We know what you're thinking! Flossing and brushing your child's teeth is like trying to color within the lines of a picture while riding in a car on a bumpy road. It's challenging, and you might feel like giving up. Our kiddos can be squirmy, full of energy, and just not into having you stick a toothbrush in their mouth. But oral hygiene is essential when it comes to our overall health. Don't give up! Keep going! A healthy, clean mouth for your kids improves their quality of life and helps

When should my child be seen by an orthodontist? One of the most common questions people ask their pediatric dentist or orthodontist is: “When will my child be ready for orthodontics?” While most children are ready for comprehensive orthodontics around the age of 11 to 13, starting treatment at an earlier age is sometimes necessary. Children who need care at an earlier age require a first phase of treatment around 7 to 10 years of age. In general, the ideal time to start orthodontics is when all of the primary teeth

Dr. Jonathan Stephens  Why did you choose dentistry as your profession? Why pediatric? I have always enjoyed being able to serve people and found the workings of the human body to be amazing. Dentistry brings both of these things together. I enjoy working with kids because they are fun, smart, and full of hope and potential. Kids are AWESOME. What is one thing you want parents to know about KidSmiles? We care about your kids and want the best for them. We are determined to provide the best care possible and try to treat

At KidSmiles of Lake Conroe, our goal is to provide the best care possible to our patients. From the first exam to the cleaning and anything else that follows, we want our patients to have the best and keep smiling. One of the ways we aim to do this is by following the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry or the AAPD. So, let’s talk a little about what that means exactly. Who is the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry? The AAPD, formed in 1947, is the professional membership organization

From learning to walk to baseball games, tumbling lessons, or spontaneous parkour sessions through our living rooms, our kids are full of energy and learning to explore and enjoy the world around them. Along with their adventures comes the risk of getting hurt. Those injuries sometimes involve their mouth or teeth, and it could be hard to know what to do. What is a Dental Emergency? Some oral and dental injuries are emergencies, while others are not. Along with dental emergency injuries, there are other types of dental emergencies. A dental emergency

What is Oral Surgery? Oral surgery is an area in dentistry that involves teeth extraction. It also includes removing abnormal growths or cysts, treating injuries, and even facial reconstruction. Some of these treatments are routine and can be done by most dentists, but other times, the procedures are more complicated, and an expert is needed. These experts are called oral and maxillofacial surgeons (or oral surgeons for short) and have the training and skills necessary to perform these more complex procedures. One of the procedures that oral surgeons are highly trained

Learn About PDS, in Spring, Texas We wanted to share with our patients more about how KidSmiles of Lake Conroe came about. It all began in the 80s when a pediatric dental practice started in Spring, Texas. The practice grew and gained an outstanding reputation throughout the community. With time, we added orthodontics, and the practice became the first in the area to offer services from board-certified pediatric dentists and orthodontists. The practice was named Pediatric Dental Specialists and Orthodontics, often called “PDS” for short. PDS Growth Through the Years Dr. Pittman came

At KidSmiles of Lake Conroe, our mission is to provide compassionate and exceptional care to all of our patients. After several wonderful years in the Lake Conroe area, we realized we could expand our reach and serve even more families. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce our expansion into Huntsville! This move allows us to offer our specialized pediatric dental and orthodontic services to more children while continuing to strengthen the communities we care for. Why Huntsville? It all starts with Dr. Casey Frazier, who established her pediatric dental practice in Huntsville

Teeth discoloration is a common cosmetic issue that can sneak up on many of us—even kids! From daily habits to dietary choices, there are many reasons why those pearly whites might lose their sparkle. And sometimes, the cause is beyond our control, stemming from how the teeth develop. Fortunately, plenty of ways exist to improve teeth discoloration and keep those smiles shining! Let’s examine the main causes of teeth discoloration, how to fix it, and a few tricks to prevent it from happening again. Main Causes of Teeth Discoloration Food and Drink

When one of my daughters was young, we worked hard to create a good bedtime routine for cleaning her teeth. Some nights, it felt like we really had it down. After helping her with PJs, I’d get her toothbrush ready, sit on the floor, and she’d lay her head in my lap. I’d brush and floss her teeth, and off to bed she went. Other nights were a different story—tears, complaints, and even a little wrestling. These tough nights happen to every parent. Kids have big feelings and haven’t yet developed

Hello, wonderful parents! As a pediatric dentist, I want to take a moment to recognize the challenges you face every day. Juggling work, school, activities, and everything in between can feel overwhelming. Amid all this, it’s easy to overlook your child’s oral health, but I’m here to reassure you that you play a crucial role in their oral health-it’s incredibly important for their smiles and their overall well-being. Oh baby…. teeth really do matter - healthy smiles for kids First, let’s talk about baby teeth. Many parents wonder if these temporary teeth

Hey there, awesome teens! As your friendly neighborhood pediatric dentist, I want to discuss something super important—your oral health. I know … you’ve got a million things on your mind, but trust me, taking care of your teeth is key to feeling great and looking even better. Your dental healthy is something you'll want to talk about! Smart Snacking for Healthy Teeth First up, let’s talk about snacks. We all love them—whether it’s chips, candy, or those delicious energy drinks. Unfortunately, the bacteria in your mouth love them too. They use sugars

If your teen just got braces, you're probably wondering how to prevent those dreaded emergency orthodontist visits for broken brackets. Helping your teen navigate their orthodontic journey can feel overwhelming as a parent, but don't worry – we've got your back at KidSmiles with these practical tips to protect your investment and their future smile.  1. Smart Snacking for Braces Success One of the most common causes of broken brackets is eating the wrong foods. Help your teen avoid orthodontic emergencies by keeping these items out of your pantry: Hard foods: Nuts,