Pediatric Dentistry of Redlands

With so many brands of toothpaste out there in the world staring at you, how do you know which one is the right brand and how do you know even when you pick up that toothpaste that it is doing the job that it is meant to do? There are so many different types being advertised, one recommends it is for tarter, while another states that it helps with fresh breath. While each of these characteristics is important, it is essential that your child’s toothpaste holds up to the test and is doing its job correctly. Here are 3 things to assess when picking out a toothpaste for your child. 1.      Does it have the approval of the American Dental Association? a.      By ensuring that this label is on the toothpaste container it means you are getting a genuine product that is going to do the job correctly. 2.      Is it a whitening toothpaste? a.      This type of brand is not necessary for your child’s te...

Diabetes can be a deadly condition that requires you and your child to take extra care of the food they are consuming, but did you know that Diabetes also increases their risk of gum disease and other dental problems? The high level of sugar in their saliva can cause build-up and higher levels of plaque.   The increase in sugar, that is prevalent in your child when they have diabetes, does not have to cause them to have an unhealthy smile. With these few tips your child can keep their smile in great shape. Helping them take care of their oral health is critical to keep their smile healthy. The best defense against gum disease and other dental problems is for your child with diabetes to increase their calcium consumption, having them visit the dentist regularly and control blood glucose levels. Daily care is essential to keep problems at bay. Other daily activities that can keep your child’s smile free from extreme dental problems is changing out their toothbrush every th...

Brushing without toothpaste is just a bath without soap. It is important to have your kids use a dime sized amount of toothpaste in order to ensure they are getting all of the benefits of brushing their teeth. Here are 10 facts about toothpaste you may not know: 1.      Toothpaste helps remove plaque from your teeth. 2.      Toothpaste helps kill bacteria that is on the toothpaste tube. 3.      Toothpaste contains seaweed. 4.      Toothpaste can be used to clean silver and give it the polished look. 5.      Most toothpaste has the same base ingredients. 6.      Abrasives that are used in toothpaste make the process of brushing teeth more effective. 7.      Toothpaste with an ADA seal helps fight tooth decay 8.      Toothpaste can have additives to help in the process of brushing your child’s teeth...

The enamel is the hard part of the tooth that protects against decay. When your child takes care of the enamel on their teeth, it is less likely they will have cavities or other painful and expensive dental problems. Dr. Cameron Fuller recommends you follow these four rules to protect your child’s teeth for a lifetime.  Avoid acidic foods. While there are several reports that lemons are a great addition to water, the acidic nature of lemons, grapefruits and oranges can damage the enamel. If your child is going to consume foods that are more acidic, they should brush their teeth immediately after. Use fluoride. Fluoride is proven, in small doses, to strengthen tooth enamel. Fluoride can be found in multiple products such as water and toothpaste. Have your child brush & floss their teeth after eating a meal that is sugary or high in carbohydrates. “Food left on the teeth creates a breeding ground,” says ...

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 ...