Child Dental Clinic

If your child is like most, they would much rather eat potato chips, candy, or other “non-healthy” snacks. Unfortunately, these cavity-causing foods in Hinsdale will only result in additional trips to the dentist’s office for fillings and/or dental crowns. To avoid spending additional time and money on restorative treatments and keep your child’s teeth looking and feeling their best, a pediatric dentist shares healthy treats they can enjoy that won’t ruin their smile.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

How Sugars and Carbohydrates Lead to Cavities

According to The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, more than 40% of children between the ages of 2 and 11 have had dental caries. What causes these cavities (caries) is known as mutans streptococcus, which is bad bacteria. When introduced to sugar or starch, it begins to feed, ultimately producing harmful acid that begins to break down tooth enamel.

The bacteria also create what is known as plaque, which leaves a yellow-like film on the tooth and causes more acid to develop, further eroding tooth enamel. Eventually, when there is no more calcium to support the tooth, a small hole forms, otherwise known as a cavity.

Healthy Snacks to Keeps Smiles on Track

If you want your child to grow and develop strong and healthy teeth during the early years of their life, it is important they eat healthy, nutritious foods. By choosing items that contain less sugar and starch, you can not only help them avoid unnecessary restorative care (i.e., dental fillings, crowns, pulp therapy), but you can also ensure their permanent teeth erupt without problems.

When visiting with your child’s pediatric dentist in Hinsdale, do not be afraid to ask about recommended healthy snacks that will benefit your child’s teeth, not hinder them. Some of these might include:

• Yogurt – Containing protein and calcium, yogurt is a great snack that will help to strengthen their bones and tooth enamel. It also works to improve their digestive system. But before you run to the store, make sure to avoid brands or flavors that are high in sugar. Instead, opt for plain, full-fat yogurt and look for healthier sweetening alternatives like honey.
• Cottage Cheese – If your child is a fan of cheese, they’ll love this creamy mixture that is a good source of protein, calcium, and Vitamin B12, which is perfect for a child’s healthy growth and development.
• Hard-Boiled Eggs – Want a quick and easy snack? Try hard-boiled eggs. These simple and easy-to-make treats have many great benefits including healthy brain development, are good for the eyes, and contain lots of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Cheese Sticks – Between the nutritional protein, fat, and calcium found in cheese, these healthy snacks are sure to keep your child happy and free of cavities. Not to mention, they can keep your child full between meals, which means less snacking.
• Fruit – Apples, bananas, pears, grapes, and other colorful fruits are great sources of fiber, potassium, and vitamins. Convenient and easy to eat, kids can enjoy a quick snack that is healthy for them and provides nutrients for stronger teeth and gums.
• Salted Cucumbers – Cucumbers are a great source of Vitamin K, and they have a high-water content, both of which are great for growing smiles.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

While these are only a few of the many healthy alternatives to sugary and starchy foods, your pediatric dentist can provide additional options during your child’s next visit. By incorporating these into your little one’s daily diet, you’ll be taking the right steps to keep their oral health on track.

Are you looking for ways to encourage your child to embrace better oral hygiene? You’re not alone. It is designed to raise awareness of the importance of good oral health starting at an early age. I understand this can be a difficult feat for some parents, as children often want to spend their time playing instead of focusing on oral health. As a pediatric dentist in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, I am here to provide 5 tips that will help keep your child’s smile free of decay year-round.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

Your Child’s Baby Teeth: Why Are They Important?

While it is true that your child’s baby teeth will eventually fall out, they should remain firmly in place until it’s time for them to make room for the adult teeth developing underneath the gums. The reason your child’s pediatric dentist places such a strong emphasis on good oral hygiene at a young age is that children are prone to developing cavities early on. Their limited dexterity when it comes to brushing and flossing allows for bacteria and food particles to accumulate in those hard-to-reach areas, resulting in plaque formations and harmful acids attacking the tooth enamel. As a result, cavities will form and the potential for more serious dental problems increase.

Should tooth decay plague your child’s smile, it may mean baby teeth falling out sooner than they should. Unfortunately, if the permanent tooth is still years away from moving into place, your child’s natural teeth can shift and fall out of alignment, resulting in avoidable orthodontic treatment later on.

Your child’s dentist can insert a space maintainer to help avoid this problem but keeping their baby teeth right where they belong should be the goal.

5 Ways to Ensure a Healthier Smile

Now that February is here, and dentists throughout the United States are celebrating Children’s Dental Health Month, here are 5 helpful tips to consider when taking care of your child’s smile at home:

1. If they are not old enough to brush their teeth, do it for them, but make sure you’re brushing for two full minutes twice a day. If they can brush on their own, observe their technique to make sure they’re doing it correctly. Pro-tip: most children can’t brush effectively until around age 7.
2. Start flossing their teeth once you begin to notice that their teeth are touching.
3. Throw away their toothbrush after 3-4 months of use. Bacteria can accumulate, so it’s best to discard their brush and replace it with a new one.
4. Swap out sugary or starchy snacks with healthier alternatives like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and leafy greens. Hard-boiled eggs, cheese sticks, yogurt, and salted cucumbers are great snack options.
5. Maintain regular six-month dental checkups and cleanings with your child’s pediatric dentist.

Did you know that April is National Facial Protection Month? With temperatures rising and children spending more of their time playing outside, you will want to take extra steps to keep them safe from more than just allergies. Whether they are riding bikes or engaging in sports, dental injuries can turn any beautiful day into one filled with panic and uncertainty. Fortunately, your child’s pediatric dentist is here to share what steps you can take as a parent to better protect their face and smile. Read on to learn more about the benefits of facial protection and customized mouthguards.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

The Importance of Proper Facial Protection

According to a news release compiled by various national dental organizations, a 2015 study in the journal of Sports Health stated that an estimated $500 million is spent to replace and repair more than 5 million teeth affected by sports-related injuries. It is also estimated that to treat and maintain a knocked-out tooth and the treatment that follows can range from $5,000-$20,000 over a lifetime.

Needless to say, if the Academy for Sports Dentistry (ASD), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), the American Dental Association (ADA), the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) come together to raise awareness about facial protection, you’ll want to listen. Far too many mouth, face, and head injuries occur each year as a result of children’s sports. From knocked-out or chipped teeth to busted lips and fractured jaws, making sure children are equipped with the right forms of facial protection is essential to avoiding trips to the local emergency room or dentist’s office.

What Types of Facial Protection Are Available?

Depending on the activity your child is participating in, you may want to provide them with more than just one form of facial protection. After all, these unexpected visits can lead to costly and timely procedures, many of which can cause your child to miss school and valuable instruction. The most common forms of face protection your child will need include:

• a helmet
• protective eyewear
• face shield
• mouthguards

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

Why Do Most Dentists Focus on Mouthguards?

It is not because other forms of face protection are not important, but your child’s pediatric dentist is likely putting more attention on customized mouthguards because they are capable of protecting the teeth and soft oral tissues. The ADA recommends these oral devices because they serve as a barrier should your child experience a hard-hitting tackle, a soccer ball to the face, or even a sudden fall off the balance beam in gymnastics.

Not only will a custom-made mouthguard protect their pearly whites, but it will also shield their lips and gums, minimizing the potential for busted, cut, or scratched soft tissues during play. The reason for a custom mouthguard is to ensure it properly fits and is comfortable to wear. One-size-fits-all solutions can be ill-fitting, making it difficult for your child to wear. However, their pediatric dentist can work to create a comfortable, protective, and effective mouthguard that will keep their smile intact throughout the game.

As a parent, you can’t protect your child from every bump or bruise, but you can help them to safeguard their smile while playing the game they love.

Do you have a baby at home? Are you choosing to breastfeed at this time? You may not realize it, but the decision to nurse your baby offers great benefits to their oral health. Although not all mothers opt to take this road when welcoming a child into the world, there are interesting facts that come with feeding your child naturally. In this article, your child’s pediatric dentist will discuss the link between nursing and oral health and the impact it can have on the future of their smile.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

Reduced Risk for Bite Misalignment

This is not to say that a breastfed child will avoid the possibility of wearing braces when they are older. If you give your little one a pacifier, allow them to suck their thumb as a toddler, or have a genetic predisposition, there is a chance their bite could be misaligned as they grow older. However, two studies published in the Journal of the American Dental Association explain that the chances of an overbite, open bite, or crossbite were much less in infants who were breastfed for the first six months of life. In the 2015 study, researchers from the University of Adelaide in Australia studied more than 1,300 children for 5 years and tracked how they breastfed at different stages in the first two years of life. They also looked at how often a pacifier was used during these times. It was discovered once the children reached the age of 5 that if they were breastfed for at least 6 months or more, the potential for an overbite dropped by 44% and misalignment dropped by 72%.

Lower Chance of Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

If you choose to breastfeed your baby, you can significantly reduce their risk of baby bottle tooth decay. When giving a child a bottle when they go to bed that contains formula, milk, fruit juice, or any other sugary substance, the contents can remain on their teeth for prolonged periods of time. As a result, harmful bacteria and acids can begin to eat away at their tooth enamel, causing cavities to form early on. By avoiding the bottle for as long as possible or choosing to fill it with water (once at an appropriate age), you can reduce their risk and keep their teeth healthier, longer.

Your Child Can Still Get Cavities

Although the risk of tooth decay lowers when choosing to breastfeed, it doesn’t mean your child is immune to possible cavities. Breast milk still contains sugar and when nursing your child at night or “on-demand,” it can increase their risk for cavities if the remnants is allowed to remain on their teeth. The key aspect to remember when nursing your child is to wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp washcloth after every feeding. Once their first tooth erupts, begin using a finger brush or soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean their teeth each time they finish nursing. It is best to use a smear of fluoride toothpaste, which is no larger than the size of a grain of rice.

Best child dentist in Jabalpur – Dr.Shilpi Dadarya -Dentist for kids

As you navigate this time in your baby’s life, remember it is important to take care of yourself as well. Practicing good oral hygiene habits will help to improve your oral health and, in turn, reduce your risk of infection and a weakened immune system. If you require any type of oral procedure, make sure to check with your physician or child’s pediatric dentist to make sure any medications or antibiotics are safe for your nursing baby.