Castle Rock Smiles Blog

Teeth Whitening and Cavities – What’s So Dangerous?

November 14, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drbenzley @ 1:25 am
Teen pointing to her smile

It’s natural for teeth to get a yellow tint over time as we get older. However, it is still one of the most common reasons that young people today are self-conscious about the appearance of their teeth. The good news is that if your child’s adult teeth have all developed and come in, usually in the teen years, they are likely a candidate for professional teeth whitening. However, their dentist will first need to ensure that they don’t have any existing tooth decay. Continue reading to learn why this is so important!

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What Foods Should My Child Avoid After Teeth Whitening?

October 10, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drbenzley @ 11:33 pm
Before and after teeth whitening

If your child has stubborn dental stains or discoloration that won’t be lifted by improved oral hygiene, professional teeth whitening treatments from their pediatric dentist may be just the thing to make their smiles bright and shiny. While these take-home kits can make a child’s smile up to eight shades whiter over about two weeks, their teeth will be more susceptible to developing new stains for a few days after the treatment is over. Here’s a brief list of foods for your child to avoid so they can preserve the results of their teeth whitening treatment.

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The Truth About Dental X-Rays for Kids

September 10, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drbenzley @ 10:33 pm
pediatric dentist showing child X-ray

As a parent, it can be difficult to know what’s truly good or bad for your child, especially when it comes to important health decisions. One such topic that often sparks debate is the use of dental X-rays in children. While some may argue that these X-rays are unsafe, pediatric dental experts and professional organizations emphasize their safety and importance for ensuring healthy dental development. Read on to learn some facts about dental X-rays to help you make the best choice for your child’s dental care.

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When Is It Safe for My Child to Use an Electric Toothbrush?

September 6, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drbenzley @ 12:23 am
Electric toothbrush

It’s important to get your child started on oral hygiene early, but doing so involves following a series of steps to protect developing teeth and prevent dental accidents. For example, dentists recommend brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they begin erupting and flossing as soon as the kid has two teeth right next to each other. Using an electric toothbrush can provide a number of significant benefits for a child’s oral health. Here’s what you should know about the ideal time to get your kid started with an electric toothbrush.

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What Does a Dental Hygienist Actually Do?

July 26, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drbenzley @ 3:14 am
Patient talking to a dental hygienist

When people think about the daily operations of a dental office, most think about the dentist as handling the bulk of oral healthcare. While their expertise is certainly invaluable, they’re far from the only ones who will help you get the care that you need.

Dental hygienists are a crucial part of any checkup or restorative treatment. In fact, they’re probably the person you’ll spend the most time with when you visit your dentist! If you want to learn more about what these oral health professionals can do for you, here’s what you should know about the core responsibilities of a dental hygienist.

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How Can Swimming Pools Be Bad for My Smile?

May 13, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drbenzley @ 10:05 pm
Underneath water of swimming pool

While many athletic activities such as boxing, football, and hockey are well-known for causing dental emergencies, swimming isn’t typically thought of as particularly threatening to your smile. While it’s unlikely that you’ll dislodge any teeth by performing a cannonball off the diving board, the chlorine in swimming pools can damage your enamel if you’re not careful. Here’s how to cool off this summer while keeping your teeth safe from harm.

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4 Reasons Why There’s Fluoride in Drinking Water

March 5, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drbenzley @ 3:12 pm
person drinking fluoride in drinking water

Fluoride, a naturally occurring mineral, can be found in various elements of our environment, including soil, water, air, rocks, and plants. Moreover, it’s a common ingredient in numerous dental products like toothpaste and mouthwash. Interestingly, fluoride is also present in many public water sources. You might be curious as to why this mineral is intentionally added to your drinking water. If so, read on as we delve into four compelling reasons why fluoride is incorporated into your water supply and how its presence can positively impact your dental health.

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Mouthguard Mania: When Does My Child Need One?

February 5, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drbenzley @ 3:22 pm
Nose to chin view of a child wearing a blue mouthguard

If you’ve ever watched a professional football game, you may have noticed that in addition to wearing a helmet, many players also wear a mouthguard. These oral appliances serve to protect an athlete’s teeth from injury. They’re not exclusive to football; you’ll see them used in various sports and martial arts.

Some schools, leagues, and organizations require that their participants wear them as a safety measure, especially for children and young adults. If you’re wondering whether your child needs one for their after-school activities, keep reading to learn more about mouthguards and when it’s a good idea to have one!

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Tooth Extraction Terror: 4 Tips to Alleviate Your Child’s Anxiety

January 8, 2024

Filed under: Uncategorized — drbenzley @ 6:32 pm
Wooden tooth being pulled out of a row by toy wooden forceps

If your child has an upcoming appointment to have a tooth extracted, it’s natural for them to feel daunted. No one looks forward to sitting in the dentist’s chair to have their pearly white pulled especially at a young age. Many patients worry that it will be overly painful or that they won’t be able to sit still for the entire procedure if they feel squeamish. If you’re looking for ways to help your kid cope, keep reading to learn 4 tips to overcome their fear!

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Toddler Trouble: How a Lip Tie Impacts Your Child’s Oral Health

December 11, 2023

Filed under: Uncategorized — drbenzley @ 6:55 pm
Toddler eating baby food with an orange spoon

As a parent, it can be very exciting to watch your child grow and develop from infancy into a boisterous, bouncing toddler. There are so many momentous ‘firsts’ to look forward to at this stage, like their earliest steps as they learn to walk or their transition into eating solid foods. If your little one has a lip tie, however, they might also experience their first oral issues, too. Keep reading to learn more about how this condition impacts your child and what you can do about it!

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