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Healthy eating, combined with regular physical activity, plays a vital role in your child’s health and well-being. Dairy foods are naturally nutritious, packed with ten essential nutrients that help your child feel good for life. But did you know that dairy is also great for your child’s dental health? Our team at SmileKidz will tell you that, in addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, dairy products also help fight cavities! Dairy products have a specific role to play in dental health as they contain a unique combination of special anti-decay nutrients such as calcium, phosphorus, and the protein, casein. Cheese is especially useful, as eating a small piece of cheese after consuming sugary foods or drinks can help protect teeth and reduce the risk of tooth decay.

If you’d like to know more about the importance of dairy products in your child’s diet, or about any aspect of your child’s dental health, feel free to ask Dr. Varble, Dr. Applebaum, Dr. Dill and Dr. Wong at your next appointment!

Thank you for taking the time to visit our blog. Please check back often for updates on fun and exciting events happening at our office, important and interesting information about us, the dental industry, and the latest news about our practice.

Why do we even have to use X-rays?

X-rays allow dentists to see what is going on both inside the teeth and behind the gums, helping us to assess potential problem areas. It enables us to see cavities and potential tooth decay before it becomes a bigger problem, and it also gives us a sneak peek into how their teeth are developing beneath the gum line.

Then how do you know it is safe?

There have always been conflicting reports of the overall safety of “radiographic exams,” as the debate over what determines a “safe” level of radiation continues on. While it is true that exposure to radiation can be harmful, the type of exposure your child will receive from a dental x-ray is extremely minimal.

Many advancements in technology have increased the safety of X-rays, such as the implementation of high speed film, which further minimizes the amount of radiation used in the exam.

The level of radiation used in your child’s X-ray is very low, and modern equipment is built to focus just on the particular areas of the mouth being inspected; effectively removing the risk of unnecessary exposure.

We also take more traditional safety measures, such as the use of lead vests or aprons to cover your child’s body while the X-ray is being taken.

Additionally, there are many laws and regulations each practice must adhere to and are routinely inspected on to ensure the X-ray equipment is up to code. That, together with all of the procedures previously mentioned, are how we can ensure your child’s health and safety during an examination.

Have questions? Don’t hesitate to give us a call!

As we’ve previously mentioned, our dentists performed two additional years of schooling to focus on the dental health and overall well being of adolescents. We are happy to answer any and all questions you might have!

Choosing a dentist for your child can be a difficult process. A lot of parents have a hard time making that choice for a number of reasons. They know the idea of the dentist can be intimidating, and they want their child to receive the best care in a comfortable setting.

For this reason, many parents elect to take their child to their own dentist. It is someone they trust and have an established relationship with, so they feel comfortable bringing their little one too.

This is perfectly fine if you choose to do so, as your dentist is fully capable of providing your child with the care and attention they need. So why choose a pediatric dentist, then?

They are specialized in children’s care.

Each of our dentists completed two additional years of study after earning their dental degrees to focus on treating children. The extra training allows them to focus on the specific issues children commonly face, as well as monitoring and maintaining your child’s teeth as they develop.

Another, sometimes overlooked, benefit of pediatric training is that our dentists are experienced in dealing with your child’s temperament. Kids can be intimidated and scared about going to the dentist, and our dentists are trained to do what it takes to make your child feel comfortable and even enjoy going to the dentist!

They have a child-friendly environment.

You might not think about it, but you probably wouldn’t say that your dentist’s office is “inviting.” We are use to going to the dentist, as we know what to expect. But if your child has never been to the dentist before, you can imagine what a difference it might make to him or her.

Both of our offices are completely focused on your children. Our bright and colorful atmosphere is a welcoming sight that is sure to put your child at ease. You are also welcome to stay with your child for the duration of his or her visit. We understand that some children would prefer their parent by their side, and we welcome and encourage you to join them if you so please.

Schedule your appointment today!

Give us a call to schedule your child’s visit! If this will be your child’s first visit, you can read more about what to expect here. We look forward to meeting you and your little one!

Creve Coeur Office – 314-567-1122           St. Charles Office – 636-946-5225