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You may have heard someone say that baby bottles cause tooth decay. You may think to yourself, I know lots of children who used bottles without any problem with their teeth. How is this possible?

It's not the bottle itself causing a problem, but how you let the child use it.  Tooth decay is more likely to occur when a child is given a bottle of formula or milk as a way to fall asleep or as a pacifier.  This allows the child to let the liquid pool around in their mouth much longer than they normally would if they were actively drinking, and this can lead to tooth decay.

Giving a child sugary drinks such as juice in a bottle can also increase the risks of tooth decay.  This is linked more to the liquid itself.  Water, for example, does not increase tooth decay risk.

We recommend a child start drinking out of cup when they are developmentally ready.  For many children, this is around the time of their first birthday.  

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.

As an adult, you've been brushing your teeth for years, so you probably think you know all about toothbrushes. The truth is, you probably do! Your child, however, may not know the best way to take care of theirs. Make sure to go over these simple rules on how to take care of a toothbrush.

Never share your toothbrush.  It may be obvious to you, but your child should know you don't ever share toothbrushes, not even with a sibling.  Doing so can lead to shared diseases and other illnesses.

Rinse your toothbrush after every use.  In order for your toothbrush bristles to maintain their effectiveness, make sure your child rinses them every time after they brush their teeth.

Let your toothbrush air dry.  If you leave a toothbrush in a closed container, bacteria and mildew can grow on it.  Instead, let it air dry in a cup or another clean place.

Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months.  Toothbrushes aren't meant to last forever.  Bent and broken bristles can make it less effective at brushing your teeth.  Let your child pick out a new one every 3-4 months.

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.

If you're lucky enough to have dental insurance, then you generally receive benefits within a calendar year. Many plans allow 2 free dental cleanings per year for each of your children. Don't know about yours? Read on below!

At Northwest Children's Dentistry, we're happy to help you understand your dental insurance benefits.  You can call our office at any time and let us know your dental plan.  If we work with your insurance provider, we'll call them up for you to see what benefits your child can receive at our office.

If you still have a free cleaning, you will likely need to schedule it before the end of the year.  We still have appointments available and can help you find a time that works within your schedule.

Regular check-ups help prevent future dental health issues.  We'd much rather see your child regularly and prevent any tooth decay before it occurs.

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.

We all know that it's best to reduce your child's sugar intake for a variety of health reasons. It's not only a matter of the body staying physically fit. Reducing a child's sugar intake is one of the best ways you can preserve a kid's general dental health.

Sugar leads to tooth decay.  Tooth decay is the leading cause of damage to children's teeth.  A National Oral Health Survey states that 42 percent of all children aged 5–10 have tooth decay in their baby teeth, a quarter of which is untreated.  When tooth decay affects a child's permanent teeth, you're looking at lifelong dental issues.

Sugar, though, is a tempting treat for children and adults alike.  Even reducing your child's intake can help immensely offset its risks.  Keep your child's sugar intake to small portions and not at every meal.  Substitute processed sugary foods with fruit, whose natural sugars do not affect a child's teeth in the same way.  Juice and other sugary drinks such as soda, should not be consumed more than 4-6 ounces a day.  

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.