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Dental health is super important at every stage of life, but as your pediatric dentist in Houston, TX, the team at Park Dentistry for Kids knows good dental habits at a young age help them shape good habits for lifelong dental health. So the top thing to put on your family’s To-Do List for your children’s oral health? A regular kids’ dental exam and cleaning. Here, Dr. Parker and Dr. Sana cover why a dental checkup for kids and a regular professional cleaning make a world of difference.

Sometimes, getting kids to brush their teeth is a challenge. Mornings can be hectic and evenings, everyone’s tired. But good daily oral hygiene for kids is super important. So, how can you encourage your kids to brush and floss every day? Your pediatric dentist in Houston, TX, says, “Make it fun!” Here, your Houston, TX pediatric dentists, Dr. Kristi Parker and Dr. Sana Nasir at Park Dentistry , offer six suggestions for getting kids to brush their teeth for great oral health. 1. A TOOTHBRUSHING APP TO GAMIFY ORAL CARE FOR YOUR KIDS There’s an app for that! Not sure which one will work for making oral hygiene a breeze for your kids? Check out: Brush DJ : Press “play” on brushing to the beat. This app works with your device, smartphone, streaming service, or music on your cloud. Put together a brushing playlist with favorite songs so the minutes fly by. Brush DJ also has reminders for daily flossing, brushing your teeth twice a day, and visiting the dentist. Chomper Chums : Looking for a way to make brushing teeth fun for toddlers? Chomper Chums has a two-minute toothbrush timer and animal characters to make learning how to brush a fun activity. 2. FOR THE WEE ONES: PRE-SCHOOL BOPS TO BRUSH TO The American Dental Association recommends two minutes of brushing to adequately remove plaque, food debris, and bacteria from every surface of every tooth. In fact, a 2019 systematic review in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene found that brushing for two minutes removed twice as much plaque as brushing for only one minute. But two minutes of brushing can be hard for wiggly preschoolers and a common concern of their adults is how to make brushing teeth fun for their toddlers. Our suggestion? Play (or sing!) a toddler-friendly song for brushing teeth… and it doesn’t even have to be about teeth: “This is the Way We Brush Our Teeth ” from Little Baby Bum “The Ants Go Marching One by One” (Counting 10 ants down to 1) “Old MacDonald Had A Farm” (Break up the brushing by letting your child say the animal every time) 3. TEETH BRUSHING GAMES Teeth brushing games are a great way to make oral hygiene for kids more interactive: Copycat: Set a tooth brushing timer for 30 seconds. When the timer goes off, make a silly face your child has to copy or have them make a face you have to copy. Repeat for all sections of the mouth to reach your two-minute brushing goal. Superhero: Your child is a superhero tasked with banishing the Sugar Bugs from their teeth. Set a timer for two minutes, and get your child to attack those Sugar Bugs with their trusty toothbrush. Break up the two minutes by letting your kid do a superhero pose after brushing each section. 4. REWARDS & STICKER CHARTS External rewards can be an excellent motivator for kids. A reward system or sticker chart for completing two-minute teeth-brushing sessions and daily flossing may encourage a child who won't brush their teeth. 5. ORAL HYGIENE TOOLS SPECIFICALLY FOR KIDS Teeth brushing for kids is more fun with oral care supplies they like, so let your kids pick out the toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, and floss that appeals to them. You can even try a kids’ electric toothbrush ! Pro tip: If your child finds handling floss tricky, kids’ floss picks work well for smaller hands. 6. CHANGE UP WHERE YOU BRUSH AND FLOSS The bathroom is the most common place for teeth brushing, but a change of scenery might help make brushing teeth more fun for your kids. In warmer months, treat it like camping and brush outside. Or try a toothbrushing tour if you have multiple bathrooms: Start in one bathroom, walk around the house while brushing, then make a pit stop to spit or finish brushing in another bathroom. MAKING PEDIATRIC ORAL CARE FUN IN HOUSTON, TX As your board-certified Houston pediatric dentists, Dr. Parker and Dr. Nasir are all about providing high-quality pediatric dental care enjoyable and comfortable for kids. That’s why our office is a fun, safe, and friendly environment for kids and their adults. Need more ideas to level up your kids' at-home oral hygiene? Set up your next check-up and cleaning , and we’ll talk about more fun ways to get your kids to brush their teeth better!

Think mouthwash is only for adults who want to avoid bad breath? Guess again! You might be surprised that mouthwash can boost your kids’ oral health. Kids can use mouthwash? Yes, as your Houston, TX, pediatric dentist, Dr. Kristi Parker and the Park Dentistry team can confidently say that mouthwash for kids is something to consider. Let’s talk about kids and mouthwash in more detail so you can understand how it fits into your kids’ oral health routine .

For some kids, a visit to the dentist brings up feelings of anxiety, even dread. But pediatric dentist, Dr. Kristi Parker , and the team at Park Dentistry turn those potential frowns upside down with a compassionate, kid-friendly approach to pediatric dental care. As your Houston, TX, pediatric dentist, we welcome patients from babies to young adults into a fun, safe, and comfortable dental care experience that inspires a lifelong love for good oral health. Prioritizing Kids’ Comfort As a pediatric dentist , Dr. Kristi Parker brings specialized training and experience in treating children’s oral health care needs. High-quality pediatric dental care pairs with a friendly, patient approach that puts kids and their adults at ease. The Park Dentistry team utilizes our expertise in gentle, child-specific behavior techniques, including compassionate approaches for children with special needs. Parents are welcome to sit in on appointments so their kids feel confident during their visit and parents know what’s going on with their kids’ oral health. Oral hygiene education is important, so we welcome any and all oral care questions from both parents and kids during visits. Park Dentistry also offers safe sedation dentistry for patients who need extra help feeling comfortable. Sedation dentistry helps alleviate anxieties so patients can get the comprehensive treatment they need, whether it’s a filling for cavities in baby teeth or a routine cleaning. Making Kids’ Dental Care Fun Park Dentistry knows what makes kids light up. Dr. Parker and her dental care team use kid-friendly terms for treatments and tools, have toys and TVs in exam rooms, and never skip out on the prizes. Our Houston pediatric dental office is bright and modern and even includes a playful, park-like feel with grass textures and open spaces. Up-to-date Techniques, Technology and Knowledge Your Houston, TX, pediatric dentistry team uses the latest research-backed techniques and technology to ensure their young patients receive comfortable, efficient, and effective dental care. Dr. Parker is a board-certified pediatric dentist, which introduces an extra level of industry accountability and knowledge in pediatric dentistry for your peace of mind. About Dr. Kristi Parker Dr. Kristi Parker first practiced dentistry for patients of all ages, but her love of working with children motivated her to take another step and complete her dental residency in pediatric dentistry. She is a board-certified pediatric dentist by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry , is on the leadership team of the Houston Association of Pediatric Dentists, and a member of both the American Association of Pediatric Dentistry and Texas Dental Association.

Make your child's first dental visit a positive and stress-free experience in Houston, TX! Park Dentistry for Kids shares valuable tips for parents to ensure a smooth and comfortable introduction to oral health care.

What is a Pediatric Dentist? When it comes to ensuring your child’s oral health, you may be wondering if they need to see a pediatric dentist. A pediatric dentist specializes in the dental care of children from infancy through adolescence. They are trained and experienced in treating the unique needs of young patients, such as providing preventive care, diagnosing cavities or other problems early on, and performing minor surgical procedures. By visiting a pediatric dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, parents can help ensure their child has healthy teeth and gums into adulthood. Pediatric dentists must complete an additional two years of specialized training after completing dental school. This extra training allows them to become experts in areas such as growth and development issues related to teeth; how diet affects oral health; behavior management techniques that help reduce fear or anxiety during visits; recognizing signs of abuse or neglect; orthodontics (braces); interceptive orthodontics (correcting bite problems at an early age); sedation dentistry (using medication so children feel relaxed during treatments); and more! Benefits of a Pediatric Dentist On top of being specially trained for working with kids, there are many benefits that come with seeing a pediatric dentist over another type of general practitioner or family doctor when it comes to your child's oral health. Here are some reasons why you should consider taking your little one to visit one today: Compassionate Care. : One advantage that sets apart pediatric dentists from regular ones is their dedication towards creating positive experiences for children by making sure they have fun while getting excellent treatment at the same time. Customized Treatment Plans .: Another benefit is that these professionals create customized treatment plans based on the individual needs and preferences of each patient. Preventative Services .: Regular visits will also allow your child’s dentist to monitor their progress closely while helping them establish good habits like brushing twice daily which can lead to healthier smiles later down the road! Finding A Pediatric Dentist In Houston, TX If you're looking for a great pediatric dentist in Houston, TX here are few tips on how best to find one who meets all your criteria : Ask For Referrals From Friends And Family: The best way to find out about any service provider is by asking those around us who have had experience with them before – this includes friends, family members, neighbors, etc . Not only do they provide valuable feedback, but they might even give you contact information too! Look Up Online Reviews : Thanks to technology, we now have access to reviews online quickly without having to leave our homes! It 's important though not to just rely on what others say - take the time to read through different opinions and get an overall sense of the quality of services being offered by a particular practice/dentist before making any decisions. Check their website/social media accounts: Most reputable practices will have websites detailing all relevant information including qualifications, staff members, background history, office hours, etc . Additionally, checking out social media accounts gives one insight into how well connected the practice is to its community which could be a deciding factor when choosing the right fit for yourself/child! ​​

Reasons Why Sealants Are Important Sealants are an important part of preventive dental care, as they can help prevent cavities in the molars and premolars. These teeth are especially prone to decay because they have deep grooves and depressions that can be difficult to clean. The sealant acts as a barrier, preventing bacteria and food particles from getting into these crevices and causing cavities. Benefits of Sealants Sealants are a safe, effective, and cost-effective way to protect your teeth from decay. They are easy to apply and can last for up to 10 years with proper care. Sealants are also painless and can be done in a single visit to the dentist. Importance of Sealants for Children Children are especially prone to cavities, as their teeth are still developing and they often have difficulty brushing and flossing properly. Sealants can be especially beneficial for children, as they provide an extra layer of protection against cavities. Additionally, sealants can help children learn proper oral hygiene habits, as they can serve as a visual reminder to brush and floss their teeth. Finding a Pediatric Dentist in Houston TX If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Houston TX, there are a few things to consider. First, you should make sure the dentist is board certified and experienced in providing dental care for children. Additionally, you should make sure the office is child friendly and has a comfortable atmosphere. Finally, you should make sure the dentist is willing to answer any questions you may have and provide comprehensive care for your child. At Park Dentistry for Kids is a place where kids can experience the very best in dental care, while having fun learning and practicing good oral health habits. As a parent, you want the best for your child in every aspect of life, including their oral health. Call us at 713-338-2073 and allow the team at Park Dentistry for Kids to help with all your child's dental needs!

Electric Toothbrushes and Their Benefits Electric toothbrushes have been around for decades, yet many people are unaware of their benefits. Electric toothbrushes are powered by batteries and use a rotating or vibrating head to clean teeth. They are more effective than manual toothbrushes at removing plaque and bacteria, and they can also help reduce gum disease, cavities, and bad breath. Electric toothbrushes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be used by both adults and children. They are easy to use, and they can be used on both the upper and lower teeth. Electric toothbrushes are available in both rechargeable and disposable varieties, and they come in a variety of colors and styles. Features of Electric Toothbrushes When it comes to electric toothbrushes, there are many features to consider. For example, some electric toothbrushes have a timer that helps ensure you brush for the recommended two minutes. Others have a pressure sensor that helps protect your gums from being brushed too hard. Some electric toothbrushes even come with special heads that are designed to target specific areas of the mouth, such as the back teeth or the tongue. How an Electric Toothbrush Can Improve Oral Hygiene If you are interested in learning more about how an electric toothbrush can improve your oral hygiene, you should speak to your dentist. Your dentist can provide you with information about the different types of electric toothbrushes available, as well as the benefits of each. Your dentist can also give you tips on how to use an electric toothbrush properly, and how to care for it. If you are looking for a pediatric dentist in Houston, TX, you should start by doing some research online. You can search for local pediatric dental practices, read reviews, and compare prices. You can also ask your friends and family for recommendations. Once you have narrowed down your list of potential pediatric dentists, you should make an appointment to meet with each one and discuss your child’s oral health needs. Your pediatric dentist will be able to answer any questions you may have about electric toothbrushes and how they can help improve your child’s oral hygiene. Contact Park Dentistry for Kids and receive the excellent pediatric care that you and your child deserve.

The importance of proper oral hygiene for children and the benefits of visiting a pediatric dentist Good oral hygiene is an important part of overall health, and it’s never too early to start teaching children the importance of taking care of their teeth. While regular brushing and flossing are essential, visiting a pediatric dentist is the best way to ensure that your child’s teeth and gums remain healthy. A pediatric dentist specializes in the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence. Pediatric dentists are trained to understand the unique needs of children, and they provide comprehensive, preventive care that helps children maintain healthy teeth and gums. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by the age of one, or as soon as their first tooth appears. This is important because it allows the pediatric dentist to monitor the development of your child’s teeth and gums, and to identify and address any potential problems early on. Regular dental visits also help to ensure that your child’s teeth and gums remain healthy, and that any potential problems are addressed quickly. Pediatric dentists are also trained to provide children with preventive care, such as fluoride treatments and sealants, which can help to protect your child’s teeth from decay and cavities. The range of services that a pediatric dentist can provide A pediatric dentist in Houston TX can provide a wide range of services to help keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy. These services include: Preventive Care - Pediatric dentists provide preventive care, such as fluoride treatments and sealants, which can help to protect your child’s teeth from decay and cavities. Regular check-ups help to identify any potential problems early on, and the pediatric dentist can provide advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques. Restorative Care - If your child has a cavity or other dental problem, the pediatric dentist can provide restorative care to address the issue. This includes fillings, crowns, and other treatments to restore your child’s teeth to full health. Orthodontic Care - Orthodontic care is important for helping to ensure that your child’s teeth and gums remain healthy. The pediatric dentist can provide advice on the best orthodontic treatment for your child, and can refer you to a specialist if needed. The advantages of preventive care and education for children Preventive care and education are essential for helping to ensure that your child’s teeth and gums remain healthy. Regular check-ups allow the pediatric dentist to identify any potential problems early on, and the pediatric dentist can provide advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques. In addition, preventive care and education can help to instill good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. Regular dental visits can help to ensure that your child’s teeth and gums remain healthy, and that any potential problems are addressed quickly. Tips for parents on how to instill good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime Good oral hygiene habits should be instilled from an early age. Here are some tips for parents on how to help their children develop good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime: Start Early - It’s never too early to start teaching children the importance of taking care of their teeth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children have their first dental visit by the age of one, or as soon as their first tooth appears. Make it Fun - Make brushing and flossing fun by playing music, using fun-flavored toothpaste, or playing a game. This will help to make sure that your child looks forward to brushing and flossing their teeth. Set a Good Example - Children learn by example, so make sure that you practice good oral hygiene habits yourself. This will help to ensure that your child understands the importance of taking care of their teeth. Visit the Pediatric Dentist Regularly - Regular visits to the pediatric dentist are essential for helping to ensure that your child’s teeth and gums remain healthy. The pediatric dentist can provide preventive care, such as fluoride treatments and sealants, and can provide advice on proper brushing and flossing techniques. Good oral hygiene is an important part of overall health, and visiting a pediatric dentist in Houston, TX is the best way to ensure that your child’s teeth and gums remain healthy. By following these tips, you can help to instill good oral hygiene habits that will last a lifetime. Contact us at 713-338-2073 to keep your child on tract to good dental hygiene!