You, your child and cavities, from Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry

Yes, we've blogged about cavities and stressed the need to see the dentist in our earlier posts. But, our team at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry read an interesting article this morning pertaining to cavities and how bacteria spreads from parents to children, and thought we'd share the piece with you, our valued patients.

According to the MSNBC article, Streptococcus mutans, or MS, is a bacterium that can pass from person to person through the transfer of saliva, and is the main culprit. Bacteria has been known to spread through blowing on babies' foods, sharing household utensils and even kissing your little one. In fact, a 2008 pediatric dentistry study showed “strong evidence demonstrated that mothers are a primary source of MS colonization of their children; a few investigations showed other potential sources … notably fathers.”

Our staff knows tooth decay is caused by a combination of factors, including the transfer of infectious saliva, genetics, oral hygiene, and feeding practices, such as letting your baby constantly suck on a sippy cup full of juice or milk or other sugar-laden liquids.

Dr. Kelly Hilgers would like for you to read the article and learn a bit more about the transmission of bacteria and how it might impact your child. If you have any questions about bacteria or your treatment here at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry, please feel free to give us a call at (623) 536–0079!

What helps you relax at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry?

Dr. Kelly is well-aware that not everyone is always thrilled to visit the dentist. But at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry, we strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each of your visits.

Today, we’d like to know: What is it about our office that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant office environment? Our friendly professional staff? Perhaps it's Dr. Kelly or Dr. Greg?

Let us know by posting here or on our Google Local page!

Kids and cavities, from Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry

Last week, you may remember Dr. Kelly Hilgers and team blogging about the importance of your child visiting us regularly. Well, we recently read an interesting article in the New York Times pertaining to kids and cavities. Under a new Massachusetts law, kids in day care there are now required to brush their teeth or have them brushed by a staffer. The article also points out that cavities are much more prevalent among young children today than they were a decade ago. The law was enacted partly because studies have shown one-third of children in the U.S. have cavities—that's right, multiple—by age three to five. In fact, cavities are much more prevalent among young children today than they were a decade ago.

Cavities, of course, can lead to severe tooth pain, eating problems and tooth loss, among other problems, and that's why the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry says it's vital for children to visit a dentist by their first birthday. Has your little one visited Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry yet? If your child is one or nearing his or her first birthday, it may be time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kelly or Dr. Mathieu.

The importance of regular checkups, from Dr. Kelly Hilgers

A month ago, our team at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry informed you that your little one should visit us by his or her first birthday for a check-up. Today, we thought we'd let you know it’s also important for your child to visit Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry every six months, in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day. If your child will be visiting Drs. Hilgers or Mathieu for the first time, it’s important to bring them in after their first tooth comes through, and no later than their first birthday. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Drs. Hilgers and Mathieu can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment by giving us a call at (623) 536–0079.

Happy Thursday, from the entire team at Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry!

Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry, supporting National Nutrition Month

Remember a couple of weeks back, when we blogged about February being National Children's Dental Health Month? Well, March marks National Nutrition Month, and Dr. Kelly Hilgers, as well as thousands of dentists and hygienists, want you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve your child's periodontal health.

Small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your child's diet:

• Focus on fruits and vegetables: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your child's diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.

• Think local: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in Goodyear and surrounding communities.

• Make your calories count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients your child needs. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories just aren’t always the healthiest options.

• Expand your and your child's horizons: Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new health favorites to add to your regular grocery list.

If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping your child's mouth healthy, please call Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry today at (623) 536-0079.