Protect Your Braces With a Mouthguard

While preventing head trauma is the main concern during contact sports, some people rarely consider their teeth and any hardware attached to them as another vital area to protect. We at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ recommend athletes of any age to wear a mouthguard while participating in high impact sports. Such sports include football, hockey, lacrosse, wrestling, basketball, baseball/softball, and soccer. Mouthguards are especially beneficial for patients who are undergoing orthodontic treatment. You are given only one set of teeth, it’s up to you to take matters into your own hands and protect it!

In addition to mouthguards protecting the structural integrity of your teeth, they also protect against jaw damage and lacerations to your cheeks, tongue, and lips. Mouthguards have also been proven to decrease the risk of concussions. What’s better than another way to protect yourself from serious head trauma? While mouthguards are available in most sporting goods stores, these don’t always offer the best protection since they can be ill-fitting.

A custom made mouthguard is the best option if you want to have the highest level of comfort and protection. It is created with thin, hardened plastic specifically to fit your mouth and your mouth only. The thinness of a custom mouthguard also allows for easy breathing and communication between your teammates. To ensure optimal protection on the field, court, or rink, always choose a custom made mouthguard.

We are happy to address any questions or concerns you 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 St. office, 480-666-5984 for the N. 24th St. office, and 480-405-4714 for the E. Baseline Rd. office.

Dental Emergencies

Whether it’s around the house or while you’re playing a sport, things happen sometimes that require you to see your dentist for a dental emergency. Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ will always offer a helping hand when disaster strikes your teeth! It’s important that you get in contact with our office as soon as possible so that we can get your dental emergency taken care of.

Here are a few scenarios your trusted dentist can help you with:

-Lost crown: try to locate the crown, seeing if it will fit back on to the tooth. If not, use some over-the-counter denture cement to hold it in place and then contact us straight away!
-Dislocated tooth: if your tooth is only partially knocked out, clean the area and keep the swelling down. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with that. And don’t touch the tooth at all!
-Missing filling: similar to a lost crown, contact us right away. The earlier you alert us the quicker we can create a replacement.
-Knocked-out tooth: find the tooth and clean it properly. See if it will fit back into its allotted space. Otherwise, place it in some cold milk or salt-water.
-Broken or chipped tooth: rinse your mouth while saving as many fragments as possible. Apply ice packs in a fifteen minute cycle to reduce swelling.
-Unexplained toothache: try cleaning your mouth vigorously. This removes any debris pressed up against or stuck between your teeth. Give us a call if this doesn’t help.

There are a few other scenarios that aren’t true emergencies that we also treat, like toothaches, a cut tongue or lip, abscessed tooth, or swollen cheeks, lips, and teeth.
Do you have a question about dental emergencies? We are happy to address any concerns that may 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.

Importance of Dental Hygiene

Kids hear it, the neighbor hears it, grandma hears it: take care of your teeth! It goes for everyone, especially if you are going through orthodontic treatment. Avoid complications by brushing and flossing daily and seeing your dentist yearly for professional cleanings. Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ, takes pride in educating patients about the importance of proper oral hygiene. Help us help you keep your smile looking good for years to come!

Did you know that there is a connection between oral health and overall health? Sometimes what’s going on inside your mouth can be an indicator of what’s going on inside your body, and vice versa. Mayo Clinic says “Studies suggest that oral bacteria and the inflammation associated with a severe form of gum disease (periodontitis) might play a role in some diseases.” Some diseases, like diabetes and HIV/AIDS, have the potential to lower the body’s resistance to infection, causing oral issues to be more severe in patients afflicted with these diseases. On the other hand, patients with poor dental hygiene are at a higher risk for problems like cardiovascular disease or pneumonia.

For good oral hygiene, try to:

-Brush and floss twice a day
-Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing
-Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fibrous foods to act as “nature’s toothbrush”
-Limit sugar and acidic beverages
-Replace your toothbrush every three months
-Schedule regular checkups and cleanings with your dentist
-Avoid chewing or smoking tobacco products

We are happy to address any questions or concerns you 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 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.

Digital X-Rays

The advancements in dental technology make it easier for dentists to deliver efficient care and diagnoses to their patients. One such advancement is digital x-rays, which are a staple in dental practices all over the country. We at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ, are always looking to stay up to date with the latest technology, products, and treatments. Digital x-rays allow dentists to look more closely at your teeth than ever before!

A digital x-ray takes an image of your teeth and puts it into an imaging program. With special tools exclusive to this imaging program, your dedicated dentist can take a closer look at your teeth with impeccable accuracy. Digital x-rays emit 80% less radiation than a standard x-ray since they are actually sensitive to radiation. This is a great benefit since the patient is exposed to less radiation. Digital x-rays can be classified as intraoral (inside the mouth) or extraoral (outside the mouth), though intraoral x-rays are the most commonly taken.

Intraoral x-rays allow us to:

- Observe the status of developing teeth
- Monitor tooth health
- Look at the tooth roots
- Find cavities
- Check the health of the bony area around the tooth
- Determine if there are signs of periodontal disease

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.

Space Maintainers

If your child loses a baby tooth earlier than expected or needs it removed due to other complications, they will require a Space Maintainer. These keep the space secure for when the adult tooth does erupt from the gum line. If your child needs a space maintainer, contact Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces right away. We have various offices in the Phoenix, AZ, area that can accommodate your needs.

It’s important to understand why exactly your child requires a space maintainer before having it done. The baby teeth are important for the healthy development of the mouth. The baby tooth is what guides its adult counterpart into place. When it’s missing, other teeth will try to accommodate for the gap. Teeth that move or partially obstruct the gum prevent the adult tooth from erupting normally. The space maintainer prevents all of that from happening.

There are two types of space maintainers available: removable and fixed. Your Phoenix, AZ, dentist will recommend which is best for your child. Removable maintainers are often made of acrylic and are very similar to orthodontic apparatuses. Fixed maintainers come in four separate kinds: unilateral, crown and loop, lingual, and distal shoe.

The unilateral and crown and loop space maintainers work similarly. These are placed on one side of the mouth to keep the space open. A crown and loop consist of an actual crown placed on an adjacent tooth. The loop attaches to the crown and extends over the space, protecting it from other teeth. The unilateral wraps around the perimeter of the nearby tooth and use a metal loop to keep the space clear.

The distal shoe is a more advanced space maintainer, commonly used with molars. The end of the maintainer is inserted into the gum line.

The lingual space maintainer connects the molars to the front tire with a wire.

Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces top-tier pediatric dental services. We have three separate offices located in the Phoenix, AZ, area. Visit https://www.kidzconnextion.com/ to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment. Call 623-232-0749 for our N. 75th Ave. office, 480-666-5984 for N. 24th St., and 480-405-4714 for E. Baseline Rd.

Dry Socket

Children, just like adults, can require a tooth extraction. Parents need to take good care of their child’s extraction site afterward, otherwise, they are at risk of developing a dry socket. A dry socket is when the blood clot doesn’t form normally after tooth removal. The best thing you can do is follow all the instructions given by your dental team at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces. Located in various offices across the Phoenix, AZ, area, our professional pediatric dentists are here for you.

You need a proper blood socket to form after an extraction. This is what keeps out harmful bacteria and pathogens. Your Phoenix, AZ, dentist will give you pain medication to administer to your child. Pay attention to complaints of severe pain that doesn’t diminish. This can indicate the development of a dry socket. Look for these symptoms:

-A visible lack of a blood clot in the socket
-Low-grade fever
-Bad breath
-Pain radiating from the tooth into other areas of the face, head, and neck

The best treatment for dry sockets is prevention. Avoid letting your child drink anything with a straw. Also, try to have them avoid spitting. Contact us right away with symptoms of a dry socket. We may advise a change in their prescriptions, along with providing them medical gauze for the socket.

Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces top-tier pediatric dental services. We have three separate offices located in the Phoenix, AZ, area. Visit https://www.kidzconnextion.com/ to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment. Call 623-232-0749 for our N. 75th Ave. office, 480-666-5984 for N. 24th St., and 480-405-4714 for E. Baseline Rd.

Children & Abscessed Teeth

At Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces, located in offices across the Phoenix, AZ, area, we offer dental treatment and preventive care for children of all ages. We can even treat Abscesses in the teeth or gums. An abscessed tooth occurs when there is an infection, resulting in pus. The pus has no place to drain, causing problems and discomfort. It’s important to schedule an appointment for your child right away. An untreated infection can spread to the rest of the body without medical intervention.

If your child has an abscessed tooth, they’ll complain of a bad taste in their mouth, a fever, swelling in the jaw, swollen gums, and throbbing pain. You need to have them see our dentists in Phoenix, AZ, right away.

The first thing the dentist will do at your child’s appointment is to examine the infected area. They can make a diagnosis off of this alone. From there, the dentist prescribes your child an antibiotic to stop the infection. If the infection is severe enough, the dentist might drill a hole in your child’s tooth. This lets the pus and infection drain out. Doing this relieves some of your child’s discomfort. A root canal treatment is another possibility. A root canal removes more of the infected tissue while saving the tooth.

Follow-up care is extremely important for guaranteeing your child’s speedy recovery. Place an icepack on your child’s face or jaw for 10-20 minutes. Do this on and off through the day to manage discomfort. Follow the directions on your child’s medications. Give pain medication and antibiotics as directed.

Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces top-tier pediatric dental services. We have three separate offices located in the Phoenix, AZ, area. Visit https://www.kidzconnextion.com/ to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment. Call 623-232-0749 for our N. 75th Ave. office, 480-666-5984 for N. 24th St., and 480-405-4714 for E. Baseline Rd.

Over-Retained Baby Teeth

At some point in everyone’s childhood, their baby teeth inevitably fall out. This isn’t always the case. Over-retained baby teeth need proper evaluation, monitoring, and possibly removal. When a baby tooth doesn’t exfoliate, the adult teeth cannot properly erupt. Schedule an appointment for your child with Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces right away. Our pediatric dentists in the Phoenix, AZ, area are here to help.

There are a few causes for over-retained baby teeth. It’s important that your child receives an evaluation to determine why. Your Phoenix, AZ, dentist performs a dental examination and takes X-rays. This will provide you with the answers you need. The most common reason is that your child is missing permanent teeth. Hence, there is nothing to push out the baby tooth. A more rare possibility is that the baby tooth is fused to the bone.

Here are a few other possibilities for an over-retained baby tooth:
-Obstructions in the jaw or mouth
-Misalignment of the baby or permanent tooth
-Infection
-Trauma or injury to the specific area
-A late or slow eruption of the permanent tooth

Treatment depends entirely upon the tooth and the condition it is in. If the tooth does not require interference, it is left how it is. A weirdly shaped baby tooth is safe to leave retained with modification. Lastly, a crooked or strangely positioned retained tooth will require an extraction.

Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces top-tier pediatric dental services. We have three separate offices located in the Phoenix, AZ, area. Visit https://www.kidzconnextion.com/ to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment. Call 623-232-0749 for our N. 75th Ave. office, 480-666-5984 for N. 24th St., and 480-405-4714 for E. Baseline Rd.

Sjorgren's Syndrome

There are certain medical conditions that have a direct impact on your oral health. Sjorgren’s syndrome is one of them. This is a systemic autoimmune condition that targets the tear and salivary glands. Dry mouth is a very common side effect. If you are struggling with a dry mouth or have been diagnosed with Sjorgren’s syndrome, schedule an appointment with Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces today. Your Phoenix, AZ, dentist helps you alleviate your symptoms.

Your entire body is affected when you have Sjorgren’s syndrome. Here is a list of the common oral complications:

-Dry mouth, throat, and lips
-A hoarse or scratchy sounding voice
-Chronic coughing or wheezing
-Problems swallowing
-Swollen salivary glands in the face and neck
-Frequent oral infections or cavities

There is no known cure for this condition. That doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to treat it! The first thing you need to do is get a diagnosis. Set up an appointment with your Phoenix, AZ, dentist. At your appointment, they will examine your salivary glands and flow. They can also help with any of your other symptoms, like cavities.

Treatment is customizable for each patient. You need to talk to your Primary Care Physician or General Practitioner about medication for your immune system. Your dentist focuses just on oral symptoms. The first thing you need to do is increase your salivary production. We recommend Artificial Saliva. This keeps your mouth moist when your body can’t. You can also invest in over-the-counter dry mouth treatments. These are available as both toothpaste and mouthwash.

Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces provide quality pediatric dental care. We have three offices spread across the Phoenix, AZ, area. Visit our website to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment. Call 623-232-0749 for our N. 75th AVe. office, 480-666-5984 for N. 24th St., and 480-405-4714 for E. Baseline Rd.

Replacing Your Retainer

Today is the day! Your braces are coming off after all this time. This doesn’t mean that you're done taking care of your teeth though. Your dentist at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces will provide you with your new retainer. It is up to you to take care of it, helping your teeth stay in their new positions. Eventually, like anything used daily, it’ll need a replacement. That’s when you schedule an appointment at our offices in the Phoenix, AZ, area.

Retainer replacement depends entirely upon you and your retainer. Some patients require a replacement after 2-3 years, or maybe every year! It’s important that you replace it right away if it gets damaged. If it’s broken, it won’t keep your teeth in place. It’s actually doing more harm than good.

Here are a few signs that your retainer needs a replacement:
-Changes color
-Fits odd or feels uncomfortable
-Comes apart or wears away at the joints
-Shows signs of a calcium buildup

Schedule an appointment with your dentist in Phoenix, AZ, right away. They can evaluate your retainer and issue a replacement. Without your retainer, your teeth will shift back into their old positions. It will undo all the work your braces accomplished. Wear your retainer every day for the first six months following the removal of your braces. With the permission of your dentist, you can then transition to wearing it at night.

There are a few general guidelines for keeping your retainer in pristine condition. When you are issued your first retainer, it comes with a case. Always keep your retainer in the case when you aren’t wearing it. This keeps it from getting damaged or lost. When you travel, always place it in the case.

Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces provide quality pediatric dental care. We have three offices spread across the Phoenix, AZ, area. Visit our website to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment. Call 623-232-0749 for our N. 75th Ave. office, 480-666-5984 for N. 24th St., and 480-405-4714 for E. Baseline Rd.

Oral Thrush

If you notice strange ulcers in your mouth or a yellow tongue, you might have something known as oral candidiasis. This is more commonly referred to as Thrush. Candida albicans accumulates in an abnormal amount, overwhelming your mouth’s lining. The best thing to do if you or your child experience these symptoms is to schedule an appointment with Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces right away. Located in multiple offices in the Phoenix, AZ, area, we provide family-friendly dental care.

Anyone can develop thrush, though some are more at risk than others. Babies, younger children, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems are very susceptible. The main symptom of thrush is the lesions. These are easily identifiable. These are white almost creamy ulcers on the tongue or cheeks. In some cases, the infection can spread to the gums and roof of the mouth.

The biggest cause of thrush is the lack of good oral hygiene. You need to brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes. This means brushing all your teeth, including the molars! Flossing is also essential, with it being recommended at least once a day. Keeping up to date with your dental appointments is another important habit. You should get professional teeth cleaning every six months.

Thrush is diagnosed through an appointment with your Phoenix, AZ, dentist. They decide after looking at the lesions. There are a few ways to tackle treatment. First, reexamine your dental routine. Make sure you are doing a great job of keeping it clean. You should also make sure you are changing your toothbrush regularly. It’s also recommended that you supplement your diet with more active cultures through foods like yogurt. Lastly, your Phoenix, AZ, dentist may prescribe a short-term antifungal medication to reel in your symptoms.

Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces provide quality pediatric dental care. We have three offices spread across the Phoenix, AZ, area. Visit our website to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment. Call 623-232-0749 for our N. 75th AVe. office, 480-666-5984 for N. 24th St., and 480-405-4714 for E. Baseline Rd.

Canker Sores

Canker Sores are one of the most dreaded and obnoxious oral problems. Anyone and everyone can get one! These painful little sores make it impossible to eat, drink, and talk without discomfort. If you’re suffering from canker sores, call Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces today. We are located across the Phoenix, AZ, area. While you wait, check out this small guide that we’ve put together.

You might be asking yourself, what exactly is a canker sore? Well, they are small white or yellow sores with a red border. They appear on the soft tissues of the mouth, like your gums or lips. Canker sores come in three separate forms: major, minor, and herpetiform. Minor and major are self-explanatory. Minor sores are small and take about a week to heal. Major sores are much larger, and healing can take up to six weeks. Lastly, herpetiform canker sores appear in clusters of ten to one hundred. Each is about the size of a single pinprick. If you frequently get canker sores, schedule an appointment with your Phoenix, AZ, dentist today.

There are naturalistic and over-the-counter treatment methods for canker sores. This guide discusses both of them, allowing you to decide what is best for your needs.

If you are interested in naturalistic and non-pharmaceutical options, you are in luck. The first option is good old-fashioned ice. Apply ice to the injured area of the face, keeping it on for twenty minutes or so. Patients have also found success in using tea bags. Place the bags directly on the ulcer, keeping it there for an extended period. Lastly, create a salt-water or baking soda rinse. Combine water with either mineral, swishing it gently around your mouth. This cleans and disinfects the sore.

If none of these options seem appealing, there are over-the-counter options. These products focus on numbing the pain. They contain a product called benzocaine that does this. Using the product, you have the chance to drink or eat without discomfort. You can also purchase mouthwash that targets and alleviates canker sore pain.

Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces provide quality pediatric dental care. We have three offices spread across the Phoenix, AZ, area. Visit our website to learn more about our services or schedule an appointment. Call 623-232-0749 for our N. 75th Ave. office, 480-666-5984 for N. 24th St., and 480-405-4714 for E. Baseline Rd.

Cleft Lip & Palate

There are certain birth defects that your Phoenix, AZ, dentist can help with. This includes Cleft Lip and Palate. This happens when the sides of the lips and the roof of the mouth don’t connect correctly. You’ll notice this right away when your child is born. Contact Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces right away. We can help!

Normally, the tissues and bones of the jaw, nose, and mouth fuse during the first 6-10 weeks in the womb. This then creates the roof of the mouth and upper lip. When this is interrupted, the results are a cleft lip or palate. There are certain risk factors for developing a cleft palate or lip. If the mother suffers from diabetes, smokes or drinks, or doesn’t ingest enough folic acid, the baby is in jeopardy. Certain genetics also make the child vulnerable.

A child can be born with a cleft lip or a cleft palate, sometimes both in certain instances. There is a difference between the two. The cleft lip looks like a small opening near the edge of the lip. More severe cleft lips extend up towards the nose. These can be partial, one-sided, or two-sided. A cleft palate is a disruption in the roof of the mouth. It can appear on one part of the palate or side of the face.

Talk to your dentist right away if you suspect your child has a cleft lip and/or palate. Your dentist examines your child to detect any anomalies. Other signs point to a cleft lip or palate too. Watch to see if your child has any problems speaking or eating, misaligned teeth, or constant ear infections. Your Phoenix, AZ, dentist helps you find the correct type of treatment. Surgical corrections are often performed between the ages of 3-6 months.

Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces are located in three offices in the Phoenix, AZ, area. For N. 75th Avenue, call 623-232-0749. For N. 24th Street, call 480-666-5984. Lastly, for E. Baseline Road, dial 480-405-4714.

Choosing The Right Pacifier

Pacifiers are a great tool for every parent with a little one. They help when babies are fussy, comforting and calming them. Research even shows that your infant using a pacifier reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). But there are many types of pacifiers available for purchase. How do you know which is best for your child? Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces offers pediatric dental services to patients in the Phoenix, AZ, area. They can help you with any of your questions.

The best way to pick the perfect pacifier is by understanding their differences. Though there are many styles, colors, and materials, pacifiers are sorted by conventional and orthodontic. The difference lies in the shape of the nipple. Orthodontic pacifiers are square with a flat bottom. These imitate the shape of a woman’s breast. Conventional pacifiers have a rounded head that is shaped like a small ball. Talk to your Phoenix, AZ, dentist about which is best for your child. Both are likely to affect your child’s teeth, though orthodontic pacifiers do so significantly less.

There are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing a pacifier. First, examine the design of the pacifier. The ideal pacifier is in one piece, without a liquid interior or any moving parts. The size also needs to match your child’s age. You don’t want a pacifier that is too big or small. Make sure that the shield between the ring and the nipple is at least 1.5 inches wide. This prevents it from being a choking hazard. Lastly, don’t purchase a pacifier that can attach to the baby’s hands or neck. These types endanger your child by putting them at risk of choking.

Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces are located in three offices in the Phoenix, AZ, area. For N. 75th Avenue, call 623-232-0749. For N. 24th Street, call 480-666-5984. Lastly, for E. Baseline Road, dial 480-405-4714. You can also visit our website at https://www.kidzconnextion.com/.

Children & Toothaches

Baby teeth, by nature, are much weaker than adult teeth. This means that children develop cavities at a much higher rate. These can lead to toothaches along with other dental issues. If your child complains of a toothache, contact Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ, right away. While you wait for your appointment, there are a few things you can do to help.

Toothaches are commonly caused by tooth decay infiltrating the pulp of the tooth. This area holds all the nerves and blood vessels. An unhealthy diet and improper dental hygiene result in a cavity. Other reasons for tooth pain are sores in the mouth, earaches, tooth eruption, and sinus infections.

The first thing to do is help your child wash out their mouth. Have them swish warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt. This helps with pain while promoting healing. An icepack can also do the trick. If this doesn’t work, inspect their mouth for them. Check if there is any food or debris trapped by the injured tooth. This could be the cause of the pain. Clean out the area using floss. If that doesn’t work, check to see if the tooth is loose. Any swelling around it could also indicate an infection.

Schedule your child an appointment with your Phoenix, AZ, dentist if the pain does not go away. Pain-relievers will only work for a limited amount of time. The dentist will determine whether there is a cavity, infection, or a chipped or cracked tooth.

Proper dental care is a necessity. Make sure your child is brushing the appropriate amount each day. A balanced diet is also helpful. An abundance of sugar is a guaranteed cavity. Try going for healthier snacks and alternatives.

Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces are located in three offices in the Phoenix, AZ, area. For N. 75th Avenue, call 623-232-0749. For N. 24th Street, call 480-666-5984. Lastly, for E. Baseline Road, dial 480-405-4714. You can also visit our website at https://www.kidzconnextion.com/.

Baby Teeth Wipes

Your child’s health is one of the most important things. This includes their dental health! Young children are incredibly vulnerable to cavities. This is because baby teeth are much weaker than adult teeth. It’s why the staff at Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces in Phoenix, AZ, have been asked about baby teeth wipes. What exactly are they and should you use them on your child? We have the answers you’re looking for!

Baby teeth wipes are exactly what they sound like! These are small gauze pads that help clean your baby’s mouth. They remove any dangerous bacteria while supplying antimicrobial agents. They are a great way to reduce the likelihood of developing a cavity.

There are a few different types of baby teeth wipes available. It’s up to you to determine what is best for your child. Your Phoenix, AZ, dentist can also supply you with the information you need. The majority of these products contain a product called xylitol. In children between the ages of 19-35 months old, using baby teeth wipes containing xylitol reduced a large amount of cavity-causing bacteria. Just make sure you follow the instructions on the wipes packaging. Most recommend cleaning your infant’s teeth with the wipes twice a day.

Don’t forget that there are other ways to secure your child’s dental health. Following these at-home steps is essential. First, make sure you take your child to their first dental check-up. Do this after their first tooth comes in or they turn one. Even if you don’t use tooth wipes, start cleaning your baby’s gums out with a clean cloth a few days after they are born. Lastly, start brushing their teeth once they emerge. Talk to your dentist about the right-sized toothbrush and toothpaste amount.

Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces are located in three offices in the Phoenix, AZ, area. For N. 75th Avenue, call 623-232-0749. For N. 24th Street, call 480-666-5984. Lastly, for E. Baseline Road, dial 480-405-4714. You can also visit our website at https://www.kidzconnextion.com/.

Safe Sedation For Children

Children’s teeth are purposefully softer than their adult counterparts, allowing them to eventually fall out. Yet this is a double-edged sword, making baby teeth more susceptible to decay and infections. Certain procedures require that your child goes under anesthesia to treat. You as the parent must understand the different types of anesthesia and their risks. At Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces, we provide safe and friendly pediatric dental care. To learn more about our sedation practices, contact our offices in Phoenix, AZ.

Our practice puts your child’s health and safety above everything else. That is why we follow the latest guidelines for pediatric sedation. At all times during the procedure, two people will be in the room with your child. Both are required to know life support measures. One of these individuals is the dentist or oral surgeon. The other is a separate dental practitioner, an anesthesiologist, or a registered nurse anesthetist. This guarantees that your child is protected no matter what.

There are a few different types of sedation and anesthesia that we offer:
-General anesthesia: This puts your child completely asleep without experiencing any pain. Anesthesia professionals monitor your child while the dentist performs the dental procedure.
-Nitrous oxide: This is the least invasive and a mild form of sedation. It’s commonly called “laughing gas.” They breathe this in with oxygen to feel relaxed.
-Mild Sedation: Your Phoenix, AZ, dentist provides your child with medication. This keeps them both awake and calm. It’s helpful for older children because they can follow any instructions the dentist gives them.
-Moderate Sedation: These children are much sleepier but are still conscious. They breathe on their own and afterward wake up naturally. Most patients don’t remember the visit at all.
-Deep Sedation: This is when your child is given medication through an IV. They then sleep through the procedure. An anesthesiologist is in the room to guarantee their safety.

If your child requires a dental procedure that requires anesthesia, contact Kidz Connextion Dental & Braces today. The staff at our offices in Phoenix, AZ, can help you understand the best choice for you. To schedule an appointment at the office on N. 75th street, call 623-232-0749. For N. 24th St., dial 480-666-5984. Lastly, for the E. Baseline Road office, contact us at 480-405-4714. You can also visit our website at https://www.kidzconnextion.com/.