Stop Children From Biting!

Kids bite for a number of reasons -- and most of them aren't intentionally malicious.

• They're in pain. When babies bite, typically it's because they're teething. They're just doing it to relieve the pain of their swollen, tender gums.

• They're exploring their world. Very young children use their mouths to explore, just as they use their hands. Just about everything infants or toddlers pick up eventually winds up in their mouths. Kids this age aren't yet able to prevent themselves from biting the object of their interest.

• They're looking for a reaction. Part of exploration is curiosity. They'll bite down on a friend or sibling to hear the surprised exclamation, not realizing how painful the experience is for that person.

• They're craving attention. In older kids, biting is just one of several bad behaviors used to get attention. When a child feels ignored, discipline is at least one way of getting noticed -- even if the attention is negative rather than positive.

• They're frustrated. Biting, like hitting, is a way for some children to assert themselves when they're still too young to express feelings effectively through words. To your child, biting is a way to get back a favorite toy, tell you that he or she is unhappy, or let another child know that he or she wants to be left alone.
  
  https://www.webmd.com/parenting/stop-children-from-biting#1

What is a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist?

A pediatric dentist that is board certified has gone through a rigorous examination process with the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry. Only dentists that have completed a residency in pediatric dentistry can sit for the board certification examinations. Board certification tests the knowledge and problem-solving abilities of a pediatric dentist.
 
Not all pediatric dentists are certified by American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD). The ABPD certifies pediatric dentists based on standards of excellence that lead to high quality oral health care for infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special health care needs. Certification by the ABPD provides assurance to the public that a pediatric dentist has successfully completed accredited training in addition to a voluntary 2-part examination process designed to continually validate the knowledge, skills, and experience requisite to the delivery of quality patient care.
 
A pediatric dentist certified by ABPD is also known as a Diplomat of American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
 
Dr. Jones is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry.
For more information, visit www.abpd.org

 Worried that your child has not popped their first tooth?!
Well don't be!

Kids’ teeth are just like kids themselves….lots of variety! While there is a general timeframe that we anticipate the baby teeth coming in, there is much variability in the process. Typically, infants will get their lower front teeth (incisors) between six-10 months of age with the upper incisors a few months behind. However, that doesn’t mean they won’t get teeth earlier or later. Most children will get their first tooth by the time they are 1-year-old, but you shouldn’t panic if your child hasn’t sprouted a tooth by then. When your child visits their pediatric dentist at age one, they will evaluate your child individually to make sure there are not any other factors at play.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends establishing your child’s Dental Home by their first birthday to help ensure a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime!

Reza Ardalan, DMD
http://mouthmonsters.mychildrensteeth.org/little-teeth-truths-when-will-my-childs-teeth-come-in-should-i-be-concerned-if-my-child-has-no-teeth-when-they-are-1-year-old/

Did your child lose a tooth?! 

This is the perfect, fun little note to add under their pillow tonight! Below are a few fun traditions to start with your kids once they start losing those chompers!

1. Make your own tooth fairy pillow!
2. Try leaving a $2 bill or a gold coin!
3. Try leaving a fun dental themed book instead of money!
4. Leave glitter footprints nearby!
5. Try catching the tooth fairy on camera! (icaughtthetoothfairy.com) 

Happy 2019!

A new year means NEW habits! Join CCDC in keeping your kids teeth on the healthy track, and make brushing and flossing fun! Attached is a fun brushing chart for the little ones at home. This chart may help keep them excited to brush! Try offering a small reward if they are able to complete their chart for the week!