Grand Rapids Pediatric Dental Blog

Nitrous Oxide Sedation: Procedure and Benefits

Nitrous oxide sedation also known as inhalation sedation or laughing gas, is a mild sedative that helps patients with low to moderate dental fear calm down during dental procedures. Laughing gas is a non-irritating gas that is safe for children and adults alike. When the nitrous oxide is administered, patients will feel more relaxed and possibly even giddy. Read More »

10 Reasons to Keep Smiling

Your smile is the ultimate expression of you. It dictates how you feel about yourself and your emotions in any situation. One slight flaw in your smile can adversely affect your self-confidence and prevent you from looking and feeling your best. Read More »

Is Drinking Bottled Water Harmful?

Millions of Americans have turned to bottled water as part of their nutrition plan. You've most likely seen evidence of it here in Grand Rapids — bottles in the gym, at the office and everywhere you go. Americans consume almost 9 billion gallons of bottled water every year. Read More »

Six simple ways to help your child quit thumb-sucking

While thumb sucking is a normal habit for many young children, the long-term effects of persistent thumb or finger sucking can be detrimental to your child’s overall oral heath and tooth development. Just as there is a natural time to put away the pacifier, you will also reach a time when thumb sucking must be discouraged and eliminated. Read More »

The Impact of Food and Drink on Your Child’s Health

Preventing cavities in children involves more than just brushing their teeth. Pediatric dentists know that proper oral health for children also requires a balanced diet. We all know that soda and candy cause tooth decay, but what about healthy foods like tomatoes and apples? Read More »

The Benefits of Regular Dental Visits

Visiting a dentist regularly and having your child’s teeth professionally cleaned can make a drastic difference in their overall health. A clean mouth not only reduces cavities, but also can greatly improve the health of your child’s entire body. Read More »

Avoiding Sugary Drinks

While dentists — and most parents — know that sugary soda is bad, many parents do not realize that soda, even diet, is as bad as candy if eaten consistently. Even worse, because soda is often the preferred drink during childhood, it can be addicting and harmful to a child’s long-term health. Read More »