4 Important Ways that Nutrition Affects Children’s Dental Health

Pregnancy and Oral Health - ADA Toothflix® Pediatric Essentials

While regular dental hygiene practices like brushing and flossing are essential, nutrition also plays an important role in ensuring strong and healthy teeth. At Parkland Pediatric Dental, we’d be happy to discuss with you ways to improve your child’s dental health via nutrition. Here’s a look at some of the ways that nutrition impacts children’s dental health. Calcium and Strong Teeth Calcium is a mineral that plays a key role in the development and maintenance of strong teeth and bones. It is an essential component of tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of teeth. Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are excellent sources of calcium. Incorporating sufficient levels of calcium into your child’s diet helps in the formation of strong teeth that are better equipped to resist decay.  Vitamin D for Tooth Development Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium in the body. Sunlight is a natural source of vitamin D, and foods like fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified dairy products are also good dietary sources. Adequate vitamin D intake is necessary for the proper development of teeth, ensuring they grow strong and healthy. Phosphorus and Tooth Mineralization Phosphorus, another essential mineral, works in tandem with calcium to promote optimal tooth mineralization. It is found in abundance in foods like fish, nuts, and dairy products. Including a variety of phosphorus-rich foods in a child's diet contributes to the formation of robust tooth structure. Limiting Sugar Intake The role of sugar in dental cavities is well-established. Bacteria in the mouth feed on sugars, producing acids that erode tooth enamel and lead to cavities. Limiting the intake of sugary snacks, sodas, and candies helps reduce the risk of tooth decay. Instead, encourage children to opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains as healthier alternatives. Pediatric Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ If you’re looking for a pediatric dentist in Gilbert, AZ and the surrounding area, contact Parkland Pediatric Dental at (480) 269-3389. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

At Parkland Pediatric Dental, Doctors Jenn and Jared Cattron aim to consistently exceed expectations by providing expert children’s dental services while also creating an ambience that makes kids feel as comfortable as possible. We’re passionate about our craft and truly want our young patients to attain the best dental health that they can. If your child needs dental care, it’s best to take them to a pediatric specialist, who is trained specifically in addressing children’s dental needs. Our team is also enthusiastic about working with parents to establish positive dental routines for their children that create the greatest likelihood of successful outcomes. And we’re always grateful when our clients provide feedback about our services. Here are some of our latest customer reviews. “So glad we were referred to this office/dentist! Dr. Cattron was amazing! I appreciate being included in my child's appointment, he showed me problems/concerns, gave great advice, & took his time with our son. The office & staff were all so nice!” —Jen P. “Best pediatric dentist!! Dr. Cattron and the staff are wonderful and so kind. My kids honestly love coming here! Most importantly I trust their care of my children’s teeth - they are knowledgeable and honest. The office also has a fun climbing structure so my kids love to play while they wait for their siblings to finish. Couldn’t recommend enough!!” —Krystal H. “Dr. Jenn and her staff were wonderful with our two littles!! They were friendly, professional, efficient, and not to mention - they have an amazing play area!!” —Megan L. “Dr. Cattron is great with kids! My boys love coming and playing on his amazing indoor playground.” —Jordan H. “We love Parkland Pediatric! My kids have been going there since they were babies and we’ve always had a good experience. They are now 7 and 4 and love going to the dentist. The play place inside is always a draw to get them there :)” —Shawna S. “Absolutely amazing. Dr. Jenn Cattron is fabulous, inspiring the next generation of dentists with every patient she works with. The entire team is kind, knowledgeable and great at their jobs! Hands down, best pediatric dentist in the valley (or anywhere I am sure)!” —Savannah B. Pediatric Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ For an expert pediatric dentist in Gilbert, AZ and the surrounding area, contact Parkland Pediatric Dental at (480) 269-3389. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

The National Institute of Health estimates that nearly 20% of school-aged children feel anxiety about visiting the dentist. If your child is one of the many kids who have some degree of fear about dentist appointments, then it’s worth being proactive about alleviating that anxiety. After all, routine dental visits are a crucial component of maintaining your child’s overall health, and the less anxiety your child feels, the better off they’ll be. At Parkland Pediatric Dental, we make a conscious effort to create a minimally stressful environment for our young patients. Here are three things you can do to help your child feel less anxious about dental appointments. Keep Calm about the Topic during the Days Beforehand If your child has anxiety about their upcoming dental visit, then their fear may show in the days beforehand. In response, you should remain calm and reassuring, but without being outright dismissive. It’s important that your child knows that you hear them, but you should respond with calmness and carefully talk down their fear, assuring them that the dentist is there to help and will be as friendly and gentle as possible. Make Sure Your Child Knows Why it’s Important to Go to the Dentist Your child might only see the dentist through the lens of their fear. By reframing the dentist as someone who helps your child with having a nice smile and being able to eat their favorite foods, you might be able to chip away at your child’s vision of the dentist as a scary character. Drive to the Appointment in a Nonchalant Manner The drive to the appointment might intensify your child’s anxiety. To counteract this, you’ll want to act as though the trip is as normal as going to the grocery store. If your child needs reassurance, offer it, but don’t raise your outward emotions to match your child’s. Rather, calmly convey the sense that this is a part of a standard routine. And, if you think it’d help, you could subtly suggest that you could stop for a treat after the appointment. Pediatric Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ For an experienced pediatric dentist in Gilbert, AZ and the surrounding area, contact Parkland Pediatric Dental at (480) 269-3389. Feel free to give us a call today to make an appointment!

For your child’s teeth to remain optimally protected against cavities, it’s important that they are getting a sufficient level of fluoride, which is a natural mineral that strengthens enamel. Fluoride is particularly helpful in teeth crevices, which are especially susceptible to cavities. At Parkland Pediatric Dental, our Gilbert, AZ children's dentists offer fluoride treatments for kids, which help to keep teeth healthy over the long term. And if you have any questions about getting fluoride treatments for your child, we’d be more than happy to answer them. Top Reasons that Children Should Get Fluoride Treatments The number-one reason to get fluoride treatments is that they will help to prevent decay in your child’s teeth. When enamel is better fortified, there’s significantly less risk of cavities developing. Especially if your child would be anxious about getting fillings, it’s important to take all the necessary measures to minimize the risk of tooth decay. And if your child loves sugary snacks, then there’s all the more reason to get fluoride treatments. Ideally, your child won’t consume an excessive amount of candy and soda, but if your kiddo does manage to consume a lot of sweets, then their teeth are extra prone to cavities and so should receive an extra level of protection. Another benefit of fluoride treatments is that they can help with remineralizing your child’s teeth. Minerals such as calcium and phosphorus are needed for teeth to develop in a healthy manner. Fluoride treatments can enhance mineralization, which helps to keep tooth structures strong and resistant to decay. Many parents also appreciate that fluoride is a natural way to improve dental health. There are many types of food that contain significant levels of fluoride, such as potatoes, grapes, and spinach. But oftentimes, children don’t get enough fluoride through their diet, and so should get fluoride treatments to ensure they’re getting a healthy amount. Fluoride Treatments for Kids in Gilbert, AZ For children’s fluoride treatments in Gilbert, AZ and the surrounding area, contact Parkland Pediatric Dental at (480) 269-3389. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule a children's dental appointment in Gilbert, AZ!

As soon as your infant’s first tooth arrives, it’s important that you start brushing it regularly. And by scheduling a dental visit by your baby’s first birthday, you’ll get them on the path toward optimal dental health. At Parkland Pediatric Dental, we specialize in children’s dentistry in the greater Gilbert, AZ area. We can provide the necessary care to help keep your child’s primary teeth in great shape. Here’s a look at five fascinating facts about baby teeth. Babies Can Be Born with Erupted Teeth Although it is highly uncommon, babies are sometimes born with teeth that are already showing. This occurs at a rate of around one per 2,000 births. These teeth are often removed because they tend to have weak roots, making them liable to fall out and create a choking hazard. Parents Can Spread Cavity Bacteria to Children It's best to be careful about sharing food/utensils with your little ones. This is because you could spread Streptococcus mutans, which is a kind of bacteria that can cause cavities in your child’s baby teeth, which would create an uncomfortable situation for your kiddo. 20 Hiding Teeth When babies emerge into the world and start crying, they appear to be all gums, but just below the gumline, all 20 primary teeth are hiding. Typically, teeth will start erupting between 6 and 10 months. By age three, all baby teeth are usually visible. When Baby Teeth Start Growing Primary teeth start forming as soon as six weeks after conception, and start to develop hard tissue during the second trimester. Molars Show Up Latest The last baby teeth to emerge are usually the second molars on the upper jaw, which often appear after the child turns two. Children’s Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ With regularly scheduled visits to the pediatric dentist, you can help to ensure that your child’s primary teeth stay in healthy condition. For a pediatric dentist in Gilbert, AZ and the surrounding area, contact Parkland Pediatric Dental at (480) 269-3389. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

Children have dental needs that are different from adults, so it’s best to bring your child to a dentist who specializes in pediatric dentistry. At Parkland Pediatric Dental, we’re experts at children’s dentistry in the greater Gilbert, AZ area. We have a passion for our work and take great pride in providing top-quality dental work as well as comfortable surroundings for children. We are grateful for our local community and thankful that we hold a 5-star rating on Google. Here’s a look at what some of our patients are saying about our office: “Love love Parkland Pediatric Dental! I bring all four of my kids here every six months for cleanings and they always look forward to it! Front and back office staff are always friendly and never grumpy! Dr Cattron is kind and honest. Screens above the chairs are a huge plus and so is the playground! Cannot recommend this place enough!”---Theresa A. “Best dentist ever!! My kids love their dentist, the office is super clean, kids play area is clean & fun, everyone is very friendly. They go over the cost and billing prior any procedure so you know what to expect there’s no hidden charges or surprises. My 6 year old son had his first work done I was nervous not knowing how it will go but it went amazing. The doctor and assistant were super amazing and very caring with my son. Our experience was beyond great!!! I highly recommend them.”---Gerlyn C. “I absolutely LOVE Parkland Pediatric Dental Office! The staff there is amazing! They are kind, helpful, treat my kids and I with respect, and are just plain happy! The office itself is amazing too! The playground for the kids to play on is great and my kids love playing on it! Dr. Cattron is so kind and sweet! He is very knowledgeable and makes it an easy and quick experience for the kiddos. My 3 year old Ike’s favorite part is the TVs on the ceiling, so he can watch a show while getting his teeth cleaned! We will never go anywhere else!”---Chelsea G. “I was referred here by my daughter's pediatrician at Pendleton Pediatrics and I am so so grateful! All the staff at Parkland are kind, patient, and really know how to make your child (and me, the worried parent) feel comfortable during the whole process. My daughter needed a few procedures done and cost was definitely a concern for me as it is for most people. Parkland truly takes care of their patients and works with them regardless of their financial situation so I don't have to stress! Thank you so much!”---Jasmine H. Pediatric Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ For an experienced pediatric dentist in Gilbert, AZ and the surrounding area, contact Parkland Pediatric Dental at (480) 269-3389. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that all children have their first dentist appointment by the time they turn one year old. By choosing a pediatric dentist, rather than a general practice that also serves adults, your child’s dental health will be in the care of a specialist. At Parkland Pediatric Dental, we make every effort to create an environment that is calming for children. And with our extensive training and experience, we can expertly address your child’s dental needs. Here are some of the commonly asked questions about children’s dentistry. How do pediatric dentists and family dentists differ? To be a certified pediatric dentist, you have to complete two to three years of training that has a particular focus on children’s dental procedures, whereas family dentists largely focus on adult dental care. With a pediatric dentist, you’ll know your child’s dental health is in the care of an expert. How frequently should my child visit the pediatric dentist? The first visit to the pediatric dentist should occur by the first birthday. Then, you'll want to schedule regular biannual check-ups thereafter. If your child has any restorative dental needs, they will be addressed in addition to the twice-yearly cleanings. Along with preventive care, our local children’s dentist office also specializes in restorative dentistry/cavity treatments. What should I do if my child has a toothache? A saltwater rinse can help with easing the pain, and it’s okay to also use Children’s Tylenol. But it’s important to remember that aspirin shouldn’t be put directly on teeth/gums. This is because aspirin is highly acidic and can quickly erode enamel. To thoroughly address the source of the pain, it’s important to arrange a pediatric dentist appointment as soon as possible. Are dental X-rays considered safe for kids? At Parkland Pediatric Dental, we take safety precautions to minimize any kind of health risk from X-rays, which are an important diagnostic tool. If you’re worried about radiation, we’d be happy to discuss any of your concerns so you can make an informed decision that you feel at ease with. Where can I find a reputable pediatric dentist in Gilbert, AZ? For a highly-rated pediatric dentist in Gilbert, AZ and the surrounding area, contact Parkland Pediatric Dental at (480) 269-3389. At our local pediatric dental office, we do everything we can to ensure a positive dental experience for children. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!

When a child’s first baby tooth erupts, it needs to be brushed regularly. In the ensuing years, you’ll take the lead with brushing your child’s teeth. But at around age six, you’ll want to entrust more of the work to them, while still paying close attention to make sure they’re doing a good job. With strong brushing habits and regular dental check-ups, you can help to ensure that your child’s teeth stay in excellent condition. When you need a children's dentist, be sure to entrust the work to an office that specializes in pediatric dentistry. At Parkland Pediatric Dental, we provide expert children’s dentistry in the greater Gilbert, AZ area. How to Help Your Child Develop Successful Brushing Habits Choosing the right toothpaste is an important first step. While at the store, your child might be drawn toward toothpastes that have colorful kid-oriented packaging. But it’s most important that you choose a fluoride toothpaste that features the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. You’ll want to also make sure that your child is using the proper quantity of toothpaste. If your child really globs on the toothpaste, the excessive amount could lead to fluorosis, which usually isn’t a big problem, but can alter the teeth’s appearance, and in some instances does cause structural issues. Infants’ teeth should be brushed with only water, and it’s best to check with your dentist to see when exactly your child is ready for their first dab of toothpaste. Typically, between ages two and three, a rice grain-sized amount of toothpaste is all that is needed. After age three, this can be increased to a pea-sized quantity. Teeth should be brushed twice per day—after breakfast and after dinner. Each brushing session should last about two minutes. Flossing should be done once per day. Around age six or seven, as your child can be more trusted with handling brushing duties, it’s important that they’re mixing up their starting point. This way, there’s a better chance that all teeth are getting some level of brushing. After brushing, the brush should be rinsed so that bacteria isn’t building up on it. Toothbrushes should be replaced about every three months. Pediatric Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ For a reputable pediatric dentist in Gilbert, AZ and the surrounding area, contact Parkland Pediatric Dental at (480) 269-3389. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!