The Wiggly Tooth Blog

11/24/2025

🦃 Happy Thanksgiving From The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry!

Keeping Little Smiles Healthy This Holiday Season

Thanksgiving is a time for family, gratitude, and of course… delicious food! At The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler, AZ, we love seeing our patients enjoy the holidays while also keeping their smiles strong and cavity-free. As your trusted pediatric dentist, we put together a few fun tips to help your child enjoy all their favorite Thanksgiving treats while protecting their teeth. 🦷✨

🥧 Tooth-Friendly Thanksgiving Tips for Kids

1. Enjoy Sweets in One Sitting

Pumpkin pie and sweet treats are holiday favorites, but grazing all day exposes teeth to sugar more often. Encourage your child to enjoy dessert with their meal rather than snacking throughout the day.

2. Choose Smile-Smart Foods

Thanksgiving actually includes lots of tooth-friendly options! Turkey, cheese, veggies, and nuts help strengthen teeth and stimulate saliva—nature’s way of washing away acids.

3. Water Is the Holiday MVP 💧

With all the rich foods and sweets, drinking water helps rinse away sugars and food particles. Make it a fun challenge for kids to finish their water bottle before dessert!

4. Don’t Forget the Nighttime Brush and Floss

With long family gatherings and travel, routines can get disrupted. Try to keep your child’s bedtime brushing and flossing consistent—especially after a day filled with sticky or sugary treats.

🦷 Why Thanksgiving Is a Great Time to Schedule a Dental Visit

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to schedule your child’s pediatric dental checkup or cleaning at The Wiggly Tooth. Holiday breaks mean more flexibility for busy families, and preventive care helps keep smiles bright going into the new year.

If your child hasn’t had their six-month checkup, we’re here for you!

🍂 From Our Wiggly Tooth Family to Yours

We’re grateful for the trust our Chandler families place in us every day. Thank you for letting us care for your little ones’ smiles and helping us create a fun, positive dental experience for every child who walks through our doors.

Wishing you a warm, joyful, and tooth-healthy Thanksgiving! 🧡

11/13/2025

🌟 This Week’s Smile Tip: How to Make Your Child’s Dental Checkups Stress-Free

A Parent’s Guide from The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler, AZ

At The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, we know that visiting the dentist can be a big moment for kids—sometimes exciting, sometimes a little wiggly (just like our name!). This week, we’re sharing simple, proven ways to help your child feel confident, calm, and even excited about their dental visits. 💙🦷

🪥 1. Talk About the Dentist in a Fun, Positive Way

Kids take their cues from parents. Try talking about the dentist like it’s an adventure:
✨ “We’re going to visit our friends at The Wiggly Tooth!”
✨ “They help keep your smile bright and strong!”
This sets the tone long before you walk in the door.

🎨 2. Use Books and Videos

There are lots of kid-friendly stories about dental visits. These help children learn what to expect and see it as something normal and enjoyable. We love when kids walk in already saying, “I saw this in my book!”

🪑 3. Plan Your Appointment at the Best Time of Day

Morning or early-afternoon visits often work best—kids are rested, fed, and ready to shine. At The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler, our goal is always to work with your child’s natural rhythm.

🧒 4. Let Them Bring a Comfort Item

Whether it’s a stuffed animal, a small toy, or a superhero cape, familiar items help kids feel safe and brave during their visit.

💬 5. Celebrate Their Success

After the appointment, praise your child for being cooperative and brave. A high five, a sticker, or choosing a reward from our treasure box makes the whole experience positive!

Why Parents in Chandler Love The Wiggly Tooth

At The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in creating a warm, playful, and supportive environment for every child. Our kid-friendly office, gentle team, and patient-centered approach help children build lifelong healthy habits—without fear or stress.

Whether it’s your child’s first dental visit, a routine cleaning, or treatment for specific concerns, we’re here to make smiles brighter and families feel cared for.

11/6/2025

🦷 Why We Recommend Topical Fluoride Every Six Months at The Wiggly Tooth

At The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler, we love helping kids build strong, healthy smiles that last a lifetime. One of the easiest and most effective ways we do that is with topical fluoride treatments — applied gently to your child’s teeth during their regular checkups.

But why do pediatric dentists recommend fluoride every six months? Let’s break it down.

💧 What Is Topical Fluoride?

Topical fluoride is a protective mineral applied directly to your child’s teeth — not swallowed. It’s usually given as a fluoride varnish, a safe and gentle coating that sticks to the enamel and releases fluoride over time.

Fluoride helps:

Strengthen tooth enamel
Repair early weak spots before they become cavities
Prevent bacteria from producing acid that harms teeth

Think of it like a superhero shield for your child’s smile!

🗓️ Why Every Six Months?

Most children benefit from a professional fluoride treatment twice a year — at the same time as their dental cleanings.

Here’s why:

The protective fluoride layer wears away over time, especially with normal brushing and eating.
New teeth erupt throughout childhood and need immediate protection.
Cavity risk changes as kids grow, start school, or enjoy more snacks and drinks.

Regular fluoride treatments keep the protection fresh and effective between visits.

👉 For children who are at higher risk for cavities — such as those with a history of decay, orthodontic braces, or limited access to fluoridated water — we may recommend applications every three to four months instead.

🌟 The Benefits of Topical Fluoride

Decades of research show that fluoride is one of the most powerful tools in cavity prevention.

According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), children who receive regular fluoride varnish have:

Up to 63% fewer cavities than those who don’t (NCBI, 2016)
Stronger enamel that can actually remineralize early decay (MDPI, 2022)
Long-term savings on dental care because prevention reduces the need for fillings and crowns later (JAMA, 2021)

🧒 Who Benefits Most?

Every child can benefit from fluoride treatments, but they’re especially important for those who:

Have had cavities in baby teeth
Drink mostly bottled or filtered water
Eat frequent snacks or sugary foods
Have newly erupted permanent teeth

At The Wiggly Tooth, we personalize every fluoride plan based on your child’s unique needs and risk factors.

✅ Safe, Simple, and Effective

Professional fluoride varnish is completely safe when applied by our dental team. The varnish hardens on contact with saliva and only a tiny amount is used — so there’s virtually no risk of swallowing.

Your child can eat and drink right after their visit (just avoid hard or sticky foods for a few hours).

💜 The Wiggly Tooth Approach

We believe prevention should be fun, stress-free, and family-focused. During your child’s cleaning and exam, our team will:

Check for early signs of cavities or weak spots.
Apply fluoride varnish in just seconds — no discomfort, no drill!
Review brushing and diet tips to keep your child’s teeth strong between visits.

We’ll also make sure you know how to keep up fluoride protection at home with the right toothpaste and habits.

Keep Those Smiles Wiggly and Bright!

Fluoride is one of the simplest ways to keep cavities away and protect your child’s growing smile. By visiting The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry every six months, you’re giving your child the best chance for a lifetime of healthy, happy teeth.

📚 References

Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health. Fluoride varnishes for dental caries prevention and treatment in children and adolescents. 2016. NCBI
Munteanu A. Review of professionally applied fluorides for preventing dental caries in children. Applied Sciences. 2022. MDPI
Chou R, Cantor A, Zakher B, et al. Screening and interventions to prevent dental caries in children younger than 5 years. JAMA. 2021. JAMA Network
AAPD Policy on Fluoride Use. The Reference Manual of Pediatric Dentistry. 2020.

11/3/2025

🦷 When Should You Start Taking Your Child to the Dentist? | The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler

Parents often ask us, “When should my child have their first dental visit?” 🤔 The answer might surprise you — your child should visit the dentist by their first birthday or within six months after their first tooth appears! 👶✨

At The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler, we love helping families start healthy habits early. 🌈 Here’s why those early visits matter and how they can set your little one up for a lifetime of healthy smiles! 😁

🍼 1. Early Visits Build Comfort and Confidence

The dental office can be a new and exciting place for kids! By bringing your child in early, they get used to the sights, sounds, and friendly faces of our team. 💜 Early visits help your child feel comfortable and confident at the dentist — and make future appointments easier!

2. Prevention Is Key

Even baby teeth (primary teeth) play a big role in your child’s development. They help with eating, speaking, and holding space for adult teeth later on. 🍎 By checking them early, we can catch small issues before they turn into bigger ones — saving time, stress, and costs down the road!

3. Parents Learn How to Protect Tiny Teeth

During your child’s first visit, we’ll show you how to:

Clean your baby’s teeth and gums 🧼
Choose the right toothbrush and toothpaste 🪥
Spot early signs of tooth decay 🦠
Create healthy eating and brushing habits 🥦🍓

We’re here to support you every step of the way — because healthy smiles start at home! 🏠✨

🌟 4. Make It a Fun Milestone!

Your child’s first dental visit is something to celebrate! 🎉 At The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler, we make it fun and memorable — from colorful décor to gentle care and friendly smiles. Our goal is to make every visit something your child looks forward to! 💖

📅 Schedule Your Child’s First Visit Today!

If your little one just got their first tooth — or even if they’re a bit older and haven’t been in yet — now is the perfect time to schedule! 🕒

📍 Visit The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler, AZ
💻 thewigglytooth.com
📞 Call us today to book your child’s happy, healthy start!

The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler — where little smiles grow big and bright! 🌟🦷💜

10/29/2025

Why Permanent Teeth Aren’t as Bright as Baby Teeth 🌟

Have you ever noticed that your child’s new permanent teeth look a little darker or more yellow than their baby teeth? Don’t worry — that’s completely normal! At The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler, we hear this question all the time from parents. Let’s explore why this happens and what it means for your child’s smile. 😁

1. Baby Teeth Are Naturally Whiter

Primary (baby) teeth have thinner enamel and a lighter, more opaque structure. This makes them look bright white, especially next to a new permanent tooth. Permanent teeth, on the other hand, have thicker enamel and more dentin — the layer beneath the enamel — which gives them a slightly yellowish tint.

2. Permanent Teeth Are Stronger

That darker color isn’t a bad thing! It actually means your child’s adult teeth are stronger and built to last a lifetime. The extra dentin helps protect against wear, cavities, and sensitivity.

3. It’s All About Contrast

When your child still has a mix of baby and permanent teeth, the difference in color is more noticeable. Once all the baby teeth have been replaced, their smile will look more uniform in color.

4. Good Habits Keep Teeth Bright 🪥

Even though permanent teeth are naturally less white, good oral hygiene makes a big difference. Encourage twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste, flossing, and regular dental checkups at The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler to keep your child’s smile clean, bright, and healthy.

At The Wiggly Tooth, our friendly team loves helping kids and parents understand every stage of dental development — from wiggly baby teeth to strong permanent smiles! If you have questions about your child’s tooth color or dental health, schedule a visit today at thewigglytooth.com.

10/27/2025

🦷 When Should You Start Flossing Your Child’s Teeth? | The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler, AZ

Parents often wonder: When should I start flossing my child’s teeth? 🤔 The answer might surprise you! At The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler, we recommend beginning to floss as soon as two teeth touch 🪥 — usually around age 2 to 3, though every child is different.

Flossing removes food and plaque between teeth where a toothbrush can’t reach 🧵. Starting early helps build healthy habits and prevents cavities between baby teeth, which are just as important as adult teeth for chewing, speech, and guiding permanent teeth into place. 😁

Our friendly team at The Wiggly Tooth loves showing parents and kids the right way to floss! 💕 During your child’s dental visit, we’ll demonstrate easy techniques and share tips to make flossing fun and stress-free. 🎉 Remember: good brushing and flossing routines, along with regular checkups, set your child up for a lifetime of healthy smiles! 🌟

If you have questions about your child’s dental care or need help getting started, schedule a visit with The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler today! 📅 We’re here to make dental care easy, educational, and full of smiles. 😄

10/25/2025

Trunk or Treat Fun at Playa del Rey Elementary! 🎃

We had such a blast at Playa del Rey Elementary’s Trunk or Treat event! Dr. Bland joined in the Halloween fun with his daughters, Roy and Neela, handing out candy and big smiles to all the little ghosts and superheroes. Our amazing office manager, Youvana, helped make our Wiggly Tooth booth a hit—complete with decorations, prizes, and lots of laughter.

It was so much fun connecting with families, seeing all the creative costumes, and spreading a little Halloween cheer. Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hi—we love being part of our Chandler community and can’t wait to see those happy faces again soon at The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry! 👻🦷🎃

10/23/2025

🦷 5 Tips to Help Your Child Overcome Dental Anxiety | The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler

Helping Kids Feel Comfortable at the Dentist

It’s completely normal for children to feel a little nervous about visiting the dentist. At The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry in Chandler, our goal is to make every visit fun, gentle, and stress-free—for both kids and parents. With the right preparation and support, even the most anxious child can learn to look forward to their dental appointments.

Here are five simple ways to help your child overcome dental anxiety and build confidence in the dental chair:

1️⃣ Start Dental Visits Early

The earlier your child begins regular dental visits, the more familiar and comfortable they’ll become. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends a child’s first visit by age one or when their first tooth appears. Early visits at The Wiggly Tooth help kids get used to our team, our office, and the experience of dental care in a calm, positive setting.

2️⃣ Use Positive Language

Avoid using words like “hurt,” “needle,” or “shot” when talking about the dentist. Instead, focus on the positive—say things like “the dentist will count your teeth” or “help keep your smile strong.” Our team uses kid-friendly explanations and gentle communication to build trust from the start.

3️⃣ Bring Comfort from Home

Let your child bring a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or toy to their appointment. Familiar items can make a big difference in helping them feel safe and relaxed.

4️⃣ Practice at Home

Play “dentist” together before their appointment! Take turns being the dentist and the patient—look at each other’s teeth, use a toothbrush as a “mirror,” and show how easy it is to open wide. This kind of play makes the real visit feel fun and familiar.

5️⃣ Choose the Right Pediatric Dentist

Finding a dental office that understands children’s needs is key. At The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our team is trained to make every visit enjoyable. We take extra time with anxious patients, use gentle techniques, and create a cheerful environment designed just for kids.

Creating Confident Smiles in Chandler

We’re proud to serve families throughout Chandler, AZ with compassionate, child-focused dental care. Whether it’s your child’s first visit or they need help overcoming fear of the dentist, we’re here to help make it a positive experience—one wiggly tooth at a time!

📍 Visit Us: Chandler, AZ
🌐 Website: www.thewigglytooth.com
📞 Call Today: Schedule your child’s visit and discover how fun pediatric dentistry can be!

10/22/2025

🎃 Keep Halloween Fun (and Cavity-Free!) with The Wiggly Tooth

Halloween is one of the most exciting times of the year for kids — costumes, candy, and plenty of smiles! At The Wiggly Tooth Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics in Chandler, we love seeing our patients enjoy the magic of the season while keeping their teeth healthy. With just a few simple tricks, your family can enjoy those treats without worrying about cavities.

1. Choose smarter sweets.
Sticky candies like taffy, gummies, and caramel can cling to teeth and feed cavity-causing bacteria. Instead, go for chocolates — especially dark chocolate — which wash away more easily and are less harmful to enamel.

2. Time treats right.
Encourage your child to enjoy candy right after meals, when saliva production is higher. This helps rinse away sugars and acids more quickly.

3. Rinse, brush, and floss.
After the candy fun, have kids drink water and brush about 30 minutes later. Don’t forget to floss — sticky pieces love to hide between teeth!

4. Schedule a post-Halloween checkup.
If it’s been more than six months since your child’s last visit, now’s the perfect time to schedule one. Our team loves helping little ones learn great habits for strong, healthy smiles all year long.

At The Wiggly Tooth, we believe every smile deserves to shine — even after a night full of sweet treats! Call us today to book your child’s visit at our Chandler location, and let’s make this Halloween one to smile about. 🦷✨

Page updated

Report abuse