Author: kidstoothhotline

As a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist with over ten years of experience practicing Pediatric Dentistry, I understand that parents and caregivers are in need for information to care for their children's oral health. You may not have your normal lines of communication open or you cannot easily call or visit your child’s Dentist and obtain answers to your questions. Some families may not yet have a Pediatric Dentist to call. My expertise and knowledge can help serve as your source as I provide answers with information that is current, informative and the Gold Standards of Care which are the practice Guidelines approved by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. I want to help you access this important information by answering your questions through this site. You may want to submit your own individual questions or you can view my postings and answers to other families questions that may apply to your child's needs. I am committed to helping you stay informed, after all it is all about your child.

Infant Oral Health Fast Facts, Your Child’s Dental Well Care Visits

October 19, 2023October 18, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Mommy Fed You And Cleaned Your Mouth Now It's Time For Bed — Mommy Fed You And Cleaned Your Mouth Now It’s Time For Bed

Your child’s dental health is much more than healthy teeth. This is because dental health is integral to their overall good health, the same way it is for mom and dad.

Your baby’s dental examinations allows you opportunities to learn about so many changes they will go through as they grow, especially in the first year.

There are so many things to talk about concerning your baby’s mouth, teeth and growth at this young age. They could be about teething, tooth development, jaw growth, oral hygiene, fluoride, diet, thumb sucking, pacifiers, injury prevention, brushing and so much more.

You may want to know how often you should bring your baby for their dental examination. Or maybe your husband, mom, or mother-in-law may have a question or two.

Where And When Do We Start?

We’ve put together a list of topics which are important right from the beginning, and will help you as your baby grows.

Birth to 2 months

Feeding Whether you’re breast feeding, bottle feeding or doing a combination of both it’s important to wipe your baby’s mouth with a clean wet wash cloth to clean away the residual milk or formula.
Why is this important? So your baby gets used to you cleaning their mouth now and as they grow.
If you’re bottle feeding, remember no bottle propping.

4 months

Feeding Whether you’re breast feeding, bottle feeding or doing a combination of both it’s important to wipe your baby’s mouth with a clean moist wash cloth to clean away the residual milk or formula. If you’re bottle feeding, remember no bottle in the bed.
Fluoride Depending on your water supply your baby may or may not need a fluoride vitamin, so it’s best to talk about your drinking water now.
Teething Teeth may be starting to come even at this young age, which makes it even more important for you to wipe your baby’s mouth with a clean wet wash cloth after every feeding.

6 to 9 months

Teething Teeth typically begin coming in at 6 months old. Cool wash cloth compresses on the new teeth and tender gums help with discomfort. Avoid teething gels, teething beads, teething rings filled with liquid.
Dental Check-up We’re looking at the teeth to see which one’s are coming in, which one’s are about to come in, the order they’re coming in, if there are any white or brown spots or cavities on the teeth, the shape of the teeth, if there are any defects of the teeth, as well as the shape, size and growth of your baby’s jaws.
Oral Hygiene As teeth come into their mouth keep wiping your baby’s mouth with a clean wet wash cloth after each feeding to keep their mouth clean. You can put a dab (aka small pea size) of fluoride toothpaste on the wash cloth to wipe your baby’s teeth. It’s important to lift their top and bottom lips away from their teeth so that you can see the full tooth and clean the whole tooth (and all of the teeth).
Fluoride If your drinking water has very little or does not have any fluoride your child will need fluoride vitamins. The exact does of fluoride depends on how little fluoride your water has and your child’s age.
Feeding Whether you’re breast feeding, bottle feeding, doing a combination of both, trying out a sippy cup or introducing table foods it’s important to keep wiping your baby’s mouth with a clean moist wash cloth to clean away the residual milk, formula, or food. If you’re bottle feeding or beginning to use a sippy cup, remember no bottles or cups in the bed. It’s important to clean your baby’s teeth before going to sleep.

12 months

Teething Teeth are still coming into your baby’s mouth. Cool wash cloth compresses help with discomfort. Teething gels, teething beads, teething rings filled with liquid need to be avoided.
Dental Check-up With more teeth in your baby’s mouth we’re looking at the teeth to see which teeth are in their mouth, which one’s we can feel under their gums, the order they’re coming in, if there are any white spots or brown spots or cavities on the teeth, the shape of the teeth, if there are any defects of the teeth, as well as the shape, size and growth of your baby’s jaws. We’ll ask you about your pediatrician’s visits since your baby’s overall growth affects their dental growth.
Oral Hygiene As more teeth come into their mouth keep wiping your baby’s mouth with a clean wet wash cloth after each feeding to keep their mouth clean. You can put a dab (aka small pea size) of fluoride toothpaste on the wash cloth to wipe your baby’s teeth. It’s very important to lift their top and bottom lips away from their teeth so that you can see the full tooth and clean the whole tooth (and all their teeth).
Fluoride If your drinking water has very little or does not have any fluoride in it, your child will need fluoride vitamins. Since the exact does of fluoride depends on the amount of fluoride your water has and your child’s age your prescription may change.
Feeding Whether you’re breast feeding, bottle feeding, doing a combination of both, trying out a sippy cup or introducing table foods it’s important to keep wiping your baby’s mouth with a clean moist wash cloth to clean away the residual milk, formula, or food. If you’re bottle feeding or beginning to use a sippy cup, remember no bottles or cups in the bed. It’s important to always clean your baby’s teeth before going to sleep.

Important To Remember

Always hold your infant when you are feeding them. No bottle propping or putting them to bed with a bottle or sippy cup.
Start cleaning your baby’s mouth with a clean wet wash cloth after their very first feeding and then after every feeding.
Make your child’s first pediatric dental appointment when their first tooth starts to peek through their gums.
Baby’s can start to get their teeth as early as 4 months old, this is why starting early to clean their mouths is so important.
Lift their top and bottom lips so you can see all of their top and bottom front teeth.
Fluoride is safe and your pediatric dentist will only prescribe fluoride if your drinking water does not have the optimal amount of fluoride.

Love Feeding My Baby And Looking Into Her Beautiful Eyes

Breastfeeding My Baby Then I Will Clean His Mouth — Love Feeding My Baby And Looking Into Her Beautiful Eyes

As Pediatric Dentists our goal is to make dental visits stress free for every child and their parents, and that starts in infancy.

Your child’s visits to the pediatric dentist should be fun and positive. Every child deserves a dentist who lays the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

How old was your child when they got their first baby teeth? How old was your baby when you started cleaning their teeth? Share with us, We’d really like to know. Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

Fun Dental Friendly Choices For Halloween Treats

October 12, 2023October 11, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Halloween is almost here. Every where you look there’s chocolates and sugary treats ready for trick or treaters. You know all this sugar causes trouble for your child’s teeth and the last thing you want are cavities afterwards. What do you do?

With all this temptation, what do you choose when you want your child to have healthier choices?

We’ve put our heads together and come up with some suggestions for a tooth friendly, fun and happy Halloween.

Choosing Non-Food Goodies

When offering treat choices select children’s play favorites such as glow sticks, spider rings, vampire fangs, pencils, bubbles, bouncy balls, finger puppets, whistles, stickers, stencils, rubic’s cube, or yo yo’s.

Healthy Selections For Halloween Treats

These are our top picks for healthy treats you can prepare with your child and your child will love this Halloween —

Itsy Bitsy Spider Bites

These Spider Bites are fun and easy to prepare. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a bowl then add pretzel sticks. Arrange the pretzel sticks in the shape of a spider on a parchment paper lined sheet pan, place in the refrigerator until firm.

Chocolate Dipped Mandarin Pumpkins

Peel mandarin oranges and separate the individual wedges. Dip the orange wedges into melted chocolate, place on a parchment lined sheet pan and chill in the refrigerator until firm. A yummy treat for the season.

Mummy in your mouth Pizza

Whether you choose pizza dough, english muffins, pita, or a tortilla as your base, spoon on your favorite tomato sauce and criss-cross slices of mozzarella cheese (or your child’s favorite cheese). Slice black olives for the eyes. Bake until everything is fully cooked.

Pumpkin Hummus with Witchy Broomsticks

Fill a festive bowl with your favorite hummus. Run the back of a spoon through the hummus to create the look of a pumpkin. Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, broccoli florets, bell pepper slices, or cucumber slices.

Jack-O-Lantern Peppers with Witchy Dip and Vegetable Broomsticks

Remove the stem and seeds from a bell pepper. Make cut outs in the pepper for the eyes, nose and mouth. Fill one pepper with your family favorite dip or dressing. Fill another pepper with pepper slices, carrot sticks, broccoli florets, cucumber slices, carrot sticks or pretzels. This is a festive, fun way to encourage your child to eat their veggies.

Sharing Our Halloween Treats With You — A Small Treat Gives A Big Smile

Halloween is an exciting time for parents and children. Dressing up, trick or treating, parties with Halloween themed foods and enticing names. This is also a great time to share lessons about how fun food can also be healthy food and help keep their teeth healthy.

Which snack choice will your family try this Halloween? What is your family’s favorite Halloween treat? Share your favorites with us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

Happy Halloween and Safe Trick Or Treating!

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

Dental Tips For A Healthy Halloween

October 5, 2023October 4, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

Halloween is the sweet time of the year when children enjoy dressing up in their favorite character costume and going out trick or treating, collecting candy and treats from friends and neighbors.

Leading up to Halloween and in the weeks after there are steps you can take to keep your child’s teeth healthy. Keeping candy and brushing guidelines consistent and positive, allows your family’s Halloween to be less about arguing and supervising candy.

Make a plan together so everyone knows what to expect and stick to it. This is also a great opportunity to teach your child about moderation, a balanced diet and healthy indulging.

Tooth Friendly Tips

Check out these dental tips for a happy Halloween –

1. Sort and check the candy bag together

When you get home from trick or treating sit down at the table with your child and sort and check treats as you go through their treat bag with them. Help your child pick the healthiest choices. Allow them to eat these choices within a specific period of time in the kitchen rather than continually snacking throughout the night and into the next few days. By doing this you’re done and everyone is happy. Remember to keep candy out of their bedroom.

2. Sticky and hard candies stay in the mouth for a long time

Staying away from hard candies, taffy, dried fruits, caramels, and other chewy, sticky candy is a good idea. When choosing candy, less sticky and less sour goodies like pretzels, sugar free gum and chocolate are always a good choice. Chocolate without any mix-ins is great because it slides off and there’s nothing to get stuck in their teeth.

3. Water is your friend

Drink fluoridated water (from the tap or bottled) to help wash away any sticky gooey chewies. Water is really good for you and your teeth.

4. Brush the candy away

After trick or treating it’s important to make sure to floss and brush your child’s teeth. It takes 2 minutes of brushing to clean away all the candy and flossing to remove what has gotten in between their teeth. Keeping up with your flossing and brushing routine is important every day and teaches good consistent habits.

5. Candy is not a healthy snack

Don’t allow the Halloween candy stash to be a substitute for healthy snacks. Cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, apple slices, and easy to peel mandarin and clementine oranges are great snack choices.

Halloween is an exciting and enchanting time for parents and children. It’s a treat for parents to see their child’s enthusiasm dressing up and for children to comb through scary decorations for their rewarding sweet treats.

Trick or Treat? — What To Do With So Many Treats?

Upon returning home with your child’s over flowing stash of goodies, take this opportunity to share lessons for making healthy choices and also to reinforce good dental habits.

What is your child’s most memorable Halloween costume? Which sweet treat is your child’s favorite? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me. Like us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

Helping Your Child Be Comfortable At The Dentist

September 28, 2023September 26, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You To Know

I'm Watching My Dentist Clean My Teeth — I’m Watching My Dentist Clean My Teeth

As a parent you know how important your child’s health is, including their dental health. Taking your child to the dentist is as important as taking them to their pediatrician.

But what if your child is afraid of going to the pediatrician? Will they also be afraid to go to the dentist?

We’ve put together tips you can use to help overcome fears of the dentist and reinforce positive dental experiences.

How To Calm Your Child’s Fears Of The Dentist

1. Start going to the dentist with your child at an early age

I'm One and I Have Teeth — I’m One and I Have Teeth

Mom Said We're Going To The Dentist After The Park — I’m One and I Have Teeth

First tooth first dentist visit and continue with regularly scheduled checkups. This way your child becomes familiar with the dentist and more comfortable at each visit. Bonus – you also learn ways to help your child you may not have known.

2. As your child gets older tell them about their upcoming dental appointment with a limited amount of details

Answer their questions simply and keep it light and positive. Then let your pediatric dentist describe the specifics about their dental visit in an easy age appropriate manner.

My Dentist Always Tells Me and Shows Me Everything First

Then My Dentist Does What She Said — My Dentist Always Tells Me and Shows Me Everything First

3. Role play going to the dentist

This is an incredible ice-breaker before your appointments. Whether it’s practicing opening wide and counting teeth, sitting in the family room recliner practicing to open wide, reading books together about going to the dentist, or playing dolls with Dentist Barbie; your child will have a positive outlook for their appointment.

Mommy Said The Dentist Is Going To Take Pictures Of My Teeth, So I'm Practicing

Taking My Tooth Photos Wearing My Cool Shades

Checking Out My Tooth Photos With My Dentist and My Dad

4. Drive past your pediatric dentist’s office

While your out together doing errands or the school run, the day before their appointment drive past to show your child where you’ll be going to their appointment.

5. Children are very smart and in tune with their parent’s feelings

Please don’t mention any previous bad experiences you’ve had at the dentist.

6. Show your child the importance of good dental health by taking care of your own teeth

Explain that their dentist is a doctor who helps us keep our teeth and gums happy and healthy.

7. Practice at home

Children learn by example, so by modeling proper oral health care habits and discussing them with your child in a positive way, you can help prepare your child for successful dental visits now and into the future.

My Dad Teaching Me To Brush My Teeth — Brushing Teeth With My Grandma

8. Listen to your child’s fears and concerns

By listening to your child’s feelings and any worries they may have alleviates a lot of anxiety they’re feeling. Listen and provide reassurance that going to the dentist is a safe experience. Let them know it’s okay to feel scared or anxious and that you will be there with them during their appointment and their pediatric dentist is here to help.

9. Find a fun and welcoming pediatric dentist

Pediatric dentists make every visit a fun adventure for your child. Visit aapd.org and click on Find a Dentist.

Books To Read About Going To The Dentist

Books are great to help in preparing your child for their dental visit since they have a positive impact on children’s perception of the dentist.

3 recommendations to help you get started –

The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss (amazon.com/Tooth-Book-Dr-Seuss)

The Berenstain Bears Visit The Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain (amazon.com/Berenstain-Bears-Visit-Dentist)

Show Me Your Smile! A Visit To The Dentist — with Dora The Explorer (amazon.com/Show-Your-Smile-Dora-Explorer)

Our Teacher Is Reading Us A Story About Going To The Dentist

Mommy's Reading To Me About My Dentist's Visit — Our Teacher Is Reading Us A Story About Going To The Dentist

What’s Important To Know About A Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists are like pediatricians.

After dental school we go on to study for an additional 2-3 years dedicated to children’s dental health, medical health and growth and development.

We only see children and specifically take care of children during all stages of their dental development. We are the experts for children from birth to college graduation.

Overcoming The Overwhelming

Going to the dentist can be overwhelming for a child. There are so many sites and sounds – from a large chair that moves up and back, to lots of shiny metal equipment (aka tools) with some that spin in their mouth while making noises, and the dentist puts a tool or two into their mouth.

Children grow quickly so regular check-ups are the key to their familiarity and comfort, while allowing your pediatric dentist to monitor their development and ensure you maintain their healthy teeth throughout their childhood and young adulthood.

What To Remember

Dental health plays such a tremendous role in your child’s health and life that you’ll want to get them started on a good path at a young age. These are tips you can use to help overcome their fear of the dentist and reinforce positive dental experiences.

Share your experiences. What has worked for you to overcome your child’s fear of going to the dentist? We really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

Game Plan For Your Child’s Healthy Teeth

September 21, 2023September 20, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

We Have A Great Game Plan For Healthy Teeth

What’s the secret to a healthy smile? It’s knowing what you’re up against.

Learning about teeth’s enemies is how you’re able to fight back.

The Enemies

Plaque

Plaque is this sticky, mushy, colorless film that collects on your child’s teeth everyday is your biggest opponent. When you eat, the food and sugars in it break down by chewing. The natural bacteria in the mouth turns these sugars into acids. The chewed up food and acids attach to the enamel of teeth and is called plaque. Over time the plaque turns into hard deposits on teeth. When this happens the plaque is called tartar.

Decay

When plaque and tartar stay on teeth the tooth’s outer enamel breaks down, causing decay or cavities. Decay starts on the outside and grows into the tooth. Depending on what stage the cavity is found determines how the tooth needs to be treated.

Sugars

What your child eats and drinks, in addition to how often affects their teeth. Sugar comes in many forms and is added to practically all foods and drinks, even those labeled as sugar-free. Starchy foods like chips and crackers, drinks like iced teas and 100% juices, and condiments like ketchup also contains sugars which affect teeth.

Teeth’s Best Friends

Daily tooth brushing (2Minutes 2Times A Day) with a fluoride toothpaste and nightly flossing remove daily plaque accumulation.

Mommy and Daddy are Watching How I Brush

My Nightly Flossing Routine — Mommy and Daddy are Watching How I Brush

Why Brush Twice A Day?

There are 3 reasons to brush your child’s teeth every morning and every night — Plaque buildup can irritate your child’s gums and eat away at tooth enamel causing decay. Brushing brightens their smile and helps prevent bad breath. Brushing and flossing boosts their overall health.

Why Floss Everyday?

These are the 3 reasons to floss your child’s teeth every night before you brush their teeth — Plaque sticks to teeth, especially the in between spaces where the teeth touch and where no tooth brush bristle can reach. Adding flossing to your nightly routine helps to reduce inflamed and bleeding gums. Flossing helps your child’s body be healthier.

What’s Important To Remember?

Grandma Is Showing Me How Much Toothpaste Goes On My Brush

Love Brushing It's Time To Change My Tooth Brush

Daddy Put A Pea Size Amount Of Toothpaste On My Tooth Brush

Tooth Brush Size Makes All The Difference

Tooth brush size, tooth paste and flossing matter.

Always choose a soft tooth brush and the correct size tooth brush for your child’s age.

If your child is 3 years old and younger place a rice grain size amount of tooth paste on the tooth brush. If your child is older than 3 years of age put a green pea size amount of tooth paste on the brush.

Tooth brushing 2Minutes 2Times A Day with a fluoride tooth paste (with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance) and flossing every night before brushing gives your child healthy gums, sparkling teeth, fresh breath and a healthier body.

What’s your game plan to a healthy smile for your child? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

The 4 B’s For Your Child’s New School Year Tooth Brushing Routine

September 14, 2023September 13, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

The new school year has started and you’re putting together everyone’s new routine making sure your child starts and ends their day in a healthy way.

This year you’re thinking you want to brush up on your tooth brushing habits. But how?

The best way to start is with spiffing up your night time brushing. To do this all you and your child have to remember are the 4 B’s.

That’s right, the 4 B’s are the key to a pleasant and consistent bed time routine, so that this is a time for you both to enjoy together.

By incorporating these 4 B’s you are turning challenges into an easy routine and protecting those precious teeth in a big way.

What Are The 4 B’s?

The 4 B’s stand for Bath, Brush, Book, Bed.

We’ve put together some helpful suggestions on how to incorporate them into your routine.

Bath

Comforting bath time along with comfy and cozy pjs helps your child to
start to relax and wind down from the day.

Brush

Brushing time for 2 minutes with a soft wet cloth or soft tooth brush while singing your favorite brushing song puts brushing in a whole new light, stress free. And, once their teeth touch each other it’s time to floss.

Remember, nothing to eat or drink after brushing keeps the sugar bugs away.

Mommy's Coming To Help Me Brush My Teeth

Daddy's Helping And Watching Us Brush Our Teeth

Mommy's Making Sure I Learn How To Brush My Teeth Correctly

Daddy's Watching Me Brush To Make Sure I Brush Right

Book

Children love the sound of their parents voice. Spend together time reading their favorite good night book in your special spot. Your child can follow along as you read to them, they can read to you, or you can make up fun stories together.

Being together at the end of the day, even for 15 minutes builds memories and skills you’ll both cherish forever. As your child gets sleepy it’s book away and into bed.

Tonight Is Daddy and Me Time To Read Before My Bed Time

Grandma And I Read Every Night Before My Bed Time

Bed

Setting a regular bed time and tucking your child in with hugs and kisses for sweet dreams and a restful night’s sleep with clean sparkling teeth helps the whole family have a relaxing night and stress free morning.

Mommy And Daddy Tuck Me In For Sweet Dreams

Yes I Love It When My Mom and Dad Tuck Me In

The Power Of The 4 B Routine

What makes your 4 B routine powerful is YOU.

These 4 B’s will help you set a comforting and reassuring routine for bed time success. Being consistent in your timing, and not being rushed so you have enough time between when you start and your child’s bed time. Pretty soon your diligence will rub off on your child and they’ll be reminding you.

The Benefits Of The 4 B Routine

These 4 B’s will help you create a consistent healthy sleep routine for bed time success which allows your child to settle down and have a good night’s sleep. And remember to turn off all electronic devices well before bedtime.

Wishing you Happy and Healthy Smiles this School Year!

What is your nightly bed time tooth brushing routine? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

Happy Grandparent’s Day

September 7, 2023September 6, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

September 10th is National Grandparent’s Day. Grandparent’s Day is a very special day set aside to honor all grandparents and the extraordinarily memorable relationship they have with their grandchildren.

Cherish Your Grandparents

This is a day to honor grandparents, to give grandchildren an extra reason to show love for their grandparents, and to allow children to become more aware of the strength, knowledge, and guidance grandparents can share with them.

A grandparents relationship with their grandchild is so precious and influential. The love, honor, respect, and admiration is easy to see with the feelings being totally mutual.

These cherished gifts from a grandparent to their grandchild are something they will hold dear and carry with them every day of their lives.

Spending Time With Your Grandparents

Your family may have your own traditions or you may be starting new ones.

Maybe you’ll be taking out your family’s photo albums reminiscing and telling stories, or asking grandma if you can cook together a favorite meal. Think about having a grandparent sleepover, spending time with your grandparents at the park or zoo, fixing the car with grandpa or asking grandpa to teach you how to ride a 2 wheeler.

Remember to take photos, start a memory book, or record their stories on your phone because what you’re doing together is making beautiful memories for a life time and to pass on.

3 Reasons Grandparents Are The BEST

Without them we wouldn’t be here,
We love each other totally and unconditionally,
They have a lot of knowledge to pass along.

From each of us at kidstoothhotline to each of you Happy Grandparent’s Day!

What are your plans for celebrating Grandparent Day? We’d really like to know. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me or Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline.

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

Saying Bye Bye To The Pacifier

August 31, 2023August 31, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You To Know

You’ve decided, the time is now to say bye bye to your child’s pacifier.

Now you’re asking yourself, So how do I do this?

I’m glad you asked, here are some tips to help you say bye bye to the pacifier—

Younger Is Better

Children should stop using the pacifier around the age of 2 years old.

Some parents like to stretch it out until 3 or 4 years old. However the older your child is when you take the pacifier away, the harder it will be for both of you.

Why? They have memories and routine with their pacifier. So younger is better.

Why Does It Matter?

Pacifiers can result in early dental problems for your child, which can really be seen when their adult teeth begin to come into their mouth.

Dental problems may develop depending on how long, how often, and how strongly your child sucks on their pacifier.

Continued sucking can cause changes in the proper growth of their mouth, the roof of their mouth, and the position of their teeth.

What Do I Do If My Child Won’t Give Up Their Pacifier?

Gradually have your child wean off the pacifier, try limiting use to nap time and bed time at first. Then let your child use the pacifier for short periods of time if you feel they particularly need it, and then continue to gradually shorten the frequency and amount of time the pacifier is used.

On the other hand there are some parents who say the only way to go is cold turkey. This may entail crying for a night or two until your child gets used to self soothing their way to sleep.

No matter how you approach this, if it makes your child afraid or tense, stop it at once and re-evaluate for a better time.

Offer An Alternative To Their Pacifier

Offer your child an alternative to hold as they fall asleep, like a cuddly toy or soft doll.

If they’re used to having the pacifier during the day while they’re awake, try distracting them with a fun activity or favorite toy.

Time To Be Creative

Cut the pacifier’s nipple little by little

Continue to do this over 1 week until nothing is left. Once it is cut the pacifier loses the sucking appeal. You can tell your child a story about how pacifiers will naturally shrink as they become a big kid.

Every child loves a superhero, so turn the Pacifier Fairy or Binky Fairy into one

Tell your child a story about how the Pacifier Fairy is coming and will leave them a surprise in exchange for their pacifier.

You can set a specific day for the Pacifier Fairy to visit, decorate for the event and during the party when no one is looking the pacifier magically disappears.

Or you can leave out the pacifier on a special plate or in pretty tissue paper in a box and magically it’s taken away by the Pacifier Fairy leaving her trail of glitter.

Tell your child there’s a baby who really needs their pacifier

Whether the pacifier is to be for a new baby in your immediate family, extended family, family friend, or a baby in a far away place, story telling is a great way to explain that now since your child is a big girl or big boy they can help other little babies by giving them their pacifiers.

Make a special occasion of packing the pacifiers in tissue paper in a gift box with a big bow and tell your child you’re going to take the box to the baby’s mommy or daddy. Or you’re going to take the box to the post office to mail it to the baby’s mommy or daddy.

You can put the pacifiers into a balloon (or a few balloons depending on the number of pacifiers you have) and send off the pacifiers by balloon express.

Take your child to the store to pick out a new toy to replace their pacifier

Before you leave home wrap the pacifiers in tissue paper and place it in a box so it can be mailed or donated to a child or baby who needs pacifiers.

Fun stuff to do

If your child uses sucking on the pacifier to relieve boredom, keep their hands busy or distract them with things they like and are fun.

Rewards and Reminders

Sticker charts, small daily rewards, and gentle reminders are also very helpful.

Whether you chose one way or a combination, it’s important be sure to collect all the pacifiers around the house and everyone’s house. The last thing you want is for your little one finding a pacifier a week or two after they gave it up and having to go back to square one again.

Timing Is Important

Try not to take away the pacifier during life changes (like potty training), major transitions (like a new baby) or traveling so not to put additional stress on the process.

Once you’ve made the plan to wean your child off the pacifier, make sure everyone is on board and everyone sticks with it.

What’s important is encourage your child with positive reinforcement, lots of love and plenty of hugs.

Giving up the pacifier is a tremendous accomplishment for your child and for you. Congratulations!

Ready To Give Up Up My Pacifier When My Mom and Dad Say So

Saying Bye To My Pacifier Now That I'm A Big Girl

I'm A Big Girl, Why Do I Need A Pacifier?

What are your ideas on how to wean a child off the pacifier? What worked for you? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work?

August 24, 2023August 23, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Charcoal toothpaste is the latest fad on the toothpaste scene. When something is new and in style we know our tweens and teens will be interested to try it out.

When we brush our teeth we’re used to seeing the usual white foam our toothpaste produces, however, charcoal toothpaste covers the teeth with a dark black slurry.

Charcoal Toothpaste Really Looks Like Charcoal

What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?

Charcoal toothpaste is made with activated charcoal. This is similar to regular charcoal used for the bbq, but it is heat treated to make it more porous. Being more porous makes it highly absorbent and able to trap different types of particles.

Because of its coarse texture charcoal has a history of being used to clean teeth. In 2019 The British Dental Journal looked into this and found that some current toothpastes claim that the absorbent charcoal works by binding to the plaque and stains on teeth, which is then brushed away.

Can Charcoal Toothpaste Benefit My Child’s Oral Health?

Charcoal toothpaste benefits from the perception that it works because it is natural.

However there isn’t any evidence to show any advantages for charcoal toothpaste.

Many toothpastes made with charcoal do not contain fluoride, and it’s the fluoride which has all the benefits in helping protect teeth from cavities.

Even if the label on the charcoal toothpaste tube says it has fluoride, the activated charcoal can bind up the fluoride and make it less available and able to protect and strengthen teeth.

In the 2019 British Dental Journal study, they found another concern – charcoal can get caught in the gums and cause irritation.

Will Charcoal Toothpaste Whiten My Teenager’s Teeth?

Charcoal toothpastes claim that they will bring a shine back to your child’s smile. However these toothpastes are abrasive, so they have the potential to scrape off stains from teeth.

Using toothpastes that are abrasive on your teen’s teeth can actually make them look more yellow. This is because it’s the enamel that you and your child are looking to whiten and by using a toothpaste that is too rough you can actually wear the enamel away.

When the enamel wears away it can never grow back, and the next layer of your child’s tooth will become exposed. This next layer is a softer, yellow tissue called dentin.

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe For My Child?

The 2 main risks of charcoal toothpaste are its abrasiveness and lack of fluoride.

The abrasiveness by wearing away the protective enamel layer on the teeth uncovers the soft yellow dentin which causes teeth to become sensitive.

Besides causing sensitivity, stripping away the enamel can also make teeth more prone to chipping.

Fluoride is the most well known ingredient in toothpaste. Safe amounts of fluoride in your toothpaste help strengthen the teeth’s enamel. The ADA has labeled fluoride safe and effective for regular use to help prevent cavities and maintain good oral health.

Charcoal Toothpaste, Just A Trend?

There really aren’t any tangible benefits to charcoal toothpaste.

The Journal of The American Dental Association (September,2017) showed there is no evidence that dental products with charcoal are safe or effective for your teeth.

What To Do?

Today’s toothpaste and toothbrushes are designed to clean the teeth surfaces gently.

It’s best to choose a whitening toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This Seal lets you know the toothpaste you choose is safe, effective and won’t damage your teen’s teeth.

Has your family tried charcoal toothpaste? What do you think about charcoal in toothpaste? Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

National Tooth Fairy Day Is Almost Here

August 17, 2023August 16, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

The Tooth Fairy Came For My Tooth Last Night

August 22nd is National Tooth Fairy Day, when we celebrate the happiness and amazement of children losing their baby teeth. Most children start to lose their baby teeth around the time they are 5 to 6 years old which makes the Tooth Fairy experience even more magical!

This special day also allows you to remember your own joyful memories of your Tooth Fairy visits when your newly lost tooth was exchanged for a surprise when you looked under your pillow the next morning. Passing along these memories to your children is a priceless way to create new memories for both of you.

Greeting From Your Friend The Tooth Fairy

My Dearest Friend,

I saw you wiggling in your mouth and knew a tooth would soon be mine

You kept it close thinking you'd stay up all night long

Then you drifted off to sleep and I began my fairy flight

So into your bedroom I did come upon my fairy wings

When I took a peek I found my favorite thing 

Now off I go, I have to dash

I hope you'll send me other teeth but there is no big rush

And remember my dearest friend, every time you lose a tooth 
another takes its place for you to floss and brush

Most Sincerely, 

Your friend in teeth,

The Tooth Fairy

The Tooth Fairy awakens the excitement and affection of childhood while reminding us to cherish the memories you make with your children when they receive their enchanting Tooth Fairy visits each time they lose a tooth.

What is your own favorite Tooth Fairy Memory? How does your family prepare for your Tooth Fairy visit? How many teeth do you think the Tooth Fairy collects every night? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!

Where And When Do We Start?

Birth to 2 months

4 months

6 to 9 months

12 months

Important To Remember

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Choosing Non-Food Goodies

Healthy Selections For Halloween Treats

Itsy Bitsy Spider Bites

Chocolate Dipped Mandarin Pumpkins

Mummy in your mouth Pizza

Pumpkin Hummus with Witchy Broomsticks

Jack-O-Lantern Peppers with Witchy Dip and Vegetable Broomsticks

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Tooth Friendly Tips

1. Sort and check the candy bag together

2. Sticky and hard candies stay in the mouth for a long time

3. Water is your friend

4. Brush the candy away

5. Candy is not a healthy snack

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How To Calm Your Child’s Fears Of The Dentist

1. Start going to the dentist with your child at an early age

2. As your child gets older tell them about their upcoming dental appointment with a limited amount of details

3. Role play going to the dentist

4. Drive past your pediatric dentist’s office

5. Children are very smart and in tune with their parent’s feelings

6. Show your child the importance of good dental health by taking care of your own teeth

7. Practice at home

8. Listen to your child’s fears and concerns

9. Find a fun and welcoming pediatric dentist

Books To Read About Going To The Dentist

What’s Important To Know About A Pediatric Dentist

Overcoming The Overwhelming

What To Remember

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The Enemies

Plaque

Decay

Sugars

Teeth’s Best Friends

Why Brush Twice A Day?

Why Floss Everyday?

What’s Important To Remember?

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What Are The 4 B’s?

Bath

Comforting bath time along with comfy and cozy pjs helps your child tostart to relax and wind down from the day.

Brush

Book

Bed

The Power Of The 4 B Routine

The Benefits Of The 4 B Routine

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Cherish Your Grandparents

Spending Time With Your Grandparents

3 Reasons Grandparents Are The BEST

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Younger Is Better

Why Does It Matter?

What Do I Do If My Child Won’t Give Up Their Pacifier?

Offer An Alternative To Their Pacifier

Time To Be Creative

Cut the pacifier’s nipple little by little

Every child loves a superhero, so turn the Pacifier Fairy or Binky Fairy into one

Tell your child there’s a baby who really needs their pacifier

Take your child to the store to pick out a new toy to replace their pacifier

Fun stuff to do

Rewards and Reminders

Timing Is Important

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?

Can Charcoal Toothpaste Benefit My Child’s Oral Health?

Will Charcoal Toothpaste Whiten My Teenager’s Teeth?

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe For My Child?

Charcoal Toothpaste, Just A Trend?

What To Do?

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Greeting From Your Friend The Tooth Fairy

Comforting bath time along with comfy and cozy pjs helps your child to
start to relax and wind down from the day.