Playtime Dental Blog Feed

Tooth Character

Periodontal Disease in Kids

Periodontal disease is a growing problem among children, particularly those at the onset of puberty. Periodontal disease, sometimes referred to as gum disease, is a serious problem that can affect one’s overall health and contribute to gum, bone, and tooth loss.   What Types of Periodontal Disease Are Common in Children? During puberty, abrupt hormonal changes...

Using Teeth as Tools Can Have Costly Consequences

When people think of their children’s dental health, they only think of brushing and flossing. However, protecting teeth from damage is an important part of dental health. Many people do not realize that using teeth as tools can severely damage their teeth.   Using Teeth as Tools Kids discover early that their teeth can also be used as...

Whitening Toothpaste: Does the ADA Seal of Acceptance Matter?

While plenty of toothpaste manufacturers use the term “whitening” quite loosely, many toothpastes don’t actually do much to whiten the teeth. So don’t venture on out to the supermarket and pick up any old container of toothpaste that is touted for its whitening capabilities and think that it will make your teeth as white as...

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

What Is Nitrous Oxide? Nitrous oxide is a type of sedative gas often used at the dentist’s office. It is more commonly known as “laughing gas” because of the giggles that sometimes result from its use. It is a colorless and odorless gas that is administered through a small mask worn over the nose. Nitrous oxide...

Composite vs. Amalgam Fillings

So your kids’ dentist found a cavity in one of your child’s teeth. Thank goodness it’s a small cavity, but it does need filled immediately. Should it be filled with silver amalgam or composite filling material? Is there a big difference between the two materials? Amalgam Fillings Composed of silver, copper, tin, and liquid mercury,...

Should kids use mouthwash?

Parents should always be on the lookout for ways to help their children maintain and care for their teeth and gums. Sometimes, children want to add things to the oral health regimen like using mouthwash. But how effective is this for children? What are the implications of using it, and when is the appropriate time...

Tooth Brushing Basics Parents Should Know

Good dental habits start in our youngest years. Teaching our children how to brush properly gives them a lifelong health skill.  Not only does it help their independence and confidence, it really can help them stay healthier. In this article, we’d like to address some of the most common questions about childhood brushing, such as:...

How to Care for your Child’s Mouth

Caring for your child’s teeth and gums is a very important daily habit that should not be overlooked. In fact, good oral hygiene starts at birth, long before your baby grows his or her first tooth – unless of course your child was born with teeth!  By practicing tooth care basics right from the start,...

Dental Care Resources

Finding reliable, affordable kid dentistry is a task that requires gathering information from patients and reviews. A kid’s dentist should be someone you can establish a relationship with and make your child feel comfortable. Good hygiene practices for little children Good oral care should begin as early as possible to stave off oral issues later on....

Making Tooth-brushing a Priority in Your Child’s Bedtime Routine

The bedtime routine can be challenging when dealing with small children. It’s hard to get them to settle down and focus on the job at hand – especially when that job is brushing & flossing.  So how can a parent make sure to make tooth-brushing a priority every single night?   Develop a Regular Routine Kids...

Is It Safe For My Child To Use Mouthwash?

Using mouthwash has numerous benefits: fresher breath, cleaner teeth, and to a small degree, plaque and tartar control.  But is it safe for children? Small Children Should Steer Clear of Mouthwash and Oral Rinses Most dental experts agree that mouthwash products should be avoided until the child reaches at least the age of six. This...

Help! My Child is Teething!

Baby’s first tooth is a momentous milestone. It is a sign that your baby is growing. Soon you will be able to begin introducing solid foods. But first you both have to survive the teething process! When Teething Begins The average child will begin teething around the age of six months.  However, some kids are...

How to wean your child from the pacifier

For years, pacifiers have been used to help soothe and calm fussy babies. According to American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), both pacifier and finger sucking are considered normal behavior in infants and toddlers. Pacifiers are used to provide comfort and security to children during the early stages of development. It is important that you...

Kid’s Tooth Decay: Development and Prevention

When you become a parent, worry becomes a normal part of life. Whether it’s sending the kids off to school or worrying about the latest virus in the media, every parent manages their fear of the unknown daily. One area where parents should not worry is their children’s teeth. Teaching your young ones to make...

Steps That Will Keep Your Kid’s Dentist Happy During the Winter Holidays

The winter holidays can be a great time to be a kid. Children go from dressing up and enjoying candy during Halloween, to visiting family and eating delicious desserts for Thanksgiving, to opening presents and candy stocking stuffers at Christmas time. Winter is when kids have frequent opportunities to eat more sweet foods than they...