Happy Baby Safety Month

In honor of Baby Safety Month, West Seattle dentist Dr. Jeffrey Bond would like to encourage all of our patients and their families to become educated on the importance of childproofing your home. Your child’s health and safety is of the utmost importance to our team at Smiles by Bond, which is why we would like to remind all of our patients to be mindful of some of the common hazards that may be in your home.

Children are vulnerable, and it is important that you take the necessary precautions in your kitchen, bathroom, nursery, and around the home to minimize the risk to your baby. For example, never leave poisons or toxic materials under the sink where they can be easily reached by a child. In the bathroom, remember to remove soaps, razors, and shampoos from the edge of the tub and close the toilet lid. Children are naturally curious, so it is necessary that you cover all electrical outlets, keep all trash containers locked, and ensure that hanging cords from phones, lamps, and appliances are kept out of reach.

We hope that these baby safety tips help! For more tips, visit the Royal Baby Safety website. As always, feel free to give us a call if you have any questions about baby safety or pediatric dentistry for your little one.

Ask Smiles By Bond: When is thumb-sucking a cause for worry?

Lots of you have asked us about whether it’s healthy for children to suck thumbs (or, less frequently, fingers). If you’ve got a thumb-sucker in the house, you are not alone. Research tells us that between 75% and 95% of infants suck their thumbs.

Is this anything to worry about? In most cases, probably not. Sucking is a natural reflex for an infant, and can provide security and contentment as well as relaxation for your little one. It’s a habit that most kids grow out of between the ages of two and four.

However, if your child keeps sucking after he’s gotten his permanent teeth, it’s time to take a closer look. If your child sucks his thumb aggressively, putting pressure on the inside of his mouth or his teeth, it could cause problems with tooth alignment and proper mouth growth. If you’re worried, give us a call and we will help assess the situation, and provide tips for how to help your child break the habit.

Regular Checkups are Important

Is your child brushing his or her teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great! But, don’t forget that it’s also important for your child to visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day. If your child will be visiting the dentist 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. Your dentist 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!

Ask Dr. Bond: Which toothbrush should my child use?

At Smiles By Bond, we will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for a child's smaller mouth and hands. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles have the ability to harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, do not use fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, you do need to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

--West Seattle Dentist, Dr. Jeffrey Bond