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Oral cancer is a cancer that affects your mouth - it can develop in many places including the gums, tongue and lips. An esitimated 50,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed each year. As oral health care specialists, oral cancer is an extremely important topic for us, as we are usually the first to detect any problems in the mouth! While the majority of cases occur in adults, it's not completely uncommon for children to be diagnosed as well.

Early detection is key! Here at East Valley Children's Dentistry, Dr. Norman and Dr. Cat take great care to make sure that each patient is receives an oral cancer screening at each check up.

Here are the most common signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for at home:
- Sores that haven't healed within 10 days
- Any soft tissue that is rough, crusting, or thickening
- Flat patches of tissue that may be red, white, or speckled
- If you child tells you that part of their mouth feels numb
- Difficulty chewing, swallowing or moving their tongue

As always, our family here at East Valley is here for you to help answer any questions or concerns you may have!

Please help us in raising awareness regarding the importance of oral cancer this month!

Unfortunately yes.

We see many children as young as 1 year of age already having cavities in their mouth! Your child may have cavities starting in their teeth before it becomes a hole in their tooth. Cavities start as white spot lesions that become large and cavitated as the cavity gets worse (this is when you would usually see holes in the teeth).

Cavities are one of the most common chronic conditions of childhood in the United States. In Los Angeles County, 50% of kindergarteners have untreated cavities! Cavities are 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever!

So what can we do to prevent cavities?
1) Brush 2x/day with fluoridated toothpaste for 2 minutes each time
2) Floss at least 1x/day
3) Avoid sugary foods and drinks in excess, especially crackers, chips, and juice
4) Visit the dentist at least 2x/year

Cavities are completely preventable and we believe that early detection is key! Making sure your child sees a dentist regularly will help your child's dentist identify any teeth that are starting cavities before they get worse. We are always here for you!

We commonly get asked by parents on what type of toothpaste they should use for their child! We follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines, which recommends any toothpaste with fluoride. Fluoride is a protective factor to help prevent cavities on your child's teeth!

We also understand that some parents may be concerned with fluoride use. There is an alternative type of toothpaste with hydroxyapatite. We have seen some similar success with cavity prevention using hydroxyapatite, but there is not enough evidence in research that we can professionally recommend this type of toothpaste just yet. But it is an option for your family to look into if you would like!

In the end, you should choose any toothpaste that your child likes using! If your child likes it, you have a higher chance of getting your child to brush! Toothpaste comes in all colors, flavors, and designs - so make it a fun activity to have your child choose one with you when you go to the store!

When it comes to keeping your child's teeth clean and healthy, one of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing the right toothbrush. There are two main types of toothbrushes available: manual and electric. Both have their pros and cons, so it's important to understand the differences before making a decision.

Manual toothbrushes are the traditional type of toothbrush that most people are familiar with. They are inexpensive, easy to find, and don't require batteries or electricity. They are also small and lightweight, which makes them easy for children to hold and use. However, manual toothbrushes can be more difficult to use correctly, and it can be harder for children to get all of the plaque and debris off of their teeth.

Electric toothbrushes, on the other hand, have a motor that moves the bristles back and forth. This can make brushing easier and more effective, especially for children who have trouble brushing properly. Electric toothbrushes are also great for children with sensory processing disorders, as the vibrations can provide a calming sensation. However, electric toothbrushes can be more expensive and need to be charged or replaced batteries regularly.

In conclusion, both manual and electric toothbrushes can be effective for maintaining good oral hygiene in children. Manual toothbrushes are a more traditional and cost-effective option, while electric toothbrushes can make brushing easier and more effective, especially for children who have difficulty brushing properly. Ultimately, the best toothbrush is the one that your child is most likely to use correctly and consistently. It is always best to consult with a pediatric dentist to decide which toothbrush is best for your child.