dentistry

The new year is a great time to set health goals for your family—and your children’s oral health should be at the top of the list. Healthy teeth and gums are essential for their overall well-being, and building good habits now sets them up for a lifetime of great dental care. The best part? Small changes can make a big impact!

Here are five easy, kid-friendly resolutions to keep your little ones smiling all year long.

1. Make Flossing Fun

Flossing is critical for preventing cavities between teeth, but getting kids to do it can be tricky. Start small: aim for flossing three times a week, then build up to daily as it becomes part of their routine. To make it fun, use colorful floss picks, create a reward chart, or let them pick a special floss flavor they’ll enjoy.

2. Upgrade Their Toothbrush

Kids can’t clean effectively with an old or frayed toothbrush, so start the year by swapping theirs out. A soft-bristled toothbrush with their favorite cartoon character or a kid-friendly electric toothbrush can make brushing more exciting.

Electric toothbrushes are especially helpful because they provide a thorough clean and often come with timers, teaching your child to brush for the dentist-recommended two minutes.

3. Book Dental Checkups Together

Staying on top of dental appointments is key to your child’s oral health. Make it a resolution to schedule two checkups this year—one every six months—and put them on the family calendar now. Regular visits help prevent cavities, identify any early issues, and keep your kids comfortable with the dentist’s office.

Pro tip: Choose a pediatric dentist who can create a fun and welcoming experience for your little ones.

4. Sip More Water

Sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sports drinks are some of the biggest culprits behind cavities in kids. Encourage your children to drink more water throughout the day—it helps wash away food particles and keeps their teeth strong.

If plain water feels boring, add a few slices of fruit like oranges or strawberries for natural flavor. And don’t forget, tap water often contains fluoride, which protects your kids’ enamel from decay.

5. Cut Back on Sugar, Little by Little

Completely cutting out sugar isn’t realistic (or fun), but you can help your kids make healthier choices by starting small. Replace one sugary snack a day with a tooth-friendly option like cheese, nuts, or crunchy fruits and veggies like apples or carrots. These foods are great for their teeth and just as satisfying.

When sweets are on the menu, make sure your kids brush soon after—or at least rinse their mouths with water to reduce the impact on their teeth.

Set the Tone for Lifelong Habits

Kids learn by example, so show them the importance of good oral hygiene by doing these resolutions together. Brush and floss with them, drink water as a family, and make healthier snack choices together. The new year is a perfect opportunity to team up for a healthier, happier smile.

With just a few simple changes, you’ll help protect your child’s teeth and set them up for lifelong dental success. Cheers to making 2025 their brightest year yet—one smile at a time!

The holidays are a magical time, but let’s face it—they can also be incredibly stressful. Between gift shopping, hosting dinners, and a never-ending to-do list, it’s no surprise that the holiday hustle takes a toll on our bodies. For many, that stress can show up as teeth grinding, or bruxism. Waking up with a sore jaw, headaches, or tooth sensitivity? It could be more than just a rough night’s sleep—it might be holiday-induced bruxism.

Luckily, you don’t have to let stress wreak havoc on your smile. With a combination of preventive tools and healthy habits, you can protect your teeth and ease the tension. Here are tips to help you glide through the holidays stress-free and pain-free.

Know the Warning Signs

Teeth grinding often happens subconsciously, especially at night, so the key is recognizing its symptoms. Common signs of bruxism include:

• Morning headaches or migraines.
• Jaw soreness or tightness when you wake up.
• Teeth that feel sensitive or look slightly worn down.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to act before grinding causes long-term damage.

Use a Night Guard

Night guards are one of the easiest ways to protect your teeth from grinding. They create a cushion between your upper and lower teeth, reducing the pressure and preventing enamel wear. You can get a custom-fitted night guard from your dentist or opt for an over-the-counter version as a quick fix. While it won’t solve the underlying stress, it’s a simple step to preserve your teeth during the busiest season of the year.

Try Stress-Relief Techniques

Bruxism and stress go hand in hand, so managing stress is key to reducing teeth grinding. Here are a few stress-relief techniques to incorporate into your holiday routine:

1. Yoga or Stretching: Set aside 10–15 minutes each day for some yoga or light stretching. It helps release tension and promotes relaxation, especially before bed.
2. Mindfulness or Meditation: Even five minutes of guided meditation can help you reset and lower your stress levels. Apps like Headspace or Calm are great tools to get started.
3. Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can exacerbate grinding tendencies. Swap your late-night coffee for herbal tea to promote better sleep and relaxation.
4. Physical Activity: Even a brisk winter walk can help alleviate pent-up tension. Bonus: it’s a great way to enjoy festive lights!

Pay Attention to Your Posture

It may sound unrelated, but slouching or poor posture can contribute to jaw tension. Be mindful of how you’re sitting during work or while scrolling through your gift list. Sitting upright with proper alignment can reduce stress on your jaw and neck muscles.

Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Poor sleep quality often worsens bruxism. Creating a calm pre-bed routine can make a huge difference. Avoid screen time an hour before bed, dim the lights, and treat yourself to a warm bath or soothing music. It’s a small change that can leave you feeling more refreshed—and less likely to grind your teeth.

Check in with Your Dentist

If grinding becomes a consistent problem, schedule a visit with your dentist. They can evaluate the severity of your bruxism and recommend specific solutions, such as adjusting your bite or creating a custom night guard. Dentists are also trained to spot long-term damage caused by grinding, ensuring your oral health stays on track.

Give Yourself Some Grace

Finally, remember: the holidays don’t have to be perfect. Letting go of perfectionist tendencies can ease unnecessary stress. Focus on what truly matters—quality time with loved ones, traditions you cherish, and self-care. Sometimes, simply adjusting your mindset can work wonders for your mental and physical health.

Winter is on the way, and as the air gets chillier, parents might notice their kids complaining about tooth pain when they're outside or enjoying their favorite cold-weather treats. If that sounds familiar, it could be a sign of tooth sensitivity—a pretty common, but manageable, issue that many families face this time of year. And Huntington Smiles has your back. Here’s everything you need to know to keep those smiles warm and pain-free this season!

Why Does Cold Weather Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

Teeth are layered structures. Beneath the hard outer enamel is a softer layer called dentin, which connects directly to the nerves. When enamel wears down or gums recede, it exposes the dentin, making teeth much more sensitive to temperature changes. So, when cold air or icy foods hit, it can trigger a sudden ache or pain.

How to Spot Tooth Sensitivity in Kids

Kids might not always describe what they’re feeling accurately, so keep an eye out for these signs:

• Complaints about “tingling” or “stinging” teeth after cold exposure
• Avoiding or reacting to cold foods and drinks, like ice cream or snow cones
• Frequent rubbing or covering their mouths in the cold

Causes of Tooth Sensitivity

Cold-weather tooth sensitivity is often related to:

1. Thin or Worn Enamel: Acidic foods, sugary snacks, or even brushing too hard can wear down enamel over time, exposing the sensitive inner layer.
2. Gum Recession: If gums pull away from teeth, they can expose the roots, which are more sensitive to temperature changes.
3. Grinding (Bruxism): Some kids clench or grind their teeth without realizing it, which can wear down enamel and lead to sensitivity.
4. Cavities or Tooth Decay: Sensitivity might also be a sign of a cavity, which can be more painful in cold weather.

Practical Tips to Help Your Child Avoid Cold-Weather Tooth Sensitivity

Ready to keep the winter blues away from your child’s teeth? Here are some tips:

• Switch to a Sensitive Toothpaste: Many kids’ toothpastes now offer sensitivity protection. Look for one with potassium nitrate, which can help block pain signals from the nerves.
• Use a Soft-Bristled Toothbrush: This reduces enamel wear and protects sensitive areas. Kids might think it feels gentler, too.
• Encourage Warm Drinks Instead of Cold: A cozy cup of (not too hot) tea, milk, or water helps keep their mouths warm without triggering sensitivity.
• Limit Acidic Foods: Try to reduce how often your kids have acidic foods and drinks, like orange juice, soda, and sour candy. These can weaken enamel and increase sensitivity.
• Regular Dental Checkups: A quick visit to the dentist can identify any underlying issues, such as cavities or early enamel wear, before they lead to more sensitivity.

When to Talk to a Dentist

If the sensitivity seems severe, keeps coming back, or is causing your child distress, reach out to your pediatric dentist. They might recommend a fluoride treatment, which helps strengthen enamel, or other treatments that can provide more protection against sensitivity.

Tooth sensitivity doesn't have to be an unavoidable part of winter. With some small adjustments to their routine, you can help your child enjoy all the snowy fun (and even a bite of ice cream) without the pain. Here’s to a cozy, pain-free season for those little smiles!

Halloween is all about costumes, excitement, and, of course, candy. While enjoying sweet treats is part of the fun, it’s important to ensure those sugary indulgences don’t take a toll on your child’s oral health. With a few simple strategies, you can let your child enjoy their candy while minimizing the risk of cavities and keeping their teeth healthy.

1. Limit Candy Consumption to Mealtimes

Timing matters when it comes to sugar. It’s best for children to eat sweets right after meals since saliva production increases during eating, helping to rinse away sugars and neutralize acids. Snacking on candy throughout the day exposes teeth to prolonged sugar exposure, increasing the risk of decay.

2. Choose Tooth-Friendly Candy Options

Some types of candy are harder on teeth than others. Sticky treats like caramel or taffy adhere to the teeth, making it more difficult to wash away sugars. Sour candies pose another challenge—they contain acids that weaken enamel. In contrast, chocolate melts quickly and is less likely to linger on the teeth, making it a better option.

3. Create a Post-Halloween Candy Plan

Managing candy intake becomes easier with a plan. Consider setting limits on how much candy can be eaten per day or encourage your child to exchange part of their haul for a small toy or non-candy prize. This promotes moderation while still keeping the experience enjoyable.

4. Promote Rinsing and Brushing

If brushing immediately after eating candy isn’t practical, encourage your child to rinse their mouth with water. This helps remove some of the sugar and reduce acid buildup. When it’s time to brush, use a fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities. Don’t forget to floss—especially if sticky candy was involved!

5. Schedule a Post-Halloween Dental Check-Up

After the excitement of Halloween passes, consider scheduling a dental check-up. Regular visits help catch any early signs of decay and reinforce good oral hygiene habits. It’s also an opportunity to ask your dentist for personalized tips on managing holiday treats.

Balancing Fun and Oral Health

With a thoughtful approach, Halloween can be both enjoyable and tooth-friendly. By planning candy consumption, choosing better treat options, and sticking to good oral hygiene habits, your child can indulge without compromising their oral health.

This year, embrace the fun of Halloween without the stress—after all, it’s possible to enjoy candy responsibly and protect those smiles at the same time.

Happy Halloween!

As your child grows into a teenager, their dental care needs may evolve, prompting the shift from a pediatric dentist to a general dentist. This transition can feel daunting for both parents and teens, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s everything you need to know about making this change, including how to make the process smooth and stress-free, plus some common concerns you or your teen might have along the way.

Why Make the Switch?

Pediatric dentists specialize in caring for children’s teeth from infancy through adolescence. But as your teen approaches adulthood, their dental needs may become more complex. A general dentist is equipped to handle the unique needs of older teens and adults, providing a broader range of services like wisdom teeth extractions, cosmetic treatments, and routine cleanings for adult teeth.

How to Transition to a General Dentist

1. Ask for General Dentist Recommendations Start by seeking recommendations from your current pediatric dentist. They likely have a network of trusted general dentists in your area who can continue providing high-quality care. You can also ask friends or family members for suggestions.
2. Include Your Teen in the Search Encourage your teen to take part in the decision-making process. Whether it’s by browsing dentist websites together or reading reviews, involving them will make them feel more comfortable and invested in their new dental care routine.
3. Transfer Dental Records Once you’ve found a new general dentist, don’t forget to ask your pediatric dentist to transfer your teen’s dental records. These records will give the new dentist insight into their dental history and any treatments they’ve received, ensuring seamless care.
4. Visit the New Dentist Together To ease the nerves, consider attending the first appointment with your teen. Seeing a familiar face can help reduce anxiety, making the experience smoother for everyone.

Common FAQs and Worries About Transitioning

1. What if my teen doesn’t like the new dentist? It’s perfectly normal for teens to feel uneasy about switching to a new dentist, especially if they’ve had the same pediatric dentist for years. Remind them that it’s okay to ask questions and share their concerns with the new dentist. If, after a few visits, they still aren’t comfortable, you can always explore other general dentists until they find the right fit.

2. How is a general dentist different from a pediatric dentist? While both types of dentists are highly trained, pediatric dentists specialize in children’s dental health and are experts in handling younger patients. General dentists, on the other hand, treat patients of all ages, offering a wider range of services geared toward adult and teen dental care. They’re also skilled at transitioning teens into adult dental care routines.

3. Will the new dentist handle my teen’s orthodontic needs? If your teen is already receiving orthodontic care, it’s important to inform the new dentist. Most general dentists work closely with orthodontists and can coordinate ongoing treatments. If your teen hasn’t started orthodontics but may need braces or other orthodontic work, the general dentist can refer you to an orthodontic specialist.

4. How can I ease my teen’s anxiety about visiting a new dentist? Talk openly with your teen about the change, acknowledging any nerves or concerns they may have. Including them in the decision-making process, as mentioned earlier, can also help. Before the first appointment, encourage them to write down any questions or worries they’d like to discuss with the new dentist, which will give them a sense of control over the experience.

5. What happens during the first appointment with a general dentist? The first visit will typically include a comprehensive exam, dental cleaning, and reviewing your teen’s dental history. The dentist will check for cavities, examine gum health, and discuss any potential treatments, like fluoride or sealants, if needed. It’s also a great opportunity for your teen to build rapport with the new dentist and staff.

Transitioning from a pediatric dentist to a general dentist marks an exciting new chapter in your teen’s healthcare journey. By taking it step by step, you can make the process as easy as possible, all while empowering your teen to take charge of their oral health. Remember, it’s perfectly normal to have concerns or questions, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us for recommendations or help transferring dental records.

With Halloween and Thanksgiving only a month and two months away, dental health is more important than ever. An excess of Halloween candy can be detrimental to your child’s oral health, so better to be safe than sorry and start preparing now. Here are some tips to get you started.

Avoid sugary drinks.

If your kiddo loves sugar, this is the time, as always, to moderate sugar intake and ensure they have a healthy rate of sugar intake. With Halloween candy in their near future, moderating sugary foods and drinks now can help maintain good oral health and habits that will help them preserve their teeth, as sugar-loving bacteria can cause tooth decay and plenty of other oral health issues.

Replace their toothbrush.

If it’s been three months, it’s officially time. Head to a grocery store with your kiddo and pick out a brand new toothbrush (maybe a character theme). Old toothbrushes can get frayed and even bacteria can sneak in. It’s important to replace toothbrushes on time.

Go to the dentist!

Your child should be visiting the dentist every six months, so if you haven’t yet, it’s time. Whether it be a regular cleaning, checking for any tooth decay, or other procedures, dentists are your key to maintaining healthy smiles.

Eat healthy autumn foods.

Our favorite Fall foods that are healthy for your teeth include crunchy apples, cheese, cranberries, kale, nuts, pumpkin, and pumpkin seeds. These are good for nourishing your teeth and your body.

Stay hydrated.

Drinking water helps replace sugary drinks with a more sustainable choice. It dilutes acids to help cleanse your mouth and wash away any leftover residue. It also keeps your saliva pH levels balanced and healthy.

This Fall, prioritize your child’s (and your) dental health, and prepare early rather than later. If you’re in New York looking for a pediatric dentist, check out our practice - huntingtonsmileskids.com. Can’t wait to see you!

Did you know that only 30% of Americans floss? 

If you’re one of the 70% of Americans who do not, it’s time to get started. Flossing is one of the most important parts of a dental hygiene routine, and it’s essential to ensuring you do not get cavities. Here are some reasons why you need to start flossing.

Gum Disease

Not flossing can be a huge factor in the development of gum disease. When you floss properly, dental plaque that is hidden below the gum line gets picked up. When this type of plaque builds up, it can lead to gingivitis and tooth loss. An early sign of this disease includes bleeding gums, so if you notice that, be sure to start flossing.

Brushing is not 100% effective

Toothbrushes can’t reach everywhere, especially not below the gum line, as we mentioned before. In fact, brushing only covers a third of the total tooth surface area in your mouth, and that means there’s a lot of space for cavities to develop. Flossing and rinsing your mouth with a proper mouthwash can help prevent this plaque build up.

Other Diseases

Researchers have found a strong statistical link between gum disease and heart disease, as gum disease can leave your body more vulnerable to blood-borne infections, leading to inflammatory diseases. Though this is not a conclusive fact, flossing can be an important routine that will positively impact your overall health.

Tips & Things to Know

• Make sure your child starts a healthy dental hygiene routine at an early age- begin flossing their teeth as soon as their first two teeth touch. 
• Use 12-18 inches of floss.
• Be gentle with children’s teeth.
• Floss both sides and try to hit below the gum line.
• It’s never too late to start!

Losing baby teeth is a special milestone for both the child and the parents as the child grows up. The 20 tiny primary teeth that your child has will slowly fall off and a brand new shiny set of permanent teeth will grow. These 32 permanent teeth will need to stay in your child’s mouth for the rest of their life so it’s important to take extra special care of them. Here’s what you need to know about permanent teeth.

The Numbers

Baby teeth erupt when the child is about 6 months old, and are fully formed at ages 2-3. There are 20 baby teeth, 10 on top and 10 on bottom, and 32 permanent teeth, 16 on top and 16 on bottom. The permanent teeth start replacing baby teeth around age 5.

When is everything going to happen?

Permanent teeth may vary when they come in. However, on a general level, first molars start coming in around 6-7 years old, central incisors around 6-8, lateral incisors around 7-8, canines around 9-13, premolars around 9-13, second molars around 11-13, and third molars around 17-21, if they come at all.

How do we make sure they stay in?

Taking care of your child’s permanent teeth isn’t anything more than just taking care of your own teeth. Make sure they are brushing 2-3 times a day, flossing, and using mouthwash frequently. Also, book dentist cleanings every 6 months, and ensure that your child is getting the proper treatment they need for cavities. You can also limit sugars and other food that cause teeth to be more cavity-prone.

What if they come in crooked?

Don’t worry; that’s what braces are for! The orthodontist can help adjust your child’s teeth to get them in the proper placement. Braces can also fix jaw misalignment, bite, prevent decay and gum disease, and reduce your chance of losing teeth.

Permanent teeth aren’t anything to be scared of. Encourage your child to get excited about the upcoming changes, and maybe introduce the Tooth Fairy to them.

Gum disease is a commonly dealt with issue in the United States, and can destroy the bone in your teeth. 66% of young adults have some form of gum disease, and about 50% of children have periodontal disease. So, how can we take steps to reduce the number of cases of gum disease?

Predispositions to Gum Disease

According to Brush Pediatric Dentistry, these are some of the factors that can make children more prone to developing gum disease.

• Poor oral hygiene habits at home and their novice brushing and flossing abilities
• Various autoimmune diseases and other illnesses (weakened immune system)
• Certain medications can deplete saliva, creating an ideal haven for bacteria to grow inside a dry mouth
• Unhealthy diets full of sugars and starches
• Various hormonal changes that can occur throughout puberty
• Genetics
• Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism)

How to Prevent it

There are many steps you can take to help your child develop healthy habits so that they don’t develop gum disease. Here are some of our tips!

• Create an oral hygiene routine. Ensure that your child is brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash, if they’re old enough, on a regular basis.
• Organize a healthy eating routine that limits sugars, and encourage them to drink water frequently.
• Take them to their six month dental cleanings regularly.
• Keep an eye out for early signs of gingivitis.

Treatment for Gum Disease

If your child developed gum disease, it’s important to know what comes next. First off, take a step back and calm down. So many people deal with gum disease, and everything will be just fine in the end. Based on the severity of how much bacteria there is, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics, prescription mouthwash, dental cleaning, or in most severe cases, surgical intervention.

Going to the dentist can be a tough experience for children. Having someone they barely know obstruct their mouth for an extended period of time, the possibility of pain, and the possible feeling of powerlessness can cause a child to recoil when it comes to going to the dentist.

Here are a few tips to help reduce your child’s fear of going to the dentist.

1. Find the root cause of their fear to debunk it. Your child may have a very rational fear of a loss of power as they may be unable to communicate during a cleaning. Or, it may be because of the obstructed breathing. Figuring out why the child is fearful of the dentist could help you understand and empathize with your child, which will make them feel more comfortable with their fear.
2. Consistency is key. Make sure that you schedule regular dentist appointments- every six months, you should be scheduling a cleaning. The more the child visits the dentist, the more comfortable they will get with the staff and the office. 
3. Reward your child after the first few visits. Rewards are a great way to motivate your child to associate the dentist with something more positive. There’s no need to bribe your child, but it couldn’t hurt to give a little something small after a successful visit. After the child gets used to the dentist, you can wean off of the rewards and let them do their thing.
4. Set a good example and go to the dentist with them. Schedule your cleanings at a similar time as your child’s so they can observe your appointment before theirs. This will help them get used to what a dentist does during a cleaning.
5. Practice with a mock dentist visit. This could function as a little game with your child where you role play what it’s like to go to the dentist. You can show them what the process is like at a real dentist office.
6. Meet the dentist and the office assistants prior to the cleaning. You can always feel free to come into the practice and say hello, or visit social media channels to see what the office is like. 

Swimming may be primarily a Summer activity, but for those of you looking to take a dip in the pool on hotter spring days or those with children who regularly swim in indoor pools, it’s important to know the implications of swimming on your child’s teeth. Chlorine can become a problem when dealing with dental care. 

How can chlorine hurt your teeth?

Chlorine can cause tooth discoloration and sensitivity if one spends too much time in it. If you take a daily swim, you may want to pay attention to the enamel of your teeth to make sure they do not erode. Highly chlorinated pools have a very low pH, which can cause enamel erosion, among other issues. It can also dehydrate your skin and discolor your hair.

So, how can you protect your child?

• Wear proper facial protection, such as goggles, to avoid sight issues that may lead to facial injuries.
• Remove dental appliances before getting in the pool, as they can get lost or damaged because of the pool’s chemicals. 
• If it burns when you breathe in near a pool, the pH levels may be too low, which can lead to tooth enamel eroding and staining. Make sure that your child keeps their mouth closed as much as possible or find a pool with a higher pH.
• Make sure that they rinse their mouth out immediately after going in a chlorinated pool.
• Observe the area around the pool to ensure that it is a safe pool.

Should I stop my child from swimming?

You don’t need to, but you can monitor which pools they enter to ensure that they are entering a safe level of pH and are wearing the proper facial protection. Swimming won’t necessarily hurt your teeth to the extent that you may think, and as long as you take precautions, you will be safe!

What is TMJ?

TMJ is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint, and is a part of TMD, a collective term for a group of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions relating to the masticatory system. 

Let’s back up. What is the masticatory system? The masticatory system involves the teeth, craniofacial structures and muscles, and jaw muscles. TMJ affects the temporomandibular joint which is the hinge between the lower jaw and the temporal bone in your head.

Diagnosis

TMDs and TMJs are a major cause of pain in the craniofacial regions, not due to orthodontic reasons. TMJs encompass joint pain including arthritis and arthralgia. The disease is diagnosed primarily through imaging, such as radiographs and ultrasounds. Screening questions also may be asked or a physical assessment may be done in order to determine whether further imaging will be required. The following are sample questions that may be asked.

• Do you have difficulty with opening your mouth?
• Do you have pain in or around your ears or your cheeks?
• Has your bite felt uncomfortable or unusual?
• Does your jaw lock or go out?
• Do you hear noises within your jaw joint?

Treatment

TMJ uses two different types of treatments- irreversible and reversible. 

Reversible treatments include patient education, physical or behavioral therapy, prescription medicine, or occlusal splints. Meanwhile, irreversible treatments include orthodontics, surgery, or occlusal adjustment. It is not yet understood which of the therapies or treatments may be best suitable for the disease. However, many recommend reversible treatments for children and young adolescents. There is also inadequate data regarding irreversible treatments, so it is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry that irreversible treatments be avoided.

Check out more on TMJ by clicking here.

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