Digital
Dental X-Rays: Safe, Gentle, and Precise

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s safety and comfort are always our top priorities. We are pleased to offer low-radiation digital dental x-rays to track your little one’s oral health and development and uncover hidden concerns in between and inside the teeth and below the gum line. You can always count on our kid-friendly team for safe, gentle, and precise care!

How Often Will Your Child Need Digital Dental X-Rays?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends taking x-rays once a year for kids with healthy smiles or every six months for kids at a higher risk of tooth decay. If, however, your child has a painful tooth or has any specific concerns, we may recommend additional diagnostic x-rays. 

What Are the Benefits of Digital Dental X-Rays?

Dental x-rays have been used for decades to diagnose dental problems not visible during routine dental exams. Today’s digital dental x-rays capture high-resolution images using digital sensors rather than traditional x-ray film. The images are produced in seconds without having to bite down on uncomfortable plates, ensuring your child is comfortable and spends less time in the dentist’s chair. 

Digital dental x-rays offer invaluable information about your child’s dental health. The incredibly clear and detailed images reveal early tooth decay and gum disease, ensuring prompt treatment. That prevents a minor problem from progressing and becoming a more significant concern down the road. 

Digital radiography also helps us evaluate injuries, uncover bone problems, plan orthodontic treatments, assess the health of the teeth that have not yet erupted, and determine whether there’s enough space for the incoming permanent teeth. They provide information that helps us create targeted treatment plans, ensuring the best possible outcomes. 

Are Digital Dental X-Rays Safe? 

Digital dental x-rays are much safer than in the past. They produce 80 to 90 percent less radiation than the already low radiation exposure of traditional dental x-ray equipment. In fact, stepping out in the sun or getting a plane ride can expose your child to higher radiation levels per year than digital x-rays! 

What Is the Digital Dental X-Ray Experience?

Dr. Patel and our compassionate team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry are committed to ensuring our young patients are comfortable and free of stress during their time with us. When it comes to taking x-rays, our tiniest patients will sit on a parent or guardian’s lap, while older children are welcome to sit on their own. 

Even though digital dental x-rays are considered safe and come with minimal scatter radiation, we take every recommended safety precaution, including everyone in the room wearing lead aprons for protection. Your little one will bite down on a tiny bite stick and hold still for a few seconds. If needed, you or one of our x-ray technicians can hold the bite stick in place. The entire process takes a few short minutes to complete. 

Digital X-Rays Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

If you’d like to learn more about our modern digital x-ray technology and our commitment to providing safe, gentle, and precise care, contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Dr. Patel and his kid-friendly team strive to provide our young patients with the highest quality care to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles. We invite you to call our office at 480-284-5076 to schedule your appointment today!

Will
Thumb Sucking or Using a Pacifier Hurt My Child’s Teeth?

Thumb sucking and pacifier use can be comforting and soothing to infants and toddlers, but they can also have long-term effects on your little one’s teeth. While most children outgrow these habits, it’s important to be aware of potential oral health risks. Your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry is here to provide you with information and support to lay the foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles. 

Understanding Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are common among young children. They provide a sense of comfort and a means to self-soothe. Most children naturally stop these oral habits between the ages of two and four with no permanent harm to their teeth and jaws. 

If thumb sucking and pacifier use continue for an extended period, they may result in a host of oral health problems. We highly recommend tapering off these habits at a young age. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends reducing thumb sucking and pacifier use by 18 months of age.

What Are the Oral Health Risks of Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Use?

Prolonged thumb sucking and pacifier use can interfere with your child’s oral health development. The extent of harm will depend on how aggressively your child sucks on the thumb or pacifier. The pressure from sucking can cause changes to the roof of the mouth. It can also push the teeth out of position and cause changes in your child’s bite and the shape of the mouth, often leading to misaligned teeth, an overbite, or an open bite. These problems can lead to speech, eating, and sometimes even breathing difficulties. 

Breaking Thumb Sucking and Pacifier Habits

While most kids give up thumb and pacifier sucking on their own, some may need a little help. The most important thing is to maintain a positive attitude and keep in mind that encouragement goes a long way. Take the time to celebrate every milestone and moment of success. Never resort to punishment or scolding, which may backfire. 

Weaning your child off a pacifier or thumb sucking starts from a young age. Keep the pacifier away when you feel your baby does not need self-soothing. Offer other distractions, such as teething rings, mobiles, or rattles. When your child is a toddler, choose a day to celebrate being a “big kid” and pack away all the pacifiers. Offer another comfort item, such as a stuffed animal or lovey in their place. When it comes to thumb sucking, parents may find it helpful to place a bandaid on the thumb during the day and mittens over the hands during sleep. 

Keep in mind that children suck on their thumbs or pacifiers when they are anxious, insecure, or in need of comfort. Focus on the causes of anxiety and help your child find other ways to self-soothe when tired or stressed. Remember, rewards go a long way. Give your child a sticker, a small toy, or a favorite treat to celebrate every success!

Compassionate Pediatric Dental Care Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

If you need more tips, talk to your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. We may recommend an oral appliance or behavioral therapy. We will help you find solutions to break unwanted oral habits to prevent long-term dental complications. We are all about keeping your child’s smile healthy and sound. Call us at 480-284-5076 to schedule your appointment today.

What
Happens if My Child Needs a Tooth Pulled?

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we never spare any effort to repair a damaged tooth. However, there are times when pulling out a tooth is the only viable option. If we determine that extracting a tooth is your child’s best option, our kid-friendly team will ensure your child’s experience is comfortable and free of stress before, during, and after the procedure.

Why Would Your Child Require a Tooth Extraction?

Baby teeth may require simple extraction due to many reasons, the most common of which is extensive decay or damage. If not treated, the decay can spread to the nerve and cause severe pain or a serious infection. If the damage is beyond repair, we may have no choice but to remove the affected tooth.

Other reasons your child may need to have a tooth pulled out include irreparable damage due to trauma, an abscessed or severely infected tooth, or a baby tooth interfering with the eruption of its permanent replacement. We sometimes need to extract one or more baby teeth as a component of an orthodontic treatment plan to make room for the remaining teeth to shift into alignment.

What Should You Expect?

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we utilize modern dentistry techniques to provide quick and simple tooth extractions. We start by administering local anesthesia to numb the affected tooth and the surrounding area. If your little one is anxious, let us know. We are happy to provide nitrous oxide sedation to help your child relax during treatment. Your little one will remain awake and responsive to directions.

Once your child is comfortable, we will gently remove the affected tooth, and your child will not feel a thing. Children typically resume their normal activities after 24 hours.

Promoting Healing After a Baby Tooth Extraction

For about two to three days post-extraction, make sure your child avoids carbonated beverages and sucking through a straw. Offer soft foods like gelatin, yogurt, or mashed potatoes while steering away from hard or crunchy foods, including pretzels, crackers, or popcorn.

If your child complains of any discomfort, use your pediatrician-approved pain medication for relief. If, however, swelling develops, place a cold compress on the area and contact our office immediately for guidance.

What Is a Space Maintainer?

Leaving a gap in your child’s smile can be a serious matter. The neighboring teeth may shift and drift toward the space, leading to crooked teeth and problems with the bite. Depending on the location of the extracted tooth, we may recommend placing a space maintainer. The dental appliance will help hold the adjacent teeth and jaw in position until the permanent tooth comes in. Space maintainers help reduce or even eliminate the need for orthodontic treatments down the road.

Teeth Extractions Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

If your child has a damaged or painful tooth, visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry for a consultation. We will do everything possible to save your little one’s tooth. If, however, removing the affected tooth is our only viable option, you can count on our team for gentle, compassionate care. Call us today!

How
Can I Get My Child Excited About the Dentist?

Are you finding it challenging to get your child excited about going to the dentist? It’s a common concern for many parents, but rest assured, there are things you can do to make the experience more exciting and enjoyable for you and your little one. Let’s look at some ways to get your child to want to visit the dentist. 

Start Dental Care Early

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD), you should first see your little one’s pediatric dentist within six months of the arrival of the first baby tooth and no later than the first birthday. Starting dental care early on will keep your child’s smile healthy and bright and ensure your child is familiar with the dentist’s office from a young age. 

Visit a Kid-Friendly Practice

Make sure to choose a pediatric dentistry office with friendly staff and a happy, comfortable environment like the one we have at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. If you don’t feel at ease, the chances are that your child won’t feel at ease either, so trust your gut and find a dental practice where you and your little one can feel right at home. 

Introduce the Dentist at Home

There are numerous toys, books, videos, and even games about teeth and visiting the dentist. Warm your child up to the idea of visiting the dentist by using these resources. Here are some examples of books that help get kids excited about the dentist:

• Just Going to the Dentist by Mercer Mayer
• Daniel Goes to the Dentist (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood), Adapted by Alexandra Cassel Schwartz, illustrated by Jason Fruchter.
• The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist by Jan Berenstain

Role Play

Kids love role play, so it’s always helpful to act out dental visits, especially before a dental appointment. Take turns being the “dentist” and examining and cleaning a doll or stuffed animal’s teeth. When it’s your turn, model a gentle, kind dentist and make sure you and your little one share a giggle or two. 

Stay Positive

Kids feed off their parent’s emotions, so if you’re nervous about the dentist, your child will likely be anxious as well. It’s easier said than done, but even if the thought of a dentist appointment stresses you out, show your kids that there’s nothing to fear. If you’re relaxed, your child will feel safe and know there is no reason to worry. 

End the Dentist’s Visit on a Happy Note

Reward your child and do something exciting after your trip to the dentist to build positive associations. Head to the park or enjoy your favorite game. Wrapping up the day on a happy note will ensure your child is excited the next time you mention visiting the dentist. 

Trusted Pediatric Dentistry Services Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to ensure our young patients are happy and comfortable while receiving top-notch care. If your little one is anxious about the dentist, let us know, and we will do everything we can to ensure your visit is a positive one. We look forward to establishing healthy habits for long-term oral health. Call us and schedule your appointment today!

What
Are the Most Common Pediatric Dentistry Procedures?

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we emphasize the importance of caring for your child’s smile right from the start to set the stage for healthy smiles for life. We are pleased to offer a range of pediatric dental services to keep your little one’s oral health in tip-top shape. Here’s a look at the importance of caring for baby teeth and the most common procedures offered by our kid-friendly Phoenix team.

The Importance of Caring for Your Child’s Baby Teeth

Even though these tiny pearly whites will eventually fall out, keeping them healthy will reflect on your child’s oral health and development. Baby teeth play a significant role in speech development and allow children to chew without pain, ensuring they get all the nutrients they need to grow and stay healthy.

Tooth decay in baby teeth can cause permanent damage to the adult teeth yet to erupt. Moreover, the premature loss of baby teeth can result in the neighboring teeth shifting out of place, increasing the chances a child will need orthodontic treatments in the future.

What Are the Most Common Pediatric Dentistry Procedures?

The following are the most common pediatric dental procedures offered by your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry:

Dental Cleanings: Even the best brushing and flossing routine can’t remove all cavity-causing plaque, especially in those hard-to-reach areas. Your little one’s twice-yearly professional cleanings remove plaque and tartar deposits from between the teeth and around the gum line, lowering the risk of tooth decay and keeping those tiny teeth squeaky clean and bright.

Fluoride Treatments: Fluoride helps strengthen the tooth enamel, lowering the risk of cavities. It can also reverse early decay by remineralizing the tooth enamel. At your little one’s routine dental cleanings, we may recommend fluoride treatments to keep those pearly whites strong and free of decay.

Space Maintainers: Losing a baby tooth prematurely can cause adjacent teeth to drift toward the gap, leading to crooked teeth and a crowded mouth. We may recommend a space maintainer to maintain the space until the permanent tooth erupts, often preventing the need for orthodontic treatments down the road.

White Fillings: Dental fillings are the most common restorations for children. Tiny teeth are prone to cavities, which are easily treated with simple fillings. At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we offer tooth-colored composite resin fillings to restore healthy, seamless smiles. 

Dental Crowns: Dental crowns are used to repair weak or damaged baby teeth, preserving them until they are ready to fall out on their own. We’re pleased to offer stainless steel and tooth-colored resin crowns to restore healthy, functional smiles.

Emergency Care: If your child experiences a dental emergency, such as tooth pain, bleeding, or a knocked-out tooth, make sure to call us immediately. We will evaluate the situation and provide guidance to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. If your child requires emergency services, you can count on our team for compassionate, state-of-the-art care.

Simple Extractions: If a tooth is damaged beyond repair due to trauma or extensive decay or if a baby tooth is interfering with the eruption of a permanent one, extraction may be unavoidable. Our kid-friendly team will ensure your child is comfortable before, during, and after the procedure.

Sedation Dentistry: At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we recognize that some kids are anxious about dental treatments. We’re pleased to offer a range of sedation dentistry options, including nitrous oxide, conscious oral sedation, and general anesthesia, to help even our most anxious young patients relax. Our pediatric dentists will evaluate your child’s unique needs and recommend the best sedation option for positive and comfortable dental care.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry Services Near Me in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about our pediatric dentistry services designed for little smiles. Our goal is to set the foundation for healthy smiles for life. We look forward to caring for all your child’s dental needs. Call us and schedule your appointment today.

How
Can I Prepare for My Baby’s First Dental Exam?

As a parent, you’ll experience so many exciting milestones, and the first dental visit is another one to add to your little one’s baby book. Your Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry team looks forward to laying the groundwork for healthy smiles for life. Here’s all you need to know about your baby’s first dental exam and what you can expect.

When Should You Start Taking Your Child to the Dentist?

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends scheduling your child’s first visit to a pediatric dentist when the first baby tooth appears and no later than the first birthday. Establishing a dental home and caring for children’s teeth right from the start will ensure their development is on track and help keep them free of tooth decay and cavities.

How Can You Prepare Your Little One for the First Dental Visit?

It is important to prepare for your child’s first dental visit to ensure it is a happy experience. Talk about the dentist in a positive manner and read a book or two or watch a video about visiting the dentist, even if your child isn’t verbal yet.

Avoid scheduling your child’s appointment during naptime. Choose a time you know your little one is likely to be rested and cooperative. Feed your baby before coming in because the last thing you want is to have a hungry, cranky child on your hands. Come to your child’s appointment prepared. Download the patient forms and fill them out at home instead of at the office on the day of your first visit.

It’s important to stay calm because your child will pick up on unspoken fears. Think of your little one’s first dental as an exciting milestone. Our team will do everything possible to keep your baby comfortable and happy.

What Happens During the First Dental Visit?

After greeting you and your little one, Dr. Patel will ask you about your child’s medical and dental history and if you have any current concerns. He will perform a dental exam to assess the baby teeth and gums and will evaluate every aspect of your child’s oral health.

We strive to make your child’s dental first visit as comfortable and informative as possible, so be sure to ask any questions you have. We will talk to you about proper tooth brushing techniques, nutrition for healthy smiles, what to expect with teething, and when to schedule your child’s next visit.

Just like adults, most kids require twice-a-year dental visits. Dr. Patel will recommend a dental cleaning and fluoride treatment at the appropriate time when your child is ready for and needs it. Maintaining regular pediatric dental care is an important component of preventive dentistry, designed to prevent the onset or progression of dental problems. Our goal is to maintain healthy, happy smiles for life.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry Services in Phoenix, AZ

At Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to ensure our young patients are as comfortable as possible. Dr. Patel and his team are committed to providing outstanding, gentle dental services in a kid-friendly atmosphere. Call us and schedule your child’s first dental appointment today!

What
Kinds of Candy Are the Most Damaging to Teeth?

Most children find candy irresistible, which unfortunately increases the risk of damage to their teeth. However, sweets are not equal in terms of the harm they inflict on your child’s oral health. Some pose less of a threat than others, so it’s important to know the types of candy that are most detrimental to your child’s smile and health.

How Do Cavities Develop?

The human mouth is filled with bacteria, most of which are harmless. However, sugary treats provide an abundant food supply for cavity-causing bacteria, which, after feasting, produce acids that erode the tooth enamel, forming holes known as cavities that worsen over time if left untreated.

What Types of Candy Are the Most Damaging to Teeth?

The worst types of candy are the chewy, gummy, or sticky ones, which get stuck between your child’s teeth and in the grooves and crevices of the chewing surfaces of the premolars and molars. However hard your child brushes, the sticky material is almost impossible to remove, leaving the teeth susceptible to bacteria and acid attacks.

Sour candy is not much better for your child’s oral health. It is highly acidic, leaving your tooth enamel weaker and more vulnerable to cavities. Hard candies are also harmful. They contain high levels of sugar that promote bacteria activity in the mouth. Moreover, biting down on a jawbreaker or a lollipop can break or fracture a tooth, allowing bacteria to enter the inner parts, wreaking havoc on your child’s oral health.

What Are Better Candy Choices?

While it’s best to limit any candy, some types pose less of a threat to your child’s oral health. These include chocolate, especially dark chocolate, which melts away quickly and is easy to rinse or brush off. Dark chocolate is rich in calcium and is relatively low in sugar levels. Furthermore, it is made from cocoa beans, which contain compounds that fight bacteria and plaque. So dark chocolate is a go-to choice if your child has the urge to enjoy a sweet treat.

Sugar-free chewing gum sweetened with xylitol is also a good choice for your child’s smile. In fact, the chewing action increases saliva production, which helps rinse bacteria and food debris away. Moreover, xylitol is a natural sweetener that neutralizes acid-producing bacteria.

Tips on Maintaining Your child’s Healthy Smile

If you have to give your child a sweet treat, do so right after a meal instead of snacking throughout the day. That reduces the amount of time the sugar stays in contact with your little one’s teeth, limiting the harm. Moreover, the saliva produced during a meal helps counter the effects of consuming candy.

Make sure your child brushes at least twice a day and flosses daily. However, avoid doing so right after eating candy, which increases the harmful effects of the acid. Instead, have your child rinse thoroughly and wait at least an hour before brushing. Better yet, consider trading candy for healthy treats, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, cheese, or nuts, and make sure to encourage your child to drink plenty of water.

It’s important to schedule your child’s twice-a-year dental visits at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. We will clean your child’s teeth and conduct a thorough examination to evaluate your child’s oral health. We may recommend preventive procedures such as fluoride treatment or dental sealants, or restorative procedures such as dental fillings if needed.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about keeping your child’s smile healthy and free of disease. Our kid-friendly team is proud to offer outstanding preventive and restorative services for long-term healthy smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!

How
to Treat the Symptoms of Teething

Seeing those tiny bumps forming on a baby’s gums is an exciting moment for every parent, but unfortunately, teething can cause pain and discomfort. You and your little one don’t have to deal with sleepless nights. Understanding the symptoms of teething and ways you can help will allow you to enjoy this magical milestone.

When Does Teething Begin?

While the teething timeline isn’t the same for every child, most babies start teething between 4 and 7 months of age. The two bottom front teeth are usually the first to come in, followed by the two upper front teeth. Most toddlers have their full set of 20 baby teeth by age 3. A tell-tale bump on the gums is usually the first sign a tiny tooth is ready to make an appearance.

What Are the Symptoms of Teething?

Symptoms of teething may vary from child to child. These include red, swollen and tender gums, excessive drooling, a rash around the mouth, ear pulling, fussiness, irritability, a slight increase in temperature (not a fever), an increased desire to gnaw, loss of appetite, and difficulty sleeping.

Teething may be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t cause signs of illness. If your baby has a high fever, cough, runny nose, diarrhea, or vomiting, something more than teething is likely going on. We recommend contacting your child’s pediatrician for evaluation and treatment.

How Can You Treat the Symptoms of Teething?

Here are some dos and don’ts to help soothe and comfort your teething baby:

Dos: Allow your baby to chew on a clean, cold cloth or rag to help decrease inflammation. You can also massage those sore gums with a clean finger or gauze. You may want to offer your baby chilled foods such as yogurt or applesauce, or frozen fruit (if your baby is on solids). Another option is providing a refrigerated (not frozen) pacifier or teething ring.

Teething babies love to chew, so an unsweetened teething biscuit can provide comfort, but make sure you don’t offer these before your child is eight months old. If your little one is inconsolable, talk to your pediatrician or pediatric dentist about pain medication.

Don’ts: It’s important to keep your baby safe while dealing with the teething blues. Avoid using topical medications containing lidocaine or benzocaine and stay away from herbal products, which often do more harm than good. Never give your child acetaminophen or ibuprofen without checking with your child’s healthcare provider first. Moreover, beware of teething necklaces, bracelets, or anklets due to the risk of choking, strangulation, or injury.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends scheduling your child’s first dental visit after the first tooth arrives and no later than the first birthday. Your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry will help you establish proper oral practices to lay the groundwork for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Are you ready to get your little one’s smile off to a great start? Call us and schedule your appointment today!

What
Causes Spots on Baby Teeth?

Parents eagerly await that special moment when the first tiny pearly white comes in. Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play a significant role in a child’s development, so it’s essential to keep them healthy and sound. So what happens if you notice spots on your little one’s teeth? While you don’t want to panic, a visit to Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry will allow for prompt treatment to safeguard your child’s oral health. We are all about healthy, happy smiles!

Tooth Decay and Cavities

The first warning signs of tooth decay in children are often white spots that appear along the gumline that usually have a dry, chalky appearance. These early decay spots result from mineral loss from the enamel, a process known as demineralization. The good news is that this point the decay is still reversible. If the condition continues to progress, the white spots will eventually turn yellow or brown and may require more extensive treatments.

Once you notice white spots on your child’s teeth, schedule an appointment with Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry. We will clean off any plaque or tartar and may recommend a gentle fluoride treatment, which will help reverse the decay by strengthening the tooth enamel and making it resistant to the acid attacks that wear the teeth over time. Moreover, fluoride replaces the missing minerals restoring your child’s oral health.

Dental Fluorosis

Sometimes white spots on baby teeth can be a sign of too much fluoride, a condition known as fluorosis. Fluoride offers multiple benefits to your child’s teeth, strengthening and protecting the tooth enamel. But, just like most good things, it’s possible to get too much of it. The good news is that your child can only develop the condition while the teeth are still forming below the gum surface, and once the permanent teeth come in, the risk for fluorosis drops. Moreover, the fluorosis spots are not weak spots on your child’s teeth. In fact, they tend to be stronger than the surrounding enamel. So while they pose a cosmetic concern, they are not a problem from an oral health standpoint. A visit to your child’s pediatric dentist will help determine if your child’s fluoride intake is adequate.

Calcium Deposits

White spots on baby teeth could also result from calcification and adhesion of dental plaque to your little one’s teeth. If this is the case, we may recommend a professional cleaning to treat the affected area.

How to Prevent Future Spots on Your Child’s Teeth

Promoting healthy habits early on is the best way to avoid spots forming on your child’s baby teeth. Encourage proper brushing habits, pay attention to fluoride intake, limit the consumption of sugary treats or drinks, and make sure your child consumes a balanced diet. And don’t forget to schedule your child’s routine dental exams and cleanings to allow us to monitor your child’s oral health and treat any issues as they surface. These preventative practices will help safeguard your child’s oral health and keep dental disease at bay.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ

Visit Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about keeping your child’s oral health in tip-top shape. Our highly trained and experienced team is proud to offer quality preventative and restorative services to maintain your child’s healthy smile. We are committed to providing our valued young patients with outstanding, gentle care. Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today!

What
Causes Bad Breath in Toddlers?

If you’ve noticed that your toddler’s breath is not as fresh as it should be, you’re not alone. Bad breath, also known as halitosis, is common among toddlers. If the condition persists, visit your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to help identify the cause of your toddler’s bad breath. We are here to support your child’s oral health every step of the way!

What Are Common Causes of Bad Breath in Toddlers?

Poor Oral Hygiene or Dental Problems: In most cases, bad breath results from poor oral hygiene. If your child does not thoroughly brush and floss each day, plaque can quickly build up and produce an unpleasant odor. The plaque can also cause dental problems, including tooth decay and gum disease, which, in turn, can cause bad breath. Halitosis can also develop due to damaged or chipped fillings.

Odor-Causing Foods: Consuming pungent foods like garlic and onions can give the best of us bad breath, and your toddler is no exception. Limiting these foods will help keep your little one’s breath fresh.

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Saliva cleans the mouth by washing away bacteria, which helps keep halitosis at bay. If your toddler breathes through the mouth or is dehydrated, dry mouth can develop, causing bad breath. Hydration is key. Make sure your child drinks three to four glasses of water to help address this condition.

Ear, Nose, and Throat Problems and Other Illnesses:Toddlers sometimes have bad breath due to sinus infections, tonsillitis, or other seasonal allergies, where mucus from the sinuses makes it way to the mouth. Moreover, some conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux disease allow stomach acids to make their way to the mouth, also contributing to bad breath.

How Can You Eliminate Your Toddler’s Bad Breath?

Brush at Least Twice a Day: Make sure you brush your toddler’s teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each time. Don’t forget to brush your toddler’s tongue, because halitosis-causing bacteria live on the tongue’s surface. Having your child rinse with kid-friendly mouthwash can also help.

Floss Daily: Flossing daily will help remove any food particles between your toddler’s teeth, which can help keep your child’s mouth free of unpleasant odors.

Visit Your Child’s Pediatric Dentist: Prevent bad breath and other oral concerns by scheduling your child’s routine dental exams and cleanings. Keep in mind that halitosis is a symptom, not a disease in itself. The first step in treating the condition is identifying its cause. Your trusted team at Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry will address any dental problems as required. In some cases, we may need to refer your child to a pediatrician or an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) to treat any underlying health condition.

Quality Pediatric Dentistry in Phoenix, AZ

Contact Jet Set Smiles Pediatric Dentistry to learn more about keeping your toddler’s breath clean and fresh. Our team is proud to offer quality preventive and restorative services to keep your child’s oral health in tip-top shape. We are all about maintaining our young patients’ long-term healthy smiles. Call us and schedule your child’s appointment today!