Fluoride Facts

Known as nature’s natural cavity fighter, fluoride is beneficial for children and adults. Fluoride is an element that is naturally found in most water sources such as rivers, lakes, and oceans. The best way to absorb fluoride is by drinking tap water. It can also be delivered through fluoride toothpaste that has been approved by the American Dental Association. Allow our doctors at Kidz Connextion to educate you on some fluoride facts.

Children and adults who are at low risk of dental decay can help themselves stay cavity-free by frequently exposing themselves to small amounts of fluoride. An easy way to do this is by brushing with fluoride toothpaste at least twice a day. Fluoride works by putting an end to the tooth decay process and keeps enamel strong and solid.  

If you have questions or concerns about fluoride, 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.

Sugar and Teeth

Our doctors at Kidz Connextion know that kids love sugar. In fact, they love it so much, that they often develop cavities before the age of 10. As much as we love to see our pediatric patients, we want them to keep their smile as healthy as possible. Sugar is the leading cause of tooth decay, and we want to take the time to explain the effect is has on teeth.

Vending machines and grocery stores are filled with sugar-laden foods, but our doctors encourage you to take frequent strolls down the water aisle instead. Sugary beverages create acids that destroy tooth enamel and these can lead to cavities if a patient isn’t careful. According to the USDA, sugar should make up no more than 10% of your daily calories. If the sugar habit is hard to break, try diluting apple juice or soda with water.

If you have questions or concerns about nutrition and oral 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.

Pain around Fillings

Fillings prevent the bacteria that cause tooth decay from hiding in cavities, which means the child hopefully won’t continue to experience tooth aches after receiving treatment. However, the area around the filling is often sensitive for a few hours after its placement. This isn’t normally a cause for concern, but if the pain persists, a visit to Kidz Connextion Dental Care may be necessary.

A filling should not prevent a child from biting down completely. If it is doing so, or a patient has to put themselves in a great deal of pain to bite with force, the filling probably needs to be removed and replaced with one that is shaped to better fit the tooth. (This problem occurs more often with some materials which shrink after they’ve been placed.)

If a patient’s toothache continues days after the placement of the filling, it may be that the tooth pulp became infected from the decay. Our advanced imaging technology can determine whether this has happened. But even if there was nothing wrong with the placement of the filling or the pulp of the tooth, it is possible for the seal holding the filling in place to develop a crack. If that happens, bacteria could enter the crack and begin causing decay, and the tooth would need to be re-treated.

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