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.

Flossing Tips

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Flossing every night before you brush your child’s teeth goes a long way to teaching them this is something they will always do. Repetition lets them know, even from a young age, that is their normal, their routine, their habit.

So, when to start? The best time is when they are toddlers and they have 2 teeth touching. Yes, when any 2 teeth are touching.

If you can’t see a full uninterrupted 360 around a tooth, that tells you it’s time to floss.

Why Floss?

Brushing alone doesn’t remove everything.

Floss goes where no toothbrush can go. The bristles on a brush may look like they can go everywhere. They can’t. They can’t because they are too thick (really, no joke, totally serious). Unlike a toothbrush, floss fits in between their teeth and along the gum line under where the teeth touch.

Not only does this help with cleaning all the tooth surfaces, flossing also helps control bad breath.

Remember to floss first and brush second, so that you brush away the food and plaque the floss takes out from between the teeth.

Toothbrush bristles are BIG

Types of Dental Floss

There are so many to choose from –

  • waxed and unwaxed,
  • flavored (grape, bubblegum, mint) and unflavored,
  • wide and regular,
  • textured and smooth

There is also –

  • regular string floss,
  • pre-threaded flossers (great for children!),
  • floss holders (you put on and change the floss with each use),
  • floss threaders (if your child has braces).

Floss Techniques

Pre-threaded flossers are great when flossing your children’s teeth. There are so many colors, shapes, and flavors to choose from which makes this easier for you and keeps them interested and entertained. Remember to clean the floss with a tissue after flossing between each tooth.

Floss holders, once they have the floss put on are like using the pre-threaded flossers.

Floss threaders are great if your child has braces. You place the string floss through the loop and pass the floss threader at the tip top point of the triangle their gums form between their teeth, floss, and pull the threader with the floss straight out. Do not pull up or push down as this can dislodge their braces.

String floss is also a good choice. With this method you are wrapping floss around your fingers (like you do for yourself).

Where to Start –

You may want to start between the 2 front teeth and floss towards the back on each side. Or you may want to start in the back and floss all the way around their mouth, like a circle. Which ever is your preference and works best for you and your child, remember to floss the back side of the most back teeth.

How Long Do I Have To Floss My Child’s Teeth?

Like tying their shoes this takes time and dexterity. Don’t worry if it takes a little longer than you’d like, expect, or are hoping for. Usually around the time the children are 10 or 11 years old they start flossing and you start watching.

This way you make sure they are flossing between their teeth, especially the hardest to reach ones all the way in the back.

Success Is 1 Step At A Time

Don’t be discouraged if this is hard when you start. Try starting with 1 or 2 teeth a night in the beginning, and don’t forget to congratulate yourself on your success!

Your Happy Place is Your Success!

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

Wiggly Tooth? What’s A Parent To Do?

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In the Know for You to Know

You couldn’t wait for your child to get their first tooth. Then by the time they were 24 to 36 months old they had all their 20 baby teeth. You thought you were all set.

Now they’re asking you – When will the Tooth Fairy come to visit?

When Will My Child Lose Their Baby Teeth?

Children whose baby teeth come in early also get their adult teeth earlier. Children who have their baby teeth come in later – you guessed it – have their adult teeth come in later.

Girls typically lose their baby teeth and get their adult teeth earlier than boys of the same age. What’s important to remember is what every parent knows and that is every child develops at their own pace, so it’s normal too have early and late tooth development.

Most children will start to lose their baby teeth around the time they are 5-7 years old. This is when the roots of the baby teeth are dissolved by the adult teeth.

So get ready to be on the tooth chart!

The first baby teeth to come in are the first to fall out. You can anticipate seeing the bottom front teeth changing first. After the baby tooth is lost the gums may look a little wavy. This is the adult tooth growing in and when it makes its appearance in their mouth you’ll see those waves on the tips of those teeth. These waves are perfectly fine and even have a special name – mammelon (also spelled mamelon). No worries – the mammelons wear away naturally as your child gets older.

Over the next years your child will continue to lose more baby teeth, and new teeth will also be coming in all the way in the back behind the furthest back baby tooth.

By the time your child is 14 to 16 years old they will have their 28 adult teeth in their mouth.

What To Do When Baby Teeth Get Loose

To wiggle or not to wiggle that is the question.

While it’s tempting to help that loose tooth along and speed up that visit from the Tooth Fairy, it’s best to be patient and let nature take its course. Pulling the tooth before it is loose enough will cause unnecessary bleeding and discomfort. Plus the adult tooth won’t come in any faster.

If the tooth is wiggly and it moves easily then with their tongue or with clean hands your child can wiggle the tooth out on their own.

Now you can start your own Tooth Fairy Tradition to celebrate this big milestone!

How To Comfort Your Child

Parents know it’s important to be calm, reassuring, and proud of this BIG-KID Milestone! Go ahead and be proud, this is what everyone has been waiting for!

Once the wiggled tooth is in your hand or Tooth Fairy Box, clean the site with a moistened soft wash cloth to clean up any ooze that may appear. You can place the wash cloth’s edge on the gums and have your child bite down gently if they don’t like the feeling of the baby tooth not being there. The ooze and any uncomfortableness generally goes away quickly and there is no need for medicines.

Let us know your Tooth Fairy Tradition. Like us and tell us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline) or Email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com

CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR CHILD’s BIG-KID MILESTONE!

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

Happiness is Your Child’s Smile

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In The Know For You To Know

As a parent you work hard to make sure your children have healthy balanced meals every meal and every day. Did you know that those meals are also one of the first steps in great oral health?

Now is a good time to help your children learn how good brushing, flossing, and eating habits are essential for healthy teeth.

Fruits and Veggies

Apples, pears, carrots and celery have the natural sweet and crunchies children love. Keep these treats on hand for a quick healthy snack and meal side dish.

Suggestions –

  • Crunchy fruits and veggies with yogurt dip
  • Avocado dip with crunchy veggies
  • Hummus with crunchy veggies
  • Celery with Nut Butter

Cheese And Yogurt – Get in those Probiotics

Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for teeth. When deciding on yogurt look for “no sugar added” and nix the add-ins.

They provide calcium and phosphorous which strengthens tooth enamel and can disrupt the development of cavities.

Suggestions –

  • Frozen yogurt popsicles (tasty, fun and easy to make at home with your children),
  • Fresh fruit with cheddar cheese or Greek Yogurt,
  • Smoothie with frozen fruit and milk (tasty, fun and easy to make homemade).

Getting in those Leafy Greens

Leafy greens like spinach, kale, broccoli, and broccolini provide fluoride, vitamins and minerals to strengthen tooth enamel and increase saliva production. Talk about a super food!

Suggestions –

  • Cooking together makes everything taste extra yummy!
  • Add fresh or sauteed spinach, kale, broccoli, broccolini, or bok choy to your favorite Mac and Cheese
  • Green smoothies are GREAT! Add spinach, kale, or avocado to your favorite fruit smoothie.

Seeds and Nuts

Almonds, cashews, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds are great tasting, crunchy, and fun to eat. They are high in minerals, high in good fats, and low in sugar. Remember to pass on the added sugar and salt coated varieties.

Suggestions –

  • Nut Butters on their own are great for snacking, or scoop some into celery sticks,
  • Add a spoon of your favorite nut butter into your smoothie of the day,
  • Enjoy a palm full for a healthy and crunchy snack,
  • Add some to a your cheese and fruit plate,
  • Add some to your homemade trail mix (watch the amount of candies and dried fruits because of the added sugars and stickiness in teeth).

Staying Hydrated

Flavored milks, juice, soda, caffeinated drinks, and low calorie sweetened beverages can be big sources of added sugars in children’s diets and do not provide any nutritional value.

When you serve juice, serve it as a special treat. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no more than 4 ounces and have your child drink all of it with their meal. This way the sugar gets diluted with their healthy meal. A splash of juice and a lot of water go a long way to making up those 4 ounces.

Remember, plain milk and water are your go to beverages. Keep water easily on hand to stay refreshed.

Floss and Brush

  • Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com
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  • Girl with braces teeth hand holding toothbrush smiling and happy
  • Dentist teaching a little girl how to brush her teeth

Brush twice a day with a soft tooth brush and fluoridated toothpaste. Brush for 2 Minutes after breakfast and before bed, and Floss before you brush their teeth every night.

Mom High 5 Yourself for a job Well Done

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

Caring for Your Toddlers Teeth

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In the Know for You to Know

You’re already doing so much to make sure your Toddler is healthy and happy. Did you know your Toddler’s teeth are amazingly important? Yes they are, they truly are.

20 Teeth Make A Complete Set

Teething is over! By the time your Toddler is 3 years old they will have all of their 20 teeth. Up until this time the teeth have been like an iceberg with parts peaking through their gums while the rest is still growing underneath the gums.

Brushing Starts And Ends Your Day

Make a game out of brushing your child’s teeth 2 Minutes 2X’s A Day – Once in the morning after breakfast and once at night right before their bedtime.

The rule of thumb is also to begin flossing all their teeth once they have any two teeth touching.

Flossing is recommended with your nightly tooth brushing routine. If your child lets you floss more often then definitely make that part of your habit.

There are so many yummy flavors of toothpaste and flossers to entice your child, BUT remember all you need is a small pea-size amount of paste on their soft brush and floss before you brush. Flossing first allows you to remove everything that is between their teeth (and there is always something there) so that you can then brush everything away.

Your child can’t spit out? No worries, have a moistened soft wash cloth handy to wipe their mouth and teeth, and a dry cloth to wipe their face.

Handy Tip — The last thing that touches their teeth at night is their toothbrush.

Tooth Enamel Is Hard, BUT …

The hard outer shell of teeth is enamel. While tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, it can also be weakened.

2 of the best ways to keep enamel strong and strengthen weakened enamel is to drink fluoridated tap water and brush with fluoride toothpaste.

Bottled water more often than not contains little to no fluoride. If you use a carbon or charcoal filter in a pitcher, the filter leaves most of the fluoride in the water.

Not sure about fluoride in your water? Call your village hall, town hall, county hall, the company you pay your water bill to, or your well servicer, ask them for the current water report and specifically ask about fluoride.

Keep An Eye On Snacking And Juice

It’s important to avoid all day snacking. Toddlers should have 2-3 healthy snacks per day. These snacks are an opportunity to provide nutrients because toddlers actually need more nutrients than they can get at meal time.

Juice is not a way for your Toddler to meet their daily fruit and vegetable needs. Juice, soda, and sports drinks are sugar sweetened beverages with no real nutritional value and put you on the fast track to cavities.

Drinking water and plain low fat milk are the healthiest choices. Water is the best choice in-between meals and for hydration.

Your Power Is Your Goal

Taking good care of your Toddler’s teeth gives you the power to protect your child from cavities and provide them with good oral health for life.

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

What Parents are Asking about Oral Health for Their Child Who has Sensory Concerns

Waiting for Mommy and Daddy to Clean My Mouth
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In the Know for You to Know

It can be a challenge for a parent to teach their child they need to brush their teeth. But it is possible to make tooth brushing a positive experience for both you and your child.

When To Do This

From day 1 make dental health a priority at home. Start by building a consistent and regular daily routine.

As a parent you may be dealing with your child’s multiple and significant medical needs. Feeding issues and medicines need to be taken into consideration.

Yes, starting when they are newborns and infants wipe their mouths with a wet wash cloth after feedings and medicines. You can continue to do this into their baby stage and when they are toddlers. It is very helpful for you if they don’t take bottles to bed or use sippy cups, especially when they are filled with sugary drinks.

Introducing Your Child To Flossing And Brushing

As your child grows they need more assistance and practice in taking care of their teeth. When you’re looking for tooth brushes remember that small brushes and soft bristles are best.

Your child may have Autism and have sensory issues which can make flossing and brushing teeth difficult because the sensation can be uncomfortable at first.

Your child may be a Sensory Seeker or a Sensory Avoider,

Start with the basics – Practice opening their mouth as wide as they can so Mommy or Daddy (or Mom or Dad) can look inside.

You can start by holding the tooth brush with your child, then touch the smooth side of the brush to the back of their hand and then the brush bristles to the back of their hand. Once they are comfortable use the tooth brush to touch your child’s lips then choose one tooth to touch, then another, and another….

For flossing the hand held flossers are great. They come in lots of fun colors. It’s really helpful to introduce them by putting your child’s fingers together (only have to keep them touching) and sliding the floss between each of their fingers. We know that when we floss our own teeth this feels like a “pop,” so when showing finger flossing actually say the word “pop.” Now you can sing the “pop-pop” song. This way they’re focusing on your voice and not so much on what you are doing. Introduce flossing into their mouths the same way as for the tooth brush.

Mom and Dad you can also sing songs like “This is the Way We Brush Our Teeth” to make sure you keep your child’s attention and you spend the 2 Minutes 2X’s a Day brushing their teeth.

For Sensory Seeking children consider using an electric tooth brush to provide that additional mouth feel.

If your child is a Sensory Avoider, their reluctance may be because of the feel of the brush, the taste/texture of the tooth paste, or a combination of factors. You may be using the wet wash cloth longer than you thought you would be. When you introduce the tooth brush remember to use a small one (don’t mind the age on the package) with soft bristles. You may need to work up to using tooth paste, so don’t worry if there isn’t any paste on the wet brush or cloth. There are some unflavored pastes that may be helpful, and remember when you do use it you only need a dab on the brush, and the paste should contain fluoride.

While we mostly brush teeth in the bathroom, you can do this in another area of your home where your child feels comfortable. Make sure to have everything with you within arms reach.

Standing up to floss and brush is also optional, sitting in a good chair is an alternative.

When the flossing and brushing is finished your child can either spit into a wash cloth or the bathroom sink, or you can wipe their mouth with a wash cloth.

What’s Most Important

Routine makes perfect. There is no one ideal for perfect. Perfect is your consistent routine every day with your child.

Remember – Take it 1 Step at a Time and Stay Positive!

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

Infant Teething Milestones for Your Mini Me

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In the Know for You to Know

Showing off my amazing toothless grin

Your child’s teeth start forming very early in your pregnancy. By the time you’re giving birth some of those first baby teeth are almost fully formed and some are still growing, while there are some adult teeth with the tiniest beginnings.

Where are their teeth?

You may not see their teeth yet, but your Baby’s teeth are right underneath their gums. You may even be able to feel the outline of some teeth.

When will I see teeth?

All children are different, even among siblings.

Teething typically starts when a Baby is between 6 and 8 months old, although some children can start as early as 3 months old. Be patient because some children don’t have their first tooth until they’re 12 to 14 months, and for some not until 24 months.

How long does teething last?

Teething is just like children, wonderful and individual.

The first teeth to peek through are usually the bottom two front teeth, next to grow in are usually the top two front teeth. Then the “usual” order are the bottom and top side teeth, followed by the first molars, the eye teeth, and finally the second molars.

Don’t stress if their teeth aren’t coming in in this exact order. What’s important is that their teeth come into their mouths.

When all their 20 baby teeth have grown in, your child can be between 2 and 3 years old.

What can I do to comfort my Baby?

Hugs, kisses, cuddling and snuggling are always a good idea.

When you feel you need something to add, you can consider —

  • Giving your Baby a firm rubber teething ring to chew on can help with discomfort. You may want to put the teething ring in the refrigerator to make it a little cold which also helps.. Never put a teething ring in the freezer. A frozen teething ring will freeze to their tender gums.
  • It’s best to avoid liquid-filled teething rings, any plastic objects or beads, teething necklaces and bracelets, any anything that will break or become a choking hazard.
  • Gently rub their gums with a cool, wet wash cloth, You can place the wet wash cloth in the refrigerator to chill it, but wash it before using it again.
  • You can give them their bottle with cool water. The bottle’s nipple is almost as strong as the teething ring and you’re hydrating them which helps them feel better.
  • It’s also best to skip topical pain relievers and medications that are rubbed on the gums. They aren’t helpful and run the risk of burning their sensitive gums.

How do I take care of my Baby’s teeth?

Start taking care when they are born.

Yes, you are a new Mom. Yes, you’ve just given birth to a brand new adorable human being. Yes, you’re learning what feels like ten million new things about taking care of your Baby. Yes, you are tired.

Yes, your Baby doesn’t have teeth right now. But they will soon and starting earlier is better than starting later for you and your Baby.

Wipe your Baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth after feedings and at bedtime. This helps wipe away sugar and bacteria that together will cause cavities.

Then when you see that adorable smile with the littlest bits of those pearly white teeth showing, you can say – No problem, I’ve got this!

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

3 Reasons Water Is Your Go To Summer Drink

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In the Know for You to Know

Juice, Soda, Sports Drinks or Water

All are not created equal. Did you know a serving of juice, soda or a sports drink contains extra sugar and calories while not quenching your child’s thirst? What really happens is they keep getting thirstier and asking for more.

Water has ZERO added sugar and ZERO calories. It is also refreshing and quenches their thirst with their first cup.

Plain water is boring? Give your water flair! Dress up your water by drinking it icy cold (remember not to chew on the ice) which makes their glass taste so much better; so does adding slices of cucumber, a sliced berry or cherry to your water pitcher. Everyone can have a turn choosing their fresh fruit mix-in.

Tasty in everyone’s cup!

Water Gives Your Child Strong Teeth

With Zero added sugar and Zero calories water is already going a long way to building strong teeth and healthy mouths.

What can make this better? Fluoride in your water. Fluoride is nature’s cavity Ninja.

No added sugar, no calories and fluoride all add up to an easy and one of the most beneficial ways you can help prevent cavities.

Keep those Cavity Causing Bacteria in Check

Drinking all that juice (and yes even 100% juice), soda and sports drinks leaves a lot of sugar on your child’s teeth. The cavity causing bacteria in their mouth love all this sugar. Not only does the bacteria eat the sugar, the result is the outer layers of the tooth’s enamel are also eaten away.

Water washes away the residual food in their mouth and dilutes any sugar residues that are left behind.

While you need to make sure their teeth are brushed 2 Minutes 2X’s a Day and floss every night before brushing, adding your choice to drink water goes a long way to happy healthy teeth, smiles and children.

What’s In Your Water Bottle Mom and Dad?

Let’s face it children are always watching what their parents are doing. With your encouragement, daily routine and positive reinforcement your child can learn to make water their beverage of choice.

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

Keeping Teeth Healthy This Summer

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In the Know for You to Know

It’s SUMMER!

Thank You Mommy and Daddy, I love my beautiful Smile

School’s out, Camp and Vacations are in. Long lazy days, family traditions, and fun times are here!

While you’re having fun you can also keep up your families good habits (or tweaking not so good ones) like your balanced diet and oral hygiene routine. This way those eagerly awaited treats taste extra special.

Keep a Routine

Start with putting together your summer dental kit – toothpaste, floss, tooth brush, finger brush, wash cloths.

While you’re doing your regular grocery shopping be on the look out for their fun flavor tooth paste or a tooth brush with their favorite character.

This way if schedule changes disrupt your habits you’re prepared and can start up where you left off.

Also keep in mind that bottles and sippy cups may be good for comforting a tired child, however falling asleep with one in their mouth increases their risk of cavities.

My toothbrush is in my Daddy’s knapsack

Healthy Diet = Healthy Teeth = Happy Family

Those fun foods your child always looks forward to are a special part of summer. Adding them to their healthy diet of fresh fruits, fresh veggies, whole grains, plain milk and water, go a long way to helping you decrease their cavity risk. And they are an incentive for your child to eat the way you want them to (Added Bonus!).

Sticky, Gooey, Chewy

Gooey, sticky and chewy are fun to eat, not so much fun to brush away from teeth.

Yes it’s about those candy apples from the specialty shop you always seem to go to, and the taffy at the seashore which are talked about for days before you get there. Or it’s the ice cream cone with the crunchies on top from the ice cream man coming down the street playing his familiar and anticipated summer tune that your child looks forward to every day.

While these are amazingly delicious and we all love them, the stickier, gooey, chewier and crunchier foods tend to stick into the nooks and crannies of teeth and are really hard to brush out and away.

What to do? Let’s face it when your child is enjoying these treats it is not always at a time you can take out the floss and tooth brush. When you can it is definitely best to do so. If changing your fun food selection is not possible then drinking water will help dilute all that sugar and also help wash away the food on the surface. Perhaps your child is okay with trying something else (think new family tradition), then chocolate (with no mix ins) is a good option since it is smooth and will slide off their teeth.

What’s Most Important?

Keep a consistent daily routine that can be done in a fun way and which you can continue in the summer.

Do something fun to keep their attention while flossing and brushing —

Talk about the great stuff they did today and build anticipation for tomorrow.

Floss and brush together and have a brush-a-thon to your child’s favorite summer tunes.

Make a summer sticker chart and sticker the chart every morning after brushing (2 Minutes) and every night after flossing and brushing (2 Minutes).

Above all, don’t stress, have fun and make wonderful memories.

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

What’s the hype about Sports Drinks for Children?

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In the Know for You to Know

Summer is here and everyone is looking forward to being outside playing sports, running, swimming and having fun.

With all that playing it’s only a matter of time before you hear “I’m thirsty. What do you have to drink?” What do you reach for to satisfy your child’s thirst and keep them hydrated?

As a parent you know that juice and soda are not good for your child’s health and their teeth. Do you know that sports drinks which are considered healthy are actually loaded with sugar?

Sports drink companies have done a great job trying to convince us these drinks have magical powers. While doing this they are omitting that their elixir is a combination of salts and minerals (also called electrolytes) like sodium, potassium, and phosphate mixed together with artificial flavors, artificial colors and a lot of sugar.

A rainbow of drink colors

It may seem like a good idea to reach for a sports drink to ward off dehydration on a hot day when they’ve been playing or exercising. All this sugar makes sports drinks less effective for quenching thirst, since the children are using the water in their body to metabolize the sugar. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not recommend these drinks for routine or moderate play or exercise. This is because the sodium, potassium, and phosphate that is put into these drinks is actually stored in our bodies in far greater reserve than anything man can contribute to.

Your child’s healthy body maintains reserves of these vital elements that it can tap into as needed to keep their body’s salt balance in check. It’s natural to lose these electrolytes through sweat, but even with vigorous exercise for many hours, our bodies will correct for any losses with regular healthy meals and drinking water.

These drinks taste good for a reason, and it’s because of the added sugar, which can go on to hurt your child’s dental health. Good habits begin at a young age so encourage your child to make healthy decisions about what they choose to drink as they grow. Your positive example will go far for your family to have happier healthier smiles and a healthier future.

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