In today’s episode, Allison has a conversation with Dr. Jo Cronly, a pediatric dentist and personal friend of Allison’s. Their conversation touches on so many of the topics parents wrestle with when it comes to helping their children with dental issues. Dr. Cronly is also a mom of three, which makes her perspective even more interesting. She shares her professional advice, but also shares how she integrates good dental habits into her own personal family life. To help you find the advice you need for your family, here are the topics they cover:

[02:06] the difference between a regular dentist and a pediatric dentist and the benefits of seeing a pediatric dentist
[05:53] when a child should first see the dentist
[07:02] the benefits of seeing a dentist early
[10:42] when should you worry if your child hasn’t gotten their first tooth
[12:11] whether genetics play a role in when children get teeth
[14:00] when you should start brushing your child’s teeth or gums
[16:32] how often and at what time of day children should be brushing
[17:05] toothpaste: when to use, what type to use and the debate about fluoride
[21:05] tips for battling a child that resists brushing their teeth
[26:02] how being a mom has influenced Dr. Cronly as a pediatric dentist
[27:03] strategies for parents to help their children avoid getting cavities
[30:35] how important is flossing and how often is enough
[32:55] how bedtime snacks and drinking milk before bedtime cause a second wind and the problems this causes
[38:35] the correlation between a child’s dental health and sleep hygiene
[41:16] Dr. Cronly’s thoughts about the pacifier and thumb-sucking, what to do if removing the pacifier affects your child’s naps
[55:16] the treatment of lip and tongue ties
[01:01:17] the use of “laughing gas” or anesthesia for dental work
01:06:50] what if there is not a pediatric dentist in your area
[01:08:40] how to ask Dr. Crony any follow up questions you may have

Click here for Dr. Cronly’s website

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Scroll down for a full transcript of this episode. Click on any part of the text to be taken to that part of the episode to listen in or use the time markers to find that section with the player below.