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Kids have accidents, and it's always best to be prepared in case of an emergency. If your kid accidentally knocks out one of their permanent teeth, here's what you should do:

First, if possible, locate the tooth. Handle it by the crown (top) of the tooth, not by the root. DO NOT clean with soap, scrub or handle the tooth unnecessarily. You may very GENTLY rinse the tooth with water if you plan to re-implant the tooth.

Inspect the tooth for fractures. If it is sound, try to reinsert it in the socket. Have the child hold the tooth in place by biting down on gauze. If you cannot re-insert the tooth, transport the tooth in a cup containing the patient’s saliva or milk (or ice water if milk is not available). If the patient is old enough, the tooth may also be carried in the patient’s mouth (beside the cheek), which can help preserve it.

Time is critical when saving a permanent tooth! Please call our office immediately for an emergency consultation.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to keep your child's smile healthy.  If you have any questions for our office, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.

Spring's just around the corner, and that means spring sports! Many of our families have kids excited about a wide range of athletic activities. If your child or teenager plays a high contact sport, you may want to consider a mouth guard.

Northwest Children's Dentistry creates custom mouth guards geared specifically toward your child. We do this by taking an impression of your child’s mouth so that it perfectly matches the contours of their teeth and gums. If you want, we can also add additional features, such as team colors, to get your child excited about wearing it during games and practice.

Custom mouth guards provide a better fit than generic mouth guards bought at the store They offer more comprehensive dental coverage and increased comfort inside your child's mouth.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to keep your child's smile healthy.  If you have any questions for our office, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.

In pediatric dentistry, the best way to manage your child's teeth is through routine prevention methods. We all know about brushing and flossing, but you may not be aware of the role sealants play.

A dental sealant is a thin, plastic coating we bond to your child's teeth, generally their permanent molars. These back teeth often have deep pits and grooves making them difficult for your child to brush properly. When these teeth don't receive adequate care, harmful bacteria forms on the tooth, which can have lifelong dental consequences.  

That's why we routinely recommend covering permanent molars with a sealant to keep food and bacteria out of your child’s teeth.  It reduces the risk of dental decay by up to 50%. And it helps ensure a healthy mouth as your child grows into adulthood.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to keep your child's smile healthy.  If you have any questions for our office, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.

Teeth are often an important milestone for babies.  We see those first baby teeth come in, and we marvel at our growing children.  Later down the road, losing those teeth are equally important, but this time, your kids are aware of what's going on.

Some kids have an anxiety about losing those teeth.  They could be scared of change, especially something as familiar as the teeth in their mouth.  Here are some suggestions to help you soothe a kid who's worried about losing their first primary teeth:

• Read Children's Books about Losing Teeth Together.  Knowing that losing a tooth is a normal part of growing up, and kids should know that.  Reading picture books showing other kids go through this can help a child know what to expect.  It helps to read this as soon as you suspect your child has a wiggling tooth so they have time to adjust the idea of losing it.
• Talk up the Tooth Fairy.  Just like using reward charts for potty training, the tooth fairy is a kind of positive reward for losing teeth.  Knowing there's a prize for getting rid of a tooth in advance can help ease a kid's mind.
• Be There When it's Time for the Tooth to Go.  Being a positive, patient pressure when the tooth's about to fall out can help a stressed out kid.  Have them snuggle in your lap while they wriggle the tooth.  Get excited as it gets looser.  Having you there as a cheerleader can make the event seem less intimidating.
• Or Conversely, Give Them Some Space.  This might seem contradictory, but kids, just like adults, have different personalities.  If being a cheerleader seems to increase your child's anxiety, you can take a step back and let them try to work it out themselves.  A little distance and space can also sometimes ease a child's mind.

Of course, if you have any medical concerns about your child's loose teeth, always feel free to give our office a call.

As your child's pediatric dentist in Tucson, we want to keep your child's smile healthy.  If you have any questions for our office, feel free to call us at (520) 544-8522.

About Northwest Children's Pediatric Dentists

Dr. Norman Bunch and Dr. Jennifer Marshall are doctor spouses who have been working as kids dentists in Tucson for years.  They have deep ties to Tucson, as well as the surrounding Oro Valley, Marana, Oracle, and other areas. Northwest Children's Dentistry provides top-notch care for toddlers, children, teens, and special needs children. If you’re looking for a general dentist for kids in Tucson, contact us today at (520) 544-8522.