Dr. Steve Miao Orthodontics & Children's Dentist Dr. Angela Chow

09/13/2025

Many people assume baby teeth don’t matter because “they’ll fall out anyway,” but this is one of the biggest misconceptions in dentistry. Primary teeth act as natural placeholders, guiding the proper alignment and eruption of the permanent teeth growing underneath. If these teeth are neglected—whether due to untreated cavities, trauma, or early loss—the permanent teeth can erupt in the wrong position, leading to crowding, misalignment, or even impacted teeth.

The roots of baby teeth sit very close to the developing buds of adult teeth. When infection spreads through an untreated cavity, it can travel beyond the roots and directly affect the permanent teeth beneath. This may cause discoloration, enamel defects, or malformation in the incoming tooth. In severe cases, the infection can even damage the surrounding bone, making future eruptions more complicated.

Caring for baby teeth is therefore not only about preventing pain or infection in childhood, but also about protecting the future smile. Regular dental check-ups, timely treatment of cavities, and proper home care create a healthy environment for permanent teeth to grow strong and correctly positioned. What happens in the early years leaves a lasting imprint—healthy baby teeth are the foundation for a lifetime of oral health.

08/22/2025

Even the Tooth Fairy is heading back to school!

This National Tooth Fairy Day, celebrate by scheduling a visit with a pediatric dentist. Find one near you at AAPD.org.

08/21/2025

When patients hear the word “radiation,” it often causes unnecessary concern. However, modern dental X-rays are among the safest medical imaging tools used today. The amount of radiation is extremely small—comparable to everyday sources we barely notice. For example:

Eating a banana exposes you to natural radiation from potassium; a single dental X-ray delivers about the same amount as eating a few bananas.

Spending a few minutes in sunlight actually exposes you to more radiation than a dental X-ray.

A short airplane flight exposes you to several times more radiation than a full set of dental X-rays.

Advances in technology have made dental X-rays even safer. Older film-based X-rays required higher radiation doses, but today’s digital sensors reduce exposure by up to 90% while producing clearer, more detailed images. These improvements help dentists catch problems earlier and treat them more effectively.

Dentists also take multiple safety measures to protect you, including using lead aprons, thyroid collars, and strictly following the ALARA principle—keeping radiation “As Low As Reasonably Achievable.” This means X-rays are only taken when necessary for diagnosis or treatment planning, never without a clear purpose.

In short, the radiation from dental X-rays is minimal, carefully controlled, and far outweighed by the benefits of early detection. Rather than posing a risk, dental X-rays are a vital tool for maintaining your teeth, jaw, and overall health.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace a professional medical evaluation. The accompanying image is for illustrative purposes only.

05/11/2025

02/05/2025

Introducing baby Jayce, born on 2/1/25. Thank you for all the well wishes from our friends and patients whom are like family to us. Both baby & Dr. Chow are doing well! Dr. Chow is on maternity leave but will be back in the office in full capacity starting March. Please call the office for any concerns and questions, while Dr. Chow is not there, our staff & Dr. Miao are still there to help!

11/09/2024

Special thanks to G Sweets for providing these beautiful and delicious treats!

Please visit their page for more details!
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057343213696&mibextid=kFxxJD

11/09/2024

So blessed to have such an amazing staff and family & friends to help us celebrate!

07/17/2024

Got the most beautiful forever flowers made by one of my sweetest patients who created her own business using her crativity, talent, and skills!

02/10/2024

These brushing tips are simple but crucial to keep a mouth healthy. Make sure to follow them twice a day with your child to establish a healthy brushing routine early!

02/05/2024

02/05/2024

Happy National Children's Dental Health Month! Let's make good dental care a habit from the early stages - baby teeth are just as important as adult teeth! Stay tuned this month for helpful tips you can use all year round to keep those little teeth healthy and shining bright 🦷

01/05/2024

It's the New Year - a time when many parents & caregivers focus on healthy habits and routines. This year, make sure establishing a Dental Home for your child is on your to-do list!

Keep this checklist handy for an enjoyable first visit or as a refresher for check-ups. Learn more & find a pediatric dentist near you at mychildrensteeth.org.