August is Get Ready for Kindergarten Month!

With the hot and sultry Dog Days of Summer slowly coming to an end, it's time for you and your child to start thinking about school. August may be almost be over, but not before we remind you that it's Get Ready for Kindergarten Month for the two million kids who will be entering kindergarten come September.

Our staff at Pearland Pediatric Dentistry suggest getting involved in storytime by reading your child books about kindergarten, such as The Night Before Kindergarten or First Day Jitters.

Parenting Magazine also suggests that moms and dads take their child for a walk by their or perhaps taking him or her inside for a quick tour to get them familiarized with the concept of kindergarten. Take a walk around the classroom or peek in the windows and talk about what will be going on once school starts. Also, think about adjusting your child's sleep schedule gradually to the school’s schedule.

At home, make learning fun for your child by teach him or her the names of colors, or shapes and taking them on interesting trips around Pearland, Alvin, Shadow Creek Ranch or surrounding communities—to the library or grocery store, or to a museum or park—and talk with him or her about what he or she sees and what they think.

Finally, make sure your little one visits Dr. Pamela Clark or Dr. Suha Reddy before the first day of school. No one wants for your child to have to leave school because of a toothache! Please give us a call at 713.436.4080 to schedule an appointment!

We hope both you and your child have a happy and stress-free Get Ready for Kindergarten Month!

All about baby teeth, from Dr. Clark

At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, we know teething patterns vary greatly from child to child—some don’t have any teeth by their first birthday, while others have a mouthful by then. Experts, however, including our friends at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, do recommend that children have their teeth checked by their first birthdays.

Your child will have 20 baby teeth, which will later be replaced by permanent teeth. A baby's first tooth can come in as early as 3 months or as late as 1 year of age, however primary teeth usually begin to break through the gums when a child is about 6 months old. Most kids have all of their primary teeth by the time they are 3 years old.

The most important thing is not to worry if your toddler’s pearly whites don’t look perfect as they come in—baby teeth come in all shapes, sizes, and slants. Teeth generally appear one at a time over a period of months, and often—but not always—in this order: First the bottom two middle teeth, then the top two middle ones, then the ones along the sides and back. (They may not all come in straight, but don't worry—they usually straighten out over time.) Besides crooked teeth, your child may experience crowded or spaced-out teeth, missing teeth, supernumerary (too many) teeth and even discolored teeth.

If you have any questions about your toddler’s teeth, or if your child is experiencing issues that concern you, please give us a call to set up an appointment with Dr. Pamela Clark and Dr. Suha Reddy. Or, we invite you to ask us on Facebook!

Gum disease can sneak up on your child, from Dr. Clark

At Pearland Pediatric Dentistry, we’ll tell you it’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your child’s mouth without you even knowing. In fact, your child can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If your child is having these symptoms, schedule an appointment right away by calling Dr. Pamela Clark and our team. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give your child back a healthy mouth!
We look forward to seeing you!

Don't take a break from oral care this summer!

Summer is a fun time for all! Kids get to get out of their rigid daily routines and enjoy the time off. However, it is important to always remember and keep their daily brushing routine for the health of their teeth and gums. Have a great summer!

Remember, we want to know what you and your family are up to this summer! Post your photos on our Facebook page as the summer rolls along!

Ask Dr. Clark: What, exactly, are cavities?

We know one word parents and kids don’t want to hear when they visit Pearland Pediatric Dentistry is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly are cavities and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by Dr. Pamela Clark and Dr. Suha Reddy, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities at home:

• Brush your child’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush the gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your child’s teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats your child eats/drinks
• Be sure to visit our Pearland office every six months – or as recommended – for a teeth cleaning and check-up