Category: Children’s Dentistry

Help Your Child Avoid Dental Anxiety

It is believed that fear can be learned and also instilled by a secondary source. In other words, in some cases it doesn’t just come from nowhere, and a person can fear something they never even experienced before. According to studies, dental fear and anxiety affects over 29 percent of the adult population, and almost… Read more »

FAQs: When Should My Child See the Dentist?

Like you, your children need dental care to maintain a beautiful and healthy smile. Parents have a lot of questions about their children’s dental care. When should my child see the dentist? How often do kids need to visit the dentist? At Peddicord Family Dentistry, we offer the latest in quality children’s dentistry and work… Read more »

It’s Fun to Brush Your Teeth

Let’s face it…it can be difficult to get your kids to brush their teeth. You can bribe, plead, cajole, and threaten but, short of standing behind them and watching them do it, you can’t really guarantee they will. In an effort to inspire kids to brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day, the… Read more »

Gum Disease: Just for Adults?

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, tends to be associated with older people. However, gum disease is on the rise. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) half of Americans aged 30 and up, have periodontal disease. For adults 65 and older the percentage increases from 50 to just over 70 percent. Based on these… Read more »

Is Your Child A Thumb Sucker?

If your child is a thumb sucker you may well be worrying yourself gray. Although some parents are actually relieved when they first realize their child sucks their thumb, if they continue sucking after a certain age even they begin to fret. For a young child, thumb sucking is self-calming, which can be good in… Read more »

What Is Xylitol?

Tooth decay is a serious problem in American children. Twenty-five percent of young children from 2 to 5 and 50 percent of children 12 to15 suffer tooth decay. Americans miss 51 million hours of school and 164 million hours of work due to dental issues. Xylitol is an all-natural sugar substitute that can help fight… Read more »

Toothbrushes: Electric vs Manual

There are several indications that the use of electric toothbrushes is on the rise. One toothbrush manufacturer claims they’ve doubled sales of electric toothbrushes since 1998. Retail shelf space for electric toothbrushes has increased. Many young children prefer electric toothbrushes because they think they are fun to use, and that they “tickle.” But are there… Read more »

Eating For Two…Or Is It Eating For…Tooth?

If you’ve ever been pregnant or are pregnant now, you will recall the many times someone made the remark, “That’s okay…you’re eating for two.” Considering the findings by the recent Canadian study, that cute little comment may develop into “You’re eating for…tooth” not your tooth, but your child’s teeth. Everything a pregnant mom puts into… Read more »

Does Your Baby Need A Dentist? Take This Quiz To Find Out

Good dental habits start young. But how young? Do you think your baby needs dental care? Take the quiz below and find out. True Or False: Children need dental care as early as 12 months of age. Primary (baby) teeth cannot decay. You don’t have to worry about your child’s teeth until the first one… Read more »

Myths and Facts About Fluoride and Our Teeth

Fluoride is a mineral that is found naturally in food, soil, and water. Direct contact between fluoride and teeth remineralizes weak enamel. However, many people debate the advantages and disadvantages of fluoride, particularly fluoride treatments for children. Dr. Erika Peddicord wants to dispel a few common myths about fluoride. At Peddicord Family Dentistry, patients of… Read more »