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  • Encouraging your kids to brush their teeth… even when they don’t want to!

    Blue or green? No, I’m not talking about candy. I’m talking about when the dental hygienist asks your kids what color toothbrush they want. Who knew choosing colors could be so exciting! The dental hygienist hopes to leave the child with a smile on his/her face, while the parents are secretly hoping that a new toothbrush will make the daily brushings at home go a little smoother. But, after a week or two, the newness of the toothbrush wears off and kids often become less enthused, and often resistant, to brushing their teeth.

    How often should your kids be brushing their teeth?

    Dental hygiene should begin even before your child has their first tooth. Begin cleaning your child’s mouth by gently wiping gums clean with a clean, moist washcloth. Your child’s teeth will usually begin to grow in at about 6 months of age. As soon as the first tooth appears, your child is at risk for tooth decay, which is why it’s important to brush his/her teeth (or tooth) with a child-size toothbrush and water. When kids reach the age of 2 or 3, they can graduate to brushing their teeth with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. It is recommended that children (and adults) brush their teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bed, for two minutes. It’s important to teach your kids good oral hygiene habits at an early age, so that they can establish a healthy routine as they get older. But, this can be hard sometimes when it seems the brushing battle never ends.

  • The meaning of true beauty: Talia’s story

    The first thing you’ll notice about Talia are her striking brown eyes opened wide with wonder, shining a light and a warmth that radiates from the inside out. And then her smile- a toothy grin that’s a little bit sweet and a little bit mischievous. With a sideways grin, she draws you in as if you’ve been best friends your whole lives.

  • The miraculous gift that saved Cameron's life

    Caroline believes in miracles. She believes in miracles because her son, Cameron, is a living, breathing example of a miracle, and she cherishes him every, single day.

  • To know Jenna is to know love

    Jenna is 11 years old, but wise beyond her years. She loves fiercely and unconditionally, because she has been loved fiercely and unconditionally. Jenna has fought for her life many times, but she lives each day in peace, full of kindness and laughter. She is surrounded by the love of her devoted family: her mom Kristi, dad Bruce and older brother Jared. Together, they have faced challenges they never expected.

  • 7 Tips to Keep Your Child Safe in the Summer Heat

    I have a love/hate relationship with our Florida summers. Is it paradise or punishment? I think that depends.

  • Things you may not know about your child's asthma

    Written by Heather Staples, 4th year medical student at Florida State University College of Medicine.

  • Signs that your child may have a hearing loss

    Did you know that May is “Better Hearing & Speech” month? When I became an audiologist many years ago, it was considered a great success if a child with hearing loss had been fitted with hearing aids by 2 years of age. Awareness of audiology and better hearing has come a long way since then. Now, we routinely work with parents and infants with hearing loss who are 1-2 months old!

  • Grilling Tips To Keep Your Kids Safe

    Summer means more cookouts— and more grill-related injuries. Burns caused by fire and contact with hot surfaces are the most common grilling injuries. Children younger than 5 years, who may bump into, accidentally touch or fall onto the grill, account for about half of those burns.

  • Teaching Your Child Bicycle Safety

    An easy and fun way for you and your kids to explore and get exercise is riding bicycles together.

  • 8 Tips To Keep Your Child Safe During the Holidays

    The holiday season is full of joy and excitement, but it also can bring risks for your child. Here are eight essential safety tips to help you keep your little one safe during the festivities.