child looking at invisalign retainer

Invisalign vs Braces For Kids​: Which One’s Better?

Deciding between Invisalign® and braces for your child is an important choice you must make as a parent. Both options can be effective, but they have different features. This guide helps you understand how Invisalign® and braces compare for kids, so you can make the best decision for your child. Understanding Braces and Invisalign® Traditional braces use metal brackets that are glued to each tooth. Thin wires connect the brackets and gently move the teeth over time. Your child’s orthodontist adjusts the wires during r...

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child wearing sunglasses and getting teeth cleaned

When Should Kids go to the Dentist​

Your baby's first tooth is a precious milestone, but it also marks the beginning of dental care needs. When should kids go to the dentist for the first time? Timing this initial visit right can help establish good oral health habits that last a lifetime. The First Dental Visit: Earlier Than You Might Think The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that children visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months of their first tooth coming in—whichever comes first. This recommendation surprises...

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young child with braces

Can You Get Braces With Baby Teeth?

If you’re a parent wondering whether your child needs braces, even though they still have some baby teeth, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common dental questions parents of young children have. The good news? Yes, you can get braces with baby teeth, and in many cases, early orthodontic treatment is actually the smartest move. Let’s talk about why that is, how it works, and what to expect if your child still has baby teeth but might be ready for braces. What Is Early Orthodontic Treatment? Also called Phase ...

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Close-up of a smiling girl face with braces on white teeth holding green apple.

The Worst Foods for Braces: From Annoying to Dangerous

Braces help straighten teeth and create a healthy smile, but they also require extra care—especially when it comes to food choices. Certain foods stick to braces, break wires and brackets, or make cleaning more difficult, which can lead to oral health problems. Knowing what foods you can’t eat with braces can help prevent unnecessary repairs and keep your orthodontic treatment on track. Sticky and Chewy Foods: A Nightmare for Braces Sticky foods cling to brackets and wires, making them difficult to clean and increasin...

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Closeup of a young man with a beard eating an apple on a grey plain background

Impact of Food on Tooth Enamel: What to Eat & What to Avoid

Tooth enamel is the protective outer layer of your teeth—and once it’s gone, it doesn’t grow back. That’s why it’s important to understand how your diet can affect enamel strength. Certain foods can weaken enamel over time, while others help strengthen and protect it. In this blog, we’ll look at which foods can harm your enamel, which can help protect it, and what to eat or avoid to keep your smile healthy. Foods That Wear Down Tooth Enamel Acid is one of the biggest threats to enamel. When you eat or drink acidic thi...

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Portrait Of Smiling Girl With Baby Tooth

Foods to Avoid While Baby Teeth Are Coming Out

Losing baby teeth is a normal part of childhood, but it can be uncomfortable for kids, especially when eating. Picking the right foods can help ease pain, reduce irritation, and keep loose teeth from coming out too early. Some foods can also make it more likely for a child to swallow a baby tooth, which can worry parents. If your child has loose teeth, knowing which foods to avoid and what to do if they swallow a tooth by accident can make things easier. Foods to Avoid When Teeth Feel Loose When a child has loose b...

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A cheerful African American mother and her young son are standing together in a well-lit, contemporary bathroom, wearing white t-shirts while they both floss their teeth

The Best Ways to Floss for a Healthier Smile

Flossing is important for keeping your teeth and gums healthy, but many people don't do it correctly or skip it completely. Proper flossing helps remove plaque and food particles from between teeth, areas that a toothbrush can't always reach. If you're wondering how to floss with braces or whether to floss before or after brushing, this guide will help. It also provides tips on easier ways to floss and how to maintain a healthy smile and fight off tooth decay. The Best Flossing Technique for a Thorough Clean Flossing ...

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Image of a person w a chipped tooth

How to Handle a Chipped Tooth: Steps to Take & When to See a Dentist

A chipped tooth can happen quickly—whether from chewing something hard, a sports accident, or a small fall. While some chips are minor, others can expose the inner layers of the tooth, causing sensitivity or pain. Knowing what to do right away can help prevent further damage and ensure you get the right treatment. If you or your child has a chipped or cracked tooth, follow these steps to protect it and decide if you need emergency care. What to Do Immediately After a Tooth is Chipped Acting quickly after a chipped ...

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A father and daughter brushing teeth together in the mirror.

How to Get Kids to Brush Their Teeth: Tips for Parents

Getting kids to brush their teeth can sometimes feel like a daily battle, but it doesn’t have to be! Helping kids build good brushing habits early is the best way to prevent cavities and keep their smiles healthy for life. At Rio Dental & Orthodontics, we know brushing can be a challenge for parents, so we offer creative ways to make it fun and easy for kids. If you're trying to get your child to brush their teeth, use these tips to make it a more enjoyable routine. 1. Make Brushing a Game Children love games, ...

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