Spirit Dental Resources

When it comes to aligning teeth, you might immediately think of braces. But, these days, there are a lot of options to choose from, especially when you’re searching for the perfect solution for your teen’s teeth. One of the most popular products available is Invisalign. But how does it stack up against traditional braces?  Keep reading for a comparison of Invisalign vs braces so you can make the right decision. A Few Things You Need to Know About Invisalign First up, let’s talk about Invisalign. Here are some of the features that this dental treatment comes with: Invisalign aligners are made of clear, BPA-free plastic, and they’re virtually invisible, so no one will know that you’re wearing one. Yay! There aren’t any wires or brackets to worry about. Woohoo! This also means you don’t have to deal with them breaking, and you won’t have to book an emergency appointment to fix them. You could—and should—remove your aligner for drinking and eating (you don’t have to remove it to drink water). And it’s easy! But you do need to make sure you keep the aligner in your mouth for at least 20-22 hours per day, and you should brush your teeth before putting the aligner back in your mouth in order to prevent stains.   You could also remove the aligner so you can maintain your at-home brushing and flossing routine. Keep those pearly whites looking fabulous, without having to worry about your braces leaving stains or causing plaque to build up. Sweet! The aligner is trimmed to your gum line for a customized and comfortable fit. No need to worry about discomfort from the wires of traditional braces. However, there might still be discomfort as a side effect of the teeth being moved into position.  You need to be diligent about cleaning the aligner whenever you remove it. The Invisalign Cleaning System can be purchased from your dentist or online, or you can brush the aligner with toothpaste and a toothbrush before rinsing with lukewarm water. The aligner will be changed, on average, every couple of weeks, and it will be up to you to stay on track in between your orthodontic appointments. You also need to follow up with your orthodontist every four to six weeks, on average, to keep track of progress. Like braces, your orthodontist might recommend that you continue using a retainer or positioner, perhaps only while you sleep, after your teeth are in proper alignment so that they can stay that way. Many orthodontic insurance plans, such as those that are offered by Spirit Dental, will help cover the cost of Invisalign for a teen in the same way that braces would be covered. A Few Things to Consider When It Comes to Braces Next up are traditional braces. You can already picture them in your mind as we speak, right? Braces are set in place by your orthodontist, and they can’t be removed, so you have to wear them 24/7. However, this eliminates the risk of leaving them out for too long, so braces are a good choice for absent-minded teens or those who lack the self-discipline to use Invisalign correctly. If you don’t want metal braces, you could opt for those that are made to more closely match the color of your teeth. Or, you could choose a fun color if you want to be a little more adventurous and make a statement. Braces might be harder to set into place, and they’ll need to be adjusted regularly. On average, you’ll need to have a follow-up visit with your orthodontist every month. You need to carefully brush the wires and brackets, and perhaps incorporate the use of a water flosser, to ensure you keep the braces and your teeth as clean as possible. Because you don’t take braces out of your mouth, you can brush and floss your teeth as you always did, without having to worry about cleaning an aligner. One less step to worry about! There might be side effects, such as discomfort, sores, or pain. It might also be more difficult to eat foods that are hard or sticky. No fun! Treatment time might be longer with braces than with Invisalign. However, for complex alignment problems, braces might be more effective than Invisalign. It really all depends on the condition of your teeth! Braces aren’t recommended for teens who participate in contact sports, and they might also get in the way of other pastimes, whereas Invisalign can be removed for certain activities.   Braces might be more affordable than Invisalign, but the final cost will ultimately depend upon the complexity of the treatment needed to align the teeth. A Lot to Think About! Whoa, that’s quite a bit of information to consider, and a lot of pros and cons to weigh as you and your teen decide on whether to go with Invisalign or braces. The bottom line is that both of these options can help give anyone a perfect smile. When it comes to making the right choice for your teen’s unique needs, an orthodontist will be able to steer you in the right direction, so it all starts with making that first appointment. And when all is said and done, your teen can finally have a smile they’ll be proud to show off.    Sources: https://www.invisalign.com/how-invisalign-works/comparison-chart   https://myorthodontistus.com/braces-vs-invisalign/ https://myorthodontistus.com/invisalign-teen-vs-braces/ https://brimhalldentalgroup.com/bakersfield-ca/invisalign-vs-traditional-braces/ https://www.invisalign.com/frequently-asked-questions

Do you suffer from tooth sensitivity? Well, you certainly aren’t alone. This common condition can make it difficult for you to enjoy your favorite hot and/or cold foods and drinks, which is a real bummer. Determining the reason for your sensitivity can be your first step in getting relief. To learn more about what might be to blame, check out this list of some of the main causes of tooth sensitivity. First, a Quick Lesson on Tooth Anatomy Picture a healthy tooth. There will be a layer of strong enamel on the outside of the tooth to protect the crown, and there will also be a layer of cementum to shield the root underneath the gum line. Beneath the cementum and the enamel will be the tooth’s dentin, which is less dense. If the enamel or the cementum wears away, the dentin will become increasingly sensitive to cold and heat, as well as foods that are sticky or acidic. That’s because there are tubules within the dentin that let the aggravating qualities from foods and drinks reach and stimulate the nerves in the tooth. And that’s why you might experience hypersensitivity when you drink or chew certain foods, or even when you breathe in and out through your mouth. Ouch! What Can Cause Your Teeth to Become Sensitive? There are several ways that your enamel or cementum could be worn away, leading to increased discomfort when eating and drinking.   Tooth Decay & Damage: If there is tooth decay present, if a tooth is fractured or broken, or if a filling is leaky or worn out, the dentin of the tooth might be exposed, leading to sensitivity. Seeing your dentist, who can make necessary repairs to the tooth, can make your tooth feel fabulous again. Diet: Your teeth can erode over time if you consume too many acidic foods and drinks, such as coffee, wine, soda, orange juice, pickled foods, tomatoes, and citrus fruits. Sugary foods, such as cake, cookies, ice cream, and candy, can also contribute to the formation of acids that break down teeth. As enamel wears away, the inner parts of a tooth become more exposed and you start to feel the sensitivity. Pro tip: check out our list of the best and worst foods for your teeth so you can vary your diet and take a step towards protecting those pearly whites. Receding Gums: Gum recession can leave the roots of your teeth exposed and vulnerable, and that could result in sensitivity. If you start to notice that your gums are beginning to look as though they’re pulling away from your teeth, talk to your dentist to find out what’s causing the gum recession so that it can be resolved.   Gum Disease: If you have periodontal disease that has infected your gums and the bone that supports your teeth, you may experience sensitivity. Leaving this condition untreated will allow it to progress to the point that your gums separate from your teeth, creating pockets where bacteria can thrive and cause a lot of damage, including tooth loss. Super scary! Brushing All Wrong: You could end up wearing away your enamel by brushing your teeth too hard, or by using a toothbrush that has stiff, hard bristles. Plus, brushing too hard isn’t only capable of damaging your enamel; it could also lead to gum injuries and gum recession. That’s why experts recommend brushing with gentle pressure and using a soft-bristled toothbrush. How can you know if you’re brushing too hard? Well, you might find yourself going through toothbrushes more often than you should. Grinding Your Teeth: If you grind your teeth at night or clench your jaw a lot during the day, the outer layer of your chompers can become damaged as a result of the pressure and friction. Consider talking to your dentist about bruxism and the treatments available to combat it. Dental Treatments: After you have your teeth cleaned, they might feel sensitive for a little while. This should be temporary. The same holds true after your dentist has placed a filling or a crown. If the sensitivity continues, however, discuss your symptoms with your dentist. Whitening Treatments: Everyone wants a beautiful white smile, but whitening your teeth can cause them to feel sensitive temporarily as well. Whether you whiten your teeth at home or at the dentist’s office, sensitivity might be a side effect, so you don’t want to overdo it and bleach your teeth too often.   Feeling Sensitive? Time to Make an Appointment with Your Dentist! If you’re experiencing tooth sensitivity that just won’t go away, or if the sensitivity is getting worse, it’s best to call your dentist and make an appointment. After a thorough exam, your dentist will be able to figure out the cause of your tooth sensitivity, as well as offer up some treatment options. The solution might be as simple as switching to a desensitizing toothpaste, or as complex as a surgical gum graft, depending upon the reason for your discomfort and the level of damage.   Tooth sensitivity isn’t any fun at all, but if you work with your dentist, there’s hope that you can get the relief that you need so you can eat and drink without pain.  Sources: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/s/sensitive-teeth https://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Science%20and%20Research/Files/patient_33.pdf?la=en https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/tooth-sensitivity/what-causes-sensitive-teeth   https://www.smilebrilliant.com/articles/tooth-sensitivity-causes-solutions-prevention https://www.listerine.com/tooth-sensitivity/causes-tooth-sensitivity

Updated 1.11.2021 Also known as baby bottle tooth decay, bottle rot is a serious problem that can affect the teeth of a baby or a toddler. Put simply, it’s the formation of cavities in a baby’s teeth. Sure, your child will eventually lose all of those baby teeth and replace them with adult teeth, but those temporary chompers are necessary not only for proper chewing and speaking, but also to help ensure the permanent teeth will grow in beautifully. So check out the information below to learn more about the causes of bottle rot and what steps you can take to prevent it. Before Prevention, Let’s Cover Causes To better understand how you can go about avoiding bottle rot, you need to know about what contributes to its development in the first place. One mistake that parents make is using a baby bottle filled with a sweet drink as a sort of pacifier to keep a child calm and happy. Another mistake involves putting their baby to bed with a bottle, which essentially has the same effect. Basically, doing either one of these things could expose your little one’s delicate teeth to sugar for an extended period of time. What’s the problem here? You probably already guessed it—when teeth are exposed to sugar frequently and for too long, the risk of decay increases. It’s why you make it a point to brush your teeth after you’ve had a sugary drink and before you head to bed. Simple Steps Can Help Prevent Bottle Rot! Preventing bottle rot is probably a lot easier than you might imagine. Here are a few steps that you can take every day to help keep your baby’s teeth healthy, strong, and clean: Establish a brushing routine early on. You can simply wipe your baby’s gums gently using a washcloth after every meal and before bed. Then, once your baby has teeth, using a toothbrush designed for babies and a rice-sized amount of toothpaste should do the trick. This not only helps to establish a healthy habit but also serves to remove bacteria and debris that would otherwise cause problems if left on those tiny teeth. Ensure your baby finishes drinking from a bottle before naptime or bedtime, rather than giving it to your child in bed. It’s also a good idea to prevent your baby from keeping a bottle in his or her mouth for too long during the day as well. However, if the bottle is necessary, just fill it with pure water. That way, if your baby falls asleep with the comfort of the bottle, the water won’t contribute to tooth decay. Fill your baby’s bottle with formula, breast milk, or water, rather than soft drinks, juices, or sugar water. Once your child is ready to graduate to a sippy cup, you can add juice, and you could even dilute the juice with water to avoid excess sugar. Doing so may help encourage your toddler to transition from the bottle to the cup. Avoid dipping a pacifier into honey or sugar, and limit the sugary beverages that your little one drinks. Both of these habits would end up exposing your baby’s teeth and gums to too much sugar, and you don’t want that. Sterilize your baby’s bottle regularly. This will help thoroughly clean the bottle and remove any bacteria that might be hanging around. As an example, you could wash the bottle with soap and water in between uses, and then sterilize it once a week in an effort to keep bacteria at bay.   Having Trouble Breaking Bad Habits? Even babies can develop bad habits that can be hard to break, but it isn’t impossible to get back on track. If your baby gives you a hard time when you try to take the bottle away, such as before a nap, you can still reduce the risk of bottle rot by diluting the sweet drinks gradually with some water. Genius! Diluting your child’s drink over the course of two to three weeks could help establish new habits and preferences. Before you know it, you’ll be able to fill the bottle with water and give that to your bundle of joy instead, and you’ll both be able to rest easy. Yes, Your Baby Can See the Dentist! Did you know that you could start taking your baby to the dentist when you notice the first tooth erupting, or by the time your son or daughter turns one year old? These checkups are the perfect opportunity to talk about the health of your baby’s teeth, as well as steps that you can take to avoid problems like bottle rot. Plus, you can even discuss options like sealant coatings that are used as a preventative measure against tooth decay. Bottle rot doesn’t have to be a problem that you encounter while raising your baby. With some simple strategies, your child’s teeth will grow in perfectly and remain clean and strong. Sources: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/b/baby-bottle-tooth-decay   https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/what-is-baby-bottle-tooth-decay#1 https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/three-ways-to-prevent-bottle-rot

Think you know all there is to know about gum disease? Well, there are quite a few little known facts that you should be aware of so you can take the right steps towards keeping those gums clean and healthy.Want to know just how important gum health really is, and how scary gum disease could be? Read on!Gum Disease Could Cause Tooth LossIf you thought that gum disease only affected the gums, you might be surprised to learn that it could actually result in the loss of your teeth as well.Adults of all ages should be aware of the fact that they could lose their teeth because of periodontitis, a.k.a. gum disease. Taking steps to ensure your gums are strong from a young age is important when it comes to maintaining the strength of your teeth as you get older.You could help reduce the odds of gum disease wreaking havoc on your pearly whites by brushing and flossing every day, and seeing your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. Your dental hygienist and dentist will be equipped to look out for signs of gum disease that could make your teeth loose enough to fall out.Basically, once gum disease has been diagnosed, it’s important to receive the appropriate treatments, as leaving it untreated might result in losing your teeth—and nobody wants that!It Could Affect Your Unborn BabyStudies have found that there may be a link between a pregnant woman’s oral health and the health of her unborn baby. Whoa!Pregnant women who have been diagnosed with gum disease, in particular, might have an increased risk of delivering premature babies. On top of that, a pregnant woman suffering from gum disease might give birth to baby with a lower than normal weight. Both premature birth and low birth weight are factors that may result in other health problems for your child. Scary stuff!Seeing your dentist while you’re pregnant is recommended. You could have all of your questions answered, and the earliest signs of gingivitis could be caught before gum ailments cause other problems.Genetics Might Play a RoleYour oral hygiene routine plays a role in whether or not you end up with gum disease, but genetics is also considered a risk factor.Researchers have found that, for some people, brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings might not be enough if they’re susceptible to periodontitis thanks to their genes. So, ask around. If your family has a history of gum disease, be on the lookout, and consider following a strict oral hygiene routine that, combined with support from your dentist, might help boost your defenses.  Note:In addition to genes and home care, other factors that may play a role in the development of gum disease include smoking, medications, and diet.  Symptoms Aren’t Always ObviousHere’s another unsettling tidbit about periodontitis that you may not know: it could be a silent disease that doesn’t cause obvious symptoms, at least early on. It’s believed that many people have gum disease without even realizing it, especially if you aren’t seeing your dentist often enough (another reason to keep those appointments!).So here’s what you should know:Gum disease is considered an inflammatory ailment. Catching it sooner rather than later may help ensure that treatment will be easier.Gum disease could affect both the hard and soft structures that provide necessary support to your chompers.Gingivitis is the name given to the early stage of gum disease. This is when you might notice that your gums are red and swollen as a result of bacteria.When gingivitis goes unchecked and unresolved, you may end up with periodontitis. At this point, you might notice your gums separating from your teeth. Gum tissue and bone could become damaged and, ultimately, lost, resulting in teeth that become loose and—gasp!—fall out.It Could Lead to Embarrassing Bad BreathDo you have trouble keeping bad breath at bay? Your gum health might be to blame. It’s true!If you notice that your bad breath won’t go away, no matter how hard you try, and you can’t blame your bad breath on the foods that you ate recently, consider seeing your dentist ASAP to find out if gum disease is the problem.  Here are some tips to help you combat stinky breath.It May Be Associated with Other Health ProblemsGum disease is terrible enough on its own, but did you know that researchers have found that it might also be linked to a range of other diseases?Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and even heart disease have been associated with periodontal disease, perhaps because of damaging inflammation. So, by keeping your gums clean and free of disease, you may also be taking an additional step in helping other parts of your body stay healthy. Who knew?!The More You Know, the Better!Knowing as much as possible about how to keep your teeth and gums clean could give you more confidence. After all, you’ll be aware of risks, as well as what steps you can take to reduce those risks.Now that you’ve discovered a few lesser-known facts about periodontitis, you could impress your dentist at your next appointment, and maybe even feel empowered by the fact that you can do something to protect your gums as you get older, so you can keep your lovely smile for years to come. Sources:https://www.deltadental.com/us/en/protect-my-smile.html22,DD110https://fightgumdisease.com/10-astonishing-facts-gum-disease-can-change-life/https://www.nassaucountyperiodontist.com/10-facts-about-periodontitis

TMJ: it’s painful, uncomfortable, and possibly related to the fact that you wear dentures. Wait, what? That’s right; dentures and temporomandibular joint disorder (also known as TMJ or TMD) could be related. But, before you get too upset, the good news is that there are also dentures that could actually help relieve TMJ symptoms. Dive into the facts on dentures/TMJ below to learn all about how one could affect the other.The Lowdown on How Dentures Can Cause TMJOne of the potential causes of TMJ is a misaligned bite. When teeth are damaged or lost, your bite could be adversely affected, leading to teeth that no longer fit together correctly. And, when that happens, the jaw joint, along with the muscles around it, might become sore, misaligned, and fatigued. Pain could occur when the jaw joint is imbalanced as a result of TMJ, and the teeth might begin showing signs of excessive wear and tear, too. It’s a vicious cycle.So, when you’re given dentures that aren’t properly fitted and aren’t able to maintain your bite, it should come as no surprise that your risk of developing TMJ may increase. Symptoms like headaches, popping in the jaw, difficulty moving the jaw, pain in the jaw, and neck pain could occur. Ouch! And, in severe cases, you might even end up experiencing dizziness, pain in the ears, or ringing in your ears. If these symptoms occur, talking to your dentist about being refitted for dentures is definitely recommended.Keep in mind, too, that you might not notice a problem with your dentures right away. But, if you have complete (AKA full) dentures, just be aware that a displaced jaw disc may be possible, so having your dentist check your dentures regularly might be helpful in preventing problems before they occur.Tip: If your dentures become damaged in any way, it’s best to head for a replacement right away in order to prevent and correct imbalances within the mouth that could lead to TMJ.Got TMJ? Time to Get the Right Dentures…from the Right Dentist!Do you think you might be experiencing the symptoms of TMJ? Then it’s time to see your dentist, who could help you get to the root of the problem. If your dentures are indeed to blame, it’s likely time to replace them, even if they aren’t worn out or broken. With dentures that fit perfectly and allow you to get your bite back, you might just be well on your way towards resolving those painful TMJ symptoms that get in the way of enjoying your life and your favorite foods!Choosing the right professional for your dentures is a key step in ensuring that they’ll fit perfectly in your mouth and maintain your optimal bite. While some dentists, unfortunately, employ old-school methods when fitting dentures for their patients, modern pros know how to ensure your dentures will fit just right.Thankfully, you could easily find a dentist who accepts senior dental insurance and who specializes in dentures that won’t only restore your smile but also keep your bite aligned to prevent complications that could include painful TMJ.Hold On—What About Neuromuscular Dentures?Consider talking to your dentist about neuromuscular dentures, which are designed to help the jaw maintain its ideal alignment so that the joints and the muscles could function as they were meant to—without pain. These particular dentures might be able to provide an improved fit so that you can talk, chew, and bite more easily, especially if you’ve dealt with uncomfortable dentures in the past.Overall, dentures are a wonderful tool that could be used when you’ve lost teeth, but it’s all about the fit. With properly fitted dentures that support your natural bite, you can have a pain-free mouth and jaw so you’ll be able to eat comfortably and smile bright.Sources:https://www.westsidedentistry.com.au/dentures-and-tmjhttps://comprehensivedmd.com/can-dentures-help-tmj-disorder/https://www.foydentures.com/new-dentures-can-relieve-tmj-symptoms/https://www.phillydentures.com/neuromuscular-dentures-better/

First-time parents are often focused on the oral care that they need to provide to their babies. But what about when your baby has grown into a toddler?It turns out that toddler oral care is also extremely important and shouldn’t be neglected. To learn about what it takes to ensure your child’s mouth can be clean and healthy, keep reading for a few simple guidelines that you can follow.Teething: Here’s What You Should ExpectOnce your baby is roughly 6 months old, his or her teeth will start poking through. More and more teeth will continue growing in until your child is around 3 years old. But even though this is adorable from your perspective, it could cause a few uncomfortable symptoms for your child.What are the teething symptoms that you should keep an eye out for? Well, because teething could cause your toddler’s gums to become tender, your child might be irritable and upset. Your toddler might even lose sleep, start eating less, and start drooling more too.A fussy toddler might be a teething toddler, but there are steps that you can take to help your little one feel much better. For example, you could purchase a teething ring, put it in the freezer until it’s nice and cold, and then apply it to your child’s gums gently. Your toddler might also feel some relief if you use your finger to gently rub his or her gums. And when those options don’t work as well as you’d like, you might consider the use of pain relieving gels designed for teething toddlers—just talk to your pediatrician for advice first.1. Set the Foundation for Brushing Twice DailyDid you know that tooth decay could develop as soon as your baby’s very first tooth erupts from the gums? Crazy, right?!As more teeth grow in, it will be time to teach your toddler about the importance of maintaining a brushing schedule. You could certainly brush your toddler’s teeth until he or she is old enough to do so without your assistance. Also, use this time as an opportunity to teach your child that this daily routine shouldn’t be missed.Experts recommend using a child-size, soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, but you just need a tiny amount (we’re talking the size of a grain of rice) for your toddler. Once your child is at least 3 years old, he or she can graduate to using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.Be sure to teach your toddler to avoid swallowing the toothpaste as you work on showing him or her how to brush every surface of the teeth for the ultimate clean and the freshest breath.2. Flossing Is Always a Great Idea!In addition to getting your toddler used to brushing his or her teeth twice a day, it’s also a fantastic idea to teach your child about the importance of flossing.You could floss your toddler’s teeth before or after brushing. There are child-friendly flossing tools that you can purchase in order to make the experience easier on yourself, as well as more comfortable for your toddler. And, as with brushing, once your son or daughter learns how to go about it alone, you can simply supervise to make sure it’s done right.3. Thumb Sucking Is a Big No-No!Your toddler might continue finding comfort in sucking his or her thumb or a pacifier, but this isn’t a habit that you should condone. Sucking could lead to problems that impact the jaw and the mouth, and it could even ruin the position of your toddler’s teeth, resulting in the need for braces. Therefore, the sooner you teach your toddler that thumb sucking is a big no-no, the better.How can you gently teach your child that thumb sucking, despite being comforting, isn’t such a good idea? Well, experts recommend using positive reinforcement by praising your toddler when he or she isn’t sucking on a pacifier or a finger.You could also try applying a yucky tasting remedy to your child’s finger (your pediatrician could direct you towards the right product for your toddler). And it’s also a good idea to figure out what’s causing your child’s anxiety so that you can target the problem and eliminate the thumb sucking behavior.4. Try to Make Seeing the Dentist a Positive ExperienceAh, your child’s first trip to the dentist. This could be a daunting experience for you, as well as a terrifying experience for your toddler, so you might be tempted to just put it off. But that would be a bad idea.Generally, experts recommend taking children to the dentist after the first tooth erupts and no later than a baby’s first birthday. Ultimately, making this a positive experience is key, and you can do that by having an upbeat attitude about the dentist, as doing so might help your toddler feel more at ease.During the appointment, the dentist will be able to thoroughly examine your toddler’s mouth to ensure proper development, and you can ask all of the questions that you might have about children’s oral health and hygiene. Then, when it’s all done, you can reward your toddler with a fun experience or a yummy, healthy treat to prove that going to the dentist isn’t so bad after all.A Few Extra TipsHere are a few extra tips that you can keep in mind to keep your toddler’s mouth clean and healthy:Baby bottle decay is a term used for the tooth decay that occurs when a toddler is allowed to take a nap while holding a bottle of milk, formula, or juice in his or her mouth. These sugary beverages will feed bacteria and spur the development of decay. Yikes! So, if your child really wants a bottle before bed, fill it with water instead.A sippy cup is a convenient tool that you can use to always have a beverage handy for your toddler when you’re out and about, as well as when you’re at home. Unfortunately, letting your child drink from a sippy cup throughout the day could also contribute to tooth decay, particularly if you’re filling the cup with a sugary beverage.Speaking of sugary drinks, toddlers often like to drink juice, but too much of it could lead to tooth decay. Simply limiting your toddler’s intake to 4 ounces or less per day is a good first step, and making sure you only serve 100% fruit juice is another smart move.  Taking Care of Toddler Teeth Isn’t So Hard After All!Good habits start early, even when it comes to keeping teeth and gums sparkling clean. So, once all of those pearly whites start showing up, taking the time to teach your toddler about the importance of brushing, flossing, and seeing the dentist is highly recommended.Once you know what to expect as your toddler grows, you’ll be even more confident when it comes to making sure you’re doing everything possible to ensure your child will have a beautiful and healthy smile.Sources:https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/how-do-i-care-for-my-toddlers-teethhttps://www.webmd.com/oral-health/dental-health-for-kids#1https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/babies-and-kids/kids-quick-tips?source=promospots&content=topstories&medium=kids_quick_tips