Tag: pediatric dental care

Diet in the Womb

Your Diet Affects Your Child’s Teeth In The Womb

You might assume that since your child’s teeth don’t usually come in until around six months of age, that what you put into your body isn’t affecting their teeth until that point, but that’s not true. In fact, a baby’s teeth begin to develop between the third and sixth months of pregnancy, which is why it is so important to make healthy food choices throughout your pregnancy. This way, you’ll be setting your child up for a life full of healthy smiles!

But what should you be reaching for second helpings of, and which foods should you avoid when developing a nutritional plan when you’re pregnant? We answer those questions and more on our blog.

Tips To Follow During Pregnancy To Help Your Child’s Teeth

If you keep these tips in mind each day as your bundle of joy gets closer to their due date, we’re confident that they will be off to a strong start when it comes to their oral health:

  • Variety is key. Eat a variety of healthy foods like vegetables, whole grain cereals and breads, dairy products and fruits.
  • Avoid foods that are high in added sugar, like candy, cookies, sodas and juice. Even some dried fruits like raisins can have higher amounts of natural sugars than expected, so just keep an eye on the sugar count when eating and snacking.
  • When snacking, look for foods like vegetables, fruits, cheeses and unsweetened yogurts, and again, watch the sugar count.
  • Get an ample supply of certain nutrients, including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, protein, calcium and phosphorus.
  • Opt for water when possible over soda and juice, and drink it throughout the day to help keep you hydrated.
  • Daily intake of 600 micrograms of folic acid has been linked with a reduction in birth defects, so you can either take it as a supplement, or get in naturally in foods like asparagus, broccoli, dark leafy vegetables, beans, oranges, strawberries, bananas, and grains fortified with folic acid.

Minnesota Dentist

Keeping these tips in mind, visiting a pediatrician as your child continues to grow and scheduling dental appointments for your kid at the appropriate age will all help their teeth get off to a great start. For more information about creating a nutritional plan during your pregnancy, or to schedule your child’s first dental visit (first visit by their first birthday!), contact Dr. Brooks’ office today.

Teeth Sealants for Children

How Sealants Can Protect Your Children’s Teeth

Sealants are a fantastic way to avoid cavities and other dental health issues. In this article, we are going to talk about why sealants are a great way to protect your child’s teeth over the long-term.

What are Sealants

Dental sealants are a thin coating of plastic or other material that is applied to the teeth as a preventative care measure. Think of sealants as raincoats for your teeth. They help repel sugars and plaque like a raincoat repels water.

Benefits of Dental Sealants

Dental sealants are perhaps the best preventative care measure you can take to reduce the likelihood of cavities for your child. Practicing good oral hygiene (brushing and flossing regularly) and visiting your dentist on a routine basis are great, but sometimes cavities can occur even if you’re following the best protocols. Your teeth (especially your morals in the back) are irregularly shaped and have crevices that can harbor plaque and lead to cavities. Sealants offer increased protection against cavities – especially in these hard to clean areas in the back of your mouth.

It should be noted that sealants, though a great preventive care option, are not a substitute for regular dental hygiene. Even if you have sealants, you should still be brushing and flossing on a regular basis.

Dentist in Bloomington, MN

If you are in need to dental care in Bloomington, Farmington, or the surrounding areas, look no further than Smiles for Life. Dr. Tim Brooks has been providing oral health care to patients in the Twin Cities and surrounding suburbs for years. Our team of highly-skilled dental health professionals will provide you with the individualized care you deserve – whether you’re visiting us for a routine checkup or a more complex procedure. Reach out to us today to learn more about our clinics or to set up your appointment with Dr. Brooks!

Toothbrushing Kid

3 Toothbrushing Tips for Kids

Teaching kids the importance of dental health care early in their development is important in setting good habits that will last a lifetime. In this article, we’re going to offer several tips for toothbrushing specifically geared at children.

Choose the Right Toothbrush

An important first step, before you even begin brushing, is finding the right toothbrush. This is something that adults don’t often think too much about. Most people just grab the toothbrush with the best price. However, finding the right toothbrush is much more important for children because their teeth are much more sensitive than an adult’s teeth. Make sure you get a toothbrush with soft bristles.

Teach Proper Brushing Technique

Brushing technique is also an important factor. Make sure they brush all three sides of the teeth (front, back, and top), and brush with a gentle circular motion. A good teaching method is to place your hand over the child’s as they hold the brush and guide them through the proper brushing motions.

Get the Child Engaged in the Brushing

For many kids (and many adults) brushing is thought of as a chore. Try to get the child more engaged in brushing by using a song, counting game, or timer to encourage them to brush for two minutes.

Dentist Office in Bloomington, MN

With decades of experience and a strong reputation, Dr. Tim Brooks is equipped to handle all of your family or cosmetic dentistry needs. At Smiles for Life, we make it a point to provide top-notch, compassionate care to every patient who walks through our doors. Whether you’re seeing us for the first time, or you’ve been coming to Smiles for Life for years, we’ll always greet you with a wide smile. Make an appointment with us at our Bloomington or Farmington dental offices and brighten up your smile today!

Pediatric Dental Care

The Importance of Dental Care for Children

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month – as designated by the American Dental Association. In this article, we are going to discuss the importance of dental care for children and offer a few tips for keeping your kid’s teeth as healthy as possible.

Pediatric Dental Care

Good dental healthcare is essential for patients of all ages, and it’s important to start at a young age. Teaching children about proper dental health habits like how (and how often) to brush their teeth and floss will help instill long-lasting habits. This will help ensure good oral health as the child grows into adulthood.

Dental Health Tips for Kids

Dental health tips specifically for young patients:

  • Brush your teeth twice a day
  • Floss once a day
  • Try to avoid sugary snacks and beverages as these can increase the likelihood of cavities
  • Visit your family dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups

It can be difficult for kids to keep up with these tips, so parents need to help. Be sure to make (and keep) regular dental appointments for your kids, teach them how to brush correctly – and make sure they do it daily.

Dentist in Bloomington, MN

Dr. Tim Brooks and the care team at Smiles for Life work hand-in-hand with every one of our patients to provide individualized care. Whether you need a routine cleaning and check-up or you’d like to schedule an appointment for a teeth whitening, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call today to set up your appointment with Dr. Brooks and the rest of the team at Smiles for Life. Our clinic is located in Bloomington, but we provide care to patients throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding area.