Children’s Dentistry

Can a Musical Instrument Affect Teeth?

Ever think of asking your dentist which musical instrument you should play? Few people do. But especially for young people, an early dental analysis—before selecting a musical instrument—can be important. Surprisingly, some instruments—woodwind or brass—can actually help some children who have an overbite problem. Yet, the same instrument can make [...]

What Did You Say?

We've all heard young children speak "baby talk." Sometimes it can sound endearing—or it may be a speech defect. In early infancy, babies begin to make vowel sounds, usually mastered by age three. Consonant sounds are more difficult and come a little later on. By the eighth birthday, most children [...]

Baby Pacifier Pros and Cons

Is putting baby to bed with a pacifier the way to Sleep Heaven? Or the start of a dangerous habit? Moms, doctors, even dentists have passionate opinions on both sides. As usual, the truth lies pretty much in between. A study published in a recent issue of General Dentistry indicates [...]

Baby Teeth and Teething

Being mammals, we sport two sets of teeth, the primaries and the permanent. Assuming Mom has already lent strength to her baby's teeth during pregnancy—beginning from week seven of prenatal life—teeth grow through two stages. In the first permutation, teeth take shape; in the second, the cells are actually transformed [...]

Thumb Sucking: A Most Common Habit

What's the most common thing nearly half of American toddlers do when they're tired, relaxing, sleeping or being scolded? They suck their thumbs! Thumb-sucking is the earliest and most common habit among children. It's nothing for parents to worry about—unless the habit persists. Only after age four does thumb-sucking threaten [...]

Dental Sealants for Kids

Why Sealants are Good Parenting Of course, we want the best for our family and especially our children, and most of us work at good parenting every day: quality schools, solid values, a sense of family. Time and money may put limits on what we can do for our kids' [...]