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.

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!

Braces For Children And Teens, But Which Type?

August 10, 2023August 9, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Lot’s of children want braces so you’ll hear this all the time, When can I get braces? My friend has braces, I want braces! Then there are other children (like mine) who are worried about how braces look and feel.

Braces have come a long way in the last couple of years. They can be very cosmetic and not easily seen. There’s also different materials and ways to adhere the brackets to the teeth.

Why Braces?

Sometimes it’s not because teeth don’t grow in straight, it’s the underlying reason why the teeth didn’t come in straight.

It’s possible that the upper and lower jaws might not be aligned. If the upper jaw is bigger than the lower jaw, that’s called an overbite. When the lower jaw is bigger than the upper jaw, that’s an underbite.

Based on your child’s age as well as their teeth development and jaw positions, that’s when it’s time to see the Orthodontist.

How Long Does My Child Have Braces?

Children have braces for different amounts of time depending on the reason they need braces.

What’s important to remember is that your child needs to wear their retainer after they finish their braces. Used to be retainers were only for 3 months after finishing braces. Not any more.

Your orthodontist will go over all of this with you as your child finishes the active part of their braces. This is important because the retainer helps keep their teeth in the position you just went through the braces for.

Types Of Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

These are the most worn style of braces by school-age children, tweens and teens. They are metal brackets medically bonded to the front of the teeth with the wires passing through the bracket’s slots and held in place with elastic bands (in a wide choice of colors).

Ceramic Braces

Are similar to metal braces but the brackets are a tooth colored or clear ceramic material similar in color to teeth. These brackets can be more fragile than the metal and need more tlc.

Lingual Braces

These braces also similar to metal braces however the brackets are placed on the backs of the teeth, this way they are not seen. Being on the backs of the teeth can make brushing and flossing time longer and your child may need more of your help.

Self-Ligating Braces

Are very much like metal braces, however instead of the rubber elastics, there is a special clip which holds the wire in place.

Clear Aligners

These are a specific sequence of clear custom made trays which progressively move teeth into the desired position. Each aligner is worn for about 2 weeks before changing to the next one. Clear aligners are not for everyone.

I Love Picking Out My Colors For My Braces

Smiling and Showing Off My Braces In The Pool

My Braces Are Giving Me The Smile I've Always Wanted

Which Style Of Braces Is Right For My Child?

This is a conversation you’ll have with your Orthodontist because which type of braces is right for your child depends on a couple of things like their individual needs, your child’s age and your preference.

With a range of options from metal to ceramic to lingual braces or clear aligners there is no shortage of choices to help your child have that beautiful and healthy smile.

Does your child have braces? Are they about to start braces? Did you have braces as a child or want them now as an adult? Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Happy National Watermelon Day

August 3, 2023August 2, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Did you know there is a day dedicated to watermelon? Turns out today is the day to celebrate watermelon.

Watermelon means summer. Summer weekends, bbq’s, picnics, enjoying fun times with friends and family. We love biting into a juicy piece of watermelon, then wiping the sweet juices off our children’s smiling faces.

Watermelon Is Healthy

Watermelon is 92% water and full of Vitamins A, C, and antioxidants. In addition to being a thirst quencher, watermelon is also a superfood.

Fun Trivia About Watermelon

*Watermelon is both a fruit and a vegetable.
*It takes 90 days to grow a watermelon from planting seeds to harvest.
*The most common watermelon varieties and colors are seeded, seedless, mini, yellow, orange, red and white.
*Watermelon is the official state vegetable of Oklahoma.
*According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest watermelon on record weighed in at 350.5 pounds (159 kg) and was grown by Chris Kent of Sevierville, Tennessee (USA) in 2013.

Cooling Off Eating Watermelon At The Beach

Icy Refreshing Watermelon Is The Best Drink

Watermelon Fries With Strawberry Dip Are A Yummy Treat

Watermelon Of All Colors Is Always Tasty

Tips For Celebrating Watermelon

There’s nothing that says summer like biting into a perfect slice of watermelon. Some other ways to enjoy this delightfully tasty treat are grilling it, drinking it as a juice or smoothie, eating it as ices or sherbet, and enjoying it in a salad or salsa.

There’s nothing like beating the heat with summertime’s most refreshing fruit. How does your family like to enjoy watermelon? What will your family do celebrate watermelon day? Which watermelon color is your family’s favorite? Tells us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Why Is Chewing Ice Bad For My Child’s Teeth?

July 27, 2023July 26, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Ice Cubes Aren't For Teeth — Ice Cubes Aren’t For Teeth

Summertime is here and it’s time for those thirst quenching icy cold drinks. However sometimes you find that your child is chewing on the ice after they finished their drink, or they’re munching on ice cubes straight out of the freezer. You’re thinking okay there’s nothing bad about that. Did you know that chewing ice can cause pain and damage to their teeth?

Ice Is Harder Than Teeth

Teeth are strong but they are no match for ice. Chewing on ice causes the thin protective outer enamel layer of teeth to weaken, chip and crack.

Enamel can’t grow back. Once the enamel is weakened the inner layers of their teeth are exposed to the mouth and that’s when teeth become sensitive.

Think about how painful it would be for your child not to be able to have ice cream and ices.

Ice Isn't For Teeth — Ice Isn’t For Teeth

Ice Can Break Teeth And More

We’re always talking about how to make teeth stronger. But ice is not kind to teeth and one wrong bite can break, chip, or crack a tooth or two.

When a tooth breaks it may not only be the enamel that fractures. There are several layers under the enamel and under the gums that makeup a tooth which can also shatter.

Keep in mind this also goes for fillings. If your child has any tooth colored fillings or silver caps they can also split from the pressure of chewing on ice.

If your child has braces and they say that chewing on ice makes their mouth feel better, it’s still not a good idea because the ice can twist or move their arch wires, cause the wires to come loose and poke their cheeks, or break off their brackets.

Ice chewing also affects their gums. The icy temperature freezes their gums which makes it harder to feel if the ice slips and cuts the gums.

Broken Teeth Can Get Cavities

Not only is their tooth enamel harmed but there is also increased risk for cavities. The chips and cracks in the enamel provide direct access for sugary foods and plaque into the body of the tooth and soften the tooth which leads to cavities.

How To Stop Chewing On Ice

Chewing ice isn’t a harmless habit.

Some children who chew ice say the cold sensation is soothing. So, instead of chewing ice let it melt in their mouth or blend crushed ice into slushies or snow cones. Consider trying alternatives such as cool drinks or popsicles. Always keep in mind that sugar free choices are recommended.

If your child chews ice for the crunch, replace the ice with apple slices or baby carrots.

Do you or your child like to chew on ice? What are your alternatives to ice? Tell us, 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!

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

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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?

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Greeting From Your Friend The Tooth Fairy

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Why Braces?

How Long Does My Child Have Braces?

Types Of Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

Ceramic Braces

Lingual Braces

Self-Ligating Braces

Clear Aligners

Which Style Of Braces Is Right For My Child?

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Watermelon Is Healthy

Fun Trivia About Watermelon

Tips For Celebrating Watermelon

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Ice Is Harder Than Teeth

Ice Can Break Teeth And More

Broken Teeth Can Get Cavities

How To Stop Chewing On Ice

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