Skip the Soda Call it soda, call it pop. But sugary, carbonated beverages by any name are bad news for your child’s teeth. “One can of soda is the amount of sugar recommended for three days for a child,” Dr. Hayes says. In fact, a February 2016 study in the Journal of the American Dental Association found a strong association between sugary drinks and poor dental health in teenagers. Researchers asked teens 14-19 in Mexico about how many sugary beverages they drank, then examined their teeth. They found 31.7% had tooth erosion, which means their enamel had been eaten away. The main culprit? Soda.  Be Picky About Sticky Snacks If you’ve been under the impression that gummy or sticky fruit snacks are healthy alternatives, you’re not alone. Many parents are surprised to learn they are really closer to candy than fruit, especially when it comes to sugar. “Fruit rollups and other dried fruit snacks are like nature’s candy,” Dr. Shenkin says. “It is like candy, but in some respect ...

We Help Children Enjoy the Dentist Dr. Aitken endeavours to help children of all ages feel relaxed and enjoy themselves, so bring the whole family along! He uses techniques to reduce their time in the chair, providing their treatments with compassion and a smile. Our team teaches children healthy dental habits they can use throughout their lifetime and encourages children of all ages to employ proper dental hygiene at home. We look forward to meeting your child for their first dental visit when they cut their first tooth and hope to see them grow year after year. We want to ensure that this and future generations of children grow up without a fear of the dental office. Our many happy parents say we are doing just that! Whether you have a tentative seven-year-old or a boisterous three-year-old, we are here to help you. Vista Dental Care     Chad Aitken, DMD     280-5201 43 St.     Red Deer, AB     T4N 1C7     (855) 636-9223...