By Dr. Wengler Some parents wonder if it's necessary to brush their baby's teeth. Can babies even get cavities? The answer is yes, they can. Here’s why and how to prevent it. Why Babies Can Get Cavities Cavities are caused by bacteria in the mouth that feed on sugars and carbohydrates left behind after meals. If a baby has a... read more »
Many teenagers wish they had whiter teeth. It’s one of the top five issues that teen patients bring up to me. The good news is that there are several products that can safely and effectively whiten teeth. But first, let’s talk about why teeth may look yellow or dark. First, most people’s teeth naturally have some color in them besides... read more »
Do you or your child get canker sores regularly? If so, make sure you are using a toothpaste that is free of sodium lauryl sulfate. Aphthous ulcers, commonly called canker sores, are small, shallow sores in the mouth. They can occur on the inside of the cheeks, lips, floor of the mouth or side of the tongue. They are flat and... read more »
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a liquid that is painlessly painted onto cavities to help prevent the cavities from progressing. It is so quick and easy to apply that it can even be used on toddlers. Best of all, it doesn’t require numbing or drilling. SDF is a great option for young children or other patients who can’t tolerate conventional... read more »
Health-conscious parents often give their children water “with a splash of juice” in between meals. It’s mostly water so it’s healthy, right? Unfortunately, no. Giving your child diluted juice all day is a recipe for cavities. Even though your child might not be getting that many grams of sugar, as a dentist we’re more concerned about the frequency that your... read more »
Most kids need three meals and one to two snacks per day. Planning nutritious snacks can help your child meet their nutritional needs, while also protecting their teeth from cavities. Oftentimes parents will ask me about healthy snack ideas for their kids. For your child’s dental and overall health, I recommend pairing a carbohydrate with a protein. Carbohydrates give quick... read more »
Chocolate is a dentist’s favorite candy, and not just because of the taste :) (in fact, dark chocolate is Dr. Wengler’s treat of choice)! Chocolate is a mix of sugar and fat, so it’s quickly washed off of the teeth. Compare the experience of eating M&Ms versus the experience of eating jelly beans and gummy bears. The chocolate leaves your... read more »
Here at Pediatric Dentistry of San Antonio, we endeavor to use our new blog as a regular means for publishing valuable content for our community through monthly blog posts. Thanks to the wonders of the Internet, we’re able to further explore some of the most important topics pertaining to our industry and area of expertise here on our website through... read more »