Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of New Britain Blog

Finding a dark spot on your child’s tooth can be alarming, but one of your first thoughts might be, “It’s just a baby tooth, so does it even matter?” This is a fair question, since baby teeth are eventually going to fall out anyway; however, the answer isn’t quite so simple! Baby teeth play a very important role in dental development, meaning in some cases, something like a tooth-colored filling can be very helpful. Here’s what you need to know.

Does your child feel discomfort when they sip a cold glass of water or a warm beverage? Do they complain that brushing their teeth feels uncomfortable, or do they avoid certain foods altogether? If any of this is the case, your child might be dealing with tooth sensitivity. Sensitive teeth are actually quite common in kids, and while it can be concerning as a parent, the good news is that there are ways you can help. Here’s what you need to know.

If orthodontic treatment has been recommended for your child, you’re probably beginning to weigh your options. Two of the choices you may be pondering are metal braces, which you might’ve worn yourself during your youth, and Invisalign clear aligners, which have surged in popularity recently due to their comfort and convenience. Both of these options can create beautifully-straighter smiles, but they work differently—and the right choice depends on a few different factors. Here’s what you need to know so you can feel confident about your decision!  

If your teen is about to kick off their orthodontic treatment with Invisalign, one common question that might be weighing on both of your minds is: “How are the aligners going to affect speech?” This is a valid question, as teens inevitably spend quite a bit of time socializing and chatting; however, the truth is that while Invisalign can alter speech, these changes aren’t permanent by any means. Here’s what you and your teen need to keep in mind.

Losing a baby tooth is a big milestone for kids, and in many families, it’s celebrated with a visit from the tooth fairy. But did you know that children around the world have many different, interesting traditions for what happens when a tooth falls out? Exploring these different tooth fairy myths and customs can make losing teeth even more exciting for kiddos!

As a parent, something that’s probably constantly on your mind is how you can make sure your child’s dental health is in great shape, and orthodontics plays a role in this! Although it’s not always obvious when orthodontic treatment may be needed. But by understanding when it’s necessary and helping your child kick off their journey, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of benefits. Here are some signs your child is due for orthodontic evaluation—and maybe braces soon after.

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for kids; there are costumes, parties, and, of course, tons of candy! But if your child is wearing braces or another orthodontic appliance, not all treats are suitable for their smile. In fact, some candies can even damage the brackets and wires of braces, delaying treatment progress or even causing painful emergencies. However, the good news is that your child can still enjoy Halloween as there are plenty of different sweets and treats that are braces-friendly. Here’s what you need to know.

Packing your child’s school lunch is a pretty important part of both your days—but when your child has traditional braces, it takes a little extra time and consideration to ensure that their meal is braces-friendly! Certain foods can damage brackets and wires, while others may make eating uncomfortable or difficult. The good news is that there are plenty of delicious foods and snacks out there that won’t harm your child’s braces or set back their treatment’s progress. Here’s what you need to know.

Losing a tooth is a big milestone in your child’s life, and for many families, it’s also an exciting chance to welcome a special guest: the Tooth Fairy! Whether it’s your child’s very first lost tooth or one of many to come, creating a fun experience can make the moment even more memorable. Here are some creative ideas that are certain to make the night the Tooth Fairy visits an exciting event!

Swimming is a favorite summer activity for many kids, and it’s a great way to stay active and cool off. But did you know that spending too much time in a swimming pool could actually affect your child’s teeth? While swimming is generally safe and healthy, there are a few dental risks parents should be aware of, especially when it comes to pool water. Here’s how chlorine and other pool-related habits can impact your child’s dental health, and what you can do to help protect their smile all summer long!