Are you a nursing parent? Did you know that breastfeeding offers many great benefits to both you and your child, especially as it pertains to your oral health? Apart from its ability to fight infections and reduce the chances of SIDS in infants, it can also positively impact both you and your baby’s teeth and gums in various ways. The following article about nursing and oral health in McKinney explains the benefits of breastfeeding that will leave you and your little one with a healthier smile.

Is it possible for your child’s tongue to be in the improper position? Surprisingly, yes it is. If you’re thinking there’s no way you can incorrectly position this large muscle inside your mouth, ask yourself the question, “Have you ever bitten your tongue?” Chances are that both you and your child have done this, as have nearly 50% of all Americans. To find out if your little one needs help with proper tongue position in McKinney, read on to hear what Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage say on the topic and what can be done to remedy this common problem.

Does your child need oral surgery? Has their pediatric dentist recommended treatment for tooth decay that requires a dental filling? Fortunately, these often “scary” procedures no longer have to be cause for anxiety or stress. At Sprout Dentistry for Kids, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage are pleased to offer laser dentistry for children in McKinney using the Solea CO2 dental laser. Offering a less invasive approach to dental procedures, children can now undergo a pain-free experience that results in better oral health. Read on to learn more about the benefits of laser dentistry and how it can positively impact your child’s smile.

It is safe to say that 2020 threw everyone a curveball with the ongoing pandemic. Because of COVID-19, many young patients were unable to see their pediatric dentist for regular checkups and cleanings, and unfortunately, your children’s dental insurance coverage won’t offer any benefit extension. This is why Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage strongly recommend you maximize your child’s plan while there is still time. Since these benefits will not roll over, it is in your best interest and that of your child to get the most out of your coverage, as it will not only put more money back into your pocket, but it will more importantly keep your little one’s smile healthier as they enter into a new year. Read on to learn what you can do before 2020 ends.

Are you worried your child isn’t sleeping well? Do you notice they breathe through their mouth? Is their behavior at home or school causing you to wonder if it could be related to their inability to achieve adequate rest? The answer could be that your child is experiencing sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). As board-certified pediatric dentists in McKinney, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage are here to provide further explanation as to what you should look for and how to know if your child is at risk for SDB. 

The current changes that are happening throughout the world are having a substantial impact on not only adults but children as well. When you combine a global pandemic that requires everyone to wear a face mask when going out in public with the start of a new and uncertain school year, it should come as no surprise these stressful situations are just a few reasons behind trouble sleeping for kids in McKinney. As a parent, take a few moments to discover what you can do to help your little one sleep and breathe better during this difficult time.

You quietly enter into your child’s bedroom while they are asleep and notice them laying on their back with their mouth wide open. In the following days, you notice they are feeling more fatigued, maybe experiencing some congestion, and appearing to be more irritable than normal. Unsure why this is happening, you notice more and more than they are breathing through their mouth when asleep or possibly while awake as well. Could it be connected? As board-certified pediatric dentists in McKinney, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage answer 4 of the most frequently asked questions about children and problems that can occur as a result of mouth breathing. Early recognition, evaluation, and treatment if necessary are important as mouth breathing can be a symptom of sleep disordered breathing.

You may not realize it, but your child’s airway plays a pivotal role in their growth and facial development. The way they breathe can negatively impact their teeth, smile, face, and overall health, but how can you tell if there is an obstruction that is keeping them from sleeping soundly? As fathers and board-certified kid’s dentists, Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage offer holistic dentistry for kids in McKinney and can explain what signs/symptoms you should look for when identifying whether your child has a problem that requires professional treatment. A poor airway can have long-lasting negative effects on the physical, mental, and emotional growth, development, and wellness of children.

If you are the parent of a child with autism, we understand that there can be stress and challenges in preparing them for a dental appointment. Because many children with special needs often have severe dental phobia and sensory processing disorder, collaboration between parents and their dentist can greatly improve their dental experience. Developing a comfortable environment, rapport with the dental team, and consistent oral hygiene routines at home can lead to more positive outcomes when a child receives the dental care they need, especially when they are suffering from cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss. Fortunately, with many dentists offering special needs dentistry, regular dental checkups and cleanings no longer have to be a traumatic experience. So, how can this be accomplished? Let Dr. Justin and Dr. Sage, our two board-certified pediatric dental specialists, share a few helpful tips to ensure your child’s next dental visit is less stressful and more enjoyable when finding your McKinney pediatric dentist.

Does your child have diabetes? Are you aware of the possible effects this common disease can have on their oral health? It is not unusual for patients who have diabetes to develop certain dental conditions, one of which is “gum” (periodontal) disease. Although there is a link between these two health conditions, hear from a McKinney pediatric dentist who explains why preventive dentistry is one of the best ways to keep your little one’s smile looking and feeling its best.