Wishing you a happy and fun filled Thanksgiving!
A great meal is the beginning. Family and friends mean so much. Enjoy your time together.
Happy Thanksgiving from Our Family at Kidstoothhotline to Your Family!
Happy Thanksgiving
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.
Talking Mom To Mom, Why Does My Child Have A Lip Bite After A Dental Filling?
In the Know for You to Know
Your child had their dental appointment for their filling (or tooth extraction) and everything went great. Yea! Everyone is cheering and so happy!
The pediatric dentist talks with you about their after care. You take special note to be especially careful and watch them since the novocaine (aka local anesthetic, numbing) hasn’t worn off yet.
Your child says that their mouth feels funny on that one side. They tell you that they don’t like it. It feels funny and big. They want you to make it “wake up now.” Then they try on their own to pinch and hit their lip and cheek saying “wake up.” You ask them to stop and put their hands in yours. Both of you explain that their mouth will “wake up” in a little while. For now it’s important to let it be and wake up on its own.
Children will be children and this is difficult for them. They want their mouth to feel “normal and regular.”
How many of us have been here? Whether it’s after your child’s or your dental treatment, many of us have experienced this feeling.
As the patient myself, as the mom, and as the pediatric dentist I have been here.
Today we’ll be talking about what happens when despite all of our best efforts your child experiences a lip bite.
What Causes A Lip Bite?
When a child needs a filling (or tooth extraction) local anesthesia is often used to “numb” the area. Depending on the treatment needed and the type of local anesthetic, it can last from 2-4 hours.
This makes it difficult for a child to feel their lips, cheek, and tongue. As a result, they may accidentally bite, chew or suck on these areas without realizing it.
What Does A Lip Bite Look Like?
In the event your child accidentally bites their lip, cheek or tongue, there are a few signs you need to look for ~
- Swelling of the lip, cheek, and/or tongue,
- A yellowish-white scab develops which resembles an ulcer or an infection,
- Bloody crusting around the scab,
- Tooth imprints in the area surrounding the scab.
- Is the bite limited to the lip itself or does it extend past the border of the lip onto the skin?
How Long Does A Tooth Bite Take To Get Better?
If your child does bite, chew or suck on their lip, cheek or tongue, a yellowish-white scab forms as the wound heals. This may take up to 14 days to go away.
If the bite is larger or includes the skin, it takes longer to heal and may cause scaring.
What About Eating After A Lip Bite?
Eating is important. Stay with things like ~
- Soft easy foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, mac and cheese, oatmeal,
- Cool foods like yogurt, ice cream, and popsicles,
- Drink from a cup, and don’t use straws which irritates the bite,
- Avoid citrus fruits, tomatoes, salty and spicy foods which are also irritating.
How Do You Take Care Of A Lip Bite?
Keeping your child’s mouth and the bite area clean is really important. This is because clean areas heal faster.
It’s important to ~
- Clean the area well with a soft wet wash cloth 3 times a day as well as after eating and after tooth brushing,
- Brush and floss teeth as normal,
- Be gentle around the injured area.
A Pediatric Dentist’s Lip Bite Story
A dad brought his 4 year old child to my office for a filling on a bottom back tooth (aka molar). This child did great. They even got an extra prize for being so awesome.
As I was sitting this child up in the chair I could see they felt the one side of their mouth was “feeling funny.”
I reviewed the after care instructions with Dad, and explained to the child (in age appropriate words) about the “funny feeling.”
Everything went well. I checked in on the family that evening and Mom was so happy and pleased. I reviewed instructions for overnight (as I always do).
The next morning Mom brought her child to the office. She was (understandably) livid. When this child woke up their lip and cheek was visibly swollen, there was some blood crusting and had a white-ish yellow covering.
After making sure there wasn’t any infection, this turned out to be a lip bite.
I cleaned the area and instructed mom on how to take care of the bite area. We talked about diet and oral hygiene. I sensed mom’s concern and encouraged mom to speak with her pediatrician.
I also called the pediatrician (which is my usual when there are concerns). The pediatrician encouraged mom to follow my recommendations and would also follow up.
We made appointments and I saw this child everyday in the office to monitor their healing. At the 5 day mark the swelling was resolved and by day 7 the bite was healed. When I saw them on day 10, you wouldn’t have known there was a lip bite.
Mom took a picture on day 10 and compared it with a picture taken prior to the filling. She said that no one could tell any difference.
Are you wondering? Yes, this family still brings their children to my office along with cousins and a few neighbors.
What To Remember
If your child received local anesthesia for their dental treatment their lips, cheek, and tongue will be “numb” for a few hours after their appointment.
Since they can’t feel these areas, sometimes children may accidentally bite them. This causes them to swell.
It’s very important to watch your child closely after their dental appointment. You’ll need to remind them not to suck, bite or chew on their lip, cheek or tongue.
Cold drinks, frozen treats (like popsicles), and cool compresses can help them feel comfortable.
If your child has any swelling or something doesn’t look right to you contact your dentist’s office immediately so they can be evaluated.
Has your child had local anesthetic for a filling or tooth extraction? How did they do afterwards? Did your child bite their lip or cheek or tongue? What did you do? Do you know a child who bit their lip? How did it go? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Talking Mom To Mom, Teeth Whitening Options for Teens: What You Need to Know
In the Know for You to Know
As a Mom we love to look at our child’s big adorable grin. We know that a big welcoming smile is a great way to meet people and make friends.
Yet many children and teens are self-conscious about their smiles because of discolored or not so white teeth. This concern is even more prevalent now with the emphasis on whitening teeth.
A smile can have an enormous impact on a child’s self-esteem. Children who are self-conscious about their smile’s seem reserved and don’t appear to be interested in making friends.
We’ve all seen those children during our after school pickups. The ones who are hiding their mouths behind their hands or actively keeping their mouth’s closed to avoid showing their teeth to the world.
Today I’m answering your questions about what’s important for you to know about tooth whitening.
Causes Of Discolored Teeth And White Spots
There are many possible causes of discolored teeth and white spots on a child’s tooth enamel.
Some of the most common include:
- Trauma to a tooth,
- Illness during tooth development that disrupts enamel formation,
- Teeth can also discolor if a child takes certain medicines during key stages of tooth development,
- Poor oral hygiene, especially during orthodontic treatment can also lead to discolored areas on teeth, white spots and cavities.
Teenagers Mostly Request Whitening
Teenagers especially will focus on an off-white smile. They usually request bleaching during prom season, spring break and when they’re going off to college.
Tooth Whitening Kits
Home tooth whitening kits are similar to those used in the dental office. But the concentrations of active ingredients are lower than in a dental professional’s product.
In the office, the pediatric dentist can control the application of the whitening agent. This allows us to work with higher concentrations.
It’s important to keep an eye on overly enthusiastic teens. Watch out for them disregarding the instructions on the home whitening kits. They’ll apply them for more than the recommended time. This can lead to:
- Prolonged sensitivity and,
- Damage to tooth enamel.
Remember, consulting with your pediatric dentist is always necessary, especially when discussing at-home whitening kits and possible risks.
Are There Other Options?
Let’s look at tooth colored fillings and whitening toothpaste.
What About Tooth Colored Fillings?
Another option for children with discolored teeth is tooth colored fillings. These fillings are also known as composites or bonding.
Bonding uses a composite resin to make cosmetic changes to teeth. For the front teeth, the composite covers the flaws with a thin plastic coating on the front surface. After the coating is applied it’s sculpted, shaped and polished to give a desired result.
Bonding Has Limitations
There are some limitations when it comes to bonding:
- Bonded teeth are not as strong as original tooth structure,
- Nail biting, biting into anything, biting on anything (like a computer pencil or stylus) and accidents can damage or break the composite,
- Over time the composite can become discolored or worn and need to be redone,
- You can’t use tooth whitening on a bonded tooth.
Whitening Toothpaste
What about whitening toothpaste for older children and teens?
A key aspect whether it’s whitening toothpastes or whitening kits is to determine the extent of tooth root development. Nobody wants stunted roots, which can happen when using whitening agents.
The more complete root development is the better. After that a whitening toothpaste with fluoride should be used only 1 time a day. This is because these products are abrasive. They can wear away tooth enamel, making teeth sensitive to hot and cold.
For the 2nd daily brushing, it’s important to use a regular non-abrasive toothpaste with fluoride.
What To Remember
No child should feel like they have to hide their teeth. With today’s advances all children should have the freedom to meet the world with a big wide smile.
Has your child asked you about whitening their teeth? Have you thought about tooth whitening for your child? Are you considering at home whitening or in office whitening? Do you use a whitening toothpaste? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Talking Mom To Mom, Why Soda Is Bad For Your Children’s Teeth
In the Know for You to Know
As a parent we’ve all been there. Whether we’re out and about or at the grocery store with our children, when they get thirsty they want something sweet. That sugary drink is soda.
It may seem to be okay to occasionally give in and let them have that soda. However, there are things for you to know and consider before saying yes to a soda.
What Is In Soda?
Soda is made from sugar and acids. Over time these 2 things lead to tooth decay (aka cavities).
This is why:
- High sugar content – feeds the bad bacteria in the mouth causing them to over grow which leads to cavities.
- Acids – the acids in soda make them fizzy, but also breaks down the tooth enamel. This leads to sensitivity and cavities.
Acids In Soda
Citric acid and phosphoric acid are 2 acids commonly found in soda, and they directly attack tooth enamel. Which leads to enamel break down and ultimately tooth decay.
How Soda Affects Teeth
Soda affects teeth in 1 significant way that leads to long term troubles.
Tooth Enamel Erosion
Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer of teeth that is there to protect teeth. Soda weakens and breaks down this protective layer causing:
- increased risk of generalized tooth damage,
- sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet foods and beverages,
- increased plaque buildup,
- developing generalized cavities.
Tooth Enamel Doesn’t Grow Back
What’s important to know is that tooth enamel doesn’t regenerate or grow back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
The issue is that this does not only affect 1 tooth. The sugar and acids melt away the tooth’s enamel by dissolving it until it isn’t there any more.
Remember the science experiment when you put a tooth in a plastic cup and poured soda over it? What you saw on day 1 was very different from what the tooth looked like at the end of the experiment.
What did you see at the end? A gnarly brown tooth with holes in it.
What The Science Says
Dental experts, including those at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry have found that:
- Soda begins to wear down tooth enamel within 20 minutes of that first sip,
- Children who routinely drink soda have a higher rate of cavities.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Heart Association (AHA) agree. Together they put out a joint statement endorsing policies to reduce children’s consumption of sugar.
Cavities and tooth pain are the tip of the iceberg. The effects of drinking soda on a regular basis also set children up for other health problems as they get older.
Regular Or Diet Soda
Regular or diet soda doesn’t matter. They both do the same harm when it comes to teeth.
What To Remember
Knowing the consequences of why soda is bad for your children’s teeth helps you to make informed choices for your entire family.
Realistically your child is going to have a soda at a birthday party or holiday get together. After wards, it’s important to make sure you’re keeping up with their flossing and brushing.
Remember, preventing dental problems is easier than treating them.
Does your child have a favorite soda? How much sugar do you think there is in soda? Do you think soda is good to drink? How much soda do you think is okay for your child to drink? Do you think soda is bad for your children’s teeth? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Talking Mom To Mom, Hauntingly Good Halloween Treats For Your Child’s Healthy Teeth
In the Know for You To Know
Halloween is here!
It’s the time of year when children enjoy dressing up in their favorite costume, going out trick-or-treating and trying to see how much candy and treats they can collect from friends and neighbors.
Every where you look there’s chocolates and sugary treats ready to tempt our eager trick or treaters.
So, how do you keep treats reasonable while enjoying your family’s fun Halloween trick-or treating?
I’ve put together our top picks for tooth friendly treats your child will love this Halloween. You can even make them together.
5 Hauntingly Good Halloween Treats
Is this your annual Halloween monster mash or a gathering of your ghosts and goblins? No Halloween bash is complete without some scary snacks.
Chocolate Dipped Orange 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 bite sized black and orange treat that’s right for the season.
Mummy Pizza
Whether you choose pizza dough, english muffins, pita, or a tortilla as your base, cover with your favorite tomato sauce and criss-cross slices of mozzarella cheese (or your child’s favorite cheese). Slice green or black olives to make the eyes. Bake until fully cooked.
Apple Monster Mouth
Between 2 slices of apple spread your favorite nut butter. Place a slice of strawberry, peach, or red plum onto of the nut butter to create the “tongue”. For the teeth place almond slices into the nut butter. Apples are great for stimulating saliva production, which naturally cleanse the teeth, making them an ideal choice for a healthy Halloween snack.
Jack-O-Lantern Peppers with Witch 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 pieces, cucumber slices, carrot sticks or pretzels. Veggies aren’t only tasty and crunchy. They naturally clean teeth by stimulating saliva production. A great choice for a Halloween snack.
Witches Broomsticks
Witches Broomsticks are fun, yummy and festive. Choose 2 of your family’s favorite cheese sticks. Cut each cheese stick to resemble the bristles of a broom. Place two cheese sticks around a pretzel stick or pretzel rod and tie together with a chive or use a vegetable peeler to create thin carrot ribbons to tie the broom together. Cheese is healthy for teeth and can help prevent cavities.
5 TOOTH FRIENDLY TIPS FOR A HAPPY HALLOWEEN
- 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 day. Remember to keep candy out of their bedroom.
- Water is your friend. Drink water to help wash away any gooey chewy candy that’s stuck in their teeth. Water is really good for you and your teeth.
- Sticky and hard candies stay in their mouths for a long time. 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.
- 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 reinforces consistency.
- Don’t allow the Halloween candy stash to be a substitute for healthy snacks. Cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, celery, carrot sticks, apple slices are great choices.
Create Great Memories
Halloween is every child’s dream. It’s the season of costumes and candy and candy and more candy. With all the joy trick-or treating brings, we don’t want to crush their excitement.
So be the cool parent and the Halloween Hero because a healthy Halloween doesn’t mean dull and boring. Being creative with snacks and staying committed to your child’s oral hygiene routine allows you both to have fun!
Does your family like to trick or do you like the treats? Are you doing a family costume theme or does everyone choose their own? What are your children’s all time must have no way it will ever change favorite Halloween treat? Where does your child like to keep their candy stash? Share with us your Halloween treat ideas and experiences! Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Talking Mom To Mom, 5 Ways To Protect Your Child’s Teeth From Cavities
In the Know for You to Know
Have you ever had a cavity? Even a small one?
Growing up it seemed that at every dental check-up I had another cavity. My parents didn’t know why. Doesn’t everyone have cavities?
During dental school the whole issue around cavities became clear. Then when I became a pediatric dentist it became crystal clear. There wasn’t only one thing that caused cavities. It’s a cycle. A never ending daily cycle.
I want to share with you how you can help protect your child’s teeth.
Protecting Your Child’s Teeth From Cavities
- Baby teeth are important for 4 BIG reasons. They help your child learn where to put their tongue and cheeks so they can speak clearly, allow them to chew their food well, help in the growth of their jaws, and guide their adult teeth into position.
- Children can get cavities from their bottle or from nursing. Yes, even if they don’t have teeth yet. Don’t put your child to bed with a bottle or nurse them while they are sleeping. The liquid in the bottle or breast milk causes cavities because it stays on their gums and teeth. This allows the sugar in the milk, juice, breast milk to eat away at their teeth. So it’s important to wipe their gums and teeth with a damp wash cloth after each feeding and before nap and bed time.
- As soon as your child’s first tooth peaks through their gums it’s time to do 2 things. Make their first dental appointment. Start brushing with a (dry) rice grain size amount of fluoridated toothpaste twice a day.
- For your pre-K child (over 3 years old) brush twice a day with a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste. When 2 teeth are touching, it’s time to start flossing.
- Sealants are effective in preventing cavities. Dental sealants are a protective coating over the deep crevices of back teeth (aka molars) so food, sweets, beverages and plaque don’t get caught in the grooves.
What To Remember
Don’t leave your child’s oral health up to genetics or luck. It’s not luck that contributes to good teeth. It’s about planning, consistency and adapting as your child grows.
With everything you have to do, it may be tempting to skip a day. Turns out diligence is the key.
What are your tips for keeping teeth cavity free? Do you have a routine that works for your family? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Talking Mom To Mom, What To Look For When Selecting Your Child’s Pediatric Dentist
In the Know for You to Know
Choosing a pediatric dentist for your child is a significant decision. A visit to the pediatric dentist needs be a positive experience for your child. So it’s important to find a dental practice where you and your child feel comfortable.
As a mom, I want my child to have pleasant and positive experiences at their dental appointments. Their visits should also be adapted to their age, as they grow and take on a more active role in their dental care.
Whether it’s playing games in the arcade off the waiting room, telling their dentist about the new pair of sneakers they just got, or letting their hygienist know the plans for the park after their visit; you know these things only happen when your child is happy and excited. They’re happy and excited when they know they are going to a friendly, comfortable, and fun place.
But this doesn’t happen at just any dental office. It happens at the right pediatric dental office.
Pediatric Dentist’s Approach To Dental Care
A pediatric dentist’s approach is to provide a calm and welcoming atmosphere.
Our goals are to provide you and your child with exceptional dental care. To help your child develop positive attitudes toward dentistry. As well as to educate and teach them the skills needed to care for healthy teeth and a healthy smile for their whole life.
Characteristics To Consider In A Potential Pediatric Dentist
- An attentive pediatric dentist encourages your child to ask questions.
- They go at your child’s pace to allow them to feel comfortable.
- A thoughtful pediatric dentist can make your child laugh, smile and enjoy themselves.
- They engage your child in their own dental care.
- They and their office are trained in accommodating children with special needs as well as having designed their office to be accessible.
- An engaged pediatric dentist is eager to chat with you and values your questions and input as a parent.
- Their whole office is passionate and excited to work with children.
- Their office design makes your child feel welcome.
- Their education continues. They receive extensive education and training on how to best serve your child and their dental needs.
- Your child is eager to see them again and looks forward to their next appointment.
As a mom and a pediatric dentist, I can tell you it’s about 3 things ~
- Specialized care,
- Compassionate approach,
- Child focused.
Have you found a pediatric dentist you and your child adore? Have you found the pediatric dental office you can see your child growing up going to? What was the spark that led you to this office? If you’re looking for your pediatric dentist, which 3 characteristics are most important for you? Do you have any suggestions about what’s important to you in choosing your child’s pediatric dentist? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Mom To Mom, Does Silver Diamine Fluoride Stop Cavities?
In the Know for You to Know
You’re at your child’s dental check-up and everything is going great. Then you hear that dreaded word, cavity.
So now here you are. You know your child has a cavity and you know they won’t sit to have it taken care of.
You’re thinking, should you schedule an appointment and face the music or tough it out? After all it’s only a baby tooth and it will fall out.
It will fall out, right? But when?
At first toughing it out sounds like a good idea but then you look at their face then in their mouth and realize you just have to make that appointment.
But what can the pediatric dentist do?
Well, there is a special liquid that can be applied directly to teeth which can stop or at least slow down the growth of a cavity.
Sound too good to be true? This remedy is Silver Diamine Fluoride.
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an FDA and ADA (American Dental Association), approved clear topical liquid that is used to treat cavities. It is applied to the cavity area of a tooth to control and stop the growth of the cavity.
How Does SDF Work?
SDF is composed of two main components, silver and fluoride. The silver part acts on the bacteria causing the cavity while the fluoride helps to strengthen and remineralize the tooth. The third accessory component is diamine which makes the SDF into a liquid.
How Is SDF Applied To Teeth?
Your child’s teeth will be dried and any food or plaque is removed. SDF is applied with a small brush and allowed to dry for one to two minutes.
When Is SDF Recommended?
The AAPD (American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry), has established best practices for the use of SDF. In addition, the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) agrees with the use of SDF as necessary.
Young children, children with special health needs, any child who has a difficult time at the dentist or who may have a lot of cavities may benefit from this type of care.
What Are The Benefits Of SDF?
There are 5 benefits for using SDF ~
- Quick to apply,
- Painless,
- May stop cavity progression,
- Relieves tooth sensitivity,
- Helpful cavity treatment for children who are very young or struggle with longer appointment times.
Any Risks With SDF?
There are some which may include ~
- Cavity areas will stain black. Healthy tooth structure will not stain,
- If Silver Diamine Fluoride touches skin or gums, a harmless temporary brown or white stain may appear on the area. The stain will disappear on its own in one to three weeks,
- Some may notice a metallic taste but this is temporary,
- SDF may not stop the cavities from getting deeper and other treatments may need to be discussed.
SDF Is Just Not For Some Children
3 reasons SDF may not be a choice for your child ~
- SDF contains silver and children who are allergic to silver or who have sores or ulcers in their mouth should not have it applied to their teeth,
- It should also not be used when the cavity is very deep and the tooth’s nerve is involved,
- Some parents may not want the cavity areas on their child’s teeth turning black.
Any Alternatives To SDF?
Some possible alternatives may be ~
- No treatment or deferring treatment, which may lead to a worsening symptom severity, infection, as well as increasing break down of teeth,
- Depending on the extent and location of the cavities other treatment options may be necessary, such as sedation or general anesthesia. This is an extremely important conversation for you to have with your child’s pediatric dentist.
What To Remember
SDF can be an effective alternative treatment.
It can be painlessly brushed on a cavity to help stop the cavity from growing. This may be a consideration if your child is young has special needs or it is difficult for them to sit through an appointment.
Has your dentist discussed SDF with you? Has your child had SDF applied to their teeth? How did your appointment go? Are you concerned about the fluoride in SDF? Are you concerned about the dark discoloration? Tell Us. We’d really like to know. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Apple Season Is Here, Can Apples Really Help Clean Children’s Teeth?
In the Know for You To Know
Fall is here and practically everyone is planing a trip to go apple picking.
There are so many wonderful things about apples, and just about everyone loves them.
What could be better than watching your smiling child bite into a fresh picked juicy apple and see the juice run down their cheeks?
Did you know that apples are a very important fruit? Yes they are, and for a couple of reasons. Not only are they packed with vitamins for a healthy diet, apples can also help clean teeth.
Apples help to clean teeth? How is this possible?
Keep reading for some FYI’s on how apples help keep teeth and gums healthy.
Eating An Apple Is Almost Like Using A Toothbrush
Eating an apple can help remove plaque from teeth and gums.
How Is This Possible?
There are 3 ways apples help keep teeth clean,
- Apples contain a specific acid called malic acid which can break down plaque that accumulates on the teeth and gums.
- Biting into and chewing an apple stimulates more saliva to be produced and flow into the mouth. More saliva helps wash away food particles and bacteria as well as diluting and washing away sugars that are attached to the teeth.
- Apples are 85% water which also helps dilute sugars in the mouth.
4 Reasons Apples Make Great Snacks
- Apples make great snacks with their natural sweetness and high fiber content.
- An apple’s natural sweetness decreases cravings for other higher sugar content snacks.
- The fiber keeps children full longer so they snack less.
- By being high in water apples are naturally juicy so children are less likely to ask for sugary beverages.
10 Apple Fun Facts
- Over 2,500 varieties of apples are grown in the U.S.
- The most popular apples in the US are Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith.
- A bushel of apples weighs almost 42 pounds.
- Halloween Tip, Bobbing for apples – apples float so easily since they are 25% air.
- Apple trees take between 4-5 years to produce their first apples.
- Apples contain 0 grams of fat or sodium and have no cholesterol.
- The average size of an apple is 4 grams.
- Apple trees can live to be about 100 years old.
- On average 1 person eats 65 apples a year.
- Johnny Appleseed was a real person. Can you guess his real name? Yes, you got it! His name was John Chapman.
Apple picking season has started, does your family have a favorite apple? What’s your super special apple pie recipe? How many apples do you think your family eats in a week? Any apple picking plans? Do you like to get your apples at the farmer’s market or supermarket? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me and Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Talking Mom To Mom – What To Know About Your Preschooler’s Teeth
In the Know for You to Know
I’ve received quite a few questions from parents about dental care for their preschoolers.
Preschooler’s are the in-between age, where you’re not quite sure what to do.
As a mom and pediatric dentist this is where my 2 lives met. Being a mom who had 4 preschoolers at the same time I understand how hectic life can be. This is why it’s so important to know how often you should schedule your child’s dental appointment. As well as what to do if they take a tumble and hurt a tooth.
Today, I’m answering your top 5 questions about taking care of your preschooler’s teeth.
How often should preschoolers visit the pediatric dentist?
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that your child’s teeth be examined and cleaned every 6 months. This is important because during these appointments we examine and talk about several key points for you to know ~
- oral hygiene,
- fluoride,
- diet and how it affects their teeth,
- what you can expect in terms of growth and dental development,
- habits such as thumb or finger sucking, and pacifiers.
My preschooler has difficulty sitting still, how do you handle this?
We approach this together. Sometimes you and I sit facing each other in a knee to knee position supporting your child’s head on my lap. Some children this age may want to sit in the dental chair and show us “how big they are” or they may sit after a little reassurance that they’re safe and will be getting their teeth counted. There are times when they’ll want to sit on your lap in the chair.
There’s no pressure. It’s about what works best for your child.
What should we be doing at home?
Your child needs your help brushing and flossing their teeth. I advise parents you need to brush and floss your preschooler’s teeth. In fact, I recommend that parents brush and floss until their child can wash, dry and style their own hair. It’s all about their developing manual dexterity.
Are there any special dental issues to be aware of for my preschooler?
Children love to explore. Whether they toddle, walk, run, climb, or jump, the possibility always exists that teeth can get hurt. Falls from high chairs, strollers and shopping carts, as well as automobile accidents, are frequent causes of tooth and/or mouth injuries.
The teeth most commonly hurt are the upper and/or lower front teeth. These teeth can be moved around or broken in all different ways. There’s also the possibility that the gums, tongue, cheeks or lips may be bruised or cut.
What should we do if an injury does occur?
If anything ever happens, contact your pediatric dentist and/or go to the closest emergency room immediately.
The most common type of dental injury in preschoolers is a baby tooth that has been knocked out. It’s important to know that this tooth should not be put back into the mouth.
Common types of dental injuries and what to do ~
Tooth Moved: Call your pediatric dentist or go to the closest emergency room
- Tooth knocked out out and in your hand,
- Tooth not visible, may be out and not found or possibility swallowed,
- Tooth pushed into gums,
- Tooth loose,
- Tooth very loose,
- Tooth moved forward, back, or sideways.
Broken Tooth: Call your pediatric dentist or go to the closest emergency room
- Chipped tooth,
- Large Chipped tooth (nerve exposed, you’ll see red line or red dot),
- Tooth broken off and in your hand,
- Crown broken off and can’t find, possibility swallowed.
There’s a lot to know about your preschooler’s teeth. Tooth brushing is one part of what you can do to protect your growing child’s teeth. By introducing dental health early, dental visits can be fun and positive. Every child deserves a lifetime of good oral health.
Even if you haven’t sent in any questions, have I helped answer what has been on your mind? If I haven’t, what are your questions? What are your concerns for your preschooler’s teeth? Have I brought up any topics that you have more questions about? I’d love to hear from you about tips and experiences that have worked for your family.
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