Easter Candy and Cavities

It’s not the sugar from the candy itself that gives your kids cavities, but rather what happens in their mouth after they eat the sugar. Some types of bacteria in the mouth feed on the sugars to create acids that destroy tooth enamel. Those acids create a bacterial infection that makes holes in teeth. Without […]

Too Many Sweets? The Harmful Effect of Sugar on Kids’ Teeth

All kids like the occasional treat, but too many high-sugar snacks can have a major impact on their health. Experts recommend that children consume less than six teaspoons of added sugars per day, which is the equivalent of about 25 grams or 100 calories. Consuming more than the recommended amount can significantly reduce their risk […]

Sealants

Sealants, or plastic coatings that cover the surface of teeth (particularly molars and premolars), help prevent tooth decay by smoothing out uneven surfaces where bacteria and acids could get trapped.

Should I floss my child’s teeth?

Why is flossing important? Flossing is important because, like brushing your teeth, it has many benefits for your child’s dental hygiene and oral health. Actually, you can think of dental floss as a toothbrush’s sidekick. Floss is used to reach areas between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Flossing removes excess food particles and plaque […]

Healthy teeth snack guide

Let’s discuss why nutrition and cavities aren’t 100% linked: A variety of whole foods is always better for your teeth than processed foods. The most important variables that determine whether a snack food is going to cause cavities or not are: 1) Containing carbohydrates 2) How long the food stays stuck on the teeth 3) […]

Chesapeake, VA Pediatric Dentist | How Probiotics Improve Oral Health

Dentist 23322 Probiotics are typically advertised as being helpful for digestion. However, studies have shown that they can also improve oral health. Probiotics are beneficial for fighting infections that lead to oral disease. Reducing Gingivitis A study published in Contemporary Clinical Dentistry has found that probiotics can reduce gum bleeding in patients with moderate to […]

What is fluoride?

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in all water sources, including oceans, rivers and lakes. Fluoride is also added to some community tap water, toothpastes and mouth rinses. Infants and toddlers who do not receive an adequate amount of fluoride may be at an increased risk for tooth decay since fluoride helps make tooth […]

Pediatric Dentist in Chesapeake | You want me to floss my baby’s teeth?

There is an emphasis on flossing because we know where the real dental problems in children start, and we know what it will take to repair the damage of decay between the baby teeth. (They are only called baby teeth because you get them as a baby. They have to last until early teens.) I […]