Surf's Up Pediatric Dentistry Blog

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.

When it comes to sports and physical activity, most people think about protecting their head, knees, or shoulders. Helmets, pads, and braces are common safety gear, but there’s one piece of protection that often gets overlooked: a mouthguard. Your teeth may be small, but injuries to them can be painful, expensive, and long-lasting.

Whether you play contact sports or enjoy recreational activities, wearing a mouthguard is one of the easiest ways to protect your smile.

When it comes to brushing, one size definitely does not fit all—especially for kids. From toddlers learning to brush for the first time to teens navigating braces, the right toothbrush can make daily oral care easier, more effective, and even more enjoyable. Choosing a toothbrush based on age, dental needs, and comfort helps set children up for healthier smiles as they grow.

A mouthguard is an important tool for protecting your teeth from injury, grinding, and wear, whether you use one for sports or to prevent nighttime teeth grinding. Proper care helps your mouthguard stay effective, comfortable, and hygienic. Here’s a simple guide to how to take care of your mouthguard and extend its lifespan.

Mouthguards play an important role in protecting your teeth, whether you’re an athlete, a nighttime teeth grinder, or someone dealing with jaw pain. While store-bought mouthguards are easy to find and relatively inexpensive, they don’t offer the same level of protection or comfort as a custom mouthguard made by your dentist. Here are 4 key benefits of choosing a custom mouthguard over an over-the-counter option.