Fun dental facts for kids

Is your child curious about their teeth but not sure about the point of dental care? As a parent, you know how much you care about your child–educating them on caring for themselves can go a long way in their personal development. Review these teeth facts with them, and maybe even learn something yourself.

Bacteria and plaque

Your child may say, “Ew!” to bacteria and plaque, and that is a great start. They should be conscientious of how bacteria and plaque can build up on their teeth and gums if they don’t brush or floss often enough.

Explain to your child the basics of plaque:

• Plaque builds up on your teeth after you eat food.
• Plaque is sticky, and 300 kinds of bacteria can produce and grow within plaque.
• Brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes to eliminate plaque.

Sugar basics

While sugar makes food taste great, it can cause serious tooth decay. Bacteria, or sometimes called “sugar bugs,” love sugar just as much as we do! These bugs feed on sugar and produce plaque and acid, which jeopardizes the integrity of tooth enamel.

• There are typically 10-12 teaspoons of sugar in just one can of soda.
• On average, 78% of Americans develop a cavity by age 17.
• Between 60-90% of children will experience tooth decay.
• While tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body, bacteria can damage it.

Visiting the dentist can also prevent gum disease

Regular visits to the dentist can help you learn how to take care of your teeth and fight the sugar bugs that can lead to tooth decay. Gum disease is also no laughing matter:

• Other bacteria can cause inflammation in your gums as well as the bone around your teeth, this is called periodontal disease.
• Periodontal disease can get so bad that it makes your teeth fall out!
• Your dentist is a tooth doctor who can help you prevent gum disease.
• Your dentist will give you tips for improving and maintaining your oral health.

Tips for taking care of your teeth

Your dentist will help you decide the best ways to take care of your teeth. Your dentist can do many things at his or her office, such as cleaning plaque and taking X-rays to make sure your mouth is healthy. Other things you can do at home include:

• Using your toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste for at least 30 seconds on each side of your mouth. That’s two minutes for your whole mouth!
• Improving your nutrition, which is the science of what we eat to fuel our bodies.
• Making sure there isn’t too much sugar in your nutrition, which can speed up tooth decay.

Questions about teeth

If your child is still curious about dentistry and has more questions, here are some answers. Preparing your child for their visit to the dentist can make it far less scary and much more fun.

Can a dentist damage your teeth?

• Good dentistry won’t damage your teeth. The American Dental Association has rules and standards for dentistry that help protect your teeth. They even recommend when you should first visit the dentist. Even though your mouth might feel a little funny while you’re at the dentist’s, remember they’re helping you fight the sugar bugs.

Where does bad breath come from?

• Old bits of food and bacteria on your tongue, gums, or in between your teeth are responsible for the way your breath smells. Brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing once a day helps remove bad breath. Did you know that if you don’t floss you miss 40% (that’s almost half) of your tooth surfaces!

Do we need teeth to talk?

• We need teeth to help us make certain sounds. For example, we couldn’t make the “th”, “t”, “s”, “v”, “f,” “x” or “z” sounds without our teeth helping us! Give it a try. Can you say “the” or “that” without putting your tongue between or right behind your teeth? Can you say “voom” or “zoom” without letting your lips touch your teeth? How about “fox”? We don’t just need teeth to eat; we need teeth to talk, too.

How often do dentists see bad teeth?

• If dentists are working in an area where schools don’t have the money to afford good health education programs, or where parents are worn out from their jobs at the end of each day and fall asleep before brushing their teeth, it may be more likely for dentists to see bad teeth.

Interesting facts about dentists and dentistry

The history of modern dentistry is fascinating and can help your child feel less afraid because they’ll know some important and interesting facts. Encourage your child to ask their dentist about some of these tidbits, as it can strike up a conversation and make your child feel more comfortable in the dentist’s chair.

The first toothbrush was made out of sticks?

That’s right! The first toothbrush was made out of twigs with frayed ends to scrape across the teeth and get rid of food particles. Modern toothbrushes have soft bristles, so we are very lucky compared with our ancestors!

Where does the tooth fairy myth come from?

The tooth fairy myth stems from ancient and medieval northern European traditions. Vikings are said to have paid children for teeth, wearing teeth into battle as charms for good luck and a good battle.

On the other hand, in medieval England, most children’s teeth were burned as a way to stop them from enduring hardship later in life. In other traditions, children’s teeth were burned or buried to prevent witches from using discarded teeth to control the children.

Today, it’s said that if you leave your lost tooth underneath your pillow, a tooth fairy will come and take it, leaving you money the next morning. Did you know that in 1950 the average amount left by the tooth fairy was 25 cents, but the going rate today is $2.00?

The first President had fake teeth?

While most modern presidents have their own teeth, past presidents had to make due with teeth made from unusual materials. George Washington wore fake teeth made from elephant ivory, hippopotamus tusk, gold, and even other human teeth!

Some people even say that President Washington had teeth made of wood, but this seems to be a misunderstanding. Luckily, modern dentistry can fix missing teeth and discolored teeth without the need for using other people’s teeth.

Bamboo is a great biodegradable material!

Many children are very aware of the impact that plastics can have on the environment and animals in the sea. Modern bamboo toothbrushes are naturally antibacterial, and they will decompose after you’re done using them! This means they won’t leave harmful, non-degradable plastic behind and they won’t pollute our oceans.

Conclusion

Share these facts about teeth for kids with your children to help alleviate any fears and get them curious about visiting the dentist’s office. Let them know that the dentist can help keep them smiling–not only will the dentist help keep their teeth healthy and strong, but they might learn a lot of interesting and fun facts along the way.

The post Fun Dental Facts for Kids: Tooth Fairies, Bad Breath, and More first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.

When I first became a mom, some days felt like a breeze while others were just plain hard. I was a graceful mother at times and a mess at others. To help me balance the good and bad days, I started reading quotes about becoming a mother for the first time. I’ve compiled my favorite of these mom quotes below. I hope they inspire and help you, too!

Also, check How To Make Your Baby’s First Dental Visit Full Of Fun.

Quote #1

I absolutely love this quote! A mother’s love is forever, regardless of the kiddo’s age, and they live in your heart no matter where they are.

Quote #2

This quote by Suzanne Finnamore so perfectly describes what becoming a mother for the first time really feels like. From the feeling of your baby growing inside of you to the moment your child is born, it really is nothing short of magic (and magical).

Quote #3

And, somehow, falling in love more deeply than ever before.

Quote #4

It’s no secret that having a baby is hard work! Motherhood has taught me so much about life, my partner, and myself and the need for patience is definitely in my top 10 most important lessons. Remember to be patient with your baby, your partner, your loved ones, and yourself. Patience pays off!

Quote #5

It’s true. It’s deciding to love someone so much that you experience every one of their good and bad days as if they were your own. It really is like having your heart go walking around outside your body.

Quote #6

A good reminder for the days where you’re feeling overwhelmed by motherhood– it is definitely hard work!

Quote #7 This Is Probably My Favorite

This quote reminds me that it all balances out toward something wonderful. The long nights with no sleep and the applesauce splattered pants are worth it for the happy home, incredible love, and excitement for the future that having a baby brought me.

Quote #8

Nothing really prepared me for what it would be like to look in my baby’s eyes and see my own eyes looking back at me. There is so much of me in my childhood. He has my smile, my nose, the tiny birthmark behind my left knee. It is absolutely extraordinary.

Quote #9

Becoming a mother for the first time filled my heart with a new, powerful, incredible love.

Quote #10

Tell me about it! The changes to my body during pregnancy were hard, especially when I got too big to comfortably tie my shoes or get out of bed. But it is so so worth it!

Quote #11 Also A Favorite Of Mine

This quote makes me laugh every time! It’s a good reminder that we all think we have the only perfect child out there (and that we’re definitely wrong!).

Quote #12

I remember that feeling well — the whole world revolved around my crush. I felt every good thing and the bad thing they did so intensely. Take that feeling and let it take over your entire body forever — and that is a perfect description of motherhood!

Quote #13

That’s right, ladies! We are strong and powerful. We have the strength to grow, birth, and raise an entirely new person.

Quote #14

This quote by Amy Tan just makes me feel so powerful and proud.

Quote #15

We’ve definitely all felt like we don’t know the language, both during and after pregnancy. The good thing is that after your baby spends a few months in your arms, you’re practically an expert in their language!

Quote #16

Being pregnant for the first time was such an incredible experience for me. Just knowing that every day brought new growth or a new development– fingernails, a nervous system, tiny toes. I felt like I finally understood life.

Quote #17

I love this quote by George Bernard Shaw. A child breathes life back into the fire and makes life that much more exciting. Especially with babies, we may find ourselves experiencing life in a whole new way.

Quote #18 I Know I’ve Said This Before

There are so many scary unknowns throughout pregnancy and motherhood. The best thing you can do is be optimistic and do the best possible job for your child.

Quote #19

Being a mom is a round-the-clock job. It’s hard work, sometimes painful work, with no days off, no sick days, and no vacation days. Being a mom is a big responsibility and also a superpower. We devote our lives to our children, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Quote #20

It’s like uncovering a superpower you never realized you had.

Quote #21

A mother’s love is truly incredible.

Quote #22

I wrestled with this question a lot before deciding to become a mother for the first time. What if I do something wrong and mess everything up? What if I just don’t know what I’m doing? What if I fail? There’s a lot of pressure to be the perfect mother.

The truth is, there is no such thing. I’m going to do something wrong sometimes and there are many moments where I feel like I don’t know what I’m doing. But I keep trying and I keep learning. What if I fly?

Quote #23

I grew so much during my pregnancy and I don’t just mean physically! Take the time to truly enjoy this joyful occassion, and to listen to your body and yourself.

Quote #24

I love this quote because it reminds me that I did something bold and brave, that my body and spirit are capable of great things. Excellent inspiration for both good days and bad!

Quote #25

Despite the poopy diapers and sleepless nights, being a mother is so much fun!

Quote #26 This One Here Really Makes Me Feel Like A Mom

I loved nothing more than feeling my baby kick or move around. It was like a tiny high-five of encouragement. Like my baby saying “way to go, mom!”

Quote #27

You’re creating life! Does it get any sweeter?

Quote #28

This is a great reminder of what we’re all working towards as mothers– raising good, kind humans who will go out into the world and spread the greatness. It’s a big and important job.

Quote #29

During childbirth, despite all the doctors, nurses, and loved ones in the room, it really is all about you, your body, and your child. It’s an incredible experience.

Quote #30

This quote speaks to me loud and clear! Regardless of what happens next, life has forever changed.

Quote #31

When you first give birth, emotions are riding high. Your body just did something powerful and, let’s face it, painful. But seeing that baby for the first time is nothing short of incredible.

Quote #32

Of course, I had to include Oprah! But seriously, being a mother is being a teacher. And it’s not just about teaching your child to dress themselves or count to ten. It’s about teaching them about right and wrong, good and bad. Teaching them to be good, stand up for others, and being kind to all living things.

Quote #33

While it was once all about me, that all changed when I became a mom. And I couldn’t be happier.

Quote #34

In fact, a mother labors for the rest of her life for her child. It’s not an easy task, but it’s an important one.

Quote #35 Yes This Is True

Every day, I see more of my mom in me. And every day, I see more of myself in my child. Never underestimate how powerful your influence is to your child!

Quote #36

Nothing else in my life has even come to close!

Quote #37

This quote by Ani DiFranco is a great reminder of how tremendously powerful you are during childbirth. You find the strength you didn’t know you had.

Quote #38

And the most rewarding thing.

Quote #39

This quote easily encompasses motherhood. I may always be tired, but I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.

Quote #40

A good reminder to be kind to yourself. You won’t be the perfect mother– you simply can’t be. But you can still be a good one!

Quote #41

Talk about confronting your fears. Birth turned every “I can’t” into an “I can and will”.

Quote #42 Always Trust Your Instinct

All the blogs, parenting books, and advice in the world can’t prepare you for every parenting situation that’s going to come your way. Sometimes it’s about trusting your instincts.

Quote #43

Good advice and a good laugh– that’s all I ever want in a mom quote! You can have the most concrete birth plan out there but childbirth is mysterious and wonderful and just doesn’t always stick to the plan.

Quote #44

Say goodbye to sleep, especially with a newborn in the house! Some advice for new moms: sleep when the baby sleeps. I know it’s cliche, but trust me on this one!

Quote #45

Life forever changes when you first become a mom. That child has your heart and you have theirs for the rest of your lives.

Quote #46

It is definitely number one above all else, especially when I see my child learn something new or do something kind. My heart swells with pride in ways I hadn’t experienced before becoming a mom.

Quote #47

There are VERY hard days in motherhood. Sleepless nights, colds and stomach bugs, diaper accidents. But when they’re asleep so peacefully in their cribs or in your arms, all of the hard things just melt away.

Quote #48

Amen!

Quote #49

It is a strength that is unlike any other.

Quote #50

Becoming a mother is an incredible gift and is filled with new and exciting possibilities.

Quote #51

Pregnancy is hard. Your body goes through so many changes, some pleasant, some not. And it results in something you’ve been anxiously awaiting for nine months– the birth of your baby.

Everyone tells you that time goes by so fast when your baby is born, and it’s true. Take the time to enjoy and cherish pregnancy. It is truly a miracle.

Quote #52 Thank You Benjamin Franklin

You are at your most beautiful when you’re pregnant, even when you don’t feel like it. Enjoy the pregnancy glow– it’s real!

Quote #53

Hey, you’re carrying a life. What better excuse to eat whenever you want!

Quote #54

This quote makes me feel powerful, centered, and so in tune with myself. It’s a great reminder that we are powerful on our own, and especially powerful when we work together and support each other as women and as moms.

Quote #55

I know I’ve said it before but it’s worth repeating: motherhood is hard. Take every challenge as an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to do better next time. Forgive yourself and move forward. Allow yourself to become the best mother you can be.

Quote #56

Becoming a mother for the first time comes with many sacrifices, from our bodies to our careers. Choosing to concentrate not on ourselves but on making sure our babies grow healthy, stay safe, and are happy is worth the sacrifice.

Quote #57

You just gave birth to a baby! Your body brought life into this world! That is something worth celebrating.

Quote #58

Wear them like a badge of honor! Being pregnant is a festive ocassion and one that we are lucky to get to experience.

Quote #59

“Rewarding” doesn’t quite begin to cover it, but it’s as close as we can get. Carrying a baby is an indescribable feeling and it culminates in a sweet, wiggly, and adorable new little life!

Quote #60

I saved my favorite quote for last. There is one person in this world that will always love you unconditionally: your child.

Thank you for taking the time to read our favorite inspirational quotes. We are a locally owned children’s dentist in St. Johns, FL. Who provide many dental services for children.

The post 60 Inspirational Quotes For New Moms first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.

And parents, your taking the time to teach your child important habits, you’re learning how to raise healthy, happy, kids. These tips ensure your child’s lifestyle is the healthiest it can possibly be.  We’ve put together the best health articles for kids to get them excited about their well being.

How Children Can Tap into Brain Power

The brain has different parts that work together. The cerebrum (suh-REE-brum) is the largest part of the brain, and is the thinking part. It’s the part that controls your voluntary muscle movements – the ones that move when you tell them to – like when you’re walking, dancing, or playing sports. It’s also the one you use when you’re thinking hard to solve problems, and where your memories are stored.

The cerebellum (sair-uh-BELL-um) is at the back of your brain, below the cerebrum. It’s the part that controls your balance, movement, and coordination – or how your muscles work together. It’s what allows you to stand up, keep your balance, and move. Without it, you couldn’t stay balanced on a balance beam or a surfboard.

The brain stem is below the cerebellum, but in front of your cerebrum. It’s what connects your brain to your spinal cord. It runs down your neck and back, and handles all the involuntary stuff like breathing, digesting your food, and circulating your blood. It’s basically the brain’s secretary because it sends messages back and forth between your brain and the rest of your body.

Your pituitary (put-TOO-uh-ter-ee) gland is about the size of a pea. It makes and releases the hormones that help you grow. It’s a big part of puberty, or the process you’ll go through as you become a man or a woman.

The hypothalamus (hy-po-THAL-uh-mus) is your body’s thermostat. If you’ve ever seen a box on the wall that controls the heat and air conditioning in your house, that’s what the hypothalamus does for your body. You’ll shiver when you’re too cold, and sweat when you’re too hot, as the body tries to keep your temperature where it should be – at around 98.6°F or 37°C.

How Children Can Combat Germs

Germs are invaders that can make us sick, causing things like colds, fever, and upset stomachs. They’re living organisms, just like us, but are so small we don’t notice them. There are four types of germs: bacteria (BAK-teer-ee-uh), viruses (VY-rus-iz), fungi (FUN-guy), and protozoa (pro-toh-ZOH-uh).

Bacteria are one-celled creatures that get their nutrition from their environment. They can reproduce in the body or outside the body. When inside the body, they can cause ear infections, sore throats, cavities, and more. But, not all bacteria are bad. Our bodies need them to keep us healthy, too.

Viruses have to be inside something living to survive. When they get inside our bodies and spread, they can cause things like flu, measles, and other diseases. Make sure to wash your hands regularly, since viruses can live on surfaces like door knobs, smartphones, and other things you touch every day.

Fungi are made of many cells that are kind of like plants. But, they can’t make their own food like plants, so they get it from humans, plants, and animals. Many fungi aren’t dangerous for healthy people, but some can cause athlete’s foot – an itchy rash that some teens and adults get between their toes.

Protozoa are like bacteria, except they love water and usually spread disease through. Some of them cause infections in your intestines, which causes you to feel like you’re going to throw up, or means you’ll have diarrhea.

Protect yourself from germs not just by washing your hands, but making sure to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, getting shots at a routine physician visit, eating healthy, and exercising.

How Kids Can Get the Nutrition & Vitamins They Need

If you’re like most kids, there are some vegetables you don’t like. But fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins, which our bodies need to stay healthy and strong. Vitamins are substances found in the food we eat, that your body needs to make sure it grows like it should. Each vitamin has jobs to do in the body, which is why we need so many. That’s why a healthy diet is important.

Eating a nutritious meal every time you eat helps make sure you get all the vitamins you need. Your school lunch is a good place to start for healthy eating. Sugary foods may taste good, but they aren’t high in vitamins. Make sure you only eat those as special treats and not an everyday food.

Your body’s digestive system takes the food you put in your mouth, and runs it through your stomach and intestines to turn into it the things it needs to use to keep your body running.

When you go to the bathroom, you’re getting rid of the digested food and drink and what the body doesn’t need. If you have food allergies, you can’t eat certain foods without causing problems in your body. The good news is, you can outgrow some of them.

Dental Health: Keeping Your Smile Nice and White

Did you know your teeth care can affect other parts of your body, too? Gum disease can increase the risk of many other serious health issues, including heart attack and stroke. Those are scary things a lot of grown-ups have to deal with, but the best way to make sure you don’t have to is to take care of yourself now.

Brushing and flossing your teeth every day is the best way you can prevent dental decay. According to the National Pediatric Association, it’s important to teach children how to brush their teeth at a young age, and visit the dentist regularly to promote good oral health, even in early childhood.

Make sure you’re brushing and flossing your teeth after every meal. If you can’t brush your teeth after lunch at school, that’s okay, just make sure you brush them before you go to bed. Use a toothpaste with fluoride, because it helps keep your teeth strong. If you need help getting your teeth extra clean, ask your parents.

How Kids Can Build Strong Bodies

Exercise is important. You should aim to get 60 minutes of activity every day. Running around outside, playing sports, doing push-ups or situps, dancing, or anything that gets you moving can be exercise. Your physical education (PE) class at school counts, but you still need to be doing something active on the weekends to stay in shape.

The heart is a muscle, and it sends blood all throughout your body. It takes your heart less than one minute to pump blood to all the cells in your body. It uses the oxygen you breath in to send oxygen rich blood out, and takes returning blood to the lungs to remove the carbon dioxide when we exhale. The process starts again when we inhale. The heart and lungs work together to keep our oxygen levels right where they need to be.

While it may seem more fun to spend hours watching TV, there’s a reason your parents encourage daily activity. Aerobic (with air) activity helps your heart muscle get stronger, making it do a better job of pumping oxygen and blood through your body. Exercises like running, swimming, jumping rope, skating, or riding a bike are good for your heart. Even with air pollution concerns, getting outside for fresh air is better than staying cooped up inside all day. Just make sure you get your homework done before you go play.

Another kind of exercise helps you build stronger muscles. Push-ups, biking, rowing, and pull-ups are good strength training exercises. Remember, your muscles are your body’s engine – you couldn’t do anything without them. They are the parts of the body that turn energy into motion. Your tongue is a muscle. You need it to talk and eat… and both of those things help keep it strong and healthy.

How Kids Can Maintain Healthy Social Lives

Depression and youth mental issues are increasingly more common. It’s thought to be a result of increasing technology and digital content consumption, particularly smartphone usage. Because kids are more focused on electronics, we’re starting to see a decrease in attention span.

Technology has also contributed to bullying, because it’s so easy to use the computer to send messages to someone else. Even elementary students are dealing with bullying on new levels. As parents, it’s important to teach kids safety tips they can use both online and off when they are dealing with a bully or peer pressure.

Add to this the hormones and changes kids go through during puberty, and you’re sure to see some sadness and frustration. Focus efforts on family growth and community time, to strengthen your child’s bond with others. Get them involved in activities outside the home – sports or volunteer work – to give them a sense of purpose. This will help improve their overall mental health. It will also help them build social skills to address issues on their own.

Have a child with special needs and you need a dentist?

Healthy living doesn’t have to be difficult. There are public programs available for those who are dealing with poverty and high income families alike to help ensure adults support and learn behavior that builds a solid foundation for children’s development. We hope our tips for parents prove helpful to improving children’s healthcare.

The post Kids Health Articles: The Head To Toe Guide For Kids Health first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.

Common signs of teething include a sore and uncomfortable mouth, as well as the need to chew on anything and everything in sight. It’s not uncommon for the body to react by producing a teething rash.

For new parents, teething rashes may be cause for concern. It can be scary to see your child with rashes on their face and body. Rashes can be a response to many factors, making it tricky to trace their cause. One good example of the causes is anxiety, which is considered a mental health issue. Teething may not even be the source of your baby’s rashes. Either way, identifying the potential roots of the rash will be important in treating it. By understanding the cause, you’ll be more likely to provide them with some relief.

This guide is meant to be a source to understand what is teething rash and to familiarize parents on how to help treat and prevent the rash that’s possibly caused by the teething process.

Contents

Learn to Recognize These Odd Teething Signs

Teething fever

It’s not uncommon for babies to get a low-grade fever during teething. Teething fever can be due to a number of causes. The body’s temperature naturally increases during teething, but not as high as normal fever levels. If your baby’s temperature is above 101.9F, then it may be unrelated to the teething and they may be sick.

Inflammation of the gum can also cause your baby’s body temperature to elevate. The excessive production of drool during this period can also cause less watery diarrhea. If your infant has these symptoms, you may be able to attribute the raised body temperature to teething. If there are other issues that you’ve found aren’t related to teething, make an appointment with your doctor. You baby’s rashes could be due to sickness.

Diaper rashes

The excess saliva produced by your baby can cause a less watery version of diarrhea. The drool can cause your infant’s poop to increase in acidity, which can irritate the bum, causing diaper rashes.

Difficulty sleeping

You and your baby will both have trouble sleeping. The teething pain along with your baby’s irritated skin will cause them to be fussier than usual. Bottle feeding can be a pain as well. During this time it’s your job to physically comfort your baby. This will help the mental health of your child and help to put them at ease.

Additional Teething Symptoms Resources

The Relationship Between Teething and Rashes

What is a teething rash? Medical professionals refer to a teething rash as something broader and encompassing- a drool rash. Some babies will produce more drool than others during the teething stage. However, some babies may just make more saliva in general. In either of these cases, a digestive enzyme found in saliva can cause irritating rashes to occur on the face and different parts of the body, especially the neck and chest areas.

Physical characteristics of the irritated skin may be determined by their location on the body. These bright red, textured splotches and bumps on your baby’s neck may look like an infection, while on the neck area may visually look like eczema. A rash from teething might even cause your baby’s skin in these locations to have a foul smell to it, sometimes described as vinegary or just sort of “off”.

Additional Teething and Rash Resources

Helping Your Baby by Naturally Treating and Preventing Teething Rash

There are several actions you can take to help your baby’s skin heal from their teething rashes.

Keeping a bib on your baby, or close by, can help to prevent drool from getting on their neck and chest. Use the bib to wipe away excess drool and help keep them dry. Wiping their neck and face can seem difficult to keep up with, especially if there is a constant supply of saliva. A bib will make this easier when a towel isn’t readily available.

Finding a suitable rash cream for your baby’s skin can really make a difference in clearing up their rashes. Lanolin cream will act as a prevention measure creating a natural barrier between the saliva and your baby’s skin. Waxelene works for both teething rashes, diaper rashes and general dry skin. This is a natural cream which can help to soothe your infant’s skin. Petroleum jelly can work as a great alternative to waxelene and you’ll probably have it on hand already too.

Skin balms act as a diaper rash cream for teething babies. This can protect your child’s skin from another rash flare up. Look for balms which have antibacterial and antifungal ingredients, such as shea butter and essential oils.

Luckily, once you begin treating baby teething rash, you’ll likely see a noticeable improvement. Teething rashes don’t stay around for long and it’s nice to know that it is a pretty manageable side effect of teething.

Teething Remedies for a Baby Having Skin Rash with Teething

Additional Natural Treatment and Prevention for Teething Rash Resources

Keeping Your Baby Comfortable During Teething

If your child is going through the painful teeth stage, a teething rash is just one of the many things they have to deal with when it comes to teething. Do your best to keep your baby as comfortable as possible.

Try to keep your baby dry. Keep fresh clothes on hand. Letting extra outfits sit out can help to keep excessive wetness from sitting too long and pooling on your baby’s skin. This will help to prevent future teething rashes. When using bibs, be sure to change them once they are too damp. And laying a dry towel or cloth under the sheet where your baby sleeps can help keep those skin irritants off of their skin. Giving your baby something cold to gum on, such as a refrigerated teething ring will help to soothe the gums and the facial rash.

If you found this teething rash guide helpful, let us know in the comments. Which tips are you using?

The post Teething Rash: What is it and How To Treat It first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.

As a new mom or dad, there is nothing more wonderful than the first time your baby smiles. Those sweet, chubby cheeks and sparkling eyes framed by a gummy smile can make your day. It’s love. Then, a tooth appears.   Wonderful.

However, as a young mom or dad, not only do you want your baby to have a perfect smile with all their teeth, you want a lifelong smile of perfection. First, as a baby with those delicate teeth,  then a young person moving into permanent teeth and following them all the way into their senior years with a glowing natural smile. What you do now to nurture and then teach your baby will have lifelong effects?

Why it Matters

Oral hygiene is one of the most vital health care steps you can take to assure a wonderful life for your darling child.  So, let’s begin with those important first steps.

You want to nurture great habits along with that cuddliness of love. But the challenge is knowing when to start the daily long-term habit of brushing teeth. And how does one convince a sometimes cranky small person, that it’s a habit that will lead to, not only to a great smile for life but lifelong health and well-being?

Great teeth are the first step to great digestion for life, so let’s start that darling out right.

Being a smart, savvy mom or dad, you know that your baby’s health comes first. So, let’s look at all the basics of brushing baby teeth so you can make informed choices, and know what to do when those inevitable baby challenges come up.

When to Start Cleaning Baby’s Mouth?

The precursor to tooth brushing can begin very early with mouth brushing.   You can start, by taking a washcloth and wrapping it around your finger and lightly rubbing your baby’s gums.   This will remove the bacteria in your baby’s mouth, and get her or him used to the process. As if there’s not enough.

When to Start Brushing My Baby’s Teeth

The actual brushing of teeth can begin with a small, soft toothbrush, known as a training toothbrush. When the first tooth comes in. One of the places you can find a small brush is a pediatric dentist, setting the tone for a long-term relationship with a dentist as well and an opportunity to make a first visit appointment. When tooth eruption occurs, brushing can sometimes relieve that discomfort. You may also continue to use a wash cloth or a finger brush for a while before moving to a toothbrush. Gently wipe clean the first teeth and the tip of the tongue, after meals and at bedtime.

When to Replace Baby’s Toothbrush?

Replace any toothbrush that becomes rough or is more than 4 months old. Remember baby teeth have far less enamel than grownup teeth and are delicate and fragile. Gentle is your mantra.

They may be teeth-in-training for the eventual permanent sparkly whites, but they need the same care and devotion. A lost baby tooth or one with decay can hinder good nutrition and proper speech development. This occurs because the baby tooth gets their own place for permanent teeth. Problems can make the permanent teeth come in crooked or have insufficient tooth enamel. As a savvy mom, you can protect that gleaming future smile and help them create the environment for good digestion.

Can I Use Toothpaste To Brush My Toddler’s Teeth?

Yes, it’s great to get in the habit of using toothpaste.

Is Fluoride Safe For Babies?

Although low levels of fluoride prevent tooth decay, it’s not advisable for babies. There are many baby and toddler-friendly tubes of toothpaste that are available. Substituting grown-up toothpaste isn’t an option. There is too much fluoride, especially since spitting and rinsing can be a challenge. The taste may have a small person cringe and cry. Tooth brushing should be a great experience, not painful or uncomfortable.

Teaching Baby to Brush

Like any skill, teaching baby to brush takes time, patience and planning.

Thanks to YouTube, there are many “how to” videos. There are a dozen or more videos of Teaching Baby to Brush.   Enough, in fact, to get your Ph.D. in baby dental hygiene and persuasion.

Make Tooth Brushing A  Game

Place your baby next to you on the counter when he or she can sit comfortably, sometimes a towel to brace the child can help. Let your darling watch how much fun it is to brush teeth. Give a toothy grin. Let baby hold his or her own baby toothbrush while you brush. Some children become entranced with the spitting. It’s all good. Let your darling imitate, spitting, rinsing and brushing. It’s the imitation that is important.

Don’t expect someone under three to clean their teeth well. Even though they will do try it, you must finish the process.

Your hands can guide their toothbrush. Begin brushing the front teeth, then the molars.

Announce the tooth brushing ritual with cheery words like “We are going to make magic in our mouths and brush away the germs”. Sing a song. “Brush, brush, brush your teeth, up and down the gums…” (to the tune of “Row, row, row your boat”.  Count the teeth.   Tell baby that he or she can someday have as many teeth as mom or dad, and let them count your teeth as well.

When Do They Learn To Spit And Rinse?

Some kids get the spit and rinse very early.   Some take to spitting as if it’s the most wonderful thing they’ve discovered. Most, however, master the spit and rinse between age 3 and 4. Like most baby and toddler things, it’s a bumpy learning curve of oral hygiene. Gentle patience is your mantra.  They learn by modeling, so it’s a good thing to share tooth brushing time, so they can watch and learn.

Do I Use Toothpaste Or Nothing At All?

In the first few stages of infancy, no toothpaste is needed. However, when your darling grows past infancy stage.  It’s time to use toothpaste.

What to Do When Baby Hates Brushing Teeth

Oh, the challenge of wills that comes with a growing child.   Remember, as teeth erupt, change and grow, there may be growing pains and discomforts you may not be aware of immediately. There could be many reasons a child rejects brushing.   Don’t push when there is an immediate rejection of brushing. One missed brushing with a cranky child won’t set a bad precedent, but pushing your child to brush might.

Here are several suggestions that might help to persuade baby that it’s something special and necessary.

When Can I Take Baby To A Dentist?

It is advisable to find a dentist that has pediatric care in mind. A child should see a dentist before their first birthday, and generally within 6 months after the first tooth comes in.

What Happens At The First Dental Visit?

The first dental visit is about making dental visits an enjoyable experience. The visit is short and involves very little treatment.  Your little one has an opportunity to meet the dentist in a friendly manner.

During the exam, the dentist at St. John’s Pediatric Dentistry will check all of your baby’s existing teeth. The dentist will look for decay. Then,  examine your child’s bite.The exam will also include looking for any potential problems. The dentist will look at the gums, as well as other oral tissues. The dentist will also look at how the jaw is growing. The dentist will spend sometimes discussing basic oral health for your child and answer any questions you might have. If there are dental problems that are in your family history, this is a time to address them.  Some dental problems can be avoided if dealt with during those tender beginning years.

Be assured that St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry is there for you and your precious baby to answer all the questions that you might have.

The post Early Teeth Care: A Parent’s Complete Guide to Brushing Baby Teeth first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.

It is the joy of every parent to see their kids develop a healthy and happy smile. Most children will start teething usually around six months of age.

Usually the lower front teeth come in first although some children can be delayed up to 15 to 18 months of age before their first tooth erupts, as it is individually dependent on the pace of each child’s dental development.

The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Association all recommend a first dental visit at age one. Visiting a pediatric dentist is another great resource for your teething questions and overall oral health.

Can Teething Cause Fevers?

Anecdotally, a number of things are said to cause low-grade rise in body temperature during the teething period, and so the term “teething fever” is often brought up.

One among them is the inflammation of the gum during the eruption of new teeth. If your  baby experiences a rise in temperature that goes beyond 100° F or has diarrhea, there is a high chance that the child is sick with another disease that is not related to a “teething fever.” In such a case, it is recommended that your child see their pediatrician.

An extensive literature review was conducted and published in the Journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics looking into the signs and symptoms of primary tooth eruption. For body temperature analyses, tooth eruption could lead to rise in temperatures, but not characterized as fevers.

It is always good for parents to have a portable thermometer to check the baby’s temperature in order to monitor the severity of fevers.

What are The Causes of Teething Fever?

A number of things are said to cause low-grade fever during the teething period. One among them is the gum irritation caused by new teeth. There is also an excessive production of the saliva, which is thought to go down the gut and loosen the stool. The loose stool is not as watery as diarrhea. If the infant has many other problems that those discussed below, there is a high chance that the child is sick with another disease that is not related to its new teeth. In such a case, it is advisable that you see a doctor.

How Long Does Teething Fever Last?

The inflammation of the gum only happens when the gums are swollen and when the baby tooth breaks through the surface of the gum. This pain and fever should last a couple of days. However, the baby teeth break through the gum at different periods as the child grows. With each baby tooth causing inflammation, the fever cycle may happen repeatedly.

This may make it seem like it is taking forever. Fortunately, the child temperature recorded when the child gets its first few teeth goes down with subsequent teeth. Therefore, as the milk teeth fill the baby mouth, the pain and child fever associated with it go down.

Symptoms of Teething

The severity of teething symptoms differs from one teething baby to another. There are children that become “fussy” while other parents are surprised to see a new tooth because of lack of signs. Some commonly reported signs of baby teething include:

In a review conducted by Tighe et al in 2007 on teething, a variety of symptoms that may occur simultaneously with tooth eruption was demonstrated, but no evidence suggested these could predict the time when the tooth would come into the mouth.

How to tell if the child is sick

The timing of eruption of the primary teeth (6 months onward) coincides with the age when infants start to explore their environment. In this phase, the introduction of hands and objects into the mouth is normal. This has the potential to introduce microorganisms that may cause illness.

The signs and symptoms of common childhood illnesses can be similar to those of the teething problems. Your little one can get irritable and refuse to eat, or have difficulty sleeping.

Some common signs and symptoms of teething illness:

If you see any of these symptoms or are not sure whether your little one suffers from a disease or teething problems, do not hesitate to seek the assistance of a pediatrician for proper care.

What Can You Do To Ease Teething?

A few safe suggestions to soothe your child’s gums when teething are:

Chewing On Teething Toys

As discussed above, chewing creates counter-pressure that provides relief against the teeth that are pushing their way through. You can aid your infant by giving them something safe to chew on such as the bumpy rubber teething rings and rattles. Many teething babies also love chilled items to chew. You may try keeping teething toys in your refrigerator to cool them. See: The Best Teething Toys for Babies with Teething Pain.

Massaging the Gums

You can also offer relief to the child by rubbing a clean finger or soft washcloth firmly on the baby’s gums.

Pain Relievers

If your teething baby is particularly irritable and over six months of age you may give infant Motrin or Tylenol to help with pain management if their pediatrician has said it is ok. It is recommended that you seek the opinion of the doctor first and consult regarding the dosage based on age and weight of the child.

Things To Avoid When Your Child Is Teething

Amber Teething Necklaces are Not Recommended

Although some parents anecdotally report improvement in teething signs and symptoms with amber necklaces, they have not ever been proven to work in relieving the teething pain and symptoms. More importantly, they present a risk of strangulation and choking especially when the baby is not monitored. To be on the safe side, consider other alternatives.

Avoid Dental Numbing Gels

It is not recommended to rub teething tablets or gels on your baby’s gums. These remedies offer short-lived teething pain relief and some of them contain ingredients that may be harmful to children’s health if given too high a dose. Some of the ingredients include benzocaine and belladonna, both of which have potential for toxicity in infants.

In January 2017 the US Food and Drug Administration warned caregivers to stop using homeopathic teething tablets and gels such as Hyland’s tablets and Baby Orajel Naturals. The agency warns that the tablets and gels “may pose a risk” to infants and advises parents to take their child to a doctor immediately if they experience these seizures or difficulty breathing, lethargy, muscle weakness, excessive sleepiness, constipation, skin flushing, agitation and/or constipation.

When Do You Seek the Assistance of a Doctor?

Most of the signs and symptoms explained above are mild and short lived. Teething pain should be easily managed and not prolonged. If you ever feel that things go beyond “reasonably normal” it is important to seek evaluation from a doctor.

Please consult your child’s pediatrician if:

How do health-care professionals assess teething?

The American Academy of Pediatrics, The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and the American Dental Association all recommend a first dental visit at age one. Visiting a pediatric dentist is another great resource for your teething questions.

Your child’s pediatric dentist can help determine if teething symptoms are within acceptable limits or the child requires further evaluation.

Sometimes infants can be in discomfort from infections in their mouth such as thrush or herpetic gingivostomatitis. A pediatric dentist will assess an infant’s mouth to determine whether the symptoms come from tooth eruption or a more serious problem such as infection or tooth decay.  Oral health is critical to your child’s health.

Additional Resources On Teething

The post A Mom’s Guide to Teething Fever [Signs, Symptoms, & Remedies] first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.

We also compiled some amazing Inspirational Quotes About Becoming A Mother For The First Time you may be interested in.

In this post, we’ll discuss:

Chapter 1: Teething Process and Common Milestones

Your baby is getting teeth! You may be wondering: How long does teething take? When will my baby’s teeth come in?

Baby’s primary teeth announce their joyous arrival over a period of about 18 – 24 months as they come through in stages. We’ll list these stages and time frames thoroughly, but note that every baby is a little different. Baby teeth may come in at different rates and sometimes teeth that normally come in after, emerge first. It’s all part of your baby’s unique and beautiful makeup that makes him/her so special.

6-10 Months

At 6-10 months you welcome baby’s first tooth as the lower front incisors (front teeth) come in. These are the two front teeth on the bottom that will give Baby the first experience of what it means to have teeth. Careful! Baby might get carried away with the new found freedom to chomp.

8-12 Months

At 8-12 months the upper front incisors emerge. Don’t be alarmed if these teeth erupt before the lowers.

9-13 Months

At 9-13 months, the upper lateral incisors join the party. “Lateral” means on the sides of, so these are the incisors that are on either side of the central incisors. Now Baby probably has four teeth across the top and two lower. But others aren’t far behind.

10 – 16 Months

At the 10-16 months, the lower lateral incisors erupt to balance the uppers and lowers.

13 -19 Months

At 13-19 months, Baby gets the first set of molars up top. These are the flat teeth that will help crush fibrous foods once the lowers join them. Baby may or may not have canines, the teeth right behind the two sets of incisors, at this time.

14 – 18 Months

Baby’s gets first lower molars.

16 – 22 Months

It’s time for Baby to get some upper teeth to help with piercing and tearing more substantial food. These are the two canines with their sharp fang-like points.

17 – 23 Months

2 Lower canines will soon follow the uppers.

23 – 31 Months

Baby adds some lower 2nd molars, the back most primary teeth.

25 – 33 Months

Upper 2nd molars emerge, and Baby’s set of primary teeth are complete!

All 20 primary teeth are very important for growth and development; they foster good nutrition by aiding in chewing, aid in speech development and don’t forget that beautiful picture perfect smile!

Back to contents

Chapter 2: Signs Of Teething

When Baby starts teething, you’ll want to recognize the signs leading up to tooth eruption so that you can guide the process along, comfort baby and help reduce pain. Baby can’t tell you that something hurts, so you’ll be watching for the teething signs.

Excessive crying, especially at bed time

You were so happy when Baby first slept through the night. But now you may be going through it all over again — although you can expect it to be random nights and not consistent as it was just a couple months ago.

Chewing on hands, fingers, and toys… and everything

As the teeth try to emerge from one side, putting pressure on the opposite side can reduce the pressure and temporarily relieve pain. Baby will put anything in the mouth that can be accessed: bed rails, stair rails, furniture, remotes, shirts, toothbrushes, toilet paper, extension cords, pens, books. Anything that may be dangerous for Baby to chew on should be kept away. Small, sturdy devices like the remote control may seem okay at first sight aside from the icky germs, but they have batteries that could do serious harm if swallowed.

Fussiness

How would you act if you were in pain and no one understood?  You might be a little irritable too. Baby may get upset with people, surroundings or things during this time and begin crying with no apparent cause.

Raised, red gums

As the teeth push through, the gums may become red, and swollen.

White specks under gums

When the teeth are just below the surface, you’ll see little white specks beneath a thin layer of gum tissue.

Ear-tugging

Ear tugging can suggest an ear infection, but teething babies can also experience deferred pain or pain that resonates out from its source. This may be the case, particularly with back teeth because the nerves of the back teeth branch out to the middle ear.

A sore jaw can become a sore middle/inner ear for which tugging on the ear can provide some temporary relief. You don’t want to ignore an ear infection, so if Baby is tugging on an ear, has a fever and seems uncomfortable when lying down, you’ll want to have Baby’s doctor check him/her out. This could be an ear infection.

Drooling

Excess saliva may be produced during this time as the body trying to soothe the inflamed area. Streams of drool down the cheeks and chin can be a sign that baby is teething.

No outward signs at all

A select few, lucky parents claim that there were no signs at all. No teeth one day and then there they are — not all at once of course. This may happen with some or all of the teeth.

Resources:

Back to contents

Chapter 3: Teething Symptoms

In the signs section, we talked about what you may notice about your child’s appearance and behavior. Now let’s discuss symptoms that baby is experiencing.

Warning: Baby may not be his/her usual, adorable and playful self at least not all of the time.

Pain

Erupting teeth sounds painful, and it is. The gums are very sore, and the sharp edges of teeth are pushing up out of the jaw and through the skin. The ears may feel stuffy, swollen and painful. The jaw aches and the gums feel swollen and sensitive.

Sore gums

Baby’s discomfort may not be at the level of pain, but Baby will almost undoubtedly have sore gums as the teeth push up through the skin.

Insomnia

Baby is so tired and wants to sleep, but the discomfort may prevent sleeping, so Baby stays awake. Apparently, not sleeping for extended periods of time would be damaging to Baby’s and your health, so we’ll discuss remedies in the next section.

Fever

Fevers are our bodies’ natural way of fighting illness. It is possible for your child to have a very low-grade fever when teething, but anything higher than that should be investigated by baby’s pediatrician to rule out any other illness.

Irritability

Because Baby may not be getting great sleep and is in pain, he/she feels irritable and may cry more often and get upset by little inconveniences more easily. But know it will pass. Baby will be adorable and cheerful most of the time

Resources:

Back to contents

Chapter 4: Teething Remedies

While teething is a very natural process, some babies simply experience worse symptoms than others. As with all of Baby’s milestones, it’s helpful to have a caring adult around to support Baby through the process. Here are some remedies to help Baby through the process.

To Help Baby Sleep

Pain relievers

Give Children’s Motrin or Tylenol, make sure the dose is approved by the pediatrician. Read the label carefully and stop immediately and call the pediatrician if Baby has any reactions. These medicines should be reserved for bedtime because you can only have so many doses per day. If Baby wakes after 4-6 hours and appears to be in pain again, a 2^nd dose is usually okay, but not any sooner.

Cold wash cloth

Soak a clean washcloth in cold water, wring and let Baby chew on it. The cold will help numb the pain long enough for Baby to fall asleep.

Teething tablets

Teething tablets have been used in the past by many parents to help ease teething pain however their safety has been questioned recently by the FDA causing some brands (Hylands) to be recalled. It is not recommended for use at this time, and we urge parents to look into these products thoroughly before considering their use.

Read:
FDA confirms elevated levels of belladonna in certain homeopathic teething products

The FDA  has also warned the public regarding the use of Benzocaine, a local anesthetic that can be found in over-the-counter (OTC) products as Anbesol, Hurricaine, Orajel, Baby Orajel, and Orabase. Especially in children under 2 years old, there is a higher risk for a rare but serious—and sometimes fatal—condition called methemoglobinemia, a disorder in which the amount of oxygen carried through the bloodstream is reduced.

Read:  Benzocaine and Babies: Not a Good Mix

To Help Relieve Teething Pain During the Day

Silicone teethers

Teethers should be firm to add pressure to the gums but have a slight give to allow the gums and new teeth to subtly sink in.

Teething biscuits

Hard biscuits specifically made for teething can help baby cut teeth while eating a healthy snack.

Freezer pops

Puree and freeze fruit juice, pump and freeze breast milk or freeze chamomile tea into little handheld pops. You can buy molds that are shaped like a pacifier, so Baby can easily hold it. Remember that fruit juice is loaded with sugar and can damage baby’s teeth, so use juice sparingly.

Cold foods

Snacks like soothing cold yogurt and even ice cream (in small amounts).

Resources:

Back to contents

Chapter 5: Teething Toys

Baby’s teething and you’re on a mission to reduce the pain and keep Baby cheerful and bright. What do you do? You buy more Baby toys, of course. Teething toys can be a life saver for Baby and Mommy during this time. When Baby has clean and appropriate toys to chew on, Baby is less likely to chew on other dirty and dangerous household objects like keys and cabinets.

As Baby gets teeth, he/she’ll want to explore different textures so let’s talk about some amazing options.

Resources:

Back to contents

Chapter 6: Caring For Baby Teeth

Congrats, Proud Parent! Baby now has teeth, so what do you do? Let’s discuss how to care for Baby teeth, but first, we’ll share some statistics you need to know.

According to the CDC:

Think that the primary teeth aren’t really that important since your child loses them anyway? You may be surprised to find that if a child loses a primary tooth too early, then the permanent tooth that replaces it will often come in maligned, which means that your child is more likely to need braces. Not to mention, primary teeth with decay can lead to pain, fevers, abscess, and even life-threatening infections if left untreated.

A child who learns early to care for teeth is more likely to have better overall health into adulthood with a reduced risk of diabetes, stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s, kidney problems, infertility… and the list goes on.

Now, let’s talk about protecting those teeth.

Ages 0-1

Even before the teeth arrive, Baby will still have bacteria in the mouth that multiplies. These bacteria are usually transmitted from family members, especially mom, so it is of the utmost importance for mom to also have a healthy oral environment. As the teeth begin to emerge, these bacteria will begin their colonization and attack of those new teeth. Always wipe the gums with a clean, moist washcloth or folded gauze after each feeding.

Ages 1-2

By age 1, some of Baby’s teeth have fully emerged. It’s time to switch to a soft baby brush and no more than a rice-grain size speck of fluoride toothpaste. Brush teeth twice a day. Baby should not be left to brush his/her own teeth; they need to be closely supervised to assure that he/she isn’t swallowing too much toothpaste.

Ages 3+

At this point, your child likely wants to be cleaning his/her own teeth independently. You can encourage this positive behavior by having them brush and you finish the process after. Children do not have the manual dexterity to effectively brush all surfaces of their teeth until about age 8-9. This is a task that should be shared with parents to ensure proper oral hygiene is maintained.

A pea size amount of toothpaste is all they need at this stage. Brushing should be firm but gentle with a soft-bristle brush. Flossing should begin as soon as you cannot see space between each tooth.

Most importantly, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatrics both recommend your child find a Dental Home within 6 months of their first tooth emerging and no later than age 1. This way, a Pediatric Dentist can give you individualized anticipatory guidance based on your child’s specific needs. The Pediatric Dentist can be your go-to person for any questions regarding oral care, products, growth, and development questions as well as a contact point for any dental trauma that your child may encounter.

Resources:

Back to contents

Chapter 7: Common Questions and Answers

My baby boy is only 2 months old. Can he really be teething?

Yes. Each baby is unique and perfectly designed. While most babies begin teething at around 6 months, many babies start teething well before or after the normal teething age. Baby’s teeth will come through on his/her own timeline… not ours.

When should Baby first go to the dentist?

The American Dental Association recommends that Baby visits the dentist within 6 months of the first tooth arriving. This will typically mean that Baby sees the dentist before the 1^st birthday, but don’t wait too long if Baby is an early teether.

What’s the difference between a regular (general) dentist and pediatric dentist?

A general dentist is trained to handle patients of all ages. A pediatric dentist has had 2-3 years of additional training to specialize in children’s dental needs. Because of this, techniques, facilities, and staff will all be designed around helping children to feel calm and comfortable when they see the dentist.

Seeing a pediatric dentist can be a fun and joyful experience at a pediatric dentist while children who visit a general dentist may not have the same experience, not because the people aren’t friendly and professional, but only because everything is not centered around children’s needs. Even if you love your dentist, it may be better for Baby to see a pediatric dentist.

I feel like I’m getting conflicting information about dental care, will a pediatric dentist answer my questions?

Absolutely! That’s what we’re here for. Ask away. We love to answer questions, and we are dedicated to the health of our patients.  We are overjoyed to help dispel myths and provide clarity to children’s dental care. It’s what we love to do.

Resources:

The post Baby Teething: Signs, Symptoms, Remedies, and FAQs first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.

We also just published a new post about Inspirational Quotes About Becoming A Mother For The First Time you may want to check out.

The Parents Guide to Jacksonville/St. Augustine Area

Gear up with your best running shoes, yoga pants, hiking shorts or whatever suits your fancy as we bring you the hottest attractions for partners and parent-child tandems in Jacksonville, FL.

1. Family-Friendly Beaches

Atlantic Beach

Do you love being near or under water? If so, Jacksonville Florida is a water wonderland you don’t want to miss. Atlantic Ocean, St. John’s River, Intracoastal Waterway, lakes, and marshes are just some of the majestic sites to conquer in this area.

Take your partner, kids, or friends at a day of paddle-boarding, fishing, kayaking, canoeing or playing sports such as football, softball, T-ball, or basketball – the fun opportunities are endless. You can also go nature viewing or enjoy a picnic with the family at the beach picnic pavilions.

Price: Free

Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park

This 150-mile public attraction boasts a feature-rich city park that lets you in a freshwater lake for fishing, access to the beach, biking routes, hiking trails, paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, and picnic area. The beach is nice and sandy, and proudly holds The Poles – a premier surfing location in Northeast Florida.

Apart from the beach and fun water activities, the park also houses the Dolphin Plaza, an ideal venue for various events. For summer, you can let your kids cool off at the Kids Splash Park. Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park is open 7 days a week from 6am – 8pm Mondays through Fridays and 7am – 8pm on weekends.

Price: $

2. Fun Outdoor Activities

Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail

Located at the western part of downtown Jacksonville, Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail combines wildlife and rural setting to bring you a 15-mile of biking, hiking or walking adventure. The area encompasses a dense tree canopy, which provides natural habitat to animals including stilts, hawks, wood storks and a whole lot of other wildlife creatures.

Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail’s scenic and well-maintained path is ideal for bikers, hikers, or walkers that want to witness and mingle with wildlife as they go. Amenities include 5 bike racks, 31 benches, 8 picnic tables, 2 restrooms, and multiple paved, unpaved, and equestrian trails.

Price: Free

Riverwalk

Addressed as one of the most popular and well-used outdoor spots in Downtown Jacksonville, Riverwalk offers a great venue for residents and tourists to witness the beauty of the skyline and the river. The view is even more enchanting during the day, when buildings are glossy and shimmering water accentuates speed boats and sailboats. You and your walking buddies will seriously enjoy this 1.2 mile area, filled with thrilling shops, restaurants, marina, and museum.

Price: Free

Tree Hill Nature Center

Situated in Lone Star Road, Tree Hill Nature Center provides an ideal place for families to bond and take advantage of community environmental programs. Delight your kids and yourself to a 50-acre trail hike while reveling in the beauty of native animals, hummingbirds, butterflies, and verdant gardens. The center is open from Monday to Saturday 8 am to 4:30 pm. Once a member, you’ll get not only 1 year of free admission to the park, but also free access to Butterfly Festival, 5% discount on all programs and parties, 10% discount of park shop purchases, and exclusive education in the center’s Outdoor Laboratory.

Price: $$

North Florida Fishing Charters

If you’re an enthusiast or simply want to try out fishing for the first time, North Florida Fishing Charters is the perfect destination. Treat yourself at a day along the scenic waterways of Northeast Florida, where 3 of the most popular game fishes roam. These include flounder, redfish, and spotted seatrout. Guided by Captain Ron Schurr, your adventure will take place starting along the bays, tidal creeks, and spartina islands of the region.

Price: $$

Bent Creek Golf Course

Also known as the official Golf Club of Jacksonville, FL, Bent Creek Golf Course has and continues to endow fun and thrilling experience to the golfers of Northeast Florida. The property is currently supervised by Bill Casper Golf. They host affordable golf programs, including discounted rounds and infinite use of their well-lit practice facility.

Price: $$$$$

3. Indoor Thrills

K1 Speed

Kids and adults alike will surely enjoy the competitive fun as they race with go-karts along the Grand-Prix style tracks of K1 Speed. Compete with your team or other groups as you’re scored by a state-of-the-art timing system and live lap timers and secured by high-tech safety reflective barriers.

Price: $$

Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena

Concerts, basketball games, and circus performances, it’s easy to find an event according to your liking through Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Find your spot in this 15,000-seater multipurpose stadium by purchasing tickets at Ticketmaster.com, Downtown, or Walmart.

Price: $$$

Castillo de San Marcos

Situated in Matanzas Bay, St. Augustine, Florida, Castillo de San Marcos is hailed as the oldest masonry fort in the US. Originally built as military outpost by Spain, this place is now a designated by the US National Park as a National Monument attraction. Take your kids in a 20-acre land of adventure exploring casements and weapon exhibitions or watching actors’ play wearing period costumes.

Price: $

The Lightner Museum

Considered as one of the top attractions in St. Agustine, Florida, the museum is enclosed in a beautiful structure formerly known as Alcazar Hotel. Here, you’ll find stunning pieces of artwork and highly-valued antiques, which beautifully the history of the museum and Alcazar Hotel. In the first floor, a historic Victorian Village is located, along with a Science and Industry Room, and a music room with all sorts of instruments. By going up, you’ll see piles of amazing glass artwork such as Tiffany stained glass. Go up one level (third floor) to see their collection of paintings, sculptures, and furniture.

Price: Free – $

Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Found in the center of Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra Hall makes an ideal place for families or couples craving for live performances done in a 450-seater multi-purpose theater. The Ponte Vedra management is working to add 400 more seats to the venue so it can facilitate all sorts of events with ease. For event organizers, the concert hall is accepting reservations for multiple purposes including weddings, recitals, performances, visual arts presentations and other rental options.

Price: $$

4. Educational Facilities

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens

This 93-acre walking safari is currently the highest-paid attraction in Northeast Florida. Picture you and your kids enjoying interaction with over 2,000 wildlife and 1,000 plant species. Or chilling while sipping your favorite cocktail at the African Savana. Or having a unique dining experience at South American Village and roaming through Land of the Tiger. Exciting, right? The zoo also lets you delve into Play Park and Splash Ground, Butterfly Hollow, and Stingray Bay or simply engage into a fun talk with the zookeepers. With Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, you and your kids are in for a fun-packed day ahead. Zoo is open every day starting 9am to 5pm.

Price: $$$

Museum of Science and History

For kids, the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) makes learning more stimulating by recreating science and history artifacts. By becoming a member, you’ll receive bunches of great privileges such as free exclusive access to museum, planetarium shows, member-only exhibit previews, and so much more. There are currently five MOSH membership levels namely Atom, Molecule, Compound, Compound+, and Alloy.

Price: $$$

Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

A well-maintained facility with neat animals and hands-on tourist guides, Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary lets you get up close and personal to creatures of the wild. Interact with lions, Siberian tigers, black leopards, bobcats, coatimundis, and foxes, among others in this wildlife sanctuary. 45-minute tours start at 6 pm, with intervals of 15 minutes per batch. To catch feeding time, it’s best to arrive at 7 pm in the sanctuary. Admission for kids is free.

Price: $$

The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

Along Riverside Avenue is the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, which aspires to engage people through education, gardens, and art. The museum started in late 1961 with only sixty pieces of artifacts collection. Today, they encompass over six thousand of amazing artwork, showcasing art industry’s 8,000 years in history.  Admission is free for kids, while adults pay membership fees to get exclusive access to museum programs and facilities.

Price: $$$

Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve

This place allows you to enjoy the relaxing ambiance of waters as you go along its 46,000-acre area. As soon as you visit this national park, you want to be prepared to witness the beauty of thousands of acre woods, salt marsh, and water. You’ll also get to see Fort Caroline, St. John and Nassau Rivers, and Kingsley Plantation. The staff are friendly and accommodating, guiding your way through the museum, shop, and restrooms. Whether you want to walk, bike, or sail, the preserve offers limitless possibilities.

Price: Free

Museum of Southern History

Just along Herschel St. is Museum of Southern History, a facility that focuses of educating the youth through historical educational programs. Afterwards, children are given the chance to touch and fire old muskets in the courtyard of the museum. Not only for youths, adults are also encouraged to experience history, especially if they’re from organizations like retirement groups, church groups, and others. The museum also gives out educational materials that adults can use when they get back to their communities. To grab the exciting benefits of exhibits, educational programs, unlimited museum and library access, and other museum amenities, you’ll have to pay for annual membership.

Price: $$

Jacksonville Historical Center

If you’re into naval history and looking for fantastic place to learn it from, the Jacksonville Historical Center is your ultimate destination. Whether pictures, artifacts, or valuable information, the center (also known as Jacksonville Historical Society or JHS) has them all covered. However, it’s not just for navy enthusiasts, families will also have a great time discovering Jacksonville Maritime Heritage. Be a member of JHS and be part of a group of history buffs, be informed ahead of upcoming exhibits and events, get free access to Archival Repository, and loads more.

Price: $$$

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

In this kid-friendly alligator farm, science comes alive. The park currently provides various educational programs for the kids. For teachers, it’s a perfect opportunity to give students a real-world interaction with animals and nature. Even parents are given with educational resources, too!

Price: $$-$$$

5. Parks, Sightseeing & Attractions

Little Talbot Island State Park

People who’d like to get away from the crowd or simply want to sight-see once in a while has the perfect attraction with Little Talbot Island State Park. It’s currently one of the few untouched barrier islands of Northeast Florida. Treat your family or friends – indulge in natural beauty of the waters, desert-like dunes, undeveloped salt marshes, and maritime forests in this park for very minimal fees. Walk the shore, explore nature, or go camping, this island is highly ideal for individuals craving for things to do in Jacksonville, FL.

Price: $$

Friendship Fountain

Located at Friendship Park or otherwise known as St. John’s River Park, Friendship Fountain was once hailed as the largest and tallest fountain in the world, squirting 17,000 gallons of water per minute at height of 120 feet. At night, the spot is accentuated by lovely lights, which interchange into colorful hues to entertain and enchant viewers. Nearby the fountain is a bridge, river, and architecture, which are also majestic by themselves. We strongly recommend visiting this place, especially if you have kids.

The park accepts guests from 8 am up to 12 midnight.

Price: Free

Fort Caroline National Memorial

Are you looking to enjoy the wonders of nature? Or you want to get to know history a little bit more? Whether you’re here for education, leisure, or business purposes, Fort Caroline National Memorial Park is a great place to spend the day. Apart from relaxing natural wonders, the park offers curriculum materials and field trips to students of Florida. For teachers, they provide workshops as part of their Professional Development Program. Children and youth can experience being a junior ranger or simply have an awesome day of park fun. They also have bookstores inside, where purchases help support the preserve.

Price: Free

Adventure Landing

Fun and budget-friendly, this is how we dub the Adventure Landing Shipwreck Island Waterpark. This fun-filled placed offers a lot of features for the whole family, including arcade, miniature golf, Area 51 laser tag, Teddy Bear factory, Sweet Adventures Candy Shop, and the list goes on. For groups and companies, they offers hugely discounted prices, depending on the number of guests. Themed birthday party packages are also up for grabs.

Price: $$

St. Augustine Aquarium

Built just beside Courtyard Marriott, St. Augustine Aquarium is the coolest new attraction in Florida.  Embark on an exciting snorkeling adventure or interact with beautiful marine creatures like sharks, stingrays, or fishes. The aquarium park also offers annual passes, VIP experiences, and behind the scene tours.

Price: $-$$

6. Local Food Farms

Freshfields Farm

To keep everything simple – this is the main principle of Freshfields Farm. Presently, it is known by Florida shoppers as the ultimate destination for getting freshest produce and meats. These products are derived directly from local growers, farmers, and packing plantations. Freshfields swear that their goods are of finest quality, great freshness, and affordable price.

Price: $$

Jacksonville Farmers Market

To provide a unique shopping experience to customers of all ages – Jacksonville Farmers Market swears to maintain this promise. Visit the marketplace and treat yourself to an open air, festive ambiance while strolling the bays of each section. They also let you get a closer contact with famers as they proudly show off their manually picked produce and other selection of food items. Aside from fresh items, you’ll also find imported specialties and ethnic products in this market.

Price: Free

7. Kid Friendly Restaurants

Candy Apple Café and Cocktails

Sharing the same building with Sweet Pete’s Candy Shop, Candy Apple is a sweet café embellished with vibrant colors and festive decorations all over the place. The menu is packed with French-inspired dishes, along with kids’ menu that’s dedicated to make your little one’s mouth water. Crossing the street will take you to Hemming Park, a breezy spot with great play area for kids.

Price: $ – $$

M Shack

Perhaps, nothing is more kid-friendly than a classic piece of hamburger. And, M Shack delightfully serves children and adults alike in multiple locations in Jacksonville, including Atlantic Beach, St. Johns Town Center, and Riverside. The great thing about this burger joint is that they serve organic angus beef burgers, with patties ground fresh daily. Kids will also delight in their handspun milkshakes, which has thrilling variants such as Oreo Cheesecake and Bananas Foster.

Price: $

Maple Street Biscuit Company

Maple Street is Jacksonville’s most favorite breakfast stop for a good reason. Their menu is packed with kid-friendly goodies, including freshly-baked biscuits, fried chicken breast, collard greens, sausage gravy, and other delightful goodies for your little ones. To top it all off, the staff are super friendly. Instead of getting your name when ordering, they would ask, “What’s your favorite cartoon as a kid?”.

Price: $

8. Romantic Destinations 

One Ocean Resort & Spa

Get away from stress of bustling city life – take your partner for a day at One Ocean Resort & Spa. For couples looking for a luxurious treat, the resort encompasses multiple relaxation and luxury amenities to alleviate fatigue. You and your partner can stay, dine, or grab special services at the spa.

Price: $$$$$

Alhambra Theatre & Dining

If a show and dinner tickles your fancy, the Alhambra Dinner Theater is surely a place you would enjoy visiting. It is one of the oldest dinner theaters in Florida, and is currently offering a 3-course gourmet menu that alters with every set of shows. Some of the specialties to check out in this dining spot are prime rib and crab leg buffet.

Price: $$

Kayak Amelia

This destination is a perfect match for adventurous couples looking for romantic things to do in Jacksonville FL.  Aside from kayaking, you can also do stand-up paddle boarding, hike, surf, and go on guided tours. Discover Kayak Amelia’s tours on unspoiled creeks and marshes to enjoy a day of adventure you surely won’t forget.

Price: $$$$

San Marco Theatre

Want to break away from overcrowded cinemas? The answer is San Marco Theatre. Here, you can finally relax and stay intimate with your special one while enjoying the amazing architecture, show, and your choice of food and refreshments.

Price: $

Florida Theatre

Originally a prestigious movie palace, the Florida Theatre is one of the oldest historic theaters in Jacksonville, FL. Every year, it introduces over 200 cultural and entertainment events. Best of all, it is surrounded by great dining spots and famous watering holes. Surely, it’d be a date you and your beau won’t forget!

Price: $$

9. Top Golf Courses

Bent Creek Golf Course

Experience golf the way it should be. Go over Bent Creek Golf Course and have your shot at challenging rounds of gold, offered at different levels. At the moment, the club is offering affordable programs such as unlimited use of well-lit golf facility and discounted golf sessions.

Price: $$$

Blue Cypress Golf Club

Great fun never stops at Blue Cypress Golf Club, a friendly golf atmosphere located in University Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL. The great thing about this facility is that they allow you to focus on enjoyment and leave unnecessary distractions behind. Among the many activities they offer include senior leagues, 9-hole tournaments, Wednesday games, Thursday steak nights, Friday games, and random Saturday matches.

Price: $-$$

NAS Jacksonville Golf Course

Get ready for an awesome golf fun with NAS Golf Course and Shop. They offer championship golf matches with 27 holes that wind through beautiful tree-lined grounds. A well-lighted practice facility is available for use, complete with professional staff to assist you as you sway away that golf club.

URL: https://www.navymwrjacksonville.com/

Price: $$

The post 39 Must-Do Family Fun Activities in Jacksonville, FL first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.

If you teach your children solid values and give them unconditional love, they will probably turn out to be functioning, self-fulfilled adults with good styles of their own. But how you get them there? There are four classic parenting “styles”.

Here are four types of parenting styles.

These are based on a report by Diana Baumrind in the 1960s, and are still used by psychologists today. They are derived from the principle that all parenting involves two-dimensional styles:

In this guide, you will learn about the four classic parenting styles, their characteristics, and their reported strengths and their weaknesses.

You will also read parenting tips that apply to whatever style of parent you are, as well as advice on how to choose the right parenting style for you, your child and your family.   Spoiler alert: there is no one right answer for everybody and often parents choose a blend.

Contents:

Authoritarian Parenting Styles to Keep Things Under Control

The stereotypical image of a father is of an authoritarian one.  Think Mr. Banks in Mary Poppins. Or Baron von Trapp in Sound of Music.

An authoritarian parenting style is high on demandingness and low on responsiveness. It is characterized by:

Authoritarian parents have been labeled “cruel” and “heartless”.  They practice “tough love”. They follow the mantra that children should be seen and not heard. The parent is the boss, the parent is in charge.  The child’s job is to obey, to learn to follow rules.

At some point, children become adults.  Then all of a sudden, they have to learn how to discipline themselves and exercise self-control.  This can be challenging if all they’ve ever been taught is how to obey rules.

If a child’s only experience with rules is how to obey them or disobey them, as adults they will lack the ability to read nuances and deal with ambiguity. Children in this situation might lack initiative and self-esteem as adults, too.

Resources on authoritarian parenting:

Authoritative Parenting styles for a Highly Engaged Relationship

Psychologists say that this is the most effective parenting style. Authoritative parenting combines a strong hand  from the parent, providing direction and expectations, with empowerment of the child, making them responsible for their actions.

This is the style most frequently used by modern, middle-class Americans.

An authoritative parenting style is high on both demandingness and responsiveness. In other words, it is highly engaged parenting. Typical traits of authoritative parenting include:

The goal is to make them independent and self-reliant.  So the parents act as coaches, prodding them to make decisions and take responsibility within the limits they have set. Instead of punishment, authoritative parents rely on discipline.

Whereas authoritarian parent styles tend to order their children around and permissive parents tend to avoid conflict, authoritative parents try to engage their children in discussion. They can help foster a strong sense of identity and self-confidence dealing with new situations.

Even more than others, ADHD children need that involved and cooperative approach to help them learn the self-discipline that won’t come naturally. An Authoritative parenting style is by far the best for ADHD children.

Andrea Wada Davies, who herself was an ADHD child, reports on her one-week experiment with authoritative parenting styles:

But using a more strategic and structured style of parenting, and maybe more importantly, being consistent and strict about it, showed me how much more both my partner and I can help our kids achieve their personal goals and become independent, responsible people.

Resources on authoritative parenting:

A Permissive Parenting Style for Being Friends

A permissive parenting style is the easy-going approach, raising free-range children who do what they want how they want.  It’s when you show your children lots of love, and little discipline.  Low levels of discipline might simply be because there are few rules. Or it might be an avoidance of enforcing even those rules that  do exist.

Permissive parenting style is more high on responsiveness and low on demandingness.  Permissive parents tend to:

Permissive parenting is when the parent prefers to be a child’s friend than the child’s boss. This type of parenting style is more important than being respected by the child, is being liked.  As a result, discipline and disapproval are avoided.

This means that children are allowed to get away with bad behaviour.  Parents reason that what the child is doing isn’t all that bad, so it doesn’t need to be punished.  They also reason that a child is only a child once, and are loathe to take away play time and special activities with their parenting style.

The problem is that if children are not taught about limits and self-control on small things when they are young, it is much harder to learn them later on when the stakes are higher. Not having grown up with rules to follow, they will find it hard as adults to accept limitations on their activities and their desires. This is the effect of this type of parenting style.

Children need guidance to help them develop judgment and values. Parents need to be involved enough to give them guidance, and guidance is not always in the form of praise.

 Resources on permissive parenting:

Uninvolved Parenting Styles

Uninvolved parenting is based on the idea of “live and let live”, that children will find their own way with little guidance; nature will take its course.

Uninvolved parenting style is low on both demandingness and responsiveness. It often means:

Resources on uninvolved parenting style:

Understanding Basic Child Psychology

To be a better parent, you probably don’t have to know the details of child psychology. The ultimate goal of parenting may be more than having a “happy” child.  Raising children to become happy and productive adults who will be good members of society is the best parenting style.

That’s a tall order.

To be a better parent, it helps to understand the basics of child psychology,

There are some ingredients that children need if they are to grow up to be healthy, self-fulfilled adults.

They need self esteem.  That means they need both positive and negative feedback on what they do, and positive feedback on who they are. They need encouragement.  They need to feel supported, which means that empathy is the most important thing to give them.  They need to be pushed sometimes.

Children need to learn to make decisions, because life is ambiguous and is full of choices to make.  They need to have rules, and they need to be able to break them.  But they also need to learn that there are consequences for breaking rules, because that’s how we make decisions.

Children need communication , because that’s how they learn from their parents.

Most of all, children need a good example.  They will model their own behaviour after their parents’.

They will mirror how their parents react to adversity or loss.

They will make decisions in a similar manner to how it appears their parents decide things.

They will love how their parents love and fight how their parents fight.

Resources on basic child psychology:

Power Tips for Better Parenting

With so many parenting styles, are there some strategies that transcend them? Are there some strategies or tips that are just plain good, regardless of the parenting style you adopt.

The answer is “Yes”.

First, show empathy.  By empathy, we mean understanding how the child feels.  If you take the time to listen and to let them know that you understand how they are feeling, your next actions will come across more successfully.

Show empathy:

Second, give your child responsibility.  That might mean chores, or it might mean something else. Give them something they are in charge of actually doing.  As they get older give them opportunities to make decisions and, yes, to fail. Be there to catch them when they fail, but help them make decisions that will prevent failure the next time.

Third, set boundaries. Real life is full of boundaries. Children have to learn to deal with boundaries and develop self-discipline.

Fourth, don’t stress out over parenting. There are no right or wrong answers, and all you can do is the best you can each day. Your parents weren’t perfect, so they didn’t raise the perfect parent, either. It’s OK.

Fifth. Do things for them.  Make sure they know that you are doing those things for them. Don’t be afraid to take things away from them as a consequence of their actions, though. Make sure that the consequence is as related as possible to the misbehavior.

Resources offering tips for a better parenting style:

Which Parenting Style is Right for You?

These four parenting styles have been presented as four distinct styles.  In truth, most parents might lean toward one style, but have aspects of another. Furthermore, in a two-parent family, it is common to have two different parenting styles.

If you are lucky enough to have a grandparent or an aunt or uncle help with the child rearing, your child might be exposed to multiple styles.  That might be to a child’s benefit, as they learn how to navigate different styles of authority, different levels of decision making and different levels of support.

In other words, it need not be one parenting style or the other.

Even if you are a single parent in a new town (completely on your own), you can pick what aspects of each style to use, or in what situations one style or another is more effective. For instance, you might adopt a more authoritative style when disciplining your child in public to avoid lengthy delays when there is no time.  But you might take  more permissive approach for after-homework time.

You might also choose to change styles as they grow up, starting either very permissive or authoritarian when they are young, then slowly adding more limits or engaging in more discussion.

Parenting Styles

Nevertheless, are worth thinking about in the style that works best for you and your child.

It is also worth exploring what is best for your couple.  Above all, even with radically different styles, it is important for each parent to back up the other one. And if at all possible, don’t place the burden on one parent to always be the “bad cop”, even if it falls more naturally to one than to the other.

While we can identify the ideal style overall, you need to do what works best for your family.

Resources to help choose a parenting style:

What parenting style do you identify with the most?

Let us know in the comments or contact us!

The post How Parenting Styles Shape Our Children first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.

Your child should refrain from eating ice or hard candy, which tend to fracture the sealant. Regular dental appointments are recommended in order for your child’s dentist to be certain the sealants remain in place.

The American Dental Association recognizes that sealants can play an important role in the prevention of tooth decay. When properly applied and maintained, they can successfully protect the chewing surfaces of your child’s teeth. A total prevention program includes regular visits to the dentist, the use of fluoride, daily brushing and flossing, and limiting the number of times sugar-rich foods are eaten. If these measures are followed and sealants are used on the child’s teeth, the risk of decay can be reduced or may even be eliminated!

The post How to Care for Sealants first appeared on St. Johns Pediatric Dentistry.