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3 Reasons Why Back-To-School Dental Checkups Matter

Why Dental Checkups Matter: “Look, mom, my tooth’s moving around,” your child says to you, smiling wide. If you’re a parent of a child, then you’re probably wondering how you can prepare your child for the upcoming school year. This article will provide you with information on just one area where you can help your child get ready for the school year: the dentist. In this article, we share 3 reasons why back-to-school checkups are important when it comes to your child’s oral health. 

Back-to-School Checkups: What are they?

Back-to-school checkups are regular check ups children should be getting before they go back to school. When it comes to the dentist, a dentist might check your child’s teeth for:

Dental Checkups Matter
  • Abnormal growth: sometimes, a child’s teeth might not be developing as they should. A dentist would be able to identify if your child’s teeth are following a regular growth pattern that is typical for their age. 
  • Potential cavities: cavities can be really painful and can be distracting. Identifying them before they become a problem is important to oral health and prevention. 
  • Dental issues like misaligned teeth or teeth growing in areas they shouldn’t. Your dentist would let you know if your child seems to need braces or if there are other issues. 
  • Tooth decay: tooth decay often leads to cavities. Since children have a whole life to live, having and promoting good oral health is important. 
  • Oral health: your dentist would check to see if there are any issues like oral cancer. 

So, as you can see, back-to-school checks at a dentist office involves factoring in different aspects of oral health. 

3 Reasons Why Back-To-School Dental Checkups Are Important

Now that you have a basic understanding of what a dentist might be on the lookout for, here are 3 reasons why back-to-school dental checks are important. 

Back-to-School Dental Checkups Focuses on Prevention 

Oftentimes, people will bring their children to the dentist office if the child mentions a toothache or other dental issue. At Mountain View Dental, we believe in preventing dental issues before they arise. That is, if you’re waiting until there are issues, then a dentist is only there for treatment. What we mean by this is that a dentist should also be helping you with prevention.  

That also means you’re not able to identify issues so that they don’t become an even bigger problem. For example, some cases of tooth pain or tooth misgrowth are signs of oral cancer. Waiting until the last minute means that the cancer can get worse. In other cases like cavities, a back-to-school checkup can help the dentist save your child’s tooth rather than having it remove or needing an intense root canal. 

Why Dental Checkups Matter

Back-to-School Dental Checkups Help You Identify Any Potential Issues

Visiting a dentist would help you and your child understand if there are any lifestyle changes that need to be made. For example, if your dentist notices that your child has tooth discoloration or decay, they may ask you questions about what type of foods or drinks your child is having. Then, your dentist would be able to provide you and your child with information on limiting foods or drinks that are causing the decay or discoloration. So, it’s important to see a dentist so that they can help you and your child with overall good dental health. 

Back to School Dental Checkups Helps With Dental Anxiety 

If your child is scared of visiting the dentist, encouraging them to see a dentist with you there with them can help them not be so scared. Dental anxiety, which is more common than you think, is often a barrier to people getting help with their teeth. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine’s National Institute of Health, 36% of Americans have dental anxiety. Dental anxiety is fear of seeing a dentist. According to the Institute 12% of those who have dental anxiety have an extreme fear of visiting a dentist. 

So, if your child is scared of visiting the dentist, encourage them to go with you on a regular basis so that you can slowly get them used to it. 

Mountain View Dental Can Help You and Your Family

If you’re looking for a dentist in the state of Utah, Mountain View Dental can help you and your family. At our Office, we will help you and your child with all types of dental issues. Give us a call at 385-324-3557 to schedule your child’s dental checkup before returning to school. You can also contact us here. We look forward to providing you with the best dental care possible. 

After a busy day at school, most kids are ready for snack time. Healthy after-school snacks are essential not just for overall growth and development but also for oral health. It is important to help children learn good snacking habits early to keep teeth and gums in good condition.

How Can Food Damage Teeth and Gums?

The main offender is sugar. Bacteria living in our mouths feed on sugar and produce acid that can dissolve tooth enamel. Eventually, this leads to tooth decay. Acids in carbonated beverages like soda are also harmful. Sticky treats like candy and gummies can stay on teeth for a long time and should be avoided. It is difficult to completely cut out sugary goodies, so save them for special occasions. Remember to brush after indulging in these sweet treats!

Foods that Benefit Oral Health

Give your kids foods that provide vitamins and minerals for healthy teeth and gums. Leafy, dark green vegetables like spinach and kale have vitamin B2, vitamin A, and magnesium, which all benefit teeth and gums. Vitamin C is needed to help prevent the loss of collagen in gums. Look for this nutrient in citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit. 

Milk, cheese, and yogurt have a double impact on oral health. They provide calcium as well as neutralize the acid in the mouth, reducing the effects on tooth enamel from acidic foods. 

Some foods provide vitamins and a little muscle power to “scrub” teeth and “massage” gums. Apples, strawberries, carrots, and celery have a texture that is beneficial in cleaning teeth. Also, these crunchy foods can aid in saliva production, which is needed to keep enamel healthy.

Choosing Healthy After-School Snacks

The best way to get kids on board is to involve them. Take them shopping in the produce section for their favorite fruits and veggies. Let them pick fun treats that pack a nutritious punch. 

Keep these healthy choices simple and fun. Have a hummus buffet made up of tubs of different flavors of this healthy dip with the kids’ choices of veggies. Pair different textures: cheese cubes with nuts and berries. For a protein boost before sports, try reduced sugar cereal with low-fat milk or lunch meat and cheese pinwheels. Crunchy apple slices with low-sugar peanut butter will satisfy hunger before homework.

Make sure you always keep healthy alternatives on hand to take away the temptation to make sugary choices. Stock the refrigerator with sugar-free yogurt for an on-the-go snack that packs some calcium. Keep cut-up fruit like strawberries, cantaloupe, and orange slices within easy reach, and let nuts and veggie chips be pantry staples.

Remember that making healthy snack choices is just one part of good oral health for your kids. Encourage good brushing and flossing habits, and schedule regular dental check-ups. Mountain View Dental, located in Pleasant View, Utah, has a comfortable and professional office ready to meet your kids’ dental needs. If you have questions about dental health or would like to make an appointment, call 385-324-3557.

There are so many journeys in your baby’s first year of life, and getting their first tooth is certainly one of the biggest. After all, who can resist the adorable, gummy smile of a growing infant? Although your baby’s smile will grow to be unique and adorable, the process can be quite the process for both you and your baby. We asked the same questions that many new parents have when dealing with their baby’s first upcoming teeth: is my baby teething or is it something else? What should I expect when my baby gets their first teeth (or tooth)? When will I be able to sleep through the night again?

Let’s take a look at 3 helpful facts about your baby’s first teeth!

Most Babies Will Develop Their First Teeth at 6mo. – 12 mo. Old

There is a wide range of times when you can expect the first tooth to appear. Some babies may not get their first tooth until after their first birthday! Typically though, when your baby hits 3 months of age, they will start exploring the world using their mouth. This will mean picking things up like toys, car keys, and food to have it in their mouth. They will have increased production of saliva and will even place their hands in their mouth.

Many parents will question if their baby is teething, but their first tooth usually won’t appear for another 3-5 months. The first teeth to appear are usually the bottom two teeth called Central Incisors with the top two popping in shortly after. Lateral Incisors (the teeth directly next to the middle two) will probably come in next at around 9-13 months of age. Parents can rest assured that their baby will more than likely have all their baby teeth grow in by the time they’re age 3.

Give Your Baby Teething Aides to Help with Teething Pain

Parents can help alleviate their baby’s teething pain with simple solutions. Massaging their sore gums with a clean finger, giving them a cold washcloth, or a solid teething toy can help soothe your baby’s teething pain. This pain is felt because the baby’s teeth are breaching the gums to pop out and grow.
Thankfully, teething shouldn’t cause babies too much discomfort, however, it’s easy to tell when a baby is teething. Some signs to look out for include discomfort (audibly or visually) in the area where the tooth is breaching, gums tend to be swollen and tender, and the baby will begin to drool more than usual.

A baby’s body temperature may also rise slightly when teething; however, this could be a sign of an underlying illness as well. To make sure your baby is going through teething properly and safely, talk with your pediatrician regularly about a weight-appropriate dose of acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) or if the baby is old enough, ibuprofen (e.g., Advil, Motrin). When you consider medication for your baby, be sure to ask your pediatrician for the right dose amount based on your child’s age and weight.

Interestingly enough, many children will show no discomfort at all when their baby teeth come in! Whatever the case may be, make sure you’re making routine visits to your dentist so that teeth come in accordingly.

Introducing Fluoride to Your Baby’s Diet

Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps prevent cavities from forming by strengthening and rebuilding the enamel of teeth. Thankfully, fluoride is often added to tap water to help fight tooth decay. Talk to your dentist about starting your baby on small amounts of tap water (or water with fluoride in it) in a drink cup as you introduce them to solid foods. Always check with your pediatrician to see what fluoride are best for your baby. Sometimes, they can recommend a fluoride supplement if your tap water is not sufficient.

Before 6 months of age, babies still being breastfed or formula-fed do not need fluoride in their diet yet. It is only safe to use fluoridated water to mix in with the formula if your baby if your baby’s pediatrician or dentist approves it as there is a small risk of “fluorosis.” Fluorosis is faint streaking marks on the teeth that happen when young toddlers consume too much fluoride from any source over a period of time. Make an appointment with your baby’s dentist to avoid fluorosis and map out the best possible plan for treating your baby’s first teeth.

Did these 3 Facts About Your Baby’s First Teeth Suprise You?

Baby teeth are crucial to your child’s oral health and development. They will help him or her to chew, begin speaking and smiling. Baby teeth are basically placeholders in the jaws for later adult teeth that are developing under their gums. When a baby tooth is not taken care of, the permanent teeth can shift into empty spaces and cause other adult teeth to push against each other as they come in. Having crowded teeth or teeth that are crooked is a horrible way to start your baby’s life. This is why starting your baby off with good oral health can help start their teeth on the correct growth path for years to come.

To schedule your baby’s first dental visit, contact our professional and pleasant staff here at Mountain View Dental. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, give us a call today at 385-324-3557!

You’re a new parent and there are so many ‘firsts’ that you’re planning: your child’s first birthday, their first haircut and nail trim, and teaching them their first words! Just as these ‘firsts’ are important to any parent, we want to stress the importance of your baby’s first dentist visit. Yes, new teeth coming in is a scary and unsure time for you and your baby. But, with these helpful tips, we hope to relieve most of your fears about taking your child to the dentist for their first time. After all, your child’s first dentist visit is so important when it comes to preparing them for their next ‘firsts’ in life. Your dentist can provide you with many meaningful preventative care options that will help you map out your child’s oral health options.

Let’s take a look at when you should book your baby’s first dental appointment!

How Old Should My Baby be For their First Dentist Visit?

Your child’s oral health is of the utmost importance. You want them to be ahead from the very beginning by giving them the best healthcare possible. Since you’re keeping track of your baby’s ‘firsts, this tip is easy to remember. In short, take your child in for their first dentist visit no later than their 1st birthday. Another rule of thumb to remember is to take your child in for their first visit by the time their first tooth (or teeth) come(s) in.

There isn’t much to worry about when the first visit rolls around. Usually, the dentist just wants to orient your baby with being at the office while educating parents on the best dental care measures. There is usually no need for concern and more than likely no treatments will happen on this day. However, your dentist will possibly talk you through some type of wellness plan that will help guide you and your baby through best oral health practices.

What Should I Expect at the First Dentist Visit?

This visit will be brief and straightforward, even though it’s definitely one of the most important visits your baby can attend. In the exam room, relationship and trust-building are very important, especially if this dentist will be with your child for a long period of time. Parents may be asked to sit alongside their infant depending on the age and temperament of the child.

The dentist will typically begin by checking any existing teeth that may be coming in (or attempting to come in) to make sure they are coming in nicely and as painlessly as possible. A bite check may also be prepared for your child to look for any potential problems with the gums, jawline, or other oral tissues. If your child is making it to the dentist with existing teeth, they may proceed with a routine, simple cleaning to see if your child will need any fluoride treatments.

After the exam, the parents are educated on what to expect in the coming months and years of their child’s life. Some topics they may cover include:

  • Best dental hygiene practices for the child’s teeth and gums
  • Fluoride needs and help with cavity prevention
  • Addressing any bad oral habits (thumb sucking, teeth grinding, lip biting, or sucking)
  • Teeth development stages
  • Teething resources and expectations
  • Best nutrition recommendations
  • Wellness plan schedule for future dentist visits.

Protect your Child’s Teeth at Home

There are many practices that you can do for your baby at home, even before their first teeth start to come in. Here are some healthy habits and recommended tips to begin before and after your baby’s first dentist visit:

  • Clean your baby’s gums with a small, damp cloth before their teeth start to come in.
  • Begin brushing with a small, soft-bristled toothbrush and a tiny amount of toothpaste (smaller than a grain of rice) when your child’s first tooth appears. Ask your dentist at your first visit if fluoride toothpaste is recommended.
  • Prevent tooth decay from your baby’s bottle. Try not to give your baby a bottle of milk or any sweetened drink at bedtime.
  • Until your child is around the age of 8 (or is showing independent, healthy dental habits), assist your child with brushing their teeth. A fun way to bond with your kid is brushing your teeth alongside them so they can watch what-to-do and not do.
  • Limit sugary, tasty treats to help prevent tooth decay. Rather than sweets for a treat, try offering them fruits as snacks when they’re young. As they grow up, they won’t start to crave the sugar in juice boxes and candies.

Are You Prepared for Your Child’s First Dentist Visit?

Your baby’s first dentist visit should be just as exciting and rewarding as all the other ‘firsts’ they’re getting to experience. Make sure you notify your dentist ahead of time about any known allergies or health conditions that your child has. Once the first visit is done, your baby will be on their way to developing healthy oral habits and keeping a beautiful smile.

To set up your child’s first dentist visit, contact our professional and pleasant staff here at Mountain View Dental. If you have questions or want to schedule an appointment, give us a call today at 385-324-3557!

Tonsils are egg-shaped tissues located at the back of the throat. They are part of the body’s immune system. Sometimes, when tonsils are frequently infected, they are surgically removed. Breathing problems and snoring are also reasons for tonsil removal, or tonsillectomy, in some cases. However, unless they are causing more than seven bouts with a sore throat in a year, it’s best to leave the tonsils in place. 

Causes of Sore Throat

There are many kinds of sore throat issues. Not all are caused by pathogens. Throat pain can also be caused by postnasal drip, allergies, injuries, swollen lymph nodes, gastric reflux, and overuse of the vocal cords.

Not all cases of sore throat are due to Streptococcus A, the bacterial cause of strep throat. Most sore throats have a viral cause that will clear up without treatment in most cases. However, when strep throat is the culprit, it will require prompt treatment with antibiotics. Not only is the condition very painful, but it can cause serious systemic problems, such as permanent heart and joint damage.

Scarlet Fever

Before the widespread use of antibiotics, beginning with penicillin in the 1940s, complications from strep throat were common. Sometimes, the disease caused a bright red rash. This was called scarlet fever. It could be fatal. Joint inflammation and damage, called rheumatic fever, was also a frequent complication of the disease. Lifelong heart damage, especially to the mitral valve, was yet another consequence of untreated strep infection. The heart’s mitral valve is critical to the normal flow of blood. A sore strep throat is usually extremely painful. Symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • White spots on the tonsils
  • Pain with swallowing
  • Fatigue

It’s possible to have a very sore throat that is not due to strep. The only way to be sure is by a special test that uses a throat swab. If there are strep bacteria on the swab, the test will detect them. Strep throat usually clears up quickly with appropriate antibiotic therapy. If the cause is viral, antibiotics are useless and may cause harm by encouraging antibiotic resistance to develop.

Tonsillitis

Tonsillitis just means that the tonsils are inflamed. This inflammation is typically viral, but if strep bacteria are present, they can infect the tonsils. Strep throat and tonsils are two different things, however, strep throat can also cause tonsillitis. If the tonsils have been removed, then there is no relationship between strep throat and tonsils at all. 

Mountain View Dental

Here at Mountain View Dental, we offer full-service dental care in a comfortable and professional environment. We offer a free consultation for new patients and free teeth whitening at every visit. There’s a treasure chest for the kids, too. We’re open to serve you during the COVID pandemic. Call 385-324-3557 for more information or to make an appointment. You can also visit us on our website. We look forward to serving you.

Parents should introduce infant tooth care at the start of your baby’s life. That is before their first tooth appears because certain factors can affect their future look and health. It should begin when the mother is pregnant by avoiding certain medicines, such as tetracycline, which causes tooth discoloration. There are specific practices that every infant-parent should know. These include:

  • Protecting your baby’s teeth against baby bottle decay.
  • Ensuring they receive enough fluoride.
  • Cleaning an infant’s teeth and gums with a washcloth or gauze after each feed even before their teeth erupt.
  • You can start brushing their teeth when the first tooth erupts.
  • Minimizing the intake of sugary foods and liquids.
  • Visiting a dentist before their first birthday for an oral exam which gives them a better chance at having healthy teeth.
  • Start flossing between an infant’s teeth when their teeth touch.

Baby Bottle Decay: What It Is, and How You Can Prevent It

When you put babies to sleep with a bottle of sugary liquids like juice, formula, or milk, sugars produce acids that remain on the teeth for hours. These acids eat away the enamel and destroy the teeth by causing discoloration, poking, pitting, and cavities starting with the lower and upper front teeth. You can prevent baby bottle decay by:

  • Avoiding nap and bedtime feeds
  • Not putting your child to sleep on the bottle or while breastfeeding
  • Giving them some water to wash away the sugars after a feed
  • Weaning the baby off the bottle to cup by the time they are one year
  • Wiping your child’s teeth and gums with a clean and wet soft cloth or gauze pad.

Why Fluoride Is an Essential Part of An Infant’s Diet

Fluoride is a beneficial mineral that hardens the tooth enamel to protect the teeth from decay. Luckily, fluoride is a common constituent of tap water, and a few ounces of water a day is enough for good tooth development. It is important to note that bottled water is devoid of fluoride. Please confirm with your local water district and consult with your pediatrician to determine whether the fluoride in the tap water is enough for your child or require fluoride supplements. Your doctor may also recommend a quick and painless fluoride varnish application, which provides an extra shield against cavities.

Brushing Infant Teeth

As earlier mentioned, infant tooth care begins with wiping the gums with a soft cloth, gauze before the teeth appear. This gentle practice delays growth of bacteria inside your baby’s mouth. You can proceed to use a soft-bristled toothbrush once the first tooth appears with a grain-sized amount of toothpaste twice or thrice a day. Please help your child brush their teeth up until they can brush all sides, spit, and rinse independently.

Make an Early Dentist Visit

To ensure your child has clean, happy, and healthy teeth, book an appointment with the friendly and professional Mountain View Dental office. We are glad to answer any of your questions, do a thorough examination of your baby’s teeth as well as offer you advice on how you can maintain your darling’s bright and healthy smile.

Dentist Office

2797 U.S. 89 #201
Pleasant View, UT 84414
Monday 8 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday 8 AM - 7 PM
Wednesday 8 AM - 7 PM
Thursday 8 AM - 7 PM
Friday 8 AM - 3 PM
Saturday 8 AM - 12 PM
Sunday Closed
Proudly accepting new patients from: Pleasant View, North Ogden, Harrisville, Farr West, Marriott-Slaterville, Ogden, Plain City, South Willard, Willard and Perry!

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