Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics of New Britain Blog

Although each child is different, most begin to lose their teeth around the age of six. As a parent, you know this is a completely normal part of growing up. As a kid, the news can be quite jarring. After all, how would you feel if you lost one of your teeth right now? The good news is that there are a few dos and don’ts when it comes to pulling a loose tooth that will help you and your little one navigate these new waters. To learn what they are, read on!

Cavities are prevalent, but did you know that more than 50% of children will experience tooth decay before the age of five? In an effort to bring statistics like these down, organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics provide guidelines and recommendations for parents, including, most recently, that children under the age of 1 should not consume fruit juice. At first, that news may come as a shock. After all, isn’t orange juice, apple juice, and the like good for your little one? Keep reading to learn the answer.

According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, more than 40% of children between the ages of 2 and 11 have experienced tooth decay. The prevalence of cavities continues as a whopping 90% of Americans have had at least one cavity by their 21^st birthday. To help protect your child’s smile from falling into these statistics, you should talk to their dentist about dental sealants. Until that appointment, you can read on to learn the answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions about this common preventive dentistry treatment.

Whether your child loves shooting hoops on the basketball court or scoring goals on the soccer field, it’s important that they wear the right equipment. After all, something as simple as a knee pad can make all the difference when a rogue ball or accidental elbow comes their way fast. For that same reason, your child should always wear a mouthguard while playing sports, whether it’s a contact or non-contact one. Read on to learn all about how custom-made mouthguards protect their teeth and a few additional sports-related oral health best practices.

Nitrous oxide sedation is a light, trusted, and highly effective way to stay calm and relaxed at the dentist’s office. Plus, it’s proven to be safe and reliable for children as well! If your child has a fear of the dentist or difficulty sitting still in the treatment chair, nitrous oxide sedation may be the perfect answer. However, as a concerned parent, you want to know exactly what you can expect from this form of dental sedation. Read on as we cover how nitrous oxide sedation for kids in New Britain works, including whether or not it puts them to sleep.

According to one study from the National Library of Medicine, a whopping 42% of school-age children struggle with dental-related anxiety. As a result, your child’s dental appointments can be a stressful event, especially if they have a behavioral, mental, or physical disability. Of course, you as a parent know how important biannual dental checkups and cleanings are. So, how can you ensure they have the enjoyable and comfortable experience at the dentist they deserve? Sedation dentistry. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of sedation dentistry for special needs patients.

Does the sheer thought of having to visit the dentist cause your heart to race? Do your palms get sweaty when you’re sitting in the treatment chair? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, don’t worry – you aren’t alone. The good news is that nitrous oxide, commonly known as “laughing gas,” is extremely effective at helping patients with dental-related anxiety get the calm, stress-free dentistry they need.

Is your little one teething? Then a peaceful night’s sleep may seem like a distant memory. After all, their aching gums can be extremely uncomfortable, causing them (and you!) to experience sleepless night after sleepless night. While this is a natural phase of them growing into their adorable smile, it’s also natural to want to find an effective remedy. So, here are five tips for helping a teething baby sleep.

The last few months of the year always go by in a flash, so who can blame you for still having some shopping to do? If you’re in need of some smaller presents, why not opt for some mouth-healthy options? After all, the last thing you want is to give someone the gift of a cavity in the new year. If you need some inspiration, here are some last-minute, sugar-free stocking stuffer ideas!

After months of planning and preparing, you finally get to meet your little one. Somehow, the moment is even better than you imagined. Then and there, you know that you would do anything to keep them safe, healthy, and happy. If you choose to breastfeed your child, you likely want to know everything you can. With this in mind, keep reading to learn four important facts about nursing and oral health!