What is Fluorosis?

Do your child’s teeth look different? White spots or pits? Your child may have fluorosis, a condition that’s caused by increased fluoride exposure while the teeth are growing into permanent molars. With three locations in Phoenix, AZ, Kidz Connextion treats a variety of dental conditions, including fluorosis.

Cause

Fluorosis is caused by overexposure to fluoride on your child’s teeth during the first eight years of their life. 

Fluoride is a natural ingredient present in products like toothpaste, water, soda, juice, and mouthwash. Your Phoenix, AZ dentist rounded up some tips for limiting fluoride intake:

-Avoid soda and juice.

-Use a toothpaste amount no smaller than a grain of rice for children under age three. For older children apply a pea-size amount.

-Fluoride levels in water normally don’t affect teeth. If your community’s water source contains high amounts of fluoride, consider other water sources like bottled water.

-Keep mouthwash away from children under the age of six.

Symptoms

-Yellow or dark brown discoloration

-White pits or spots

-Ridges around the teeth

Although fluorosis has no serious oral health effects, symptoms are permanent without treatment. For some patients, the changes in appearance are a source of shame or loss of confidence.

Treatment

We offer a variety of cosmetic treatments for both adults and children who have fluorosis at our Phoenix, AZ office:

-Crowns

-Veneers

-White Fillings (Bonding)

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

Starting Early at the Dentist

What age is best to begin visiting the dentist? At Kidz Connextion, located in Phoenix, AZ we recommend 12-months as the ideal age to bring your child into our office. Many parents are surprised at how young this age is, but good dental habits start early. Here are three reasons why early dental visits are better for your child’s oral health.

Prevention
Don’t wait until your child develops cavities to take them to the dentist. Trips to the dentist when your kids are young are beneficial for preventing any oral health issues they are likely to face down the road. Whether it’s cavities, tooth decay, or sensitivities, your Phoenix, AZ dentists are ready to evaluate your child for any signs of poor dental health. Starting your children at 12-months is even better because we can evaluate your son or daughter’s primary teeth. While these teeth are considered baby teeth, they are essential in facilitating the growth and position of permanent teeth. Another advantage to starting dental visits young is the ability to monitor teeth and jaw development. Teeth naturally shift and change as we grow older, and for children, it’s no different. Whether it’s overbite or crowded teeth, the earlier the better it to monitor these issues, so book an appointment today at one of our three Kids Connextion locations. 

Hygiene Habits

Your toddler begins to eat three meals a day at 12-months old. This means more food is likely to get stuck in the mouth, creating plaque and a higher risk for cavities. By visiting the dentist earlier in their childhood, your son or daughter will not only benefit from our treatments like sealants or crowns that work to remedy these dental issues but also gain a headstart to learning valuable oral hygiene lessons. From flossing techniques to colorful toothbrushes, our dentists are kid-friendly and hands-on to teach your kids the importance of good dental habits. 

Ease Dental Fears

It’s common for children to have fears about the dentist. Taking your kids early to the dentist prepares them for what to expect in the future. Many children are anxious about dental equipment or even the whole process of getting their teeth checked out. Early visits will familiarize them with a new environment and ease any lingering nerves.

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

Night Guard

If you grind your teeth, you’re most likely familiar with night guards. Prescribed to protect your teeth from the damage that results from teeth grinding or bruxism. With three locations in Phoenix, AZ, Kidz Connextion offers expert care for teeth grinding, including night guard care. Here are a few tips and tricks for night guard hygiene.

Night guards are usually made from acrylic or hard plastic. Since these mouthguards are meant to be worn for long periods of time, it’s important to sanitize them properly. Dirty night guards are home to breeding grounds for dangerous bacteria that wreak havoc on your oral health.

The best way to wash your night guard is under lukewarm water and mild soap. Since night guards are removable, they’re easier to clean. However, the interior surfaces of the acrylic appliance are harder to disinfect. Use a toothbrush or cotton swab to gently scrub the inside of the night guard.  

Your Phoenix, AZ dentists advise sanitizing night guards soon as you remove them. When dry, bacteria and debris are harder to unclog on the surface of retainers.

In general, night guards need to be handled gently to preserve for long-term use. This means staying away from any harsh cleaners and rough scrubbing. 

If you want a deeper clean for your night guard or notice bacteria stuck on the surface, bring your device to Kidz Connextion for special cleaning.

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

What is Laughing Gas?

Nitrous oxide or commonly known as laughing gas is used in health care facilities to reduce pain and numb patients during a variety of treatments including surgery. At Kidz Connextion we use laughing gas to provide a safe and effective environment for your child during dental procedures. Here’s everything you need to know about laughing gas before you book your next appointment today at one of our three Phoenix, AZ locations!

What Is Laughing Gas?

Nitrous oxide or laughing gas is a colorless odorless substance mixed with nitrogen and oxygen. This sedation method has been used for centuries and was first discovered in 1793 by English scientist Joseph Priestly.

How It Works

Before undergoing a procedure that uses laughing gas sedation, avoid eating a big meal at least three hours beforehand. Your Phoenix, AZ dentist will fit a small mask over your nose to inhale the nitrous oxide gas. The sedation effects only take a few minutes after you breathe normally through the mask. Nitrous oxide gas does not put you to sleep, so you will still be able to hear sounds and see what is going on. Instead of feeling anxious and worried during your dental treatment, laughing gas causes euphoria and an increased level of relaxation.

Once the mask is removed, your lungs will need a few minutes to receive oxygen again and your body will be alert in no time.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of nitrous oxide include mental confusion and tingling or numbness of the limbs. The chances of negative side effects are very low, with patients experiencing fatigue, vomiting, shivering, or sweating when nitrous oxide dosage levels were too high or inhaled quickly. At Kidz Connextion, our dentists and staff are skilled in administering laughing gas and will be at your side every step of the way.

Effects

Laughing gas has three effects for patients:

-Pain reduction

-Increased levels of euphoria, so you’re relaxed

-Decreased anxiety and dental phobia

Is Laughing Gas Safe for Children?

With new technologies in health practices, laughing gas is widely known as a safe sedation method for children. Talk to your Phoenix, AZ dentist to find out if you’re child is a candidate for laughing gas today. 

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

How to Clean Your Retainer

Retainers are essential for maintaining your teeth’s position after braces are removed. These dental appliances are worn lifelong to prevent the natural shifting of teeth. But irregularly sterilizing your retainer can wreak havoc on your oral health. At Kidz Connextion located in Phoenix, AZ, your dentist provides special attention to braces aftercare. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your retainer clean for an amazing smile.

There are three types of retainers on-the-market: Hawley wire, clear and permanent bonded retainers. Each retainer varies in terms of hygiene care.

Hawley Wire Retainers:

Hawley wire retainers are the standard retainers at Kidz Connextion. Made of hard acrylic or plastic with a metal wire, these retainers are removable and durable. This is why Hawley retainers are the easiest to clean.

The best way to wash your Hawley retainer is under lukewarm water and mild soap. If you notice plaque or debris on the surface of your retainer, don’t be afraid to scrub very gently with a toothbrush or cotton swab.

 

Clear Retainers:

Invisalign and Essix retainers both fall into this category. While clear retainers are also removable, the interior surfaces of the appliance are harder to disinfect. 

Like Hawley retainers, sanitize clear retainers soon as you remove them. When dry, bacteria and debris are harder to unclog on the surface of retainers.

Permanent Bonded Retainers:

These retainers are the hardest to clean because they’re permanently fixed to your teeth. Usually bonded to the back of the molars, these teeth are difficult to floss between the permanent retainer. Your Phoenix, AZ dentist recommends a floss threader to weave between your retainer.

Additional Tips:

Retainers need to be handled gently to preserve for long-term use. This means staying away from any harsh cleaners and rough scrubbing. 

If you want a deeper clean for your retainer or notice bacteria stuck on the surface, bring your device to our office for special cleaning.

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

4 Ways to Combat Dental Phobia

According to the research platform, DentaVox, about one-third of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. At Kids Connextion located in Phoenix, AZ we understand dental phobia is incredibly common. While this fear is attributed to a variety of reasons, we ensure every one of our patients a safe and comfortable experience throughout their dental exam. Here are four ways to combat dental phobia.

 

Talk to Your Dentist

One of the best ways to combat dental phobia is to give your dentist a heads-up. Talk to your dentist about any concerns you have before your dental examination. If you’re a parent of a child or teen anxious about visiting the dentist, take time out to chat about their apprehension, and let their dentist know as well. Your Phoenix, AZ dentists are happy to discuss any fears, answer questions and even give you a rundown of any procedures or tools you’re uneasy about.

 

Healthy Habits

Some signs of dental phobia are trouble sleeping the night before. Try to maintain healthy habits like proper eating, enough sleep, and exercise, especially before a dental examination to lower the amount of stress before you walk through our doors.

 

Coping Strategies

Want to listen to music on your iPhone? Enjoy funny audio-books during your examination? Your Phoenix, AZ dentists are understanding when it comes to any coping strategies you choose to lower dental phobia. Each dental chair also has a small television screen if you wish to watch your favorite show to distract yourself during your check-up. Breathing exercises are also another useful technique for calming and relaxation.

 

Relaxing Environments

Colorful decor, comfortable chairs, and a calming atmosphere are proven to mitigate any lingering fears when it comes to dental visits. That’s why all three of our Kids Connextion offices are artistically designed to distract and ease any fears. We also have free snacks, balloons, and face-painting to make you feel right at home.

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

 

4 Ways to Combat Dental Phobia

According to the research platform, DentaVox, about one-third of Americans avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. At Kids Connextion located in Phoenix, AZ we understand dental phobia is incredibly common. While this fear is attributed to a variety of reasons, we ensure every one of our patients a safe and comfortable experience throughout their dental exam. Here are four ways to combat dental phobia.

Talk to Your Dentist

One of the best ways to combat dental phobia is to give your dentist a heads-up. Talk to your dentist about any concerns you have before your dental examination. If you’re a parent of a child or teen anxious about visiting the dentist, take time out to chat about their apprehension, and let their dentist know as well. Your Phoenix, AZ dentists are happy to discuss any fears, answer questions and even give you a rundown of any procedures or tools you’re uneasy about.

Healthy Habits

Some signs of dental phobia are trouble sleeping the night before. Try to maintain healthy habits like proper eating, enough sleep, and exercise, especially before a dental examination to lower the amount of stress before you walk through our doors.

Coping Strategies

Want to listen to music on your iPhone? Enjoy funny audio-books during your examination? Your Phoenix, AZ dentists are understanding when it comes to any coping strategies you choose to lower dental phobia. Each dental chair also has a small television screen if you wish to watch your favorite show to distract yourself during your check-up. Breathing exercises are also another useful technique for calming and relaxation.

Relaxing Environments

Colorful decor, comfortable chairs, and a calming atmosphere are proven to mitigate any lingering fears when it comes to dental visits. That’s why all three of our Kids Connextion offices are artistically designed to distract and ease any fears. We also have free snacks, balloons, and face-painting to make you feel right at home.

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

Why You Should Start Your Kids Early At the Dentist

What age is best to begin visiting the dentist? At Kidz Connextion, located in Phoenix, AZ we recommend 12-months as the ideal age to bring your child into our office. Many parents are surprised at how young this age is, but good dental habits start early. Here are three reasons why early dental visits are better for your child’s oral health.

Prevention

Don’t wait until your child develops cavities to take them to the dentist. Trips to the dentist when your kids are young are beneficial for preventing any oral health issues they are likely to face down the road. Whether its cavities, tooth decay, or sensitivities, your Phoenix, AZ dentists are ready to evaluate your child for any signs of poor dental health. Starting your children at 12-months is even better because we can evaluate your son or daughter’s primary teeth. While these teeth are considered baby teeth, they are essential in facilitating the growth and position of permanent teeth. Another advantage to starting dental visits young is the ability to monitor teeth and jaw development. Teeth naturally shift and change as we grow older, and for children, it’s no different. Whether it’s overbite or crowded teeth, the earlier the better it to monitor these issues, so book an appointment today at one of our three Kids Connextion locations. 

Hygiene Habits

Your toddler begins to eat three meals a day at 12-months old. This means more food is likely to get stuck in the mouth, creating plaque and a higher risk for cavities. By visiting the dentist earlier in their childhood, your son or daughter will not only benefit from our treatments like sealants or crowns that work to remedy these dental issues but also gain a headstart to learning valuable oral hygiene lessons. From flossing techniques to colorful toothbrushes, our dentists are kid-friendly and hands-on to teach your kids the importance of good dental habits. 

Ease Dental Fears

It’s common for children to have fears about the dentist. Taking your kids early to the dentist prepares them for what to expect in the future. Many children are anxious about dental equipment or even the whole process of getting their teeth checked out. Early visits will familiarize them with a new environment and ease any lingering nerves.

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

Fruit Juice and Tooth Decay

 Fruit juice, the perfect healthy drink for your child, right? This all-natural beverage may seem like the best choice for your kids to enjoy as opposed to soda or caffeinated drinks. But, fruit drinks are also a major culprit for tooth decay and cavities. With three locations in Phoenix, AZ, Kidz Connextion offers expert advice on the causes and prevention of tooth decay, including advice on fruit juice.

The Dangers of Sugar

You’ve probably heard the dangers of sugar a thousand times. Sugar negatively impacts your body and your teeth are no different. After you eat junk food or sip on unhealthy drinks, harmful bacteria in your mouth like Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus feed on the sugars leftover in your saliva. These bacteria create a plaque on the surface of your teeth. They also trigger destructive acids which cause enamel erosion and tooth decay.

But, Why Fruit Juice?

Okay you know sugar is bad, but why is fruit juice dangerous for oral health. When it comes to fruit juice or any similar food, keep in mind that just because something is natural doesn’t mean its completely healthy. Whether its sugar from candy or natural sugars derived from fruit, sugar is still sugar and harms your child’s teeth. Fruit juice isn’t all that healthy as well, with too much extra sugar and calories even if it’s naturally derived from just fruit. Bacteria also feed off natural sugars in your child’s mouth, leading the way for weak enamel and decay.

Treatment

Prevention is the best medicine. So the next time you pair your child’s afternoon snack with some beverage, choose water instead of juice. Of course, you don’t have to completely halt the juice intake, but limit the amount of fruit juice your child consumes on the daily.

If your child is already experiencing dental problems from sugar, contact our Kidz Connextion offices in Phoenix, AZ today. Our dentists offer a variety of treatment options and technologies including sealants, crowns, and electric handpieces to protect and repair your child’s teeth. 

Kidz Connextion has three convenient locations in Phoenix, Arizona. To schedule an appointment at 2533 N 75th St, text 623-232-0749. For our office at 2046 N 24th St, text 480-666-5984. For our office at 524 E Baseline Rd, text 480-405-4714. Or, visit Kidz Connextion on our website.

Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment

Oral hygiene is already important when it comes to a healthy mouth, but it’s even more important when the mouth is going through orthodontic treatment. There are more nooks and crannies when brackets are placed on the teeth, wherein food is easily trapped and turned into plaque. Your experienced dentists at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Pheonix, AZ, take pride in educating patients with braces about the importance of an at-home oral hygiene regimen.

Patients with braces are at an increased risk for early stages of tooth decay and gingivitis if proper oral hygiene isn’t used. Your trusted dentist recommends brushing your teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, as well as flossing, two to three times a day. You should be brushing in and around each bracket and wire, brushing in a circular motion where the gums and teeth meet, and brushing in a back and forth motion on the tops of molars.

Other things to consider during orthodontic treatment:

- Pay attention to what you eat and drink. Sugary foods and drinks erode enamel and make the teeth more susceptible to tooth decay, especially if you aren’t brushing properly or regularly.

- Certain foods can loosen, break, or bend wires. To limit stress on your braces, avoid eating hard or sticky foods.

Do you have a question or concern? We are happy to help! Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces has three separate offices in the Phoenix, AZ, area for your convenience. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, please visit kidzconnextion.com. You can also call 623-232-0749 for our N. 75th St. office, 480-666-5984 for the N. 24th St. office, and 480-405-4714 for the E. Baseline Rd. office.

Do You Need Your Wisdom Teeth Removed?

Wisdom teeth are the third and final molars to develop in the mouth between the ages of 17-22. For a very lucky few, these teeth come in with no problems: fully through the gums and properly aligned. Oftentimes though, wisdom teeth come in misaligned or impacted. This is where complications develop and the need for their removal is vital. The experienced dentists at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Pheonix, AZ, provide wisdom teeth removal for patients.

Your trusted dentist recommends that you not wait too long to get your wisdom teeth removed since infection can easily set in. The younger you are, the easier the procedure will be since the wisdom teeth roots aren’t fully developed by that time. This will also help with quicker recovery time.

Before making any decisions to extract wisdom teeth, your dentist will first examine your mouth and take an X-ray. Under the care of the expert team at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces, you and your family will rest easy knowing that you are in safe hands throughout your visit. We understand that wisdom teeth extraction may sound scary, but it’s best to have them removed to avoid headaches, constant pain in the back of the mouth, and damage to the surrounding teeth.

Do you think it’s time to have your wisdom teeth removed? We are happy to address any questions or concerns that come up. Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces has three separate offices in the Phoenix, AZ, area for your convenience. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, please visit kidzconnextion.com. You can also call 623-232-0749 for our N. 75th St. office, 480-666-5984 for the N. 24th St. office, and 480-405-4714 for the E. Baseline Rd. office.

What Soda Does to Your Teeth

Who doesn’t love a cold, bubbly soft drink on a hot day? In fact, half of the American population drinks soda regularly. We at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ, have seen the gruesome effects of constant soda consumption on teeth. This is why we are committed to educating our patients about cutting back on soft drinks and maintaining good oral hygiene. If soda is something you can’t give up, limiting your consumption of it can definitely make a difference.

So how does soda actually damage your teeth? Well, there are actually two major ways: by erosion and cavities. Erosion begins when the acids in your favorite soda meet with your healthy tooth enamel. The acids reduce the hardness of the enamel, making the teeth more brittle and thus susceptible to chipping or breaking. Soda can also cause cavities since it can eat through the layer after enamel, dentin, and even damage fillings.


Help prevent the damaging effects of drinking soda by:

- Using a straw

- Getting regular dental cleanings

- Avoiding soda before bed

- Drinking in moderation

- Drinking your soft drink quickly, so as to not let it linger on your teeth

- Waiting thirty to sixty minutes before brushing your teeth after consumption


We are happy to address any questions or concerns you might have. Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces has three separate offices in the Phoenix, AZ, area for your convenience. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, please visit kidzconnextion.com. You can also call 623-232-0749 for our N. 75th Ave. office, 480-666-5984 for the N. 24th St. office, and 480-405-4714 for the E. Baseline Rd. office.

Tips for Tongue Hygiene

So you brush and floss your teeth two to three times a day as is recommended. That’s great! But did you know that you should also be brushing your tongue? Just as your teeth and braces are covered in food and bacteria throughout the day, so is your tongue. Your tongue has its own nooks and crannies that it could be carrying just as much bacteria as your teeth. This creates the perfect environment for bad breath. We at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ, have a couple of tips to get you on the right track to good tongue hygiene.

We know what you’re thinking, “isn’t my tongue cleaned enough with toothpaste and a good rinse?” Unfortunately, like your teeth need a good scrubbing to get them clean, so does your tongue. That buildup on your tongue is so tough to remove that even mouthwash doesn’t always do the job. If anything, mouthwash successfully removes the top layer of bacteria, but what’s underneath can still thrive. The bacteria can lead to not only bad breath but tooth damage.

Every time you brush your teeth, brush back and forth and side to side on your tongue to remove some of that buildup, then rinse with water. Be careful not to over brush though, it would be very uncomfortable if you broke the skin! Just a gentle yet thorough brushing will do the trick. Some people prefer tongue scrapers, though there is no proven evidence that tongue scrapers prevent bad breath.


We are happy to address any questions or concerns you might have. Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces has three separate offices in the Phoenix, AZ, area for your convenience. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, please visit kidzconnextion.com. You can also call 623-232-0749 for our N. 75th Ave. office, 480-666-5984 for the N. 24th St. office, and 480-405-4714 for the E. Baseline Rd. office.

Extraction Site Preservation

Sometimes pulling teeth is a necessary procedure for overcrowding in the mouth or infection due to tooth decay. It isn’t a procedure to be taken lightly. Like wisdom teeth removal, where the teeth are located in the back of the mouth and sutures are used, the tooth extraction site essentially becomes an open wound and one that needs to be monitored and given time to heal. We at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ, understand that getting a tooth pulled isn’t very pleasant, but we are committed to making the procedure and healing process as comfortable as possible for all patients.


If you ever think your healing process doesn’t feel normal, you should contact our office. Signs of complications include:

- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain

- Severe nausea or vomiting

- Redness, swelling, or excessive discharge from the extraction site

- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills


Something else to keep in mind when removing teeth is what to do with that open space once it has healed. If a tooth is removed and nothing is done to the extraction site, your jaw bone will degenerate and change shape while the site heals. This can create problems in your bite and may affect chewing and speaking. Make sure you and your dentist come up with a plan to fill this space.


We are happy to address any questions or concerns you might have. Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces has three separate offices in the Phoenix, AZ, area for your convenience. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, please visit kidzconnextion.com. You can also call 623-232-0749 for our N. 75th Ave. office, 480-666-5984 for the N. 24th St. office, and 480-405-4714 for the E. Baseline Rd. office.

Pacifiers and Tooth Development

Kidz Connextion dentists are often asked by parents about weaning their small child off a pacifier.  Infants are soothed to a sense of security by pacifiers, but when the time comes it is one of the hardest habits to break.  It can require a great deal of persuasion, but because of the effect they can have on the growth and development of the teeth and mouth, children should stop using pacifiers by the age of two. 

Prolonged pacifier use can cause changes in the shape of the roof of the mouth, prevent proper growth of the mouth, and create problems with tooth alignment.  Narrowing of the roof of the mouth and misalignment of the jaws can also occur.  Using a pacifier too long can also lead to a variety of complications including tilting in of the bottom teeth, and slanting in of the top and front teeth. Until the age of two, any alignment problem with the teeth or developing bone is usually corrected within six months after pacifier use has stopped.  We can help and support parents having any trouble weaning their child off a pacifier before that age.

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

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.

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.