Dr. Guymon's blog

Fixing Your Kid's Teeth is Not as Difficult as You may Think

Teeth hold many secrets and carry with them our own personal stories. They are precious parts of ourselves; tools that enable us to grind our food, break it down into the building blocks that our body can use to make us grow big and strong. When they do not work right, we do not work at our full capacity. These tiny white pieces of enamel-covered silica are going to be with us for a long time. They are going to help keep us strong and to grow into the person we are to become. But for that, we must learn to love and respect them. We must learn to take care of them; to eat the right foods; to always rinse our mouth after eating; and to brush our teeth really well at least twice a day.

Do you know what your teeth would tell you if they could speak? They would first tell you that they love you and that they want to work with you. They would tell you what we just said above: To take good care of them by eating right, rinsing them after eating, brushing them very well at least twice daily, and to find a good dentist to help you.

A good dentist will teach you how to do this and also this person will make sure that your teeth stay healthy. Visiting the dentist can seem a little intimidating, at first. But you have to remember that he is on your side. He just wants to help you take care of your teeth so that they last a long time and never hurt you.

You'll get to go in a really special chair that reclines. That is the fun part, it is a little like getting into a rocket-ship chair. And the dentist will sometimes wear special glasses to see how beautiful your teeth are. He has all sorts of instruments to check your teeth. It is a little like mining diamonds - your teeth are the diamonds. But no, the dentist wants them to stay in the cave, your mouth, so that they can continue to bring light into your life. But like diamonds, your teeth are rare, you only have one set of them. If they are well cared for, they can help keep you healthy all your life.

That is the magic part. Your teeth do help you bring light into your world. By helping you to be the special person you are. Because no one is just like you and no one can do exactly what you can do. So it is so important to take care of your health, starting with your teeth.

If you begin taking your child to the dentist early on, when your child is still very young, you will see how easy it is. And you and your child will learn how to care for the diamonds in your child's mouth. It really is not difficult or complicated. Pediatric dentists specialize in children's teeth. They are very astute in knowing how to deal with young children and before you know it, not only will your child want to actually go to the dentist, he or she will also be interested in taking good care of their teeth. They will learn to build good tooth-brushing habits that will last a life time and ensure healthy gums and teeth throughout all of their life, for remember the saying, we are what we eat!

A child who is made aware of these healthy habits is more apt to be a conscious and loving world citizen as well. Believe it or not, it all starts in the mouth early on. Our teeth connect us to the Earth through the pillars that are our teeth. 

Come in for a visit to see how easy it is to care for and fix your children's teeth. No more need to dread pain, or fear the dentist. A good pediatric dentist team awaits you with all their child know-how and dental skills. They turn a dental visit into a fun learning experience that has the power to impact your child's future in a very positive light.

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No Time? No Money? No Problem! How You Can Get Pediatric Dentistry With a Zero-Dollar Budget

If you have kids, then you don’t have time. You’re zooming from work to school to sporting events and trying to find time to cook dinner and help the kids with their homework. It’s hard to fit in dentist appointments when you’re struggling to balance the checkbook or find time to shower. That’s why we are here to make pediatric dentistry accessible. Don’t worry if your bank account is low or if you work more than 40 hours a week. We are here to make dental care easy for kids and parents alike. Our convenient hours and friendly staff give families a support system. Tatum Pediatric Dentistry can be your home away from home! 

Don’t Stress About Money: We’ll Work with You!

We believe that all children deserve the very best dental care, no matter their families’ financial situation. Tatum Pediatric Dentistry is focused on relieving families of financial stress and barriers. Thus, we have honest conversations with parents about what they can afford. We want your kids to be happy and healthy! This is why we meet each family where they are. Parents don’t have to hide from our phone calls and emails. We are honest about the many options we have. This is why we will work out what each family can afford and really explain the ins and outs of insurance, flexible spending accounts, and our payment plans. 

Flexible Payment Options 

Families are not one size fits all. We offer a lot of payment options so guardians have a flexible way to pay. Our friendly staff can walk people through credit card and debit payments. We also accept cash and checks. Flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts are also accepted, and we can explain how CareCredit works too. If a family has a balance, we will work with the family budget to figure out a payment plan that really works. We here at Tatum Pediatric Dentistry really care about our clients. 

Answer All Questions 

No question is stupid. We really mean that. If a parent is confused about how to find financing with CareCredit or what an insurance plan includes, our friendly staff will sit down and really explain these things. Kids deserve answers too. That’s why we will explain different procedures: from cleanings and fillings to extractions and more. Knowledge is power. Tatum Pediatric Dentistry wants to make the dentist’s office a safe place. 

This is a No Judgement Zone 

Our team is focused on making visits to the dentist fun for the whole family. This is a no judgement zone. Instead, we want children to come to the dentist at an early age so that they learn how to properly care for their teeth and gums. This doesn’t have to be a scary process! We will not judge you if it’s been a year since your last visit, or longer than that! What’s important is that children and adults alike are on the right path moving forward. This is a chance to not just learn how to properly floss but to feel at ease around dentists, various procedures, and dental equipment. 

Relax in Our Offices 

We understand that dentist appointments can be stressful. This is why the Tatum Pediatric Dentistry team have built their office around comfort and fun. Parents can sit back and relax with the flat screen televisions while kids play one of our many games. We know you're busy. That's why we go the extra mile to make our offices a get-away from life's stressors. You may not have a lot of time and money, but you have a team who's advocating for you. 

We believe in gentle and complete care for all children. When you walk into our offices, you will feel at home. We have groovy seating, flat screen televisions, and compassionate staff ready to serve. Dr. Guymon is a parent and understands the importance of friendly care, kid friendly language, and proper/conservative treatment. He and the rest of the Tatum Pediatric Dentistry team are here to make scheduling appointments as painless as possible. Forget your financial stress and know you have a dentist who truly cares. Read more about No Time? No Money? No Problem! How You Can Get Pediatric Dentistry With a Zero-Dollar Budget

 20 Resources That'll Make You Better at Keeping Your Child's Teeth Healthy

Information is the key to success. Learning how to care for your teeth and your child's teeth, the right way can prevent cavities. The following are resources that can be used to educate and help make smiles healthier.

1. America's ToothFairy

An organization that provides programs for parents, children, and communities about dental health. AT has a Kid's Club, and their website is full of information and helpful links. http://www.ncohf.org/

2. Sesame Street

Sesame Street's website devotes an entire section to teach children and parents how to care for their teeth with videos, games, and activities.
http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/topicsandactivities/toolkits/teeth#

3. KidsHealth

The KidsHealth website has a kid section and a parent one. The parent's section is full of articles with dental health tips and information. The articles for kids deal with what to expect at the dentist and explanations about the functions of the teeth. 
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/teeth/healthy.html

4. MyChildrensTeeth.org

This website is maintained by America's Pediatric Dentists. It has tons of information for parents, a dentist locater, and a Mouth Monsters section for kids.

5. Mouth Healthy Kids

Fun oral health website for kids with lots of videos, games, and activities that help children learn how to care for their teeth and what a dentist does. http://www.mouthhealthykids.org/en/

6. Colgate Kids

The Colgate website is divided by age for children and parents to learn age the age group that speaks to them. There are activities and games, product descriptions, information on dental health, Colgate's dental charity, and a newsletter for grown-ups. http://www.colgate.com/app/Kids-World/US/HomePage.cvsp

7. KidsSoup

KidsSoup has an entire section full of craft ideas, book suggestions, songs, and ideas to make caring for teeth and visits to the dentist not such a mystery to kids.
http://www.kidssoup.com/dental_health/dentalhealth_activities.html

8. Dentists 4 Kids

This website was created by dentists for children and their parents. There are articles, activities, and games. Dentists can also join a searchable database for patients to find them. http://www.dentists4kids.com/

9. Tooth Talk

Tooth Talk is a site that teaches Head Start and preschool educators about caring for young children's teeth using articles and videos. The information is also good for parents. http://toothtalk.web.unc.edu/

10. Tooth Fairy Poll

Fun website that gives dental information and uncovers the truth behind the myths of teeth from the point of view of the Tooth Fairy. http://www.theoriginaltoothfairypoll.com/

11. Community Dental Foundation

CDF is a mobile dental service to underserved communities. This non-profit organization focuses on giving access to proper dental care to children. You can make a tax-deductible donation using their website. http://www.cdental.org/index.htm

12. National Education Association

The NEA has a section dedicated to National Children's Dental Health Month with games, trivia, activities, craft ideas, book suggestions, and videos. http://www.nea.org/grants/National-Childrens-Dental-Health-Month.htm

13. HealthyChildren.org

This site has an Oral Health category with many detailed articles about children's dental care. http://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/oral-health/Pages/...

14. Dental Buddy

Children get to learn along with Buddy through three stages of oral health. Kids will learn how to care for their teeth with proper brushing, nutrition, and regular check-ups. http://dentalbuddy.org/

15. Nick Jr.

This is a fun site with your favorite cartoon characters. Activities, games, and videos teaching kids how to brush, floss, and keep teeth healthy.
http://www.nickjr.com/kids-health/dental-care/

16. American Dental Association

Articles about tooth care and charts to follow where teeth are located. There is also a dentist locater by area and insurance.
http://www.ada.org/en/public-programs/give-kids-a-smile/how-to-care-for-...

17. Mom's Guide to Caring for Little Teeth

Very good, highly detailed article following a child's life with their teeth. The article describes teeth from infant to teenagers and everything in between.
http://www.1dental.com/moms-guide/#baby-teeth

18. YouTube

YouTube has many great videos demonstrating tooth brushing, flossing, and trips to the dentist. Awesome visual tools for children to learn and practice with fun characters and catchy tunes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucBmUzqfJyk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdhptrhn2tM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PXbWz_xe40

19. Child Care Lounge

Site for early childhood educators. Good resource for parents. The page has songs, books suggestions, and activities devoted to brushing and flossing, and more.
http://www.childcarelounge.com/general-themes/dental-tooth.php

20. Kids.gov

This page has fact sheets for kids about health and safety. There are links to articles about the right way to brush your teeth and how to care for your teeth.
http://kids.usa.gov/health-and-safety/health/index.shtml

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6 Musts When Finding the Perfect Pediatric Dentist For Your Child

Finding a perfect dentist for your child can be a difficult task. Every parent wants their child to be in the best care possible. Having friendly staff and a clean environment should be at the top of the list. There are many other things to consider. Here are six musts every parent should keep in mind when looking for a pediatric dentist.

1. Friendliness

It is important to take note of how friendly the staff is. After all, your child will spend many visits at the dentist’s office. Dental visits can cause some nervousness, even in adults. A friendly dentist and staff can help ease any worry and make the experience a pleasant one. How does your child act when you are there? Does the staff make an effort to have conversation with the children? These are all questions you need to ask yourself when choosing a dentist. A nervous visit can be turned around to become interesting and educational by a staff who knows how to handle children.

2. Cleanliness

Cleanliness is an area you should not compromise on. The way a dental practice feels about hygiene says a lot about them. Does the dentist wash his or her hands before and after handling your child? Does the staff do the same? Do not be afraid to ask more questions when looking for a dentist for your child. A good question to ask is what methods of sterilization and cleaning they use daily. Asking these questions will help put you as a parent at ease. Understanding that everything that touches your child has been properly sterilized will give you some much-needed peace of mind. 

3. Fun and Games

A soft, fun atmosphere sets the tone for the entire visit. You might even be surprised when your little one asks to visit the dentist again! The key to helping your child form healthy views on the dentist is to make sure their visits are as comfortable and fun as they can be. No child has ever refused going to a fun place- no matter what that place is. Some things to look for are bright colors, fun characters around the office, and lots of toys and games. These things will put your child at ease and help them forget about any worry they previously had.

4. Pain and Comfort 

A common fear for children and adults alike is the level of pain at the dentist. Needles, drills and other equipment can cause a lot of anxiety. Your child may also have heard some horror stories that were exaggerated. The key to having a comfortable experience is to find out how the dentist feels about pain. Does he or she value the comfort of their patient? Many dentists are leaning towards this viewpoint, so it should not be difficult to find a low-pain dentist. If a dentist constantly checks on the comfort level of their patient throughout the procedure, that is a very good sign. Adding more numbing medicine as needed communicates that the doctor cares about the patient’s comfort. It is also good to find out what types of numbing procedures your dentist uses, and how much discomfort can be expected. Every parent wants their child to be as comfortable as possible. Most dentists will work with you to achieve this.

5. Location

The location of your dentist is something to think about. Parents spend a lot of time in the car going from one place to another. If you can find a dentist that is within a short drive from home, this is very advisable to do. A short drive also minimizes the amount of time your child has to contemplate what will happen at the dentist. Being able to get to the dentist within a short period of time minimizes stress for everyone involved. 

6. Insurance

Finding a dentist that is covered by your insurance plan saves you the most money. Many insurance companies offer a list of in-network providers whose services are covered. When looking for your child’s pediatric dentist, it is important to first look at the dentists on this list. If you are unable to find the right dentist on this list, most insurance companies offer an estimated cost for using dentists who are not covered. Some parents choose to pay the extra cost for a dentist who is outside the network but is an awesome fit for their family. 

When looking for the perfect pediatric dentist for your child, there are several key things to keep in mind. Hygiene, friendliness and comfort level are very important, among other things. When looking for a pediatric dentist, find one that you can see yourself visiting for years to come, until your child no longer visits a pediatric dentist. This creates a comfortable relationship, making dental visits easier as time passes.

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Early dental care can help your child be healthy and have more fun in life. Dental care can prevent tooth pain and other problems that can take the fun out of life. 

We know that you or your child may have questions about your child's dental care. Perhaps we can answer some of them for you.

Answers for Parents

When Should My Child First See a Dentist?

Watch your baby carefully that first year of life. As soon as the first tooth breaks through, it's time for a mad dash to the dentist! A little extreme, you say? 

OK well, seriously, it is best to visit the dentist after the first tooth has broken through. If that is not possible, then your child should definitely be seen by the first birthday. After that, your child may see the dentist every 6 months. The idea is to get an early start, establish healthy habits from the get-go, and detect problems early. Small problems are easier to treat than large ones.

How Can I Help My Child's Dental Health?

Feed your child foods from each food group to help build healthy teeth and gums. Be sure to avoid frequent snacking between meals and limit sugary and starchy snacks.

Brush, brush, brush. Teeth need to be brushed at least twice daily for 1-2 minutes each time. Floss at least once every day everywhere that teeth are touching. Rinse with water or a mouthwash once the child can spit everything out on demand.

What If My Child has a Toothache?

If your child has tooth pain, you can help by first rinsing the painful area with warm salt water. Put a cold compress on any swelling. Then give acetaminophen for the pain, and take your child to see the dentist as soon as possible.

What Happens at the Dentist?

While waiting to be treated, your child can watch TV shows, play with toys, read books, or even play video games.

Routine Care-

During cleanings, teeth will be cleaned and flossed. Other services include X-rays, fluoride treatments, and sealants.

Dental Treatment -

During the treatment of cavities or other problems, each patient is kept pain free through the use of safe and gentle medications. 

Parents are an essential part of the entire visit.

Answers for Kids

Will it Hurt?

Worried it will hurt? While cleanings are not painful, toothaches are. You will be given a safe medicine so you can feel calm and pain free. Any toothache will actually feel numb while being fixed.

Will it be Scary?

Have no fear, your friendly dentist is here! 

New things, like going to the dentist, can seem scary. But your dentist will do as much as he or she can to help you feel safe and happy. 

The spinning brush used to brush your teeth may sound funny, but it is nothing to be scared of. It actually tickles!

Your parents can be in the same room too. 

Will Going to the Dentist be Boring?

Boring? No way! 

Play games, play with toys, read, or watch TV before your appointment. 

You can even watch a movie during your cleaning or treatment. How cool is that?

Cool prizes can be picked out at the end of every appointment.

Why Tatum Pediatric Dentistry is Right for You and Your Child

We provide gentle dental care for kids and adolescents in a fun environment. Many fun activities are provided during your child's wait time. Parents are welcome in the treatment rooms.

Safe, Gentle, and Effective Pain Relief-

• Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas): Nitrous Oxide is breathed through a funny looking "nose" and helps your child feel relaxed and happy.

• Oral Conscious Sedation: A sweet liquid is given to help your child relax while staying concious.

• General Anesthesia: This will safely put your child to sleep to have a painless treatment.

Digital X-rays-

We use x-rays only when needed. Digital x-rays are used since they are safer and use less radiation than conventional x-rays.

Fun Environment-

Your child will have no shortage of things to do while waiting to be seen. We provide:

• Fun toys

• Books

• iPad's

• Free Wifi

• A tree house

• TV's everywhere

8 Common Misconceptions About Children's Teeth Care

Everyone wants their children to have strong and healthy teeth. But sometimes parents (and kids too!) get hold of some ideas that aren’t all that helpful. Here are eight common misconceptions about children’s teeth care. Remember, the more informed you are, the brighter your child’s smile can be! 

1. Baby teeth aren’t important because they’re just going to fall out soon anyway.

Nope! Baby teeth, also called primary teeth, are very important. It’s true they’re not going to stay around permanently, but they are there for good reasons. Children usually have a set of about 20 baby teeth by the time they turn three. Healthy primary teeth help them as they learn to talk. They also help kids learn to chew well in those first important years when they need good nutrition because they’re growing so much. Primary teeth even help the mouth hold the right amount of space for the adult teeth that will come in next. Healthy primary teeth help a child’s jaw to develop correctly and also make sure their adult teeth are aligned well. Whew! That's a lot of important reasons to keep those baby teeth healthy.

2. A child doesn’t need to see the dentist until it’s time to start school.

Since baby teeth and oral health are so important, we recommend bringing your child in for their first visit at age 1. Dentists can educate parents about the best ways to help care for their children’s teeth. Since children tend to fall more in the active toddler years, it’s possible that your child might need to see a dentist due to an injury. Hopefully that won’t happen, but if it does, you will feel much more relaxed if your child has already gotten comfortable at the dentist office. 

3. Preschool age children will always be fearful at the dentist.

They don’t need to be. Let them take their cue from how relaxed you are. By taking them early and making the dentist part of your regular healthy routine, they will learn to know what to expect and begin to feel more comfortable soon. At the dentist, they even get to pick a prize! 

4. Once my child has gotten the hang of brushing, he doesn’t really need my help anymore.

Not true. Most kids don't physically develop the manual dexterity to brush all of the nooks and crannies of their teeth well until they are about 8 years old. Your dentist should be able to tell you if there are places you or your child is missing or not cleaning as well, and you can work with the child to help them reach those areas better and clean the teeth more thoroughly.

5. Toothbrush size doesn’t matter.

Early on, it does. You want a brush that fits well inside your child’s mouth and is one he or she can hold with ease. The smaller the brush head, the easier it is to move around in there. Softer bristles may encourage them to brush more often too. There’s no reason why the tooth brushing routine can’t be a little fun! 

6. Kids don't need to floss.

Yes, they do. Just like brushing, flossing takes time and practice to learn. You can help them reach the hard-to-reach places. If you’re not sure how, your dentist or dental hygienist can help you learn some good techniques. And yes, parents, you need to floss too. 

7. As long as I’m not giving lots of candy, I don’t have to worry about my child getting cavities.

It’s good not to give too many sugary snacks, but sugar is sneaky, not always sweet. It's not just in candy. It shows up in juices, milks, and other drinks. Tooth decay is caused by bacteria acids. Bacteria can feed off the simple carbohydrates in things like cookies and goldfish too. That’s not to say you should never give sweets or other fun snacks. Every once in a while is ok. But if it becomes an every day multiple times a day thing, that's a recipe for cavities. Just be aware that good dental care helps no matter what your child is eating. 

8. Kids just get cavities more than grown-ups do. 

They don’t have to! Good eating habits (fruits and veggies do make great snacks) and good brushing habits go a long way toward helping kids avoid tooth decay. And that’s something for everyone to smile about!  Read more about 8 Common Misconceptions About Children's Teeth Care

15 Undeniable Reasons to Love Your Child's Dentist

Taking children to the dentist can seem like a scary thing for children and produce anxiety in parents in anticipation of that fear. However, there are amazing benefits to taking children to a pediatric dentist—such that going is actually enjoyable. How—you can breathe now—great is that? 

1. Common Front

Let’s face it, parents: Parents need all the help they can get. Children sometimes tend to question the veracity of what their parents say. “Will this candy really rot my teeth?” Indeed, and who better to say this than the dentist? Well, one piece may not outright, but candy will eventually lead to tooth decay. 

2. Fun

Oh my gosh. Is it possible? Can going to a pediatric dentist actually be fun? Yes! A pediatric office is decorated in fun colors, has toys, gadgets, and some are equipped with TVs for easy viewing. In addition, pediatric dentists are trained to interact with children. They know how to get on their level and put their fears at ease. 

3. Specially Trained

Beyond making dental visits fun, pediatric dentists are more familiar with a child’s dental habits, needs and their fears. This customized approach allows pediatric dentists to be efficient while looking at a child’s teeth. 

4. Rewards

It’s no surprise that children respond to rewards. Little goody bags filled with fun things makes going to the dentist enjoyable. Children receive toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash and other dental hygiene products that are fun to use. Parents can do with less arguing when it comes to children brushing their teeth. Thank goodness for those rewards. 

5. Easy

Pediatric dentists don’t waste time. They know that as soon as a child opens his or her mouth, there may not be another time to inspect his or her mouth. They know that the time to strike is now. Pediatric dentists will use a wide variety of tactics to make office visits as hassle-free as possible. Get in, get out, and get on with the day. 

6. Wifi Access

While dentist office visits are expedient with pediatric dentists, it’s an added benefit if parents can use a laptop or tablet to access online accounts. This helps parents to take care of bills or just have some downtime on a social media network. Parents need time-outs too. 

7. Teaching Them Young

Taking a child to a pediatric dentist gets them onto the road of dental success. The older the child is on their first dental visit, the more intimidating the dentist can seem. However, getting them early will make going to the dentist commonplace. 

8. Less Cavities

Amongst the numerous benefits going to a pediatric dentist presents, one of the best reasons for children making regular dental visits is that they’re likely to have less cavities. Less cavities means less fillings and less discomfort at a later time. 

9. Health

A healthy mouth can help to keep a healthy body. Gingivitis and other issues with gums can place bacteria and other substances in the bloodstream. Keeping a healthy mouth can help with the body’s overall health. The mouth can also show potential issues with the body. 

10. Dazzling Smiles

Making regular visits to the dentist helps to keep a child’s smile in tip-top shape. What better way to admire those pearly whites than with laughter and school pictures? 

11. School

Many schools require that dentists fill out dental forms before kids can be enrolled. Making regular visits to a pediatric dentist helps assist in having this form filled out. 

12. Peers

Taking a child to a pediatric dentist allows children to interact with their peers. When children are in a “grown-up” place, they can feel fearful and may be afraid to speak up about concerns. However, when children can play with others, they are at ease and are more vocal with the dentist. 

13. Preventative Care

Pediatric dentists know that real fear sets in when children need a substantial amount of dental work. If children can avoid substantial dental work in the future, they will be less afraid of the dentist. Pediatric dentists know the issues children have—the love of sugar and the dislike of brushing teeth. Pediatric dentists are able to talk children into taking care of their teeth. This makes less hassle for parents. 

14. Cost-Efficiency

With greater preventative care, pediatric dentists invariably help parents to save money in the long run. This can mean having more fun times with the kids at theme parks and other fun places. 

15. Family Visits

The ability to get more than one child in for an appointment makes all the difference in the world for parents. Trying to split up appointments between children can be difficult. This is especially true if they’re fussy. Getting everything done in one fell swoop helps to preserve sanity. 

Pediatric dentists are invaluable. They make children happy, which makes parents happy. Taking a child to a pediatric dentist makes all the difference in the world. 

  Read more about 15 Undeniable Reasons to Love Your Child's Dentist

7 Little Changes That'll Make a Big Difference to Your Child's Teeth

When it comes to oral health, small changes make a big difference. There are little things you can do daily to improve the health of your child’s teeth. Having a clean mouth is not only important for dental health, but it helps a child be confident since they have fresh breath. Cavities can be painful and scary to have fixed. Here are seven small changes that will make a great difference in your child’s teeth.

1. No Night Bottles
For many children, one of the hardest things to get rid of is the night-time bottle. Slowly diluting the milk each night until it is pure water works very well. Eventually, the baby stops waking up since they are only getting water. Drinking milk throughout the night causes a child’s teeth to rot and have cavities. It is as if they never brushed their teeth. Avoiding night-time feeding is a great thing to do for healthy teeth. 

2. Brush and Floss
Brushing and flossing are two of the most important things you can do for your child’s teeth. Brushing gets rid of any food and germs (plaque) on the teeth, gums and tongue. Flossing gets in between the teeth, where a brush cannot reach. You should brush at least twice a day, and floss once a day. For children under age 8, a parent should be brushing the teeth. If a child stays home with mom or dad, they can brush after each meal. This is a very good practice that makes sure all food is removed from the teeth right away.

3. Water
Drinking water is very important for the whole body. Many doctors recommend sipping on water throughout the day. Staying hydrated is very important for a busy, playing child. It is also good for the teeth because it rinses the mouth frequently. If your child drinks some milk, some of it may stick to the teeth and tongue. Sipping on water throughout the day rinses the teeth, leaving them clean. It is also good for freshening the breath. When your child feels fresh, they feel more confident!

4. Avoid Sugary Drinks
For a growing child, sodas and juices are not necessary. Sodas and juices have a lot of sugar and other chemicals that are not good for the body. Juice can be replaced by a fruit. Sugary drinks leave sugar on the teeth, which causes cavities. Some of the chemicals in a soda are strong enough to melt metal. You can only imagine how bad they are for the teeth. If you do allow a soda once in a while, using a straw and immediately brushing the teeth helps avoid cavities.

5. Visit The Dentist
A lot of children fear going to the dentist. There is no need to be afraid though because dentists are very friendly. Many offices are made for children to feel comfortable with very friendly staff. If a procedure may be painful, the dentist is sure to give plenty of numbing medication. A child’s comfort is one of the dentist’s main goals. They are also able to see if anything needs early treatment. This is better than waiting until a cavity has already formed. Having check-ups also teaches parents tips and tricks for cleaner teeth.

6. Have Fun
There are so many fun ways to have clean teeth. There are many interesting toothpastes to choose from, that can make brushing time fun. Some children like cool minty flavors that leave a tingling sensation. Others enjoy the fruity taste that is left behind by some toothpastes. No matter what toothpaste is used, you should always make sure your child spits it all out.

7. Electric
Using an electric toothbrush can be another way to make brushing exciting. Some brushes sing songs, vibrate in fun patterns and glow in the dark. Children love fun gadgets, so having one of these fun brushes may be a small, positive change. There are some brushes that have a built-in timer that goes off after a certain amount of time. This is a great way to make sure that the brushing was thorough.

There are many small changes a parent can help their child make. Small, consistent changes make a big difference. Since teeth are very important for eating, talking and many other things, they should be taken care of. Regularly brushing and flossing the teeth is the easiest way to have healthy teeth. Read more about 7 Little Changes That'll Make a Big Difference to Your Child's Teeth

The Biggest Problems With Your Child's Teeth Care, And How You Help

Proper dental hygiene is important from an early age. Unfortunately, children naturally love candy but hate brushing their teeth. Don't let keeping your child's teeth healthy become overwhelming; rather use the tips below to help work around the problems.

1 - Brushing teeth is a nightmare
Let's face it, almost no child begs to brush his or her teeth. Generally speaking, proper dental hygiene isn't exactly a bucket-of-fun, but neither should it be a nightmare. 

If you're having a hard time getting your child to brush his or her teeth, try to approach the problem by breaking it down into smaller parts and using rewards, or, if you want to get all technical, positive reinforcement. 

For example:
- You can reward your child with a sticker for using an appropriate amount of toothpaste
- Praise your child when he/she goes to the bathroom to brush his/her teeth without a fight.
- Use a timer to slowly build-up brushing time to the recommended 2 minutes. Maybe sing a song to help pass the time.
- Call grandparents to brag about good brushing habits in front of the child.
- Let your child work up to a trip to the toy store by brushing twice a day for a week or two.

Finally, let your child pick out his/her tooth brush. While they will focus on colors and cartoon characters more than the quality of the brush, just work on getting him/her used to proper brushing first. After the habit is established and the fights are gone, then switch over to a quality sonic toothbrush. 

2 - Constant cavities
Children are notorious for harboring cavities, and at Tatum Pediatric Dentistry, we'd like to see that changed. If you're child is struggling to have a clean check-up, consider the following: 

- Does your child brush AFTER his/her first meal in the morning? Brushing before breakfast can lead to bacteria sitting in his/her mouth too long; it can also lead to terrible tasting cereal. 
- Likewise, your child should brush AFTER his/her last meal at night.
- Is your child eating too many sticky foods? Chewy foods like caramel, taffy, and even raisins can stick to teeth for hours afterwards, causing tooth decay. That's not to say that your child can never eat these foods; trust us on this, they will. Rather, just try to eat them right before a tooth brushing session. 
- Is your child eating teeth-boosting foods? Dairy products, whole grains, and vegetables all promote healthy teeth, if used correctly. Grazing on anything can cause cavities. 
- Is there too much hidden sugar in your child's diet? You should take a day to look at the food labels in your pantry. You may be shocked at how much sugar is in cereal, snacks, and even the bread you buy. All that sugar contributes to cavities. 
- Is your child flossing once a day? Make it a game and pretend they are trying to scrub away bad guys from their teeth.
- Is your child using mouth wash? Using age appropriate mouth wash helps keep plaque causing bacteria at bay and strengthens teeth. Besides, most kids love to spit!

3 - My Child Hates Dental Visits
Unfortunately, due to past experiences or fear of the unknown, many children fear visiting the dentist. However, a dental office is full of really cool things; after all, where else do kids get to vacuum up their own spit? So, use these tips to help make the trip less traumatic:

- Play "dentist" at home just like how your child likes to play house. 
- Take your child to the dentist with you. Seeing you go through the same teeth cleaning process teaches him/her that it's ok. 
- Read books about trips to the dentist. 
- Talk with your child about his/her fears. 
- Don't be anxious yourself. Yeah, even we like dentist jokes, but children pick up on anxiety. 

Finally, please, let our staff know if your child is nervous. We'll try to explain the procedures to help your child feel safe and comfortable. 

  Read more about The Biggest Problems With Your Child's Teeth Care, And How You Help