of Straight Teeth and a Well-Aligned Bite Oct 3rd, 2023

Having straight teeth and a well-aligned bite is important for more than just aesthetic reasons. Straight teeth are healthy teeth! At My Kidz Dentist in Phoenix, Arizona, we’re committed to keeping your child’s teeth and oral health in optimal condition with preventive pediatric dental care and orthodontic services.  Here are...

How to Prepare Your Child for a Dental Filling Sep 1st, 2023

Dental health is crucial at every age, especially during those formative years. Despite our best efforts, cavities sometimes sneak their way in, and our little ones need a dental filling. The mere thought of any medical procedure can be daunting for a child, but with the right preparation, your kiddo...

5 Long-Lasting Benefits of Childhood Dental Cleanings Aug 1st, 2023

Dental cleanings are important for people of all ages, and the benefits of dental cleanings for children last long into adulthood. With about 20% of children between the ages of 5-11 having at least one untreated cavity, pediatric dental cleanings are not only important for children’s teeth today, but also...

What to Do When a Temporary Crown Falls Out Jul 1st, 2023

At My Kidz Dentist, we understand that dental emergencies can happen, even with the best care and attention. It can be a little alarming when a temporary crown falls out, but it is rarely a true dental emergency and can usually wait until the next business day for treatment. You can...

Things Every Parent Needs to Know About Baby Teeth Jun 1st, 2023

When your child's first teeth begin to show, it’s a moment of joy and the beginning of a lifelong oral health journey. You should begin caring for your child's teeth as soon as they appear.  Once they grow old enough, you'll need to teach them the tools they need to...

Baby Tooth Problems Most New Parents Don't Know About May 4th, 2023

When your baby's first teeth show, it's an exciting time for any new parent. However, those new baby teeth are prone to several problems affecting their long-term health.  Our experienced pediatric team at MyKidz Dental has identified the following as the most common problems affecting baby teeth.  Baby bottle tooth...

Oral Health Concerns in Children With Special Needs Apr 2nd, 2023

Oral care management for children with special needs can be difficult, as they may have impairments that interfere with proper oral hygiene. Parents of children with special needs may unintentionally neglect their child’s dental health for other more urgent medical needs or lack of awareness. There are many oral diseases...

Helping Your Child Avoid a Cavity Mar 1st, 2023

Preventing cavities in children and keeping their teeth strong and healthy are essential for setting them up to have good oral health as adults.  You can help your child avoid a cavity in many ways, and our experienced pediatric dental team at My Kidz Dental recommend the following.  Teach healthy oral habits early Nothing...

Tips for Choosing a Pediatric Dentist Feb 3rd, 2023

The sooner a child gets into the dentist, the better the chance that person will grow to have regular, clean, cavity-free teeth into adulthood. The experienced pediatric dentists at My Kidz Dental offer the following tips for choosing a dentist for your child. Choose a pediatric dentist You may think...

Can Nitrous Oxide Help My Child’s Dental Anxiety? Jan 1st, 2023

Nitrous oxide, otherwise known as "laughing gas," has been used by dentists and medical professionals for years. Most children and adults are receptive to nitrous oxide, often given to children before and during a medical or dental procedure to ensure they're calm. The experienced pediatric dentists at My Kidz Dental offer information...

How a Mouthguard Can Prevent Dental Emergencies Dec 1st, 2022

A mouthguard is a simple plastic device that helps prevent your teeth from suffering many dental issues while playing sports. Without a mouthguard, you are leaving your mouth and teeth vulnerable, and you may suffer a dental emergency that you could have otherwise prevented.  Here at My Kidz Dental, our team...

Why Does My Small Child Need a Dental Crown? Nov 1st, 2022

Many parents believe baby teeth don’t stay in their child’s mouth for long, but your child’s first set of molars can remain in their mouth until about age 12. Maintaining the molars until they are ready to come out naturally is important because the baby teeth save a place for...

5 Important Benefits of Routine Dental Exams for Kids Oct 5th, 2022

When your little one's teeth and mouth are developing, they should see a dentist at least twice a year. The experienced team of pediatric dentists at My Kidz Dentist offers routine dental exams and cleaning for children of all ages in Phoenix, Arizona.  Regular dental care visits benefit children in various ways, and below, we...

How to Avoid Bottle Decay Sep 7th, 2022

Taking care of all aspects of your baby's health is critical for good health, but it can be easy to forget about their teeth. The experienced team of pediatric dentists at My Kidz Dentist treat children of all ages in Phoenix, Arizona.  Even though baby teeth are temporary, keeping them...

At-Home Tips to Help Your Child With Tooth Pain Aug 1st, 2022

A toothache, whether mild or crippling, is a terrible thing to have. Even with good oral hygiene habits, toothaches can still affect you, or worse, your child. Whatever the cause, you can stay ahead of long, fussy nights by keeping some easy and gentle home remedies in your home.  The...

How Sugar Affects Your Child's Oral Health Jul 5th, 2022

Who doesn’t love a wonderful sweet? Children usually love them, and many children carry that love of sweets well into adulthood. Though sugar doesn’t have to be a bad thing, it can be a bad thing if your child has too much of it and doesn’t have proper oral care. The team...

What You Should Know About Baby Teeth Jun 1st, 2022

New parents have lots to think about –– making sure there are always enough diapers, choosing the right baby food, and determining if they have plenty of weather-appropriate clothing, just to name a few. Learning more about your baby’s new teeth might seem like just another thing on the list, but learning...

My Child Is Nervous About Having a Root Canal May 1st, 2022

Root canals aren’t just for grownups and adolescents. Children, too, sometimes require root canals, with an estimated 20% of children living with an untreated and rotting tooth. Root canals are not only common for everyone, including children, but they are essential to protecting your child’s oral health.  Everything about tiny teeth is...

When Should I Start Taking My Baby to the Dentist? Apr 1st, 2022

We all know how important it is to go to the dentist for a regular checkup, but when should a child’s first checkup happen? Babies aren’t born with teeth, so some parents may not know that oral care is still important in this early stage of life. Unfortunately, little teeth...

How Your Diet Plays an Important Role in Your Oral Health Mar 1st, 2022

You’ve likely heard that sweets and sugary drinks “rot your teeth,” and though it’s okay to enjoy treats in moderation, unhealthy eating habits can take a toll on teeth. Teaching your children healthy eating habits, including making healthy food choices, benefits both their oral and their overall health. Our team...

6 Ways to Prevent Your Child from Developing Cavities Feb 1st, 2022

Cavities are common in children, with as many as 20% of children aged 5 to 11 living with at least one decayed tooth, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to being painful, untreated cavities, including in baby teeth, can lead to more serious issues. Though...

Thumb Sucking: 3 Oral Health Problems Jan 5th, 2022

Though a common and natural habit, thumb sucking is a pet peeve for dentists. Normally, children will stop their thumb sucking habit by age 4, but after age 4, the risks that thumb sucking may bring to oral health become more pronounced.  The team at My Kidz Dentist are sensitive...

All About Cavities: Signs, Treatment, and Prevention Dec 6th, 2021

An estimated 90% of adults over age 20 have had a cavity, with people between 20 and 64 typically having at least one cavity. When it comes to kids, the numbers are a little better, with roughly half of the children between 6 and 8 years of age getting cavities...

How to Make Oral Hygiene Fun for Your Kids Nov 7th, 2021

There’s a lot of teaching that comes with raising small children - from putting on shoes, to taking a bath, to buckling their seat belts, parenting goes hand-in-hand with teaching your children the basic skills they need to take care of their bodies. When your child is learning to brush...

3 Benefits of a Mouthguard Oct 7th, 2021

When most people think of mouthguards, what comes to mind is probably their favorite sport, or favorite athlete. In reality, mouthguards are a multi-faceted tool. The purpose of a mouthguard, as the name insinuates, is to protect your mouth, but mouthguards truly protect your teeth. Choosing to use a mouthguard...

What's the Best Age to Start Orthodontic Treatment? Sep 12th, 2021

A great smile starts with straight, healthy teeth. As children grow, little smiles might be hurt by a number of environmental or genetic factors, causing malocclusion (crooked teeth), or other problems with their alignment. Jaws can develop out of proportion, and accidents can also happen, causing lost teeth, and extra...

Flouride and Your Child Aug 24th, 2021

You might not know this, but fluoride is everywhere. Fluoride is naturally occurring in soil, rivers, lakes, and other natural water sources. Fluoride is found in some fast foods, and traces of it float through the air. While fluoride is great at protecting teeth, it’s important to be careful when...

How We Manage the Oral Health Care of Children With Special Needs Jul 29th, 2021

Parenthood is an adventure for anyone. Each child has their own personality, and their own loves and dislikes. When your child has special needs, there are challenges that you might not expect, like finding a suitable dentist. Though dentists are certified specialists in caring for teeth, extra care is needed...

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe for Kids? Jun 4th, 2021

You announce to your child that it’s time to go to the dentist and the news is not well met. Some degree of dental anxiety is perfectly normal for children as they encounter new surroundings, new faces, and noises and sensations that are, quite literally, right inside their heads.  The...