What's your story? What made you and your child choose Dr. Kelly Hilgers?

If you've spent one minute at At Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry, you probably know Dr. Kelly Hilgers and our experienced staff do everything we can to make your child’s experience fun and fearless. In addition to making your child’s experience fun at our convenient Goodyear office, we offer the most advanced technology available in a state-of-the-art environment.

But we’re wondering: What made you choose Dr. Kelly for your child's dental needs?

Whether you’ve just come in once or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google listing!

Have a wonderful week!!

"My son is turning one. When should I bring him in for a visit?"

Great question! The short answer is, "First visit by first birthday."

Dr. Kelly Hilgers and our staff know that cavities know no age boundaries, and that is why we recommend a visit to our office at age one. That also happens to be the opinion of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association agree. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that children who are at risk of early childhood cavities visit a pediatric dentist by their first birthday.

Research has shown that cavities are increasing in preschool-aged children, and that more than one in four kids has had at least one cavity by the time they're four years old. In fact, many children get cavities as early as age two.

The appointment also covers topics such as the importance of baby teeth, nutrition, development and overall concerns you may have with your child. We believe that a child's first visit with Dr. Kelly or Dr. Greg Mathieu should be enjoyable and positive. The more you and your child know about the first visit, the better you will feel. Our staff makes a practice of using pleasant, non-frightening, simple words to describe your child's first dental visit and treatment, and we want you to feel at ease from the moment your family arrives at our convenient Goodyear office.

Have you scheduled an appointment for your child? We hope to see you soon!

Dr. Kelly Hilgers, helping your child understand cavities

At Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry, we know one word no child wants to hear when they visit the dentist is "Cavity!" That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected by Dr. Kelly Hilgers or Dr. Greg Mathieu so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by Drs. Kelly or Greg, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit our Goodyear office every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

We hope that helps you understand cavities a little better! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

September is National Gum Care Month! From Dr. Kelly Hilgers

Can you believe we're already in September? At Hilgers Pediatric Dentistry, we know that gingivitis - the early stage of periodontal disease - can be difficult to recognize. Many people don't recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums, as a precursor to gum disease. This month, a national campaign is under way to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we wanted to help do our part to spread the word!

Dr. Kelly Hilgers and Dr. Greg Mathieu will tell you early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body, too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as your heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease.

These can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you happen to notice any of these signs with your child, please schedule an appointment at our convenient Goodyear office by calling (623) 536–0079 as soon as possible. Dr. Kelly and team can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease in your child, while showing you how to improve gum care in your child's daily oral hygiene habits.

We hope you have a wonderful Labor Day weekend!