Midland Kid’s Dentist Blog
Why Nursing Could Be Painful (But Shouldn’t Be)
January 16, 2025

Breastfeeding a baby is a rewarding act, but one that many new parents struggle with- especially at first. But if nursing your child does not get easier or has become increasingly painful over time, it could be the sign of a problem known as a lip or tongue tie.
Lip and tongue ties affect between four and eleven percent of babies. They are caused by the tissue holding the lips to the gums (known as the frenum) being too short, thick, or tight. This can make it difficult for the baby to get a proper latch while breastfeeding, causing difficulties for the child while eating as well as pain for the nursing mother.
If you and your baby are struggling to nurse successfully, it’s not your fault. Here’s what you need to know about correcting lip and tongue ties.
(more…)How Praise Can Encourage Better Dental Hygiene in Kids
December 10, 2024

As a parent, one of your many responsibilities is teaching your child basic self-care habits, such as brushing their teeth. However, many parents find it difficult to get their kids to clean their mouths thoroughly. A study published in 2021 suggests that praising children while they brush their teeth can positively impact their commitment to the habit. Read on to learn how expressing the right kind of encouragement can foster better dental hygiene in young children.
(more…)Are Lip & Tongue-Ties in Infants Appearing More Often?
November 15, 2024

Babies bring so much joy with their arrival. While everyone is busy fawning over their cute and adorable facial expressions and sounds, an unrecognized problem might exist – a lip or tongue-tie. It might seem as if this issue is a new occurrence; however, these restricted bands of tissues have been making it hard for infants to eat for centuries. Read on to learn more about the ebb and flow of these ties and why it seems that frenectomies are occurring more regularly these days.
(more…)Stocking Stuffers That Won’t Give Your Kids Cavities!
October 31, 2024

Kids love Christmas – seeing their faces light up when they see all the presents underneath the tree is a precious moment. But with all the candy and sweet treats floating around the holidays, you might be hesitant to pack their stockings full of the traditional stuffers.
Fortunately, your kiddo can still enjoy the thrill of finding a few extra surprises at the bottom of a giant sock! Keep reading for a list of dentist-approved stocking stuffers that won’t ruin their oral health.
(more…)How Long Will It Take for My Child to Recover After Their Frenectomy?
September 12, 2024

Lip and tongue-ties are often diagnosed in babies and young children. This condition can affect the way that a young child eats and speaks. It can also interfere with the ability to breastfeed successfully. The good news is that this condition can be easily corrected through a frenectomy. Read on to learn about frenectomies and what you can expect as your child recovers from their procedure.
(more…)Oh Baby: Preventing Baby Bottle Tooth Decay
August 22, 2024

Your baby’s first set of teeth are an important part of growing up. Unfortunately, many people don’t understand that though they will eventually fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth, baby teeth are still very vital to your child’s oral health and development. Baby teeth not only make it easier for children to speak and chew properly, but they also act as placeholders for adult teeth, so that when it comes time for those grown-up choppers to grow in, there’s a proper place for them to go. This is why caring for them is of the utmost importance.
But what happens when a very routine activity could make it hard to keep them safe? Here’s what every parent needs to know about baby bottle tooth decay.
(more…)Is My Baby’s Crying Due to a Lip or Tongue-Tie Causing Colic?
August 2, 2024

There’s nothing worse than being unable to help your baby when they’re crying. If they have a lip or tongue-tie, it can make nursing or bottle-feeding much harder because of their inability to latch properly. But you may not realize these tethered tissues can also result in colic. If you are in this situation and need help, don’t feel bad about reaching out to your pediatric dentist. In fact, you can learn more about ways to address this problem by reading the article below.
(more…)What Could Juice Do to Your Child’s Teeth?
July 17, 2024

If you’re a parent, you’re probably well aware of the fact that preventing cavities is a daily challenge. Tooth decay is the most common chronic condition among children, 5 times more common than asthma and 20 times more so than diabetes.
In an effort to fight cavities, most parents restrict the amount of soda and sweets that their child gets. However, juice is something that most parents freely give their child, when the fact is that this drink can be problematic in its own right. Here’s what juice could potentially do to your child’s teeth, and drinks that might be healthier alternatives.
(more…)Nursing Your Child? Here Are 5 Dental Facts You Should Know
June 11, 2024

Breastfeeding your child has several benefits, but did you know it can also affect their oral health? With all the other care you have to think about for your little one, it can be easy to forget about their teeth. Since dental conditions can impact overall wellbeing, it’s crucial to be well-informed.
Don’t worry, we know you’re busy. In this article, we narrow the important stuff down to five facts, so you don’t have to spend hours researching.
(more…)What are Smile-Friendly Snacks & How Can They Prevent Cavities?
May 16, 2024

Cavities are so common among children because they’re still learning how to properly brush, floss, and care for their smile. Although it may be a big feat for any parent to take on running a cavity-free household, there are some ways you can reduce the chances of your favorite smiles being affected by this ordinary dental concern. Keeping your pantry and refrigerator stocked with smile-friendly snacks is a great place to start! Read on to learn how certain snacks can reduce your child’s risk of decay.
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