Sugar Land Dental Practice for Children Discusses Sugar VS. Alcohol

Many studies have been published about the damaging effects sugar has on a child’s body, but one study recently caught the attention of the medical community. The question was posed: Is sugar as toxic as alcohol? Our Sugar Land dental practice for children has the answer that may surprise you. Here are the ways sugar and alcohol are similar:

●     Liver Damage: Even when eaten in moderation, sugar can act as a toxin and cause damage to the liver, just like alcohol.

●     Cause of Disease: Sugar and alcohol are metabolized the same by the body meaning that sugar intake can be contributed to some of the same chronic diseases as alcohol-including fatty liver disease and type II diabetes.

●     Lacking in Nutritional Value: While both substances contain energy providing calories, neither one have a nutritional value.

●     Extremely Addictive: Some people refer to alcohol as ‘liquid sugar,’ and when they try to quit their consumption, experience cravings for sugar to swap one bad habit for another. Both substances are highly addictive as sugar lovers everywhere can attest that a day without sugar can leave them jittery.

●     Reducing or eliminating consumption can rid the body of cravings. Both substances cause damage to the body that can be reversed in as little as 10 days.

For more of the best pediatric dentists tips on sugar reduction in your home, visit Sugar Land dental practice for children at www.sweetpeasmiles.com

Sugar Land Dentists for Kids Now Recommend Fluoride Toothpastes For Children Under 2

Recently, the American Dental Association (ADA) changed its decade long decision of not using fluoridated toothpaste in children under 2. The changes comes after careful analyzation of 17 different studies published in the Journals of the American Dental Association. These studies show that the amount of cavities occurring with patients under 5 is on the rise, and it is their belief that using fluoride can help to prevent some of these cases.

Pediatric dentists in Sugar Land, Texas are on board with this change and are counseling the parents of their patients about using a smear of fluoridated toothpaste on a small, soft bristled toothbrush on even baby’s first tooth. Using such a small amount of paste will not expose baby to excess amounts of fluoride and will add a preventative measure to their oral health care routines.

Sugar Land dentists for kids have noticed the emerging trend of not bringing kids for their first dental appointment until the child is ready for school. This trend concerns pediatric dentists as the number of cavities faced in this generation is on the rise and is preventable when properly treated early in life.

For more information on the change in the ADA policy or on how fluoride treatments can help prevent tooth decay, visit the best pediatric dentists in Sugar Land, Texas at www.sweetpeasmiles.com

4 Mistakes that Could Be Bad for your Kids Dental Health

When it comes to taking our kids to the dentist, we all want the visit to end cavity free, but unfortunately, this is happening less and less with kids dental visits. A pediatric dentist in Sugar Land, Texas says the cause may be due to one of these four mistakes:

1.    Waiting to start oral health routines. Pediatric dentists recommend making your child’s first dental appointment at the eruption of the first tooth. However, many parents wait until their child is school aged before teaching them proper oral hygiene habits and getting them to the dentist.

2.    Bedtime Bottle. Whether it is a bottle, or a sippy cup, the results are the same. Liquid can pool around the teeth for extended periods of time allowing bacteria to grow. This leads to early childhood tooth decay.

3.    Passing on the floss. 43% of school aged children have never flossed their teeth. Since brushing alone only covers 35% of your teeth’s surface, flossing must be taught to prevent cavities.

4.    Swapping one sugary drink for another. While many parents think sports drinks and juices are better than soda, when it comes to their kids dental health, it is just swapping one poor choice for another. Both options are high in sugar, acid, and calories.

When it comes to caring for your child’s smile, trust it to the best pediatric dentist in Sugar Land, Texas! Visit www.sweetpeasmiles.com for more information! 

Sugar Land Pediatric Dentists Discuss Baby Tooth Tips

’At what age should my child begin seeing the dentist?’ Is one of the most common questions heard by Sugar Land pediatric dentists? The most practical answer is: as soon as teeth begin to erupt from the gums. Making oral health care a priority in your home should begin even before that. Our Sugar Land pediatric dentist offers these tips for caring for your baby’s teeth:

●     Even before teeth erupt, wash baby's gums with a washcloth. This gets the child used to having their mouth cleaned, and prevents bacteria from building up on gums. Get into the habit now, so that when baby’s first tooth does arrive, you will have already established a routine.

●     Set the example in your home. As your child grows, they need to see you caring for your dental health by brushing, flossing, and going to the dentist.

●     Use a child friendly toothbrush. Small brush heads with soft bristles are better for sensitive gums. The ADA recently changes its policy on fluoridated toothpaste in children, and now recommends using a smear of paste with children under 2. This change comes after analyzing several studies and with the rise in cavities of children under 5.

●     Know the signs of tooth decay. Spots or pits on the teeth could be the signs of damage. Make an appointment with your Sugar Land pediatric dentist for a checkup.

For more information and tips from Sugar Land pediatric dentists, visit www.sweetpeasmiles.com