Pediatric Dentistry of Redlands

Now that the summer is drawing to a close and school is right around the corner, it’s important to reestablish that bed-time brushing and flossing routine. Of course, there is also the issue of healthy school snacks, breakfast and lunches to keep their smile shining bright. This school year, focus on how to avoid dental emergencies that can take them out of school and put them in the dental chair. Here are three tips from Pediatric dentist Cameron Fuller that can help. 1.      Schedule a time for brushing and flossing. It is important to reestablish the appropriate time to brush and floss if they have been staying up late or getting up earlier. The more consistent the time can be, with the same set routine, the more likely they are to remember. 2.      “Have your children visit the dentist for their regular check-up prior to the start of school if they have not already been there in the last six months,” suggests...

This summer have you noticed your child seems to have plaque build-up on their teeth? This can happen for a variety of reasons. While your child should visit the dentist, and brush and floss on a regular basis, you can also incorporate these four tips into their daily life in order to cut down on buildup. Have your child drink water. Water helps reduce the possibility of dry mouth. Pediatric dentist Dr. Cameron Fuller says, "the dryer the mouth, the more ability for bacteria to grow and cause stains and decay." Provide snacks that contain fruits and vegetables low in carbs. "We know you have heard how carbohydrates increase obesity, but did you know they also can cause a decrease in saliva?" Asks Dr. Fuller .  Saliva is a necessary component for removing food from the surface of the teeth in between brushing. Carbs stick to the surface of the teeth, which can increase the likelihood of cavities forming. Reduce the amount of sugar...

While your child is playing sports it is important they don ’ t forget the mouth guard, but it can quickly become overwhelming to chose the right guard.   Dental injuries have increased in children over the last ten years despite children wearing protective gear. This magnifies the importance of not only having equipment, but purchasing the right type of equipment. Here are three recommendations to look for when purchasing a mouth guard.   It should fit properly in the mouth. Pediatric dentist Dr.Cameron Fuller suggests, “The mouth guard should not be loose or too small in the mouth.” It should fit snuggly over the top teeth, and should not move too much in the mouth. Also gums should not be showing when they smile.   It should not restrict breathing or talking when your child is wearing it. The mouth guard should be long-lasting but easy to clean.   Bacteria is always present in the mouth, so you will want to ensure the mouth guard i...

As the weather continues to warm up, it’s important to protect your child’s health. While they enjoy the pool, play in the park and run around the splash pad with friends, here are some tips to help keep your child hydrated and protect their smile and their body. Don’t forget the sunscreen. You want SPF 45 or higher for children and one that is sweat and waterproof. Sunscreen has to be reapplied after a few hours of being in the sun, especially if they are playing in water. Hydration is critical. Keeping your child hydrated is crucial to their health. Not only does it save their smile from bacteria, but water decreases their chance of illness due to heat stroke. Keep fruits and vegetables in a bag for them to grab. Their little bodies need fuel as they spend more energy running around. Fruits and vegetables not only help reduce plaque from adhering to their teeth, but they also give them the fuel they need. Take a break from the sun every few h...

Bad breath is caused by odor producing bacteria in the mouth.   We don’t expect our children to have halitosis, but unfortunately it can happen. Bad breath can be very embarrassing for your school-aged children and should be taken care of immediately. It might be important for you to have your child visit their pediatric dentist in order to take care of the problem. Bad breath is not something you want to let go. Mouthwash does not prevent bad breath or fix bad breath. Mouthwash can rinse away and freshen their breath temporarily, but once the mouthwash wears off they will be back to having smelly breath. There is some mouthwash that is better at reducing plaque then others and, if that’s needed, Dr. Fuller and his team can help make recommendations. Brushing can treat bad Breath. Dr. Fuller states, “But unfortunately there are children who brush and floss on a regular basis and are still impacted by bad breath.”   Brushing can remove any su...

Summer is a carefree time to enjoy the warm weather and family vacations. It is a time to sleep in late and consume treats. Summertime can be a fantastic time for children, but it also can provide a troubling time for your children and their dental health.   During the summer here are three ways you can protect against problems. 1.      Dr. Fuller recommends, “Have your children wear a mouth guard. In the summer your children may play soccer, baseball or other contact sports that can impact their smile.” Help keep their smile intact by providing a mouth guard. 2.      High level of PH in pool water can change the enamel color or damage the enamel. Have your child brush their teeth with toothpaste that has fluoride in it to strengthen the enamel of their teeth when they are spending a lot of time in the pool. 3.      Steer clear of soda.   Pediatric dentist Dr. Cameron Fuller sugg...

Tooth decay is an increasing problem for children around the world. Children who have tooth decay are more likely to miss school, be ill and require expensive dental procedures in order to fix their smile.   Children who live in poverty are even more likely to be impacted by tooth decay. Here are four ways to help decrease tooth decay. 1.      Increase fruits and vegetables. “Children who consume eight or more servings of fruits and vegetables a day can decrease decay because the high water content can rinse food from the teeth in between brushing,” Dr. Cameron Fuller suggests. 2.      Help your children brush and floss two times a day. Utilize a toothbrush that fits in their mouth comfortably. Brushing removes food from the surface of the teeth while flossing removes the food between the teeth. 3.      Your children should drink at least eight or more cups of water. Water can help remo...

When should my child visit the dentist? a. After the first tooth has erupted it is important for you to schedule the first visit to the dentist. They will do an initial exam to check and see if there are any problems. They will also discuss brushing routines and answer any other questions you may have about your child’s care.    Why does the pediatric dentist recommend fluoride? A. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel of teeth. While they get fluoride through multiple sources, you’ll want to make sure they only get the recommended amount.   How frequently should I change my child’s toothbrush? A. Pediatric dentist Dr. Cameron Fuller says, “Their toothbrush should be changed every three to six months just as you would do for your own,” This ensures the bristles are able to do their job. Bacteria can stay in the bristles; so changing this often prevents germs from getting the upper hand.   What should I do if my child hits their teeth? If there ...

Fourth of July is an honorable holiday where you can enjoy friends and family, backyard barbecues and fireworks. It can also be a day of junk food, soda and sugar. But here are a few foods your little ones should avoid this holiday in order to keep their teeth in healthy shape. 1.      Sticky foods,. Sticky things, like candy, tends to attach to fillings and other dental work. Bacteria are already in the mouth and its power is enhanced when sugar is added to the mix. Sticky foods stay on the surface of the teeth longer and are harder to remove from the surface of teeth.   Saliva is not usually enough to remove the substances from your child’s teeth. "The longer food is on the teeth, the more opportunity bacteria have to damage their teeth," Dr. Cameron Fuller . Sticky foods include crackers. 2.      Acidic foods. Foods high in acid eat at the enamel of teeth. Enamel is the hard outer substance that protects the teeth. Acid ca...