Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease impacting children today, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. By age 8, over half of children have had a cavity in their primary teeth. And yet, cavities are preventable! Parents can help children establish habits that will lead to a lifetime of good […]
Most children have had a cavity, but how big a deal is it really? Dental caries is the most common infectious disease in children, as well as the most common chronic disease in both children and adults. Chronic disease? Yes — once decay has formed, it doesn’t just go away. Even after a tooth is […]
Safety is the top consideration for parents when the topic of sedation comes up. We understand; it’s our top priority, too! Our Flower Mound dental practice offers comprehensive services for kids with complicated procedures, special needs, or high levels of anxiety. We have several tools to work with, including oral conscious sedation, IV sedation, and […]
You probably already know you should limit your child’s intake of the usual sweet suspects: sodas, candies, and other sugar-laden foods. But you should also moderate something most people consider wholesome and nutritious: fruit juice. Wait—juice is made from fruit, so it must be good for you, right? Fruit juice, even if it’s all natural, […]
Are electric toothbrushes better for kids than manual toothbrushes? I’m prepared to get into it, but first understand that either can be part of an effective dental hygiene routine. I’d like to help parents understand more about each so that you can make the best decision for your child. Manual Toothbrush vs. Electric Toothbrush First […]
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month Twenty percent of kids in the U.S. don’t drink water in a given day. That miraculous, life-giving hydration doesn’t make the cut — at least by itself. That same 20 percent of kids consume twice as many calories from sugar-sweetened beverages than children who drink water every day, […]
Some parents might be hesitant to make dental appointments for their children during the coronavirus pandemic. After all, dentists had a government-mandated break earlier in the year, and in August the World Health Organization gave questionable guidance that routine dental care be avoided until we sort this whole COVID-19 thing out. These steps were taken […]
Try as we might to protect them, sometimes little teeth need a bit of help. It’s one thing to add a dental crown to a damaged adult tooth, but do children’s primary teeth really need them? The answer is “yes,” but first let’s learn more about crowns. What Are Dental Crowns? When a tooth is […]
We might have helmets, mouth guards, and padded playgrounds, but our children will still find ways to hurt themselves. When do you “rub some dirt on it,” and when do injuries to the mouth mean it’s time to make an urgent visit to Dr. Duffy? We understand that accidents happen, and that parents are not […]
Many have asked about the safety of dental treatment in the context of the coronavirus outbreak. As people around the globe navigate these troubled waters, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued questionable guidance urging patients in areas with community transmission of COVID-19 to forego routine dental care. However, I respectfully disagree with the advice […]
Any pediatric dentist would love to have a magical treatment that could just stop cavities in their tracks. But we don’t need to sit by the wishing well; this is one dream that is already coming true! With children’s cavities on the rise, I’m happy that we have silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in our toolbox. […]
Is it a struggle getting your children to eat better? You’re not alone. At some point, most parents have experienced the all-too-real challenge of a child who won’t cooperate during meal times. “I’m allergic to [insert whatever meal you just spent an hour preparing here]!” “I don’t like it.” “I’m full.” “I don’t like these […]
Most of us take our teeth for granted—at least, until something goes wrong with them. As a Flower Mound pediatric dentist, I do my best to educate my young patients (and their parents) about their teeth so they’ll take great care of them. They need to last a lifetime, after all! You might think, “Hey, […]
On Monday March 22, 2020 Governor Gregg Abbott issued an executive order. The order required dentists to delay all non-emergent treatment until midnight April 30, 2020. The American Dental Association has also recommended that dental offices nationwide should postpone all non-emergent dental visits and routine care appointments to control the spread of the Coronavirus. If […]
You’re a health-conscious shopper. When choosing healthy snacks for the kids, you’ll pick up that yogurt container and take a look at the nutrition label. Low in calories and added sugar? Check. And so that yogurt finds a home in your shopping cart. But you may have overlooked something. We all understand that most “diet” […]
For most people, February means chocolates and roses. For a pediatric dentist, February is special because it is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). This month is a time we dedicate to educating families about pediatric dental hygiene. This year, the NCDHM slogan is “Fluoride in water prevents cavities! Get it from the tap!” […]
Did you know that Americans lose an average of 14% of the money they invest into flexible spending accounts every year? A lot of folks don’t realize they can use their FSA dollars for dental work in Flower Mound, leading to a forfeit of money put away for things like cleanings, teeth whitening, or sealants. […]
When a Flower Mound family had a baby that was struggling to breastfeed, the attending physician informed them their infant was tongue-tied. The surgical staff at the hospital recommended a frenectomy, and they wanted to use a scalpel to do the job. That’s when they contacted our pediatric dental practice to learn about their options. […]
When it comes to protecting children’s teeth, brushing and flossing simply aren’t enough. The ADA recently reaffirmed something we’ve been telling parents for a long time — toothpaste needs fluoride to prevent cavities. As a pediatric dentist, prevention is very important to me. I want our kids to have the best shot possible at living […]
Did you know that more than 40 percent of children have tooth decay by the time they reach kindergarten? The time to start taking care of your baby’s teeth begins before the first tooth comes in. Even though primary teeth will only be around for a short time, they are essential to the healthy development […]
As a parent and a children’s dentist in Flower Mound, moms and dads frequently ask me for advice for getting their kids to eat healthy. It sounds simple, but every parent is familiar with picky eaters. After my own trial and error and talking to many parents at our practice, here are the most important […]
Oral health is a vital component of a healthy body, and starting a child off on the right track helps build a foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits. Dental hygiene should begin as soon as the first tooth appears, and children should see their kids’ dentist in Flower Mound by their first birthday. Do […]
Who is the best pediatric dentist in Denton County? Dr. Duffy doesn’t like to toot her own horn, so her staff is going to do it for her this month! Dr. Duffy has been voted the top pediatric dentist in Denton County two years in a row in the Best of Denton County, an annual contest […]
Did you know that kids in Texas have among the highest rates of tooth decay in the country? In 2008, 73 percent of third graders had experienced tooth decay, yet only 42 percent had received treatment for their cavities. While the Lonestar State is too large for me to save alone, I do my best […]
Why should you choose a pediatric dentist in Flower Mound over a general dentist? Is there really a difference in care levels? You bet there is! The short answer is that your child will receive specialty care from a dentist specially trained to work with children from a pediatric dentist. Pediatric dentistry is a specialized […]
Youth sports help Flower Mound children learn discipline and teamwork, in addition to just being fun. With Spring right around the corner, many are preparing for their lacrosse, softball, or baseball seasons. Spring and Summer training camps are on the horizon, too! With all of this action comes the added risk of oral injuries and […]
Cavities are little holes in teeth that can result in big problems. I’ve worked as a pediatric dentist in Flower Mound for 24 years, and I have noticed an upward trend in the amount of cavities in our neighborhood, as more of the big problems that are associated with them are left untreated. What’s worse […]
Healthy teeth are important for our children, even if they don’t realize it. Children don’t always have the discipline to take care of their teeth as well as they should; that’s something even adults struggle with. That’s why our practice uses fluoride varnishes to help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride is an essential mineral that prevents […]
In a perfect world, every child I see in Flower Mound would brush their teeth twice every day, and they’d do a great job of it. They would have very little in the way of sugary snacks or candy, and they’d even floss! The reality is far from that vision of a dentist’s eutopia. Most […]
February was National Children’s Dental Health Month (#NCDHM), and that means that lately I’ve spent a lot of time out and about in Flower Mound promoting good oral hygiene in children. Children rely heavily on their parents and educators to instill good hygiene habits. Their little bodies may seem durable and able to bounce back […]
2017 is already underway and many of us are probably hoping to turn over a new leaf, of sorts. Whether it’s losing weight, getting a new job, or flossing every day, many of us use the start of a new year to “remake” ourselves. “Old habits die hard.” That’s what they say, anyway. Even with […]
As a children’s dentist in Flower Mound, we understand that summer is a special time for children. Learning during the school year is vitally important to their growth and their future, but summer allows for exploration, new experiences, and making life-changing social connections. If you’re looking to help your children thrive in a structured environment […]
The pioneers of early research took many unknown risks in developing the best diagnostic tool in modern medicine, and it is from their work that we have learned the truth about radiation; when to use it, and at what levels it is safe. So what is the truth? Radiation is everywhere. It is all around […]
As a child’s dentist in Flower Mound, February is an important month for us. That’s because February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. From the American Dental Association’s website: “This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, […]
Working as a pediatric dentist in Flower Mound, I feel connected to my city. It’s a great community full of friendly people. If we all got a bit more involved and gave a little more time back to the organizations and people around us, it could be even better. Thinking about volunteering and giving time […]
Christmas is a little more than a month away, but we’re still guilty of thinking about it. All the cliches are absolutely correct– it’s a magical time of year, and there’s a tangible spirit of fun and kindness in the air! We try to capture that magic all year ‘round at our office, so it’s […]
Many of us, but our children especially, love Halloween. It tends to be a low-stress holiday with little build-up, feasts, or visiting relatives. The only real thing most of us have to worry about is getting costumes together, which is often part of the fun. Our children love the chance to dress as their favorite […]
Insurance can be confusing enough, but with a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) it can be even trickier. While most people enrolled in eligible programs are doing so for tax reasons, many aren’t getting all the benefits they’re paying for. A recent study showed that 77% of people made mistakes […]
Your child’s smile lights up a room and lights up your life. Why risk any damage? With school sports starting up, it’s important to take extra steps to protect that winning smile, and that means using a mouthguard. As a children’s dentist, I’ve heard my share of protest against using mouthguards. Some kids see them […]
Schools are wonderful places full of friendship, books, sports, and learning. They’re also places full of candy and sugary drinks. As a pediatric dentist, I often worry about the latter. In my mind, sugar has its place– it’s just a very small place. Still, you can’t stop the inevitable. Kids are going to eat candy. […]
When you think of superfoods or power foods, what do you think of? Kale? Spinach? Avocados? Those are all great foods, but there’s one food that doesn’t get the recognition it deserves for its many health benefits– cheese. We strive to provide the best dentistry for children, and that includes educating families about foods that […]
After a long summer, you might be ready for a reprieve from the pitter-patter of little feet around the house, at least during school hours. That relief is usually short-lived, unfortunately, because so much stress is associated with sending the little ones back to school. We know a little something about that stress. When you […]
I was introduced to Dr. Aubel by another associate about three and a half years ago. Dr. Aubel is quiet and refined, but over the past three years, I’ve had the chance to get to know her on a deeper, more personal level. It wasn’t long before you could tell dentistry for children is her […]
At my practice, summer time is also dental accident time. Falling off playground equipment, getting hit in the face with a bat or balls, chipping teeth on the edge of the pool, skateboarding accidents, trampoline accidents…you name it, we see it. Kids will be kids and accidents will happen, it’s knowing what to do when […]
Providing great dentistry for kids is much easier for us when our patients are brushing regularly. As a parent, you know how hard it can be to encourage good brushing habits with your kids. Brushing teeth shouldn’t be like pulling teeth, but often times, it is. The struggle is real, especially now that school is […]
Today we want to spotlight two very important people. Linda Otea, one of our clinical assistants, and Lequita Butcher, one of our treatment and financial coordinators, both recently had work anniversaries! Dentistry for children requires kind, gentle employees who speak “kid” and enable children to feel comfortable at the dentist office. To create a positive, […]
Friday, June 5th marked our 3rd Annual Jungle Jam! Over 400 of our patients, their families and friends gathered outside of our office for a few hours of food and summer fun. We know that providing a fun environment is a huge part of successful dentistry for children, so the Jungle Jam is something we look […]
Recently, Dr. Duffy took some time to answer a couple of questions about Flower Mound and why it’s so important to her. We’re excited to share what she had to say! What brought you to Flower Mound? About the time I wanted to make a move from Fort Worth to get my own practice, an […]
One of the best things about living in a small community like Flower Mound, Texas, is that we can really get to know our neighbors! I guess, depending on where you live, this is not always a good thing… But, my family loves it here! And what’s not to love? There is so much happening […]
You’ve looked at the calendar for weeks, knowing the day is getting closer. Your kids have reminded you about it for months as they salivate with excitement. The weather is getting warmer and warmer each day and that only means one thing: it’s sports season! Time to break out all the soccer, football, baseball, basketball, […]
Imagine a place where a kid can go to have fun, adults know their name, favorite cartoon, and cereal. Imagine this place having stuffed animals lying around where the walls are abundantly illustrated with safari jungle animals. This place has a tree slide, kids magazines, and the feeling of Saturday morning cartoons. No, this isn’t […]
Did you know April is Autism Awareness Month? That means it’s a great time to spread the awareness of autism and talk the importance of choosing a pediatric dentist who understands your child’s needs. According to Autism Treatment Network (ATN), autism is defined as a “brain disorder that affects social interaction, communication and often results […]
In short, yes! When your child is diagnosed with diabetes, everyday things can become more of a challenge. As a parent, you’re constantly juggling to maintain the important balance of food, activity, and administering medications to control their blood sugar. If those blood sugars are not controlled, the complications can become a tremendous issue. Studies […]
We all live busy lives. Between work and the kids, homework, ballet recitals, and football practice there is barely any daylight in our schedules. Let’s all just take a deep breath, shall we? And can you believe it’s already March, 2015? How is that possible? Well, since it’s March and National Nutrition Month, we thought […]
This is a special week for us here at Debra Duffy, DDS. It’s the week we say thank you to our fabulous and talented Registered Dental Assistants! This office runs so smoothly because of them and we know that they take such extra special care of our patients! I’d like to take a moment to […]
As some of you are preparing for prom, you’re probably trying to decide on the right color of dress, the perfect shoes, and even a limo service! We want to mention one more thing that will surely stand out in all the pictures your parents (and friends) are going to be taking. A mega-watt smile! […]
As we approach the season of Lent, I’ve been thinking about what it would mean to let go of or sacrifice something small for a season. It’s not always about the huge declarations we make. Sometimes a small thing sets in motion a whole new way of living and thinking. Imagine if, for forty days […]
We are asked this question a lot. Why should I have baby teeth fixed if they are just going to fall out anyway? We thought we’d devote this weeks post to answering this important question. There are some very good reasons to make sure baby teeth stay as healthy as possible! Baby Teeth are Important […]
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month in order to raise awareness and promote a lifetime of healthy smiles. Throughout the year, Dr. Duffy dedicates a lot of time to educate those in the nearby elementary schools and day cares to help promote excellent oral hygiene habits as early as possible. An Ounce of Prevention… […]
WaterLase is the number one pediatric laser. And, we have it! WaterLase is made by BioLase, the global leader in Dental Lasers. We use WaterLase for fillings, preventative resins, and soft tissue repair. So, how can Waterlase benefit your child? WaterLase Benefits The WaterLase allows us to only use topical anesthetic. No more Novocaine shots. […]
It’s January and we have a really fun announcement! We are bringing back our Cavity Free Club! Back By Popular Demand When your child comes in for a cleaning and we find they are cavity/decay free, we will enter their name in our drawing for a fun prize! We will be drawing a name once […]
With the holiday’s over and winter still very much with us, we thought we’d take some time to refresh our healthy school lunch packing skills. Think of it this way: if you are tired of packing the same old lunches, your kids are probably tired of eating the same old lunches. Think Outside the Lunch […]
This is the time of year that everyone starts making lists about all the New Years Resolutions they want to make. Gym memberships skyrocket. We vow to eat healthier, lose weight, get more sleep… One of the quickest ways to see huge results in our bodies – and our oral health – is to drink […]
Christmas is here whether we are ready for it or not! It’s the most wonderful time of the year… It’s also pretty busy so, we want to take a moment to wish each of you a very warm and festive Merry Christmas. Holiday Hours Because we will be celebrating with our families, we will be closed from […]
For the past three years, we have invited Santa for a visit to our dental office – not to give him a check up – but to allow him to meet with all of you, personally. It’s so much fun! Mark Your Calendar On Monday, December 22nd, Santa will be spending the entire day with […]
Since we are in the holiday spirit and busy making our Christmas shopping lists, we thought we’d give you a little tip. Everyone Needs a Toothbrush Let’s face it, toothbrushes are necessary even if they are not the most glamorous or exciting gift. The truth is, almost every person on our staff has given a […]
Can you use your Flexible Spending Account for dental care? We get this question a lot. The answer is yes. Yes, you can! But, you must use it in the same calendar year. Where Has the Year Gone? As the year comes to a close, it’s time to use up the last bit of your […]
As crazy as the holidays are – maybe it’s just families that are crazy – we love the change of pace and the food and the laughter of having our family and friends close to us! We are Thankful! I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how thankful we are for […]
Pajama Day is coming up. Mark your calendars! Tuesday, November 25th is the day we celebrate pajama day. Our entire staff wears their PJ’s to work and if you (your child) have an appointment scheduled for the 25th and you (or your child) wear your PJ’s, you’ll receive an extra prize! It’s Our Tradition Every […]
In a blog we posted last week, we talked about sealants for kids’ teeth and protecting their permanent molars from decay. However, sealants aren’t the only treatment that we recommend for kids’ teeth. In order to keep their teeth healthy and strong, we also recommend doing a fluoride varnish treatment. The 4-1-1 on Varnishes It’s […]
One particular treatment we want to talk about is sealants. We use sealants to protect against tooth decay and help you and your children stay filling-free. What is the Sealant? Our teeth are not perfectly smooth surfaces. Each tooth has pits and grooves that are difficult to keep clean. This is why a sealant is […]
Yep, it’s that time of year again where we will give cold, hard cash for all that candy you haul in after all the Halloween festivities have come to a close. This program has been a huge success for 14 years, and we find that it’s a great alternative to the kids being tempted by […]
This time of year can be scary for more reasons than just all the ghouls and goblins walking around on Halloween! There are certain safety measures everyone needs to take to keep kids safe while they are out walking door-to-door this coming Halloween – something we would never let them do any other time of […]
Snacks that won’t bite back? Yes, you heard us correctly, but we aren’t talking about your food jumping off the plate and attacking you (unless you live in the Amazon or something); we’re actually talking about those after-school snacks that all kids crave when they walk through the front door after a long day […]
Preventing injury to kids’ teeth is especially important this time of year, as kids are headed back to school and back to the sports they love so much. But how do you keep their teeth safe while they’re running around and playing these sports? You get them fitted for protective mouthguards. What to Buy The […]
It’s that time of year again: the kids are back at school, and those school zones will be really active with busy kids and parents coming and going. That’s why we decided it’s a good time to remind everyone what to watch for and to provide a few friendly tips for traveling through school zones. […]
If you’ve ever been to Texas, chances are that you’ve seen our iconic Big Tex as he stood fifty-two feet tall, greeting everyone who came to the Texas State Fair since it was moved here in 1951. Big Tex started his career as a giant Santa Claus in Kerens in 1949, in an attempt to […]
During the first few years of children’s lives, all of their baby teeth will push through the gums, often causing an uncomfortable sensation referred to as teething. Teething can be very uncomfortable for infants and toddlers. Some of the symptoms that indicate your child might be teething include: Drooling Irritability or fussiness Biting behavior Refusing […]
We LOVE to celebrate birthday’s and we’ve got one very special birthday we’d like everyone to hear about. You’d never know it to look at her, but our very own Dr. Debra Duffy is celebrating her 50th birthday, on September 7th! We are truly grateful to be a part of her staff and we appreciate […]
There are so many different things we talk about when it comes to oral health, that sometimes we don’t realize when our patients might not fully understand what each one means. We thought we’d take a moment to provide an educational piece on the difference between plaque and tartar, including the causes for each and […]
You’ve probably heard the advice that in order for your body to have proper hydration, you need to drink eight, 8oz glasses of water every day. But is this really accurate for every-body? A five year old child, for instance, would not be able to drink that much water and still feel okay because too […]
We recently ran across the following video regarding the dental health of children in England, and felt like our patients needed to know about it. The video, however, does come with a warning because what they’re discussing is a very concerning problem and might be a little difficult for some people to watch, especially those […]
During the summer, there is always an increase in the use of sunscreen to protect our skin from the harmful rays of the sun, especially here in Flower Mound, Texas, where there is certainly no shortage of sun. However, there is another product just as important as sunscreen that many people seem to forget, and […]
We hear all about how the kids can’t wait to get out of school and start having fun during the summer, but lots of parents can’t find enough activities to keep them busy and don’t want them watching tv or playing video games all summer. That’s why we decided to put together these fun summer […]
Last month we made a blog post about the new Biolase WaterLase iPlus, which we are really excited about having in our office—and for good reason. A pediatrician in our area contacted us recently, looking for a referral for an oral surgeon to perform surgery on the mouth of a newborn who was having trouble […]
We have an exciting contest going on right now that you’re going to want to get in on soon, because time is of the essence! Our treatment and financial coordinator, Cristina, is expecting her second child near the end of July, so we thought we’d have a fun contest where you can win a fabulous […]
It’s getting to be that time of year when we’re getting a lot of kids asking about mouthguards for football, baseball, soccer, and several other sports that can potentially cause injury to their teeth (yes, even bike riding!), and we have a great answer: Drufomat mouthguards. Drufomat is the latest and greatest technology in custom-fit […]
If you help your kids bush for two minutes twice a day, they’ll have fewer cavities, better breath, and healthier teeth. It will also help them avoid painful dental problems later. Here’s a fun, two-minute video kids can watch while they brush their teeth. By the time it’s over, they won’t even realize the time […]
You may have seen a new machine here if you’ve come in for any treatments or procedures lately, and it has the office all abuzz! This new machine is called the Biolase WaterLase iPlus, and it’s paving the way for simpler, more efficient, and virtually painless treatments that we can perform right here in our […]
Some of you may have been wondering why we sometimes dress a little crazily around our office. Well, we’ve found that we can learn a lot from kids, and one of the things we know for sure is that kids love to have fun, and sometimes that fun involves dressing up. Because we like to […]