As one of the most popular dental offices in The Woodlands, we often hear parents and children ask us if something they’ve heard on TV or read online is true. Most of the time, what they’ve heard or read is not true. They are myths that continue to spread despite dental experts sharing research and statistics against the information. Since we want our patients to be the most knowledgeable ones in the nation, we wanted to debunk some of the most common kid’s dentistry myths here.

#1: Kids Should Never Chew Gum

Gum can be good for kids’ teeth, as long as it’s sugar-free. Without the sugar, the bacteria in the mouth won’t produce enough acid to cause damage. The act of chewing also increases the amount of saliva in the mouth. This can keep cavities away.

#2: Fruit Juice Is a Healthy Option

Did you know that fruit juice can have as much sugar as a soda? It’s true! That amount of sugar cancels out all of the benefits of the small amount of vitamins in the juice.
As mentioned above, sugar causes bacteria in the mouth to become acidic. The more sugar that is introduced, the more acidic the mouth becomes. This acid breaks down tooth enamel, which compromises the integrity of the teeth and can lead to tooth decay and cavities.

#3: Always Have Children Brush Their Own Teeth

Yes, you should have children brush their own teeth IF they can do it effectively. Most children do not know how to brush their teeth because they were told to do it before they were taught how to do it right. Spend time with your toddler every night showing him/her how to brush effectively. When your toddler takes over the handle of the brush, watch to see if all parts of the teeth and gums are brushed adequately. If after a month or so, you haven’t had to correct your toddler, he/she should be ready to do it all alone.

#4: Baby Teeth Just Aren’t Important, They Fall Out Eventually

Baby teeth are the foundation of a long life of good oral health. When that foundation is strong and healthy, people grow up with strong and healthy adult teeth. This isn’t the only reason it is important to care for baby teeth. It’s also because if baby teeth are not cared for well, tooth decay may develop. This decay can cause pain and infection that spreads into the gums and causes damage to adult teeth that have yet to emerge.

#5: Cavities Are Only Caused by Sugar

Sugar does play a huge role in cavities, but there are many other causes that kids and adults should be aware of. Starches can increase the amount of plaque in your mouth, which clings to teeth. If that plaque is not removed regularly (every 6 months at least), it can cause teeth to decay or cavities. Deep grooves in the teeth are also another cause of cavities. Some children have sealants placed on their teeth to keep bacteria out of the deep grooves.

Spread the Word

Now that you’ve read the truth about the most common kid’s dentistry myths, share the information with everyone you know. That way everyone will understand how to better care for their children’s dental health. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a dental appointment for your child, contact Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry.

Most dental patients only want to hear one thing during an appointment, “No cavities!”. Unfortunately, this isn’t being said by dentists as much nowadays, especially to our children. The two main reasons cavities are often even more common in children are poor diet and inadequate oral hygiene.

How Diet Leads to Cavities

Diets high in sugar are the main reason children are suffering from more cavities. When sugar combines with bacteria in the mouth, it produces acid. This acid penetrates teeth and erodes enamel, which is what leads to cavities. The most common foods and drinks that increase oral acidity are:

• Cake
• Candy
• Ice Cream
• Soft Drinks
• Diet Soft Drinks
• Sports Energy Drinks
• Juice

Anything that has a high amount of sugar can cause cavities. The only way to limit the amount of sugar is to look at nutrition labels. Children should consume less than six teaspoons or 25 grams of sugar a day.
In addition to limiting the amount of sugar children consume, good oral hygiene is important.

How Inadequate Oral Hygiene Leads to Cavities

It can be difficult to limit sugar consumption all the time. Even a small amount of sugar can cause enough acid in the mouth to cause cavities. Usually, this is because the sugar sits in the mouth for long periods of time. This is especially true when someone consumes a sugary food or drink and then goes to sleep for several hours without brushing or flossing the bacteria out of the mouth. The acid sits in the mouth, erodes tooth enamel, and then leads to cavities.

Cavity Prevention Tips

Dentists recommend brushing and flossing in the morning after breakfast, after lunch, and then before bedtime. Brushing and flossing keeps the amount of acid in the mouth at a low level decreasing the chance of cavities and tooth decay.

Pediatric dentists recommend that parents brush their children’s teeth as soon as they can be seen. Baby brushes are perfect for this and not only can they remove bacteria from the teeth, but it gets them comfortable with having the brush in their mouth. Around age 2, a child should be trying to hold the brush and spit. A small amount of children’s toothpaste can be used at this time as well.

Even though young children may not consume a lot of sugar, some bacteria exist. Brushing and flossing can help children rid their mouth of bacteria and get them in the habit of good oral hygiene for when they do start consuming more sugary foods and drinks.

In addition to brushing and flossing at least twice a day, parents should take their children to a dentist for kids. Pediatric dentists specialize in examining baby teeth and ensure adult teeth are coming through correctly. This also helps children get comfortable seeking care from a dentist.

Contact Our Pediatric Dentist in The Woodlands

If you’re looking for a dentist who can give your child a great dental appointment experience, contact Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry. We have dentists for kids who not only know what to look for in children’s oral health but take the time to ensure they feel comfortable with their care.

Schedule an appointment now by calling us at (936) 231-8705. We are conveniently located on 17450 St Lukes Way #260 in The Woodlands.

If you want to keep smiling with a healthy and well functioning set of pearly whites, follow these easy tips to help you keep your teeth healthy.

1. Brush at least twice a day.

The best time to brush teeth is at the start and end of each day or after meals. Choose a toothbrush with a small head for better access to back teeth. Soft bristle toothbrushes are kinder on your gums. Toothbrushes should be changed 3-4 times a year.

2. Start kids on a dental regimen early on.

One in four young children develops signs of tooth decay before they start school. Half of all children between the ages of 12 and 15 have cavities. Start with a regimen when the first tooth appears, using a super soft brush or cloth to clean teeth until the age of two when they can begin brushing for themselves, under your careful supervision.

3. Use fluoridated toothpaste.

Fluoride helps to harden tooth enamel and reduces your risk of decay. Many people drink water that is fluoridated, but if yours is not there is a specialized fluoride application that can be placed on your teeth. Many toothpastes and mouth rinses contain fluoride – but be careful not to use too much as it can cause white spots on teeth.

4. Seal your teeth.

Permanent molars come in around age 6. Thin protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of the back teeth can prevent decay in the pits and fissures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sealants can significantly reduce caries. Yet only one in three U.S. kids receives dental sealants. Talk to your dental professional.

5. Floss your teeth daily.

Use a slow and gentle sawing motion when flossing at least once, if not twice a day and especially when recognizing food debris in your teeth.

6. Limit acidic drinks like soft drinks, cordials and fruit juices.

Food acids soften tooth material and dissolve the minerals in tooth enamel, causing holes (cavities or caries). In severe cases, teeth may be ‘eaten’ right down to the gum.

7. Limit sugary foods.

That gummy worm and all the sugar gets lodged in your teeth and creates a cavity playground.

8. Protect your teeth from injury.

Wear a mouthguard when playing sports.

9. Try to save a knocked out tooth.

If possible, hold the tooth back in place while you seek immediate dental advice. If this is not possible, wrap the tooth in plastic or place it in milk and seek dental help as soon as possible.

10. Avoid using your teeth for anything other than chewing food.

If you use them to crack nuts, remove bottle tops or rip open packaging, you risk chipping or even breaking your teeth.

11. See your dentist for regular check-ups.

You should also book an appointment at Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry if you have a dental problem such as a toothache or bleeding gums.

Dental health doesn’t have to be difficult, following these simple steps you can ensure your best dental health and smile for years to come!

We know that the cold winter weather and dry air wreak havoc on the skin. Did you know that these weather conditions can also facilitate dental problems? Being aware of these winter dental woes, as well as how to combat them, will help to keep your mouth healthy in the cold, and avoid the tooth pain and increased sensitivity which many of us experience in the wintertime.

4 Reasons to Visit the Dentist in Winter:

1. 1. To Avoid Crowds and Long Waits:

The winter is a great time to schedule a dental appointment! Summertime means that there will be an influx of parents taking their children in for a check up, especially during the back-to-school season. Many college students might make appointments during spring break, but the longer winter break means that the appointment times won’t be as concentrated. We recommend that you come in now to ensure your dental health all year long––without the wait!

1. 1. Getting sick affects your teeth, too:

Maybe you were unlucky enough to catch a cold or flu. Cough syrups, cough drops, and other remedies contain high amounts of high fructose corn syrup or other sugars. These can have a negative impact on the teeth, especially if you are not flossing and brushing regularly. Other drugs may contain citric acid or alcohol, which attack the enamel of your teeth. Additionally, it’s important to switch out your toothbrush after you’ve been sick. You don’t want to reinfect yourself!

1. 1. To Fight Harsh Winters:

The cold weather and lack of sunlight that accompany winter can be tough for the best of us. As many as 20% of Americans, especially those in Northern climates, can be afflicted with Seasonal Affective Disorder. This form of depression arises during the winter season and may make it hard to perform even basic oral hygiene activities. Depression is highly correlated with poor dental health, so it’s important to try to maintain oral hygiene all year long.

1. 1. Prepare for Spring:

Winter means that many of us are huddled up in our homes, whether we are enjoying the heater or a toasty fireplace. Fewer outings are planned, which means more free time. It’s a good idea to schedule a winter dentist appointment to get out of the house and to take advantage of these more idle months. Springtime consists of spring cleaning, gardening, chaperoning the kids’ sports and other activities, so be sure to schedule your appointment now before things get too busy!

Final Verdict:
If you need one of your regular dental checkups, December is just the right time. Book your appointment and visit Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry this winter! Call us today at (936) 231-8705 to schedule now!

The food that surrounds the holiday season is, no doubt, delicious! But don’t forget that all of the foods you eat do have an affect on your teeth, and it’s important to be aware of what you’re eating. This blog will list some of the most common holiday foods and their effect on your teeth.

Holiday Feast Foods

Pumpkin Pie
Pumpkin pie, on one hand, is great for your teeth because it has lots of vitamin A, which helps maintain healthy gums. On the other hand, this pie also has a lot of added sugar so be e sure to brush after enjoying a slice.

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy
Mashed Potatoes and Gravy have a lot of potassium, B6, and vitamin C. On the other hand, potatoes are starchy and they can easily bring in bacteria that will cause cavities. That’s why you again need to brush as soon as possible after eating.

Macaroni and Cheese
Since Macaroni and Cheese has a lot of calcium, it’s a great food for boosting dental health. However, it is also full of sugar, and that means you might be faced with cavities in the long run. We recommend you to clean your teeth quickly after eating this food.

Green Bean Casserole
Since the Green Bean Casserole has a lot of mushrooms and green beans, it is a very healthy meal. But as you know, you can end up with some beans stuck in between your teeth. Flossing will help you get rid of that, so it’s not a huge deal to begin with. In fact, it’s a great staple to have in any holiday meal!

Yams
Yams are full of vitamins and are great for your overall health and even for your vision. However, if they are combined with marshmallows they can be very sticky. So the best thing that you can do is to eat them with moderation to avoid any effects on your teeth.

Cranberry Sauce
Cranberry Sauce is not exactly a good thing for your teeth. There is often lots of sugar or sugar alternatives added in there. This acidic, sticky dish can easily cause dental decay and stains. Fortunately, most of us only enjoy this dish during the holidays and not on a regular basis. Just remember to clean your teeth properly afterwards.

As you can see, not all holiday food is problematic for your teeth. Sure, there are some foods that have quite a bit of sugar, but if you eat them carefully and with moderation you’ll be just fine. But one thing is certain, you have to clean your teeth after eating to avoid any stains or other problems.

The holidays are often a time for indulgence! It’s also important to keep your health in check during this season, so be sure to schedule your appointment today! Call Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry at (936) 231-8705 for information.

It’s a great time of year––the holidays are coming up, everything’s getting more festive, and the food is delicious! Those are all great things, but it is important to always take your health into consideration, while still enjoying yourself.

October is a month notorious for its sweet treats; candy, caramel apples, and goodies galore! Even enjoying these treats in moderation can have a significant impact on your dental health. We all know that sugar is bad for our teeth, but why exactly? This blog will delve more significantly into this topic and clarify the ways in which our habits affect all aspects of our health.

Sugar and Tooth Decay

Plaque bacteria rest on and in between your teeth, and if given the proper fuel, will wreak havoc on your teeth’s enamel. Sugar plays a significant role in that this carbohydrate acts as a food source and a form of energy for these unwanted habitants. When well-fed, plaque bacteria will multiply faster and glue itself to your teeth, which makes it harder for your body to naturally get rid of it.

Constantly at Battle

Teeth enamel is one of the hardest substances in the body. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s not susceptible to damage. Plaque bacteria are small but mighty, and they produce acids that wear away at your tooth enamel and cause decay and cavities. Your saliva acts as a natural protectant for your teeth, and strengthens your teeth’s defenses through a process called remineralization––it returns minerals such as calcium and phosphates to your teeth and even washes away some of the bacteria. However, eating an excessive amount of sugar turns this into a losing battle and leaves your teeth at risk.

How to Prevent Tooth Decay

We are all at risk for tooth decay, as we all have some level of plaque bacteria in our mouths. However, children are more at risk than adults. Halloween and its association with excessive candy consumption leaves our children especially vulnerable to tooth decay and other dental issues.

• Making regular trips to the dentist will not only ensure that your teeth are kept healthy and clean, but it will allow any dental issues, especially in their beginning stages, to be effectively treated and taken care of.
• Brush, brush, brush your teeth! And floss! These routine tasks are a major factor in promoting you and your family’s dental and overall health. Doing these in conjunction will help to remove a large portion of the plaque that rest on your teeth and leave them susceptible to decay.
• Watch out for hidden sugars––beverages such as orange juice have high amounts of sugar that can harm teeth. Many processed food have more sugar than we think!
• The sticker the candy, the worse for your teeth! As delicious as they are, butterscotches and caramels remain on the teeth and act as a fuel for dental plaque.
• Rinse your mouth with water after eating to flush away some of the residual food or bacteria.

Join us on the mission to promote better dental health! Make sure that your family is practicing good habits when it comes to dental hygiene and that you are aware of what you are consuming. It’s ok to enjoy treats in moderation, but be sure to clean your mouth properly and to schedule an appointment at Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry today to ensure that your smile will shine brighter than any jack-o-lantern!

Dental hygiene is an important part of our overall health! For this reason, we should make sure to form healthy habits when it comes to keeping our teeth clean. When taking care of our teeth, we have the option to choose either an electric or a regular toothbrush.

When it comes to a regular toothbrush, you need to move the toothbrush over your teeth manually in order to remove plaque. Electric toothbrushes vibrate and their bristles move in a circular motion. However, both serve the same purpose of cleaning your teeth.

Benefits of Electric Toothbrushes

One benefit of an electric toothbrush is that it is very thorough in removing plaque from the teeth. Their effectiveness is attributed to the fact that the bristles are moving while they are applied to the tooth’s surface. Manual toothbrushes’ effectiveness, on the other hand, depends entirely on the effort that you put into brushing your teeth.

Other than being highly efficient at cleaning teeth, electric toothbrushes can be helpful when it comes to people with limited mobility in their hands. Users are able to achieve cleaner teeth with the press of a button. Many electric toothbrushes also have timers built into them to notify you when you have cleaned your teeth sufficiently. This feature minimizes the problem of hurriedly brushed teeth, which may leave decay-causing plaque in the mouth.

Electric toothbrushes are also fun to use! The buzzing sound can encourage children especially to want to brush their teeth. Some people also find that regular toothbrushes can be tedious to use. Additionally, electric toothbrushes make it much easier for people with dental therapy devices, such as braces, to brush their teeth efficiently.

Benefits of Manual Toothbrushes

All toothbrushes eventually wear out. However, manual brushes are usually less expensive than their electric counterparts to replace. With regards to electric toothbrushes, when it’s time to change it out, all you will need to do is replace the head, as opposed to the entire toothbrush. That being said they are generally more expensive than regular toothbrushes.

Manual toothbrushes are also a bit easier to take on the go, as they do not require a charging station.

Electric toothbrushes also stimulate more saliva production in the mouth, which can easily cause a mess—especially with kids. Moreover, some might experience discomfort as a result of the vibrations, and they may favor regular toothbrushes that move at their own pace.

While considering whether to use a regular or electric toothbrush, it is important to pick one that will both suit your preferences and serve its purpose. Ultimately, you need a toothbrush to keep your mouth clean and healthy, and thus, picking the option that will ensure that you are able achieve your desired outcome comfortably is the way to go. To learn more about best dental practices make an appointment with Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry today!

At least once in everyone’s life, your dentist or parents have likely told you to brush your teeth twice a day. Flossing is also emphasized for healthy teeth. However, sometimes after brushing your teeth and flossing, your breath will still smell bad. The reason for this, is that you may be neglecting to clean your tongue.

Your mouth will never truly be clean unless you brush your tongue too. Plus, no matter how much you brush your teeth, if you don’t clean your tongue then there will always be a higher risk of your teeth developing plaque, decaying, yellowing and developing cavities.

Why Should We Clean The Tongue?

Our tongue is one of the body parts that has the most bacteria. To us, our tongue seems to be a flat and flexible muscular organ. However, the tongue has all sorts of elevations, crevices and taste buds which help hide the bacteria. These elevations are homes for the bacteria. The surface of your tongue has bumps known as papillae within which bacteria may hide as well.

This bacteria accumulation can cause cavities in your teeth as well as bad breath. Cleaning your tongue also helps get rid of the biofilm which forms over your tongue because of the bacteria.

The biofilm prevents your tongue from fully tasting and enjoying the taste of your meals. Literally, dulling your taste buds. Removing this biofilm can help your taste buds taste food more effectively. This helps aid in the digestive process.

How To Clean The Tongue Effectively

Rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash after brushing will not fully clean your tongue either. The bacteria in our mouth is very stubborn. Rinsing with a mouthwash will only destroy the outer cells of the biofilm, not those cells which thrive underneath it.

To remove this bacteria effectively, get a tongue scraper. You can get a tongue scraper as most stores with a dental section. If you, however, do not have a tongue scraper or cannot find one, you can still get rid of the bacteria by brushing your tongue with a toothbrush. Some toothbrushes have bumps on them at the back which helps scrape your tongue. However, don’t brush your tongue too roughly. The skin on your tongue may start tearing.

Always start scraping your tongue as far back as possible. The farther you scrape, the more biofilm you’ll be able to get rid of. Make sure to cover every surface and crevice of your tongue with the tongue scraper or toothbrush.

Good dental care doesn’t just mean brushing your teeth. It is time to start taking care of your tongue as well. Don’t neglect it. It is a very important part of our body. To learn more about proper dental care make an appointment with Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry today!

Many of our patients use dental benefit plans, so we would like to explain why your insurance may not cover the entire cost of your dental procedure, or why it covers some dental procedures and not others.

Most dental benefit plans are the result of a contract between your employer and an insurance company. The person who negotiates the terms of your insurance plan makes the final decision on maximum levels of reimbursement through a contract with the insurance company.

Other plans may want you to choose your dental care from a list of their preferred providers. Choosing your dental care provider from this defined group can affect your levels of reimbursement. Your plan may also tell you that they will only pay benefits for the least expensive alternative treatment for a condition, or deny coverage for conditions that existed before you enrolled in the plan.

A deductible is the amount of dental expense for you are responsible for before your plan will assume any liability for payment of benefits and could increase your out-of-pocket expenses. In addition, many plans do not provide coverage for all dental procedures. This does not mean that these procedures are not necessary – it just means that your employer has purchased a plan that does not cover the cost of providing coverage for these services.

If you have questions about your dental benefits plan, we recommend you contact your insurance provider, your human resources department at work or Enchanted Forest Pediatric Dentistry.

Sometimes parents and other caregivers do not realize that a baby’s teeth can start to decay as soon as they appear in the mouth. Decay in infants and toddlers is called early childhood caries. It occurs when teeth are frequently exposed to sugary liquids such as fruit juice, soda, milk, breast milk and formula for long periods of time. Early childhood caries can destroy the teeth of an infant or young child. It can even harm the adult teeth forming in the jaws.

The good news is that your child can avoid tooth decay. To help reduce the risk of tooth decay, babies and toddlers should finish their naptime and bedtime bottles before going to bed. Children should not be allowed frequent sips of sugary liquids from bottles or training cups, since this can also lead to decay