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.

Children’s Dental Health Month

Featured ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Every February we celebrate a whole month dedicated to children’s oral health.

Healthy habits start early and grow as your child grows. Whether your child is 6 months old, 6 years old, or 16 years old, healthy teeth and gums are important for a healthy smile. With good care, a balanced diet, injury prevention, a home based daily hygiene routine, and dental visits their teeth can be healthy, strong, beautiful, and last a lifetime. 

Little girl playing Dentist with Mom
Photo by Kamaji Ogino on Pexels.com

This is why it’s so important to start early and continue on a regular schedule. By doing this you are establishing your child’s twice a day flossing and brushing routine. Your child gets used to doing this, they grow up knowing this is expected of them and it’s in their comfort zone. Which means it’s stress free for you!

Healthy Teeth = 365 Days of SMILES

Your child’s health, happiness and successes are most important to you. Teaching them cavities are preventable is the first step.

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

Answers to Your Questions about Tooth Whitening

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In the Know for You to Know

Lots of parents have been writing in asking about tooth whitening. These Mom’s questions summed up what you’ve been asking —

Grace from Florida wrote in asking – I have 3 children, one in elementary school, one in middle school, one in high school, their teeth look fine to me, but what is the big deal about whitening? A big smile is a great way to meet people and make friends. Yet many school age children, tweens and teens are self-conscious about their smiles because of discolored or off-white teeth. This concern is growing because of the bigger and bigger emphasis on whitening teeth.

Alayah from Massachusetts wrote in asking – My youngest has teeth like me, I try not to smile a lot and now I see him backing off. What causes teeth to be discolored? A smile can have an enormous impact on self-esteem. Children who are self-conscious can seem reserved and appear not interested in making friends. You’ll see them hiding their mouths behind their hands or consciously keeping their mouth’s closed to avoid showing their teeth while talking.

There are lots of reasons why teeth have white spots or are discolored. Some causes are a hit to the tooth, an illness or taking certain medicines during tooth development. Poor oral hygiene especially during braces can lead to discoloration, white spots and cavities.

Madison from Nevada wrote in asking – My 15 and 17 year olds are always asking for those at home tooth bleaching sets, are they really safe? Teenagers especially will focus on an off-white smile. No one’s teeth are meant to be neon white. So when it’s time for pictures, prom, spring break, or going off to college it’s best to follow a bleaching program under the guidance of your Pediatric Dentist and not use the store bought home whitening kits.

Home tooth whitening kits have concentrations of active ingredients that are lower, so they’ll want to use more and more which will hurt their teeth and gums. This can cause prolonged sensitivity and damage the enamel. The whitening done in the office is higher strength and the applications are controlled. Even the take home kits from your Dentist are specific and supervised for your child’s individual use schedule.

Stay tuned, Coming up – Answers to your questions about an alternative to whitening and whitening toothpastes.

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

5 Fast Facts for your Child’s Teeth

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In the Know for You to Know

FACT 1 Baby teeth are important and for several BIG reasons. Baby teeth are also called primary teeth or milk teeth and help your child learn where to put their tongue and cheeks so that they can speak clearly, allow them to chew their food well, help in the growth of both their jaws, and guide the position of their adult teeth. That’s a lot of responsibility for 20 teeth!

FACT 2 Your child can get cavities from their bottle and from nursing. Please 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 teeth. So the sugar in the milk, juice, breast milk in their nice warm mouth eats away at their teeth. That’s why we call them “Sugar Bugs”.

FACT 3 A dab ‘ll do ya with toothpaste. From your child’s first tooth until they are 2 years old a tiny smear is enough. For your 3 to 6 year old a pea sized amount of toothpaste is plenty. As your child gets older they don’t need more than the pea sized amount. Remember to directly supervise their brushing routine, get in there with them and sing that brushing song. Louder, I want to hear you! What are your favorite brushing tunes?

FACT 4 It’s best to let that wiggly teeth come out on its own. If your child wants to help it along, allow them to gently wiggle the tooth with their fingers or tongue until it comes out on its own. Do not pull or put anything else on the tooth to help it along which will be painful and cause their gums to bleed. If you see an adult tooth growing in and that baby tooth isn’t wiggly or is slightly wiggly call your Pediatric Dentist for their guidance. So tell me, what is your tooth fairy tradition?

FACT 5 Sealants really do work. Even with really good brushing and flossing sometimes it’s impossible to clean the tiny grooves and pits on some teeth. Food and bacteria build up in these crevices and before you know it there’s a cavity. Sealants “seal out” food and plaque reducing their tooth’s risk of decay. Are you joining the No Cavity Club?

Go ahead, send me an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com and tell me your favorite brushing song, your tooth fairy tradition, and if you’re joining the no cavity club. I love to hear from you!

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

Healthy Smiles Happy Families

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In the Know for You to Know

Are you and your child excited to go to the Dentist? Do you feel relaxed, comfortable, secure and valued at your appointment? You will have all those happy feelings when you know you’re taking your child to your Pediatric Dental Home.

Your Dental Home

What is a Dental Home? Why do you need one? How do you establish a Dental Home?

Did you know that your Pediatrician’s office is your Medical Home? Yes it is.

In the same way you found a Pediatrician you and your child adore and established an ongoing relationship with them to provide comprehensive care for all your child’s needs in an easily accessible, coordinated and family centered way, you can create and establish your child’s Dental Home.

Yes you can establish your Dental Home and it is so rewarding! You don’t have to worry about some one different seeing your child each visit. Your family knows everyone in the office and they all know your family. Everything is easier and flows smoothly. You know your Pediatric Dentist and the entire team cares about providing optimal oral health care for your child. Plus you’ll have peace of mind if something comes up unexpectedly that the office has your back.

Looking for a Pediatric Dentist for your family? You can ask a family member, neighbor or your Pediatrician’s Office. You can also go to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s website — www.aapd.org and click on Find A Dentist (on the top row of tabs) to find an office convenient for you.

The benefits of your own Pediatric Dental Home go a long way toward assuring optimal oral health for your child’s lifetime.

Relaxed Comfortable and Fun

Feeling relaxed, comfortable, secure and valued in your child’s Dental Home.

Establishing good oral health care routines lays the foundation for a lifetime of stress free dental appointments. When you include regular dental visits as part of your child’s health checkups you are insuring that your child stays healthy overall and you are starting their routine. When your child’s mouth is healthy dental visits are positive, educational and fun. There is no stress or worry. This is why everyone is excited and happy to go to the Dentist!

Being Partners in this TOGETHER

Ask your questions, express your concerns. Tell your Pediatric Dentist how stressed you are about not getting to those back teeth or making brushing last longer than 2 seconds.

As Parent-Doctor Partners you work together with your Pediatric Dentist on educating you and your child about dental health. Learning is fun, learning is positive. Know that Pediatric Dentists are specially trained for your child’s specific oral health care needs and go the extra miles to build a lasting relationship on trust, respect and confidence.

As partners you are laying the foundation for your child’s lifetime of beautiful smiles and good oral health.

Now you’re smiling, laughing and excited for you and your child to go to your Dental visit! Don’t be surprised when your child doesn’t want to leave and wants to go back tomorrow.

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

HAPPY 2022

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Thank you for following me!

I hope I’ve given you some really helpful information and at the same time put a simile on your face.

While you’re making holiday memories, start some happy traditions to continue healthy dental habits all year long. Let’s protect those beautiful smiles!

Looking for dental health tips for your children, whether it’s to get back on track after the holidays or some tips and tricks to help promote good oral care habits, I’m here for you through the new year and all year long.

Have a Happy and Safe New Year!

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

Excited to go to the Dentist

Brushing My Teeth With My Mom
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In the Know for You to Know

Has your child told you how excited they are to go to the Dentist?

That they can’t wait to have their teeth counted and tickled?

What flavors will they pick to treat their tongue and bedazzle their smile?

What prizes will they choose and what will their goodie bag hold?

As a parent you know it’s about more than teeth, it’s about the experience,

Your experience in a place that is fun, magical, educational, comfortable and familiar.

This is the world of Pediatric Dentistry, This is the world for You.

Wishing you all my best for an amazing holiday season!

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

Healthy Holiday Teeth

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

During holiday time many parents are concerned because this is the season of temptation, filled with lots of sugary treats. Here are my 5 top tips for a healthy approach to the holidays~

Maintain a balanced diet of all the major food groups. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, milk, dairy, eggs, lean meat and fish. For non-meat eaters, do not forget about your proteins. There are so many plant based protein substitutes available in your supermarket’s fresh and frozen aisles that it can be difficult to choose which to try first.

It’s okay to allow a limited selection of special treats. This is what makes the holidays special. Moderation is the key. As always, remember to floss and brush those goodies away.

Avoiding sticky and chewy foods, like dried fruits or toffee is a good idea, since they have more cavity causing power.

If you have an infant or young child drinking from a bottle or sippy cup don’t allow holiday traveling and schedule changes to disrupt your good habits. Remember not to let your child fall asleep with the bottle or sippy cup since the liquids stay in their mouth and can cause cavities.

You are your family’s cheer leader. Encourage, remind and reinforce good flossing and brushing habits even with your hectic holiday schedule.

Enjoy a Healthy, Happy and Safe Holiday!

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

Dental Care for Adolescents

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In the Know for You to Know

What does a healthy mouth mean to you?

Is it a bright smile and fresh breath? OR

Does it mean you can talk and laugh with confidence?

Facts and tips on keeping a healthy smile

What you need to know about your own dental health —

FACT 1: You have not outgrown cavities. Cavities are more of a problem now.

FACT 2: Swollen and inflamed gums (gingivitis) is not the only risk to your oral health. It is also a threat to your appearance. Gingivitis causes red, swollen, painful bleeding gums and bad breath.

FACT 3: You are still growing. Your face and jaws are still changing. Even though you think you have all your permanent teeth, your wisdom teeth are going to start to come in. Being healthy and attractive during this time is as easy as taking good care of your teeth and visiting your Pediatric Dentist every 6 months.

How you can keep a healthy smile

Eat intelligently. Life is more hectic now with school, sports, studying, a job, new responsibilities. If you have to eat on the run choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead of junk food.

Snack smartly. Be careful of snack foods since they contain a lot of sugar and cause cavities. So read the labels.

Brush your teeth for 2 minutes 2x’s a day with a fluoride toothpaste and floss before brushing every night to help prevent gingivitis and cavities on the sides of you teeth.

Keep up with your dental checkups. Tooth cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants are important for you.

Do not smoke, vape, or chew tobacco! The warnings you hear and see are true. Smoking, vaping, using any form of tobacco doesn’t only cause heart and lung problems. They cause mouth and throat cancer. Noticing any changes in your mouth? Call your Pediatrician or Pediatric Dentist now!

Wear a mouth guard for any sports or activities where your mouth can get hit.

Buckle up in the car. Doesn’t matter if you’re the driver or passenger. A seat belt with a shoulder harness can keep your face from striking the steering wheel, the dashboard, or windshield during an accident.

Your dental health and appearance are as important to your Pediatric Dentist as they are to you and your parents.

Let your Pediatric Dentist keep your smile healthy and sparkling.

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

5 Tips for Smart Snacking

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In the Know for You to Know

Here are 5 of my favorite snacking tips for Thanksgiving and all year round

Be careful of in between meal snacks. Limit them to 2 a day and make healthy choices.

Clean away the snack from your teeth as soon as possible. Even a simple swish and rinse with water will help.

Do not let snacks take the place of nutritionally balanced meals.

Soda, juice, sports drinks, and flavored waters are more than empty calories. They cause cavities by eating away at the enamel of your teeth.

How much time do you want to spend in the dental chair?

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

Want Green Teeth and Purple Lips?

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Just Ignore these 6 Healthy Tips

In the Know for You to Know

You can have all the gum or candy you want! For 15 minutes once a month! Have braces? That’s 0 minutes a month!

Brush your teeth in the morning and at night. Be sure to brush for 2 minutes or 120 seconds or 120000 milliseconds. It takes that long to get all the stuff out. And don’t forget to floss every night before you brush. How many minutes, seconds, milliseconds do you think that takes?

If water is good for a shark’s teeth, think what it can do for yours? Choose water when you can. Sharks don’t drink soda or sports drinks, so why should you?

If you don’t want to eat a puck (or a ball) use a mouth guard when you play sports.

If it’s sticky, it gets stucky and that’s so yucky! Stay away from fruity snack rolls, caramels and all chewy, sticky candy. Otherwise that’s the fast track to a cavity.

Two healthy snacks a day keep the fillings away! Limit snacking to twice a day and drink water to wash it down.

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