Caring For Your Retainer

Many orthodontic patients require a retainer at the end of orthodontic treatment.  Removable retainers are an easy step to take to preserve a straight smile. Kidz Connextion provides retainers for patients, and caring for your retainer properly is important so that it functions and lasts as long as possible.  A silly but common mistake people make with their retainers is trying to cut corners -- don’t try to clean or brush your retainer while it’s still in your mouth!  You can’t quickly scrub your retainer while brushing your teeth -- the retainer cannot be completely cleaned of debris this way, and toothpaste can also be abrasive to the plastic of the retainer.  Always remove your retainer before cleaning thoroughly with water and your toothbrush, and use a mild dish or hand soap to help clean off debris, never abrasive toothpaste.

You should clean your retainer daily, and also treat it weekly by soaking.  Soaking helps maintain the cleanliness of the retainer and keep it from drying out.  To soak the retainer, dissolve denture cleaning tablets in water or add a little baking soda to water to make a solution.  Storing your retainer properly is also important for its longevity.  Get in the habit of always using and carrying a case.  Too retainers have disappeared after being folded up in napkins!

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Water Flossing with Orthodontics

A little floss goes a long way when it comes to oral health.  Flossing is an important step to remove food particles that have been left behind after brushing. Flossing can significantly reduce periodontal disease and cavity-causing causing bacteria that leads to tooth decay, but sometimes the act of flossing is difficult for a patient with orthodontics. If you have trouble adjusting to flossing with your new braces, Kidz Connextion dentists may suggest using a water flosser for those hard to reach places!

A safe, easy, and effective way to remove plaque around dental braces is to use a water flosser. A water flosser is a handheld device that sprays streams of water in steady pulses. Not only is this beneficial to patients with traditional braces, water flossers are also an option for people who have trouble controlling traditional floss by hand. You should never get by on flossing alone. It’s important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss at least once a day to reap the maximum benefits of a healthy mouth.

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Drink More Water in 2019

Drinking water is important for your health at all ages and is something simple families can pledge to do together in the New Year.  Kidz Connextion dentists know that plenty of adult patients are guilty of not drinking enough water, so it can be tough to monitor if kids are getting enough too.  We want to encourage you and the kids in your family to stay hydrated and healthy, and drinking more water is a simple resolution that has more benefits for your teeth than you realize!

We all know kids love drinking juice and soda, but we forget that these beverages leave unwanted sugar behind on the teeth.  The type of bacteria that causes cavities feeds on sugar, and produces acid that wears away enamel. Enamel is not replaceable, so it’s important to take care of it even from a young age.  When kids drink juice or soda, it is helpful just to drink some water afterwards to dilute acids and wash away food particles and residue. You and your children should be drinking at least eight 8oz glasses of water each day.  Drinking tap water with fluoride is important to help prevent cavities.  If you want to keep your mouths and bodies healthy, come see us to discuss tips that can help your whole family drink more water in 2019!

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Have You Had a Cleaning This Year?

Dentists at Kidz Connextion encourage all our patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  During the holidays, we want everyone looking forward to the New Year and maintaining great oral hygiene!  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional. 

It’s important to see a professional regularly not just to clean your teeth, but also to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, a hygienist thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist. Come see us for a cleaning to make a great impression during the holidays, and start the year off with your best smile!

To learn more about dental health and all the services provided at the practice, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Bite Checks

One of the most important parts of children’s bi-annual appointments is a bite check. At the Kidz Connextion Dental and Braces offices in Phoenix, we’re expanding the services we offer so that we can provide better treatment of patients in a setting they’re already comfortable with. The bite check lets us know whether a child might need orthodontic care or dental extractions and helps us to identify the cause of any discomfort they may be experiencing.

Children’s jaws are softer than those of adults, and the upper jaw does not fully fuse together until puberty. The wisdom teeth often do not erupt until near the end of adolescence. For this reason, children have a lot of misalignment issues that can be corrected much more easily than in adults. Misalignments may be due to the teeth being slightly tilted, twisted, or otherwise out of place, or it could be due to misshapen or mismatched jaw bones.

The digital x-ray machines in our offices allow us to closely monitor jaw and tooth placement without subjecting children to dangerous radiation or requiring them to hold film in their mouths. We’ll also examine their teeth at each appointment for unusual patterns of wear and make sure children are able to close their jaws together. It is usually possible by the time a child’s permanent molars start coming in around the age of seven to do an orthodontic assessment.

Kidz Connextion Dental and Braces maintains offices around Phoenix. To find out more, visit our website at Kidz Connextion.

 

Retained Baby Teeth

Losing baby teeth is usually an exciting milestone for children, but sometimes, teeth don’t fall out when they should. There are several reasons why baby teeth might stay past their time, but at Kidz Connextion Dental and Braces, we’ll figure out what’s going on and make a treatment plan.

As adult teeth erupt, they dissolve the roots of the baby teeth ahead of them. If all goes well, the baby teeth will fall out shortly before adult teeth move in to take their place. When the baby teeth remain in position, we call them “retained deciduous teeth.” This often happens when the adult teeth come in at an angle or in a different position from the baby teeth, leaving the child with two sets of the same teeth. This most commonly affects the lower incisors. In these cases, we would recommend extracting the baby teeth because it will be impossible to effectively brush them and they could cause bite problems.

Another common reason for baby teeth to remain in place is that there is no adult tooth coming in to push it out. This can happen for genetic reasons and is more common in girls. It would require more extensive treatments to correct, but it probably doesn’t mean the child’s health is in danger. Baby teeth might also have to be extracted if their roots are fused to the jaw bone and show no signs of weakening. But we don’t want to extract baby teeth when there is still a possibility a permanent tooth will push it out naturally, which is why it’s important for us to be able to do regular assessments.

Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces maintains offices around Phoenix. To find out more, visit our website at Kidz Connextion.

 

Diabetes and Gum Disease

If it’s November it’s National Diabetes Awareness Month. This event is particularly important to dentists such as us at Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, because diabetes affects oral health in several ways. Diabetes can occur in children, so they and their parents need to know what additional challenges they may face.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that makes it difficult for people to process sugar. It has implications for the entire body, including inflammation and a weakened immune system. As a result, people with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to gum infections. They have periodontal disease at higher rates than the general population and are likelier to suffer from bleeding gums.

It is unclear whether children with diabetes are at increased risk for tooth decay, but their gums do become more inflamed when new teeth are erupting. Some research indicates that their teeth also erupt faster. People with high blood sugar also tend to have dry mouth more often, which is uncomfortable and deprives the body of saliva, another important defense against gum disease. It is especially important for children with diabetes to practice good oral hygiene and to have their teeth cleaned regularly. Chewing sugar-free gum is one way for them to stimulate more saliva production, and avoiding sugary drinks such as soda and juice will make them less vulnerable to dry mouth.

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix. To find out more, visit our website at Kidz Connextion.

 

Space Maintainers

Your child may need a space maintainer if he or she loses a baby tooth prematurely before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. If a primary tooth is lost too early, adult teeth can erupt into the empty space instead of where they should be. When more adult teeth are ready to fill the mouth, there may not be enough room for them because of the lost space. To prevent this from happening, our doctors at Kidz Connextion will recommend a space maintainer to hold open the space left by the missing tooth.

The goal of space maintainers is to prevent movement of adjacent permanent “first molars” (also called six-year molars), and loss of space for (permanent) bicuspids and permanent canines. If the permanent first molars are not held in their proper position, they can drift forward and prevent the bicuspid teeth from being able to move into the mouth on a normal path. Baby teeth are important to the development of the teeth, jaw bones and muscles to help guide permanent teeth into position when the baby teeth are lost. If space is not maintained, then teeth can shift into the open space and orthodontic treatment may be required.

If you are searching for a pediatric dentist, look no further and give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.

Benefits of Digital X-rays

The diversity in digital equipment available to dentists these days has increased remarkably. Digital equipment in the dentist’s office means quicker and more informative consultations with patients than past years. Digital X-rays, Intra-Oral camera, and Panorex X-rays are only some pieces of high-tech dental appliances that Dr. John Graneto of utilizes here at Kidz Connextion. This type of technology allows us to provide quality care to the patient for a more enhanced, effective and comfortable experience.

Within these imaging programs, there are a number of tools that will allow our doctor to take a very close look at the teeth and surrounding structures with amazing accuracy. The image taken of a tooth, for example, can be enhanced and enlarged many times its actual size on the computer screen, making it easier for our doctor to show you where and what the problem is. In addition, the technique also uses less radiation than the typical X-ray (about 80% less) and there is no wait time for the X-rays to develop – the images are available on a screen a few seconds after being taken.

If you are searching for a pediatric dentist, look no further and give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.

Tips for Halloween

With Halloween here and the rest of the holidays to look forward to, many parents are wondering how to protect their children’s teeth. At Kidz Connextion in Phoenix, we share their concerns, but parents may have some mistaken ideas about where the risk for tooth decay actually comes from. We wanted to correct it and provide some ideas for keeping the holidays fun without risking toothaches.

Both simple sugars and starches can fuel acid-producing bacterial growth if they are left on the teeth for too long. But while candies that are high in sugar are unhealthy, the length of exposure to sugar makes more of a difference to the teeth than the amount of sugar. For this reason, sticky candies that get stuck in hard-to-reach places are an obvious risk, as are hard candies that have to be sucked on for a long time. But sugary drinks such as apple cider and hot chocolate can also create a risk if their residue is not washed away, as can soft cookies and seasonal starchy foods such as winter squash.

Regular brushing and flossing will combat tooth decay, but in between meals, children can also dislodge food by chewing sugar-free gum. If they only eat candy at meals, they will be inclined to eat less of it and their mouths will be producing more saliva, which will wash away the sugary residue. Regular sips of water also help to clean out the mouth, so it’s a good idea to have water containers on hand during festivities.

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix. To find out more, visit our website at Kidz Connextion.

Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!

Here at Kidz Connextion, our staff appreciates feedback from parents and patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank our anonymous patient for this positive review, but we would like to thank them for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“My son loved it here the staff is really friendly and the place is super kid friendly really put him at ease. I will be recommending to all my friends and family.” –Levip, Youngtown

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at our practice, visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.

Care For Your Toothbrush

Establishing healthy oral care habits from a young age is important, and Kidz Connextion can set children up to have healthy smiles their whole lives.  When following an oral care routine, it’s important to use a clean and effective toothbrush, and rinse and store it properly.  Brushing twice a day means the average toothbrush takes some wear and tear and will need to be replaced. The American Dental Association recommends changing your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months.  Some toothbrushes have a color feature that fades with usage, but the best indicator your brush needs to be replaced is frayed or broken bristles.  If you notice these on the sides of your brush, start looking for a replacement.

The way you store a toothbrush has a great deal to do with how effective it is and how long it will last.  Keeping a toothbrush in an enclosed space, especially if still wet, creates an environment where germs and bacteria can grow and multiply before the brush is used next.  The best way to store a toothbrush is upright, like in a cup by the sink or on a hanging device that allows it to air dry.  A great way to make sure kids form healthy oral habits as they grow is to brush your teeth with them. Kids are always watching what their parents do, so take care of your own smile to lead by example!

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Healthy Oral Habits for Children

Maintaining the oral health of your child occurs in stages as the child gets older. Encouraging your children to take responsibility for their own oral care and instilling healthy habits not only helps prevent cavities but also boosts your child's self-esteem while keeping their smile healthy. Kidz Connextion delivers high-quality care to provide your child with a winning smile. 

As tough as a child may seem, their tooth enamel is not as strong as an adult’s. Starting at an early age, our doctors can teach pediatric patients about the importance of dental hygiene by instructing parents how to build a fun, brushing and flossing routine together. Brushing time is easier when it feels like playtime. For instance, getting your child to pretend they are a lion encourages a wide-open mouth for brushing. Losing teeth and developing gaps can make your child self-conscious, which is why the tooth fairy method is also effective.

If you are searching for a pediatric dentist, look no further and give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.

Panorex for Dental Assessments

If you or your child has ever stepped foot in a dental office, chances are each of you have received dental x-rays at some point. Panorex technology is utilized here at Kidz Connextion to get a better look inside the oral cavity and helps us develop an individualized treatment plan for tooth extractions, and dental braces. Much like a panoramic image, the Panorex X-ray provides a full view of the oral cavity. Panorex X-rays are two-dimensional and display the upper and lower jaws and teeth all in one film. At Kidz Connextion, our doctors may use Panorex for:

• ·         Wisdom tooth removal


• ·         Tooth extraction


• ·         Canine exposure for orthodontic purposes

To begin the Panorex process, the patient will need to remove any jewelry, eyeglasses, or metal objects that might interfere with the x-ray images. He or she will then sit or stand with your chin on a small ledge while one of our doctors positions the machine. Once everything is in place, a bite blocker will be inserted into the mouth to ensure proper alignment of the teeth. The machine will then rotate around the head, taking a full 360-degree view of the teeth, head, sinuses, and bones. This can typically last between 12-20 seconds. As a benefit to the patient, no radiation remains in the body after this type of x-ray examination.

If you are searching for a pediatric dentist, look no further and give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.

Nitrous Oxide Sedation

Dentists at Kidz Connextion use nitrous oxide sedation to safely sedate pediatric patients for dental procedures.  Child patients that are very anxious about seeing a dentist can get through appointments painlessly with this simple sedation method.  Nitrous oxide, also called laughing gas, is common in dental offices because it doesn’t “knock out” the patient.  The child will remain conscious and aware of the dentist, and be able to hear and respond to any requests or directions. The goal is to leave the child feeling relaxed and cooperative, allowing a dentist to work efficiently.

Nitrous oxide is administered through a mask. The dentist will ask the child to breathe normally through their nose, and in a few short minutes, he or she should start to feel the effects. You may notice the child responding slowly or slurring speech.  This is normal, and the child will only feel light-headed and feel tingling in their arms and legs.  This safe sedation can be used for everything from teeth cleanings to more invasive procedures, depending on the child patient’s level of pain or anxiety.

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Reasons for Dental Check-Ups

Dentists highly recommend that everyone get their teeth professionally cleaned and examined every six months. If your kids are late for an appointment, the beginning of the school year is the perfect time to get caught up. Toothaches can have majorly detrimental impacts on kids’ education and if there’s a larger problem that needs addressing, it’s good to know when the child’s schedule is still somewhat flexible.

Children are likelier than people in other age brackets to have tooth decay. The exposure of dental nerves can be painful enough to discourage them from eating and delay speech development. It can also prevent them from getting enough sleep, causing them to have behavioral and cognition problems. We can remove tooth decay and provide mercury-free, naturally colored fillings. If a child has chronic tooth decay (or is brushing too hard and damaging their gums), we can teach them better brushing techniques.

There are a few other possible causes of toothaches that should be examined. If a tooth is impacted (unable to erupt), we may need to plan an extraction or refer a child for orthodontic treatment. Gum inflammation may also be a sign of another disease, such as diabetes. Lastly, dry mouth could be the result of certain medications and be creating an environment in which oral infections can thrive.

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix. To find out more, visit our website at Kidz Connextion.

 

White Spot Lesions

Do you know how to recognize a cavity in its first stage? If you’ve ever seen an unusually white spot on a tooth, that may have been what dentists call and “incipient lesion.” Also known as white spot lesions, these spots occur when a tooth is beginning to lose minerals.

Tooth decay is the result of acid being caught in tartar, the sticky film that clings to the outside of teeth. When bacteria in the mouth have bits of food to feed on, they are able to grow and multiply quickly, producing large amounts of acid. This is not the only way acid can harm the teeth; in people with acid reflux, acid burns the enamel of the upper back teeth. But when acid is caused by bacterial infection, the signs of decay are usually found near the gum line, on the sides of teeth, or around orthodontic brackets.

When a person sees a white spot, it means they need to do a better job of brushing in that area. White spots can form in as little as thirty days, but if the infection is killed in time, the enamel will be able to remineralize. People with braces, especially, need to pay attention to the condition of the enamel surrounding their brackets, or they may be left with hollow square-shaped white spots when their braces come off.

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix. To find out more, visit our website at Kidz Connextion.

 

Pediatric Dentistry

Dentists at Kidz Connextion are proud to serve the families from our community, and we want them to know it’s just as important for children to have regular dental visits.  A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled when the first baby tooth appears, or around the child’s first birthday.  Baby teeth eventually come out, but their growth and development is important for overall oral health for the child and the development of their adult teeth.

Baby teeth should be brushed and cared for like adult teeth, and it’s important to monitor their growth and development.  Missing any tooth for too long can change the development of surrounding teeth and compromise the structure of the jaw bone, but regular checkups can keep a child’s tooth development right on track.  Our dentists are skilled and experienced in administering dental care to children.  If your child has seems nervous about seeing a dentist for the first time, we recommend going through a brushing routine with them at home, and talking about the dental visit before you arrive.  Once we get your child’s oral health off to a great start, we offer a full range of services for child patients including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants.

We love to see good oral hygiene habits formed early, and make lifetime patients out of kids from our community!  Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Good Brushing Habits For Kids

At Kidz Connextion Dental Care we give kids the best start to a lifetime of good oral health.  When kids leave our office, they need to establish good dental care at home.  Parents can get kids involved and help develop healthy brushing habits.  Getting kids excited about taking care of their teeth at home could be as simple as having them choose their own toothbrush or flavored toothpaste, something that makes them want to brush.

Brushing twice a day for two minutes is the simplest way to remember good brushing behavior.  Parents use all kinds of tricks to help kids get in the habit of brushing for two minutes at a time.  Bathroom timers and playing or singing songs that are two minutes long are the most popular methods.  Of course, brushing your teeth alongside the kids is one of the best ways to establish the habit.  Kids are always trying to act like Mom or Dad!

It’s important to help your kids develop healthy oral care habits at a young age, and we can help.   Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

First Dental Appointment

Kidz Connextion Dental Care is proud to serve the families from our community, and we want them to know it’s just as important for children to have regular dental visits.  A child’s first dental visit should be scheduled when the first baby tooth appears, or around the child’s first birthday.  Baby teeth eventually come out, but their growth and development is important for overall oral health for the child and the development of their adult teeth.

Baby teeth should be brushed and cared for like adult teeth, and it’s important to monitor their growth and development.  Missing any tooth for too long can change the development of surrounding teeth and compromise the structure of the jaw bone, but regular checkups can keep a child’s tooth development right on track.  Our dentists are skilled and experienced in administering dental care to children.  If your child has seems nervous about seeing a dentist for the first time, we recommend going through a brushing routine with them at home, and talking about the dental visit before you arrive.  Once we get your child’s oral health off to a great start, we offer a full range of services for child patients including dental cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants.

We love to see good oral hygiene habits formed early and make lifetime patients out of kids from our community! Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Healthy Snack Choices

If you have ever been told that you are what you eat, the person who told you this is partially telling the truth. The mouth is the window to the rest of our body, so if we eat foods and beverages that provide no nutritional value to our body, our teeth and gums will suffer. A balanced diet that is rich in nutritious, low-sugar foods is important for maintaining a beautiful smile. Our doctors at Kidz Connextion recommend these healthy snacks for kids.

Sugary treats, such as candy, sugar, and pastries should always be avoided. Low-fat dairy foods, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy protein sources all support the health of teeth and gums. Treats that supply the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that children need include low-fat yogurt with berries, fresh watermelon, cheddar cheese, and apples. Frequent snacking will cause bacteria in the mouth to form into plaque, so remember to brush your child’s teeth after every meal.

If you have questions or concerns about oral hygiene or dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.

Brushing For Two Minutes

It’s hard to get a child to sit still, let alone get them to brush his or her teeth for two minutes. The American Dental Association recommends that children brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day. This will keep their baby teeth healthy, which will assist in keeping permanent teeth healthy when they begin to erupt. Our doctors at Kidz Connextion are here to help you get your child on the path to excellent oral hygiene.

Children love learning something new, so take the time to make dental care fun. Play their favorite song while they brush their teeth so that the time passes without them noticing. There are also children’s toothbrushes on the market that play Disney tunes for exactly two minutes to make brushing something to look forward to. Once your child is done brushing his or her teeth, reward them with good behavior. Don’t allow it to be a snack because that will just ruin all the hard work, but a sticker or a bedtime story won’t hurt!  

If you have questions or concerns about oral hygiene or dental health, please give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.

Crowns for Pediatric Patients

Crowns are not as common in pediatric dentistry as with adult patients, but they are safe to use on children and can be a solution for patients of all ages.  Dental crowns protect teeth that are cracked, chipped, stained or so decayed that a simple filling will not restore the tooth enough to prevent future damage.  Crowns fit over the top of a tooth to protect it while blending in with the surrounding teeth. Crowns can also be used as a part of a dental bridge, which can replace a lost or missing tooth with an artificial one that is anchored on either side by crowns.

When a crown is needed, your dentist may need to contour the existing tooth to ensure the crown will fit perfectly over it.  Crowns can be stainless steel or ceramic, and depending on the location of the tooth, your dentist may recommend one over the other. Once the crown is placed it should be cared for like your own tooth.

If you think anyone in your family would benefit from a dental crown, our dentists can determine if you are eligible candidates. Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Why Do We Have Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth grow in the very back of the mouth and usually erupt between the ages of 17 and 22. Essentially, our mouths are able to hold 28 teeth, but including wisdom teeth, we each have about 32. However, with modern advancements in oral hygiene and softer diets, we don’t need these wisdom teeth like our ancestors once did. Wisdom teeth can be problematic depending on the individual, to discuss yours or your child’s, schedule a consultation with our doctors at Kidz Connextion.

So why do we have wisdom teeth? Anthropologists believe wisdom teeth or the third set of molars, were the evolutionary answer to our ancestor’s early diet of coarse, rough food – like leaves, roots, nuts, and meats – which required more chewing power and resulted in excessive wear of the teeth. The modern diet with its softer foods, along with marvels of modern technologies such as forks, spoons, and knives, has made the need for wisdom teeth nonexistent; however, they don’t always need to be removed.

If you have questions or concerns about tooth extractions, please give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.

Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!

Here at Kidz Connextion, our staff appreciates feedback from parents and patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank our Alexa W. for this positive review, but we would like to thank her for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“My kids had a great first-time experience and all of the staff was great! Especially the woman who does the face painting, my kids loved her. She is so kind and patient with children.” – Alexa W.

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at our practice, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Dental Sealants

Almost half of all children and adolescents in the United States have had cavities in their permanent teeth.  At Kidz Connextion, we apply sealants for young patients to start protecting teeth early. Molars first come in at around 5-7 years of age, with a second set coming in between the ages of 11-14. It is best to have a sealant placed when the molars first come in to ensure they are protected early. 

In children and teenagers, most tooth decay occurs on the chewing surfaces of molars where the pits and grooves can trap food and bacteria.  Dental sealants are applied to surfaces of these back teeth much like paint. The plastic resin fills any pits and grooves on the surface, and then hardens. Now the surface is protected from bits of food being stuck, and bacteria cannot multiply and cause decay.  Sealants also protect tooth enamel from plaque and acids, and can effectively prevent cavities for up to ten years.

To learn more about dental sealants and all the services we provide, give us a call at 623-223-1001.  Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Losing the First Tooth

If your kid is turning into a big kid, losing the first baby tooth is on the horizon.  It’s an exciting sign of growing up, but many kids still feel anxious or uncomfortable dealing with the unfamiliar sensation of a loose tooth.  Kidz Connextion wants kids and parents to be prepared and understand why this pain occurs so your child can still have a positive tooth loss experience.

Before a baby tooth is lost, it begins to break free of its nerve endings.  This is the natural process that makes the tooth feel loose and wobbly at the gums, and the area will become swollen and red.  It can be painful, and for kids a great way to soothe tooth pain is applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth in the affected area.  Children may complain that they find it hard to bite or chew with loose or missing teeth.  It’s still important to keep eating healthy while they grow new teeth so encourage soup, pureed fruits, and cooked vegetables.  A few tales of the tooth fairy can usually ease a little pain, too!

To learn more about tooth loss and the services we provide at the practice, give us a call at 623-223-1001.  Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Dental Crowns for Children

You may have heard of dental crowns being used for adults, but dental crowns can go a long way in saving a child’s tooth as well. Though baby teeth aren’t in the mouth for long, it’s critical to keep them healthy for the permanent teeth that are to follow. Here at Kidz Connextion, dental crowns can help provide a strong foundation in the mouth to ensure that your child has an optimal function.

When a baby tooth has been exposed to decay, our doctors may recommend restoring the tooth with a stainless steel crown. Although children begin to lose their first tooth around the age of six, losing them early can lead to problems in their oral development. The most common reasons for placing a crown on a baby tooth is to support and protect it until the tooth is ready to fall out naturally. To ensure that your child has a healthy mouth, be sure to help them brush and floss and visit us twice a year for routine check-ups and professional cleanings.

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric dental services, please give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.

Tooth Sensitivity in Children

If your child is complaining of tooth pain, it may be due to the new eruption of teeth, a cavity, or from brushing too hard. Although adults are more likely to experience tooth sensitivity, it can be a problem for children too. Because dental appointments are crucial during a child’s tooth development, it’s important to visit us at Kidz Connextion where we will use fluoride treatments to reduce sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity can make it difficult to drink hot and cold beverages and this can especially be frustrating for a child. If your child has sensitive teeth because of a cavity, in-office fluoride treatments are beneficial in strengthening tooth enamel and lower one’s risk for decay. Additionally, parents should encourage proper oral care habits and be sure that your child brushes at least twice a day for two minutes and flosses at least once a day.

If you have questions or concerns about pediatric dental services, please give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.

Braces Pain

Some Kidz Connextion patients are in the beginning stages of receiving orthodontic treatment.  Braces are a powerful straightening method that can transform smiles.  But we all know braces are a long process and there is some pain and discomfort along the way.  Patients with braces often feel a little discomfort after their wires have been tightened, and patients with new braces usually experience some uncomfortable chafing as their mouth gets used to braces.  These are both normal occurrences and you can ease the pain while getting to your perfect smile!  

With a new set of braces, the insides of cheeks and lips will rub against the brackets and wires.  The soft tissue will toughen as your mouth gets accustomed to the braces, but at first it can create sore spots.  Dental wax is a great defense against this.  Just a small piece can cover the edge of a bracket and relieve any chafing.  After a set of braces is tightened a patient will also feel some pain and soreness.  The patient should eat soft foods right after a tightening if they are experiencing discomfort.  If the pain continues, over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil and Motrin are helpful.  Please still contact the office if you experience any extreme or long-lasting discomfort.

If you have questions about your child’s orthodontics, give us a call at 623-223-1001.  Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Fluoride Toothpaste

At Kidz Connextion Dental Care in Phoenix, we want our patients to understand how to protect their oral health. Brushing their teeth is often one of the first self-care skills children learn, and when properly done, it can prevent a lot of health and comfort issues throughout life. Using fluoridated toothpaste properly is a major component of that.

Fluoride boosts teeth’s protection from the acids bacteria secrete as they eat food residue. During a standard tooth-brushing session of two minutes, children should be sure to brush all over every tooth surface. They should do this using a soft-bristled brush that will not cause irritation to the gums since they will begin brushing at the gum line and work their way to the tip of each crown. (They should also brush their tongues to prevent bad breath.)

Fluoride is commonly supplied through the water and people who drink it have significantly better dental health. However, people who consume too much fluoride are at risk for tooth discoloration, which is why toothpaste should be spat out. For this reason and to ensure they brush thoroughly, we recommend that children not be left to brush alone until they are about seven. They also should not use fluoride toothpaste on retainers or other oral appliances, as this may scratch them.

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix. To find out more, visit our website at Kidz Connextion.

 

Mouth Guards for Sports

Children who are active in sports activities should wear mouth protection during practice and games.  Mouth guards protect the teeth from any impact, but also protect the cheeks, tongue, and lips from various mishaps. Most sporting goods stores carry mouth guards, but they are generic in size and form.  These mouth guards often end up feeling bulky and uncomfortable, leading to not wearing the protection at all.  Wearing a mouth guard that doesn’t fit can even interrupt breathing and speaking.  Come see us at Kidz Connextion and have a dentist perform a custom mouth guard fitting. 

To outfit your child with a custom mouth guard, the process begins with taking an impression of the mouth.  This impression is sent to a dental lab where the final product will be fabricated.  The result is a mouth guard made of thin, hard plastic that protects the teeth and still fits comfortably.  This is an easy precaution to take for athletes of any size, and they can go right back to playing their best!

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix. To learn more about mouth guards and all the services we provide, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Thank You For Your Testimonials!

Here at Kidz Connextion, our staff appreciates feedback from parents and patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank our young patient for this positive review, but we would like to thank her for being an excellent patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“I had a wonderful time during my first visit! I joined the no cavity Kidz club, and had fun getting my face painted, getting prizes, and a club certificate!” – Anaysa H, Glendale

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at our practice, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Common Reasons for Pulling a Tooth

At Kidz Connextion, Dr. John Graneto will do anything he can to avoid pulling a tooth but sometimes, extraction is necessary. One of the common reasons for tooth extraction here at our office, is wisdom teeth removal, due to the risk of infection and/or pain from pushing against surrounding teeth. Other common reasons for pulling a tooth include the following.

• Having extra teeth that block other teeth from coming in.


• If baby teeth don’t fall out in time to allow permanent teeth to come in.


• Orthodontic treatment - getting braces may need teeth extracted to create room for teeth that are being moved into place.


• Some teeth may need to be extracted if they have the potential of becoming infected.

 

If you have questions or concerns about tooth extractions, please give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.

Why Should We Floss?

Our doctors at Kidz Connextion have heard every excuse in the book for why a patient chooses not to floss. You can brush your teeth five times a day, but this won’t do you any good if you don’t floss. This is because plaque starts to harden within hours of eating, and within minutes begins to stick to the teeth. Food that is left behind can cause gingivitis to develop which can eventually lead to more serious dental health complications.

Dental floss has the capability to reach where the toothbrush can’t. If you begin to floss and notice a bit of blood in the sink, this may be a sign of gingivitis. Fortunately, if you keep up with flossing at least twice a day, you can eliminate gingivitis and your gums will thank you. In addition to preventing gum disease, flossing can prevent cavities that cause tooth decay. By maintaining your oral health with flossing, you are protecting your smile and your overall health.  

If you have questions or concerns about oral hygiene, please give us a call. To learn more about our pediatric services here at the office visit www.kidzconnextion.com for more information. To schedule an appointment in Phoenix AZ, call 623-223-1001.

Drink Water to Protect Your Teeth!

Drinking water is important for your health at all ages.  Even adults are guilty of not drinking enough water, so it can be tough to monitor if kids are getting enough.  The doctors and staff of Kidz Connextion can help you make sure the kids in your family stay hydrated and healthy!

We all know kids love drinking juice and soda, but we forget that these beverages leave unwanted sugar behind on the teeth.  The bacteria that causes cavities feeds on sugar, and produces acid that wears away enamel. Enamel is not replaceable, so it’s important to take care of it even from a young age.  When kids drink juice or soda, it is helpful just to drink some water afterwards to dilute acids and wash away food particles and residue. You and your children should be drinking at least eight 8oz glasses of water each day.  Drinking tap water with fluoride is important to help prevent cavities.  If you’re worried that your children may not be drinking enough water, come see us to discuss tips that might help them drink more!

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.

Keeping Up With Cleanings

At Kidz Connextion we encourage patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for professional cleanings every six months.  Even when you regularly brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional. At a cleaning, our hygienists use professional tools to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria build-up from your teeth that is too tough to remove on your own.

It’s important to see a professional regularly to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, our hygienists thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist. If you need your teeth cleaned, don’t wait any longer!

Kidz Connextion Dental Care maintains offices around Phoenix.  To find out more, visit our website at Kidzconnextion.com.