Surf's Up Pediatric Dentistry Blog

Few things are tougher than trying to comfort a fussy, teething baby when everyone is exhausted and desperately needs sleep. Just as you settle into bed, your little one starts crying again, and you wonder how you can help them feel better. Teething can make bedtime challenging, but a few simple strategies may help soothe your baby’s discomfort and make nights a little more restful for the whole family.

Losing a baby tooth is a major milestone in childhood. For some kids, though, that milestone can come with plenty of worry. The idea of a loose tooth, a little blood, or the thought of something falling out of their mouth can understandably feel strange or even frightening.

The good news? With a little preparation and reassurance, parents can help turn tooth loss into something your child looks forward to rather than fears.

Helping any child establish healthy oral hygiene habits can be a challenge, but children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) may need a little extra support. Difficulty focusing, forgetfulness, sensory sensitivities, and impulsivity can make brushing, flossing, and sitting through dental appointments more challenging. Fortunately, with the right strategies and a little patience, parents can help their children build habits that support a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Here are 4 practical tips to make oral healthcare easier for children with ADHD.

When your child’s baby teeth were first coming in, you might’ve been excited about this milestone. You started to see their tiny smile come into shape, but these structures are placeholders for the permanent ones. That means they should fall out on their own, but there are a few instances where they need to be extracted. Here’s what every parent should know about this situation.

Breastfeeding provides many well-known benefits for babies, including nutrition, immune support, and bonding opportunities. What many parents may not realize is that breastfeeding can also play a role in supporting healthy oral development.

As your child grows, understanding the connection between breastfeeding and oral health can help you make informed decisions and establish healthy habits from the very beginning. Here are six important facts every breastfeeding parent should know.

When most people think about cavities, they often associate them with sugar and poor brushing habits. While these factors play a major role, tooth decay is actually driven by specific bacteria in the mouth. One lesser known but increasingly studied contributor is Streptococcus sputigena, a microorganism that may play a role in the development of dental decay.

Teething can be a challenging time for both babies and parents. As new teeth begin to emerge, infants may experience sore gums, irritability, and a strong urge to chew. Teething rings are a popular solution to help soothe discomfort, but are they safe? The answer is yes, when used correctly and chosen carefully.

As a parent, you might be trying your best to make sure your child has great oral hygiene. While you might’ve put importance on brushing, flossing is something you shouldn’t forget about. It can help remove harmful bacteria that their toothbrush can’t reach, but teaching your loved one can be quite a feat. Here are three tips to help encourage them to pick up this oral habit.

If your child is like others, they enjoy drinking juice, sports drinks, or other fruity beverages. While many of these products promote “real fruit,” “no added sugars,” etc., many parents remain unaware of the hidden dangers these drinks can possess. If you are wondering whether the beverages you’re giving your child might be putting their smile at risk for cavities, here are a few ways you can tell.

The challenges you and your teen face may be vastly different. You might be worried about deadlines for work, while they may be stressing about an upcoming test. Regardless, you likely want to do your best to support them as they grow up. One way that you can is by making sure their smile is in great shape and isn’t something that adds to the pile of things they are stressed about. Here are four problems that can affect their grin and how to help them avoid any issues.