Why Does My Child Need Braces? Aren’t They Too Young?

August 8, 2024August 7, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the know for You to Know

As parents we love that cute adorable stage when our child’s teeth are white picket fence perfect.

Then they start losing their baby teeth and their adult teeth start coming in and they don’t look as perfectly positioned.

When you talk with some other parents they’re saying the same thing but some are making appointments to have their child examined by an orthodontist.

You know your child’s dental check-up is coming up and you think to yourself that you’ll bring it up then.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on when a child should be evaluated for possible braces.

Braces Evaluation For Children, Helping Develop A Healthy Smile

For children (and adults) oral health is a window into their overall health.

Potential orthodontic treatment can be an important part of your child’s oral health care. Teeth that are correctly positioned make for confident smiles as well as eating and chewing properly.

Starting Early

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7, or when a potential problem is recognized.

It’s important to remember there is a big difference between an orthodontic consultation and actually beginning orthodontic treatment.

So Why Age 7?

This is because around the age of 7 years old, children have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth.

An examination with an orthodontist at this age provides a lot of information. If a problem exists, or if one is developing, then the orthodontist can advise you on what treatment is recommended, when it should begin, and estimate how long it will last.

However, if you notice something, it’s not necessary to wait until your child turns 7 years old.

Should Your Child Be Evaluated For Braces? Signs To Check For

The first step is to look inside your child’s mouth.

A few things to look out for ~

Crooked teeth,
Too many teeth in a too small mouth,
Difficulty flossing and brushing,
Frequently biting the inside of their cheek,
Jaw discomfort or a clicking sound when chewing or jaw pain upon waking,
Losing baby teeth early or late,
Adult teeth coming in early with no room or coming in late,
Problems with chewing food,
An underbite, An overbite, A deep bite,
Mouth breathing,
Thumb or finger sucking,
Missing teeth or extra teeth.

3 Reasons Why This Matters

Losing Baby teeth either too early or too late can cause problems for the permanent teeth to come into your child’s mouth.
How teeth come together is important for the life of the tooth. In what is considered “a good bite” the outside surface of the upper teeth prevent the cheeks from getting caught between the chewing surfaces with the bottom and top back teeth. If the teeth aren’t matched up, this can cause constant cheek biting and prevent a child from wanting to eat.
Bite problems can over time also lead to jaw problems such as pain, clicking, popping, or locking.

My Mom And Dad Are Talking About Braces For Me

I Got My Braces Last Christmas — My Mom And Dad Are Talking About Braces For Me

What Is The Purpose Of Evaluating My Child’s Bite When They’re So Young?

Parents want their child to have healthy teeth and a good bite. To have this means that they need to have 2 things, good tooth alignment and good jaw position.

4 Benefits Of Early Braces Evaluation

Starting at an earlier age can help avoid more complicated and lengthy treatments when a child is older.
Most children will have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, so the way their permanent teeth come in can be evaluated and potential issues can be addressed such as a cross-bite, crowding, or impacted teeth.
Proactive steps can be an advantage for younger children to correct issues as their jaws grow utilizing interceptive treatments such as palatal expanders.
A beautiful smile can boost a child’s self-esteem and confidence.

What Will I Learn From A Consultation With An Orthodontist?

The orthodontist will examine your child and discuss with you when it will be best for your child to begin treatment as well as the type of treatment they are recommending.

Each child has their own specific individual treatment needs. For some children starting early when they still have baby teeth may be best for them. Other children may benefit from some extra growing time and waiting until they’ve lost their baby teeth. Some children may wait until they have all their adult teeth to begin braces.

Depending on your child’s needs, they may be evaluated every 6 months or 1 year to watch their growth and development progress to take advantage of their natural growth.

Why Would An Orthodontist Recommend Early Treatment?

Early treatment is a proactive and valuable way to address some issues so they don’t become more involved long term problems.

4 Reasons An Orthodontist May Recommend Early Treatment

Create room in a child’s mouth to decrease crowding for adult teeth,
Help with facial growth,
Preserve space when baby teeth are lost early and adult teeth aren’t ready to come in
Decrease trauma risk for protruding top front teeth.

What To Remember

There is a big difference between an orthodontic consultation and actually beginning braces.

An evaluation when your child has a combination of baby teeth and adult teeth doesn’t always mean that they’re getting braces right away. If and/or when treatment is needed, it can begin at the appropriate time for your child.

Love To Show Off My Brace's Smile — Cool Braces To Match My Cool Shades

Do you feel like braces runs in your family? Have you thought to yourself that since you had braces your child will also? Did you want braces as a child but didn’t have them and you want to make sure that your child doesn’t feel the way? Have you thought about getting braces as an adult? Do you have braces now? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook

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My Child Has A Pimple On Their Gums, Why Does Their Tooth Have An Abscess?

August 1, 2024July 31, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Everything is going according to plan with your at home toothbrushing and flossing routine.

Then your child comes to you and says their tooth and/or their gums hurt, or they’ve been up at night crying needing pain medicine, or when you look inside their mouth you see a pimple on their gums, or you notice their face is swollen.

You’re thinking, what is this?, why did this happen?, and what do I do?

These are some signs of children’s tooth infections, also known as an abscess, and need to be taken seriously.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on abscesses involving children’s teeth.

What Is A Tooth Abscess?

A tooth abscess is an infection. The abscess is buildup of pus that looks like a red, swollen bump or pimple on the gums.

The most common type of abscess involving children’s teeth is a periapical abscess, which is a bacterial infection.

This type of infection forms when the bacteria from a cavity or fractured tooth spread from the outermost layer of tooth enamel through the to the nerve (aka pulp) of the tooth and out of the tooth to the area around the tooth that is in the bone.

There are 2 other types of abscesses which are ~

A gingival abscess starts in the gum tissue and does not touch nearby teeth. There are some medical conditions which cause this type of abscess to occur. A popcorn kernel stuck in the gums is also a likely cause of this type of abscess
A periodontal abscess is located in the gum tissue and alongside the root of a tooth. This is less often seen in children and is most commonly seen in adults.

Why Do Children’s Teeth Abscess?

Cavities are caused by bacteria. When cavities go untreated they grow bigger which allows more bacteria to grow through a tooth.

In some cases a broken tooth can lead to an infection. When a tooth is broken the inner parts of a tooth are exposed and bacteria grows into and through these unprotected tooth layers.

When the bacteria reach the pulp of a tooth, the pulp becomes inflamed, starts to die, and the infection begins.

In addition, there are other instances when there is an accident (aka tooth trauma) and a tooth is hit and/or moved out of place, which can disturb or break the nerve and lead to an infection.

What Are The Signs Of A Tooth Abcess To Look For?

A child’s symptoms depends on several factors including how long the pain has been bothering them and how far the infection has spread.

Also be on the look out for ~

Pain in the affected tooth may come on suddenly and increase quickly to severe pain (and possibly in other teeth, their ear, their jaw, their neck, their temples, and/or their eyes),
Pain mostly at night when they are lying down,
Decrease in eating and drinking,
Temperature sensitivity,
Sensitivity to pressure placed on the affected tooth,
Tooth mobility,
Color change in the affected tooth (e.g., the tooth turning brown or black),
Swelling and/or redness in the gums around the tooth,
Facial swelling,
Their tongue feeling like it doesn’t fit in the bottom of their mouth,
Swollen lymph nodes under the child’s jaw or in their neck,
Bad breath,
Bad taste in their mouth,
Fever,
Feeling sick.

Mommy And Daddy Please Make My Tooth Stop Hurting — Daddy, Why Is My Face Swollen?

Can An Abscess In A Baby Tooth Affect The Permanent Tooth?

Yes.

Abscesses in baby teeth can affect the development of permanent teeth growing underneath the baby tooth and lead to discoloration, weakened enamel, malformed or mottling of the adult tooth.

Do Children’s Tooth Abscesses Go Away On Their Own?

No.

An abscess in a child’s tooth will not go away on its own.

The pus bubble may pop BUT that does NOT mean that the infection has gone away.

Even if your child’s symptoms appear to be improving, this does not mean that the abscess is healing, an abscessed tooth still requires dental treatment.

In fact the infection will come back worse (and it does) because the bacteria continue to grow causing more pain and swelling.

At the first sign of pain and/or swelling you need to contact your pediatric dentist or pediatrician right away.

When left untreated the infection will not only affect other teeth, it will become a medical emergency.

Daddy's Taking You To The Dentist To Check Your Gums — Daddy’s Taking You To The Dentist To Check Your Gums

Mommy And Daddy Are Taking You To The Dentist To Make Your Tooth Stop Hurting — Daddy’s Taking You To The Dentist To Check Your Gums

Are Antibiotics Needed For A Child’s Tooth Abscess?

In most cases a child will first be prescribed antibiotics to control the infection and reduce swelling so that treatment can be performed.

Contact your pediatric dentist or pediatrician to have your child examined for them to determine the best course of antibiotic treatment for your child.

Can A Child’s Tooth Abscess Turn Into An Emergency?

Yes.

If you suspect your child may have a tooth abscess, call your child’s dentist’s office right away and tell them your child’s symptoms.

If left untreated, a tooth abscess can spread to other parts of the body, potentially leading to serious medical complications.

There are times when a tooth abscess can lead to life-threatening conditions.

If your child is experiencing difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, swelling in their neck, facial swelling or other potentially life-threatening conditions, you should first seek immediate treatment at your closest hospital’s emergency room.

What To Remember

Abscesses occur as a result of prior injury to a tooth or untreated cavities.

They can affect the development of your child’s permanent teeth.

These infections do not heal on their own and become serious very quickly.

A child’s symptoms depends on a several things in addition to how long the pain has been bothering them and how far the infection has spread.

It’s important to watch for any of the symptoms I’ve described above, and to contact your pediatric dentist or pediatrician immediately with your child’s first complaint.

I Don't Want To Play Because My Tooth Hurts — I Don’t Want To Play Because My Tooth Hurts

Do you know a child who has had a tooth abscess? or a dental infection? We hope that everyone is okay, what needed to be done to take care of the infection? Have you ever had an infected tooth? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook

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6 Year Molars Coming In, What Do I Do?

July 25, 2024July 24, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Look My Big Girl 6 Year Molars Are Coming In

Children grow in so many amazing ways from infancy to childhood. There are so many milestones along the way, including those for their teeth.

The same way you eagerly awaited your baby getting their first baby tooth, you will experience again with your preschooler or early school age child with their first set of permanent teeth.

You were probably hoping that teething was in the past. The teething you remember from your child’s baby days usually starts again around the time they’re between 4 to 7 years old with their first set of adult molars. This set of permanent molars are called “6 year molars.”

Today we’re breaking down the basics on your child’s next phase of oral health milestones, their 6 year molars.

Tooth Basics – What Is A Molar Tooth

Molars are teeth which are located all the way in the back of the mouth. They have flat surfaces with nooks and crannies which help us to chew our food.

In addition to being important for chewing, molars help determine the shape of the face and the position of other teeth in the mouth.

What Are 6 Year Molars?

6 year molars (aka “first molars”) are the first set of permanent teeth which come into a child’s mouth and do not replace any baby teeth.

You will see these adult molars coming into your child’s mouth all the way in the back in the empty space behind their last baby molar.

So when your child has all 4 of their 6 year molars they will no longer only have 20 baby teeth, they will have 24 teeth.

Does My Child Have To Be 6 Years Old To Get Their 6 Year Molars?

Your child does not have to be 6 years old to get their 6 year molars.

Depending on family tooth patterns, how early a child got their first baby tooth, and a child’s individuality, a child as young as 4 years old can start to have their 6 year molars come into their mouth.

These teeth are called 6 year molars since on average a child can be expected to have their first set of permanent molars come into their mouth around the age of 6 or 7 years old.

6 year molars can either be the first permanent teeth to come into a child’s mouth, they can come in at the same time the front baby tooth is lost, after the front baby tooth is lost, or after several baby teeth are lost.

I'm 5 And I Have 6 Year Molars — I’m 5 And I Have 6 Year Molars

I'm 4 And I'm Getting My 6 Year Molars — I’m 5 And I Have 6 Year Molars

What Does It Mean When The Dentist Says My Child’s Tooth Is Erupting?

Eruption is when a tooth comes into the mouth and is visible.

Tooth development is a complex process which takes place in specific sites within the upper and lower jaws over the course of several years.

As a tooth grows and when it has reached a specific stage in its growth, it begins to move towards the top surface of the jaws so that it can ultimately make its way into the mouth.

What Does Teething Feel Like For 6 Year Molars?

As a tooth makes it way toward the tops of the jaws it is common to feel pressure. This pressure, known as teething is sporadic, intermittent, and can be uncomfortable.

When lower molars are coming in, it is common to feel pain in the ears. This is why some children will pull on their ears or put their fingers into their ears.

When the upper molars are coming in, it is common to feel like they have a headache. This is why some children will rub their foreheads or the tops of their heads.

Some teething signs for you to look out for ~

Swollen and/or red gums,
Headache,
Jaw pain,
Ear pain,
Fussiness,
Difficulty sleeping,
Cheek biting,
Drooling,
Low grade fever (under 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37 degrees Celsius),
Discomfort eating food that isn’t soft

Over the counter teething gels and liquids, in addition to teething beads (necklaces, bracelets) are not recommended as they cause more harm.

If your child’s pain is severe, the pain doesn’t ease, it looks like there is an infection, your child isn’t eating, has a fever, and/or something doesn’t look or seem right to you, don’t wait, call your pediatrician or pediatric dentist for your child to be seen in their office.

How Long Is Teething For 6 Year Molars?

Children experience pressure pain from teething as their new molars begin to move toward the tops of their jaws in preparation to erupt into their mouths.

Generally this lasts about 7 to 10 days (per tooth) as the new tooth pushes through their gums. The teething pain stops once the tooth has come through the gums.

How Do I Comfort My Child When They’re Teething With 6 Year Molars?

These are some tips to help your child (and you) feel more comfortable while they’re teething ~

Soft, easy to chew foods like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, pastina, scrambled eggs;
Cool and cold drinks and special treats like smoothies, water, popsicles, ice cream;
Cool and cold (never frozen) compresses with you holding the washcloth to gently massage the gums around the new tooth;
If your child can take over the counter Ibuprofen and/or Acetaminophen follow your pediatrician’s or pediatric dentist’s instructions for their correct dose to help ease the pain;
Keep the area clean as food can get trapped between the tooth and the overlying gums which causes additional irritation and swelling;
Keep their mouth clean with flossing and brushing. If they won’t let you use a toothbrush then place the same amount of toothpaste that you use on their toothbrush on a cool, wet, soft washcloth and use the cloth to clean their mouth.

If it’s not getting better, may be getting worse, it looks like there is an infection, your child isn’t eating, has a fever, and/or something doesn’t look right to you, don’t wait, call your pediatrician or pediatric dentist for your child to be seen in their office.

What To Remember

Children grow up so fast, there are so many milestones that take place in such a small amount of time.

You go from holding your new born baby in your arms to their first baby tooth to walking to preschool to their first adult tooth, all in the blink of an eye.

While 6 year molars are likely the first adult teeth to erupt into your child’s mouth, they are important for chewing, and to help determine the shape of their face and the position and health of their other permanent teeth to follow.

A child’s 6 year molar making its way into their mouth is an exciting milestone for family’s and the time to teach and practice good dental habits that will last a lifetime.

My Sister And I Are Both Getting Our 6 Year Molars

2 Of My 6 Year Molars Are In And 2 More Coming In — My Sister And I Are Both Getting Our 6 Year Molars

Are your child’s 6 year molars coming in now? How is it going? Is your child older?, What age was your child when they got their 6 year molars? What remedy did you use to make them comfortable during teething? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook

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

My Pediatric Dentist Said My Child Has Hypoplastic Teeth, What Are Hypoplastic Teeth?

July 18, 2024July 16, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Daddy Says To Smile Pretty Since The Spots On My Front Teeth Are Better Than The One's On My Back Teeth — Daddy Says To Smile Pretty Since The Spots On My Front Teeth Are Better Than The One’s On My Back Teeth

You feel like you’re in a good place keeping up with your child’s twice a day tooth brushing routine. Flossing and brushing is going really well so you know what’s going on with their teeth and gums.

Then you notice there are some spots on their teeth which you didn’t notice before and you’re wondering what they are and why they’re there.

Thinking back to your child’s last dental check-up you remember hearing about the areas of hypoplasia on their teeth. Since they didn’t have any cavities you thought everything was all right.

Now you’re thinking, why does my child’s teeth have these spots and what caused them?

Today we’re breaking down the basics about the spots on children’s teeth which is called enamel hypoplasia.

Tooth Basics

Enamel is the hard outermost layer of teeth and the hardest substance in the human body.

Dental enamel needs to be hard because it forms an insulating barrier that protects the inner layers of the tooth from chewing and biting forces as well as sensitivity from hot and cold foods and drinks.

Dental Enamel Starts Developing Early

Around the time Mom’s are finding out that they are pregnant, tooth enamel is starting to form for baby teeth.

Tooth enamel continues to form as baby teeth develop during pregnancy. Around the time your baby is born the dental enamel begins to form for their adult teeth.

Adult tooth enamel continues to develop as these teeth form during early to middle childhood.

Any type of disruption to the enamel formation process will cause defects in the enamel, including hypoplasia.

What Is Hypoplasia?

Enamel hypoplasia is a developmental defect when tooth enamel doesn’t develop properly causing it to be too thin.

Enamel formation is a complex process of formation and timing. Any disruption leading up to the final step in completing the process can affect the thickness of the enamel layer.

What Causes Enamel Hypoplasia?

The enamel forming cells are precise and sensitive, so hypoplasia can affect a whole tooth, part of a tooth, some teeth, certain teeth or less commonly all the teeth.

Some factors which can cause hypoplastic teeth are ~

Premature birth,
Low birth weight,
Health concerns for Mom or Baby during pregnancy,
Health concerns for Baby after birth,
Failure to thrive, Malnutrition,
Certain bacterial or viral infections,
Dental trauma,
Fever,
Some early childhood diseases and/or chronic illness in the first few years of life,
Genetic conditions, such as Treacher Collins syndrome.

Does Enamel Hypoplasia Affect Baby Teeth And Adult Teeth?

Enamel hypoplasia can occur in both baby teeth and permanent teeth, depending on the timing of the disruption.

If enamel formation is disrupted during pregnancy, baby teeth can be affected with hypoplasia.

When the disruption occurs from birth through middle childhood, the permanent teeth which are developing at that time can be affected with hypoplasia.

We Thought The White Spots On My Teeth Were Supposed To Be There, They're Called Hypoplasia — We Thought The White Spots On My Teeth Were Supposed To Be There, They’re Called Hypoplasia

Mommy Says My Front Teeth Look Great But My Back Teeth Have Hypoplasia — We Thought The White Spots On My Teeth Were Supposed To Be There, They’re Called Hypoplasia

What Are The Signs Of Enamel Hypoplasia?

When looking at your child’s teeth some signs to check for to see if they have hypoplastic teeth are ~

White spots on teeth,
Teeth with ridges, grooves or pits,
Stained teeth or teeth that look yellow, brown, or grayish because the enamel is thin and the underlying dentin layer which is yellowish in color shows through,
Sensitive teeth due to the thinness of the enamel and the dentin being close to the surface,
Excessive enamel wear or enamel fracturing off,
Teeth that look mis-shaped,
Teeth that look like they have cavities.

Do You Treat Enamel Hypoplasia?

Yes, teeth with enamel hypoplasia do need to be treated.

Even teeth with mild hypoplasia, which may initially be a cosmetic concern, needs to be monitored since they can go on to become a significant dental issue due to the thin enamel.

In addition, the thinness of the enamel places children with hypoplastic teeth at more of a risk for developing cavities faster, having increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods, increased risk for tooth damage, and can impact the position of their teeth and their bite.

How Do You Treat Teeth With Enamel Hypoplasia?

Treatment for teeth with enamel hypoplasia depends on the tooth’s location in the mouth (front tooth or back molar), as well as the extent and severity of the hypoplasia.

For hypoplastic teeth where there is purely an aesthetic concern without any other dental complications, cosmetic treatment options can include ~

Fluoride treatments to help strengthen the enamel,
Tooth bonding where tooth colored materials are applied over the thin enamel,
When your child is older and has passed their last growth spurt, other esthetic restorations are a consideration.

For hypoplastic teeth that are more seriously involved including molars, treatment considerations may include ~

Desensitizing toothpaste,
Dental sealants,
Fillings, tooth colored bonded fillings don’t bond well to teeth with defects in the enamel and can come off or chip the enamel more, so there may be other options depending on the specific tooth involved,
Dental crowns,
Other restorations when your child has completely finished growing,
Orthodontic consultation.

What Can We Do At Home To Help The Hypoplasia From Getting Worse?

Some helpful suggestions for at home care ~

Brush teeth for 2 minutes every morning and 2 minutes every night before bed,
Floss every night before brushing teeth,
Use an alcohol-free fluoride mouth rinse every night after flossing and brushing. You can place a small amount in a disposable cup (enough to cover their tooth brush bristles) and dip their tooth brush into the fluoride rinse, then brush their teeth for 1 minute. If your child is old enough to spit out (and not swallow) then watch them as they swish for 1 minute and then spit out the rinse,
After meals, snacks and drinks rinse their mouths with plain water,
Water is the best beverage, serve it routinely and encourage your child to drink water,
Choose healthy snacks and meals to stay on track with their dental health.

My Mommy And Daddy Thought I Have A Cavity, But It's Called Enamel Hypoplasia — My Mommy And Daddy Thought I Have A Cavity, But It’s Called Enamel Hypoplasia

My Dentist Told My Parents The Spots On My Teeth Are Called Enamel Hypoplasia — My Mommy And Daddy Thought I Have A Cavity, But It’s Called Enamel Hypoplasia

What To Remember

Taking care of teeth with enamel hypoplasia is super important.

This is important because these teeth simply don’t have a thick enough enamel layer to protect them from cavities as well as pain and sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages.

Teeth use each other as a guide for their positioning and alignment. Thin enamel doesn’t provide the support teeth need to stay in place, so these teeth are more susceptible to being misaligned which affects a child’s bite.

Your twice daily at home care routines, healthy choices for meals, snacks and beverages, and regular dental visits are a good place to start to help protect your child’s teeth especially when they have enamel hypoplasia.

My Mom Says The Spots On My Teeth Are Called Hypoplasia

Have you been told your child has enamel hypoplasia? Does your child have another defect involving their tooth enamel? Have you been told your child has a different defect involving their teeth? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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Summer Vacation Tips for Healthy Teeth: Keep Your Child’s Smile Bright

July 11, 2024July 10, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Mommy And Daddy, Did You Remember To Pack Our Toothbrushes And Flossers?

Summer is here and it’s time for long lazy days and fun foods. Whether your plans include traveling, a staycation, or sending your child to camp, it’s even more important to keep up your brushing and flossing routine.

Why? Ice cream, popsicles, summer foods and snacks always taste better with clean healthy teeth.

Today we’re breaking down the basics with summer vacation tips for healthy summer teeth.

Summer Vacation Tips

Brushing and flossing is important even in the summer, especially since children like sugary treats to keep cool.

Stay With A Routine

Stay with your consistent daily routine and add a twist. Do something fun while brushing to keep your child’s attention long enough for you to brush all their teeth. Brush and floss together and have a brush-a-thon to your child’s favorite tunes. Pack a sticker chart for a fun daily tooth brushing reminder. and look for your child’s favorite flavor toothpaste or toothbrush and flossers with their favorite character for camp.

During your travels bottles and sippy cups may be good for comforting your child, however falling asleep with one in their mouth increases your little one’s risk for cavities.

Raise Your Hands If You Brushed Your Teeth This Morning

Showing Daddy How Beautiful My Teeth Are After Mommy Brushed Them — Raise Your Hands If You Brushed Your Teeth This Morning

Keep Your Traveling Dental Kit Handy

Put together a dental kit for your travels whether you’re taking a car trip, a plane trip, or sending your child to summer camp.

Pack a kit and a spare (or 2) with floss, toothbrush, toothpaste, and fluoride rinse for everyone. Remember to keep it on you in a carry-on bag so it’s easily accessible for you.

Mommy Packed My Dental Kit For Me To Use At My Camp — Road Trip, Dental Kit in Red Suitcase

Have A Choice? Choose Water

Juice boxes and cans of soda may be convenient, but the soda and fruit juices don’t quench thirst for long and even make children thirstier. Then there’s the sugars in those beverages which weaken the outermost tooth layer (aka enamel) causing teeth to look dingy and increase the risk of cavities.

Why water? Water is refreshing, it’s best for keeping your child hydrated and for helping to keep their teeth healthy. Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, and keeps saliva flowing which is essential for helping prevent cavities.

Daddy Says Water Is The Best To Drink — Thirst Quencher Refresher

Healthy Summer Snacks

Special foods are more fun when eaten along with tooth friendly options like fresh fruit, veggies, whole grains, and dairy.

Choose fresh fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery which provide essential vitamins and also help clean teeth. Same for cheese and yogurt (without added jellies, jams or crunchies). These snacks are high in calcium and phosphate, which can help strengthen tooth enamel.

Lunching With My Favorite Summer Foods Poolside

Watermelon Is My Favorite Summer Snack — Lunching With My Favorite Summer Foods Poolside

Pool’s Rules Rule

Everyone loves to be at the pool. With so much excitement, so many people, and water splashing everywhere there’s always a chance for a slip, a fall, and potential tooth injury. It’s important to follow the pool’s rules about diving, diving boards, jumping into the pool and running poolside.

No one wants to leave the pool because of a tooth accident. Stay safe and follow the rules.

Cruising Along With Our Healthy Teeth — Pool Time After Toothbrushing Time

Smile Protector

Summer means being outside and having fun swimming, biking, skate boarding, riding the scooter, and playing sports. This fun can sometimes lead to a dental accident.

It’s important to make sure your child wears a mouthguard when playing sports and other physical activities. This preventive step can help protect their teeth from potential injuries.

Protecting Teeth While Having Fun At The Beach

What To Remember

While your child is on vacation their teeth are not, this is why it’s so important to stay on track with their dental health.

Time To Go In For Our Night-Time Flossing And Brushing Before Bed

Showing Off My Pearly White Teeth — Time To Go In For Our Night-Time Flossing And Brushing Before Bed

Have a wonderful summer and enjoy your child’s healthy summer smile!

What is your child looking forward to doing most this summer? What is their most favorite, must have snack, drink and summer food? Do you have any summer family traditions? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook

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

Creating a Fun and Positive Dental Experience with Child Friendly Language

June 27, 2024June 26, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You To Know

Open Big And Say Cheese Just Like Counting My Teeth At My Pediatric Dentist's Office — Open Big And Say Cheese Just Like Counting My Teeth At My Pediatric Dentist’s Office

As parents you want to soothe any dental anxiety and remove fears of the dentist for your children, and one of the best tools at your disposal is knowledge.

Keeping descriptions simple, easy going, and relatable is always important no matter what your child’s age. Using child friendly words when explaining the people they will meet, the sites, sounds and instruments (aka tools) go a long way to easing your child into their dental visits.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on how to keep things simple, honest and understandable when preparing your child for their visit with the pediatric dentist.

Child Friendly Language Is The Key To Creating A Fun And Positive Dental Experience

Each visit is an opportunity for you and your pediatric dentist to create a positive dental experience for your child. Fun and self-explanatory word exchanges allow for understanding and encourage confidence toward dental appointments.

Child Friendly Dental Words

Adult Dental Words	Child Friendly Dental Words
Dental Chair	Recliner
Dental Chair Light	Flashlight
Saliva Ejector	Mr. Thirsty or Straw
Dental Mirror	Looking Glass
Explorer	Tooth Counter
College Pliers	Picker Uppers
Air Water Syringe	Water Squirter or Super Soaker or Wind & Water
Examine Teeth	Counting Teeth
Cleaning	Tickle Teeth
Prophy Brush	Tooth Tickler or Electric Toothbrush
Prophy Paste	Yummy Flavored Toothpaste
Floss	Tooth String
Fluoride	Tooth Muscles or Tooth Vitamins
X-ray Machine	Camera
Intra-oral Sensor	Tooth Selfie or Photo
Lead Apron	Emoji Cape or Superhero Cape or Blanket
Cavity	Sugar Bugs
High Speed Handpiece (aka fast drill)	Mr. Whistle or Airplane
Slow Speed Handpiece (aka slow drill)	Mr. Bumpitty Bump or Motorcycle
Bur	Shower Head
Injection	Sleepy Juice For Teeth
Topical Anesthetic	Jelly or Spicy Jelly
Remove A Tooth	Tooth Dance or Tooth Wiggle
Infection	Bubble
Rubber Dam	Raincoat
Rubber Dam Clamp	Tooth Ring
Isodry or Isolite	Mr. Fish or Tooth Pillow
Nitrous-Oxide Oxygen	Magic Air
Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Nose	Ice Cream Nose
Curing Light	Tooth Dryer or Magic Light
Crown	Chapeau or Fancy Hat or Baseball/Football Helmet
Space Maintainer	Tooth Jewelery
Sealant	Tooth Polish

Child Friendly Dental Words

A Big Thumbs Up To My Pediatric Dentist For Being Creative In Helping Me Understand Everything Today

Today Is My Dentist's Appointment And I Can't Wait To Go — A Big Thumbs Up To My Pediatric Dentist For Being Creative In Helping Me Understand Everything Today

What To Remember

It’s not what we say but how we say things that make all the difference. Effective language is key to having a positive experience. As children grow and mature pediatric dentists tailor their explanations to be age appropriate.

No matter what their age, children remember the fun words at the dentist as they grow which helps them have a positive experience and attitude for their dental visits.

Before you know it they’ll be saying to you “I remember when you explained to me about Mr. Whistle and the sugar bugs, by doing that you made it so easy for me at the dentist.” Now that’s empowerment.

I'm Giving My Pediatric Dentist A Thumbs Up For Explaining Everything So I Wasn't Nervous Today — I’m Giving My Pediatric Dentist A Thumbs Up For Explaining Everything So I Wasn’t Nervous Today

My Children Just Had The Best Pediatric Dental Appointment — I’m Giving My Pediatric Dentist A Thumbs Up For Explaining Everything So I Wasn’t Nervous Today

How do you prepare your child for their dental visit? Have you come up with any fun words to explain to your child their upcoming appointment? Which are your favorite children’s dental terms? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or chat with us on Facebook

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

Zirconia Crowns: Aesthetic and Durable Choice for Children

June 20, 2024June 19, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

My Zirconia Crowns Are As Pretty As My New Teddy Bear

You’re at your child’s dental check-up and you find out that the tooth you thought has a cavity does have one and that a filling just won’t do.

In my last post about crowns, we discussed stainless steel crowns. Stainless steel crowns are the classic reliable standard for taking care of baby (aka primary) teeth when placing a regular filling puts a tooth at risk for breaking. But let’s face it, they are not very esthetic.

When esthetics is a concern, there is another option and that is the zirconia crown.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on an esthetic children’s tooth crown alternative, the zirconia crown.

What Is Zirconia?

Zirconia is a high quality ceramic material which closely resembles natural teeth, providing durability and a natural appearance.

What Is A Zirconia Crown?

White zirconia dental crowns are an esthetic alternative to stainless steel crowns for children.

In addition to being metal free, strong and biocompatible, they are esthetically pleasing since they can blend in with your child’s natural teeth; whether back teeth or front teeth.

These crowns are for restoring primary teeth that are chipped, damaged, broken, not developing properly, have had a pulpotomy, or have areas of tooth decay (aka cavity) which are too large for a filling because of the risk of breaking the tooth.

Smiling Pretty With My Mommy After Getting My New Zirconia Crown

Mommy And Me Reading Up On Zirconia Crowns — Smiling Pretty With My Mommy After Getting My New Zirconia Crown

How Long Does A Zirconia Crown Last?

Zirconia is very strong and well suited for children who need their crowns to last for several years until they naturally lose their baby teeth.

How Do We Take Care Of A Zirconia Crown?

Your child’s daily brushing and flossing routine has the same importance now as it always has, and with increased emphasis now that your child has a crown.

It’s best to avoid biting anything hard, sticky, chewy and gooey since they can dislodge the crown or pull it off completely.

Are The Reasons For A Zirconia Crown Different From A Stainless Steel Crown?

The reason for a children’s tooth crown, whether it is a zirconia crown or a stainless steel crown are the same.

I'm Showing Off My Zirconia Tooth Crown — I’m Showing Off My Zirconia Tooth Crown

Can You Guess Which Are My 2 Zirconium Crowns? — I’m Showing Off My Zirconia Tooth Crown

5 Indications For A Children’s Zirconia Crown

Tooth decay has caused so much loss of tooth structure that a filling will break, break the tooth even more, or both,
After a pulpotomy,
A fractured tooth,
A tooth that grew in with weak structure (not due to a cavity),
Esthetics are a concern.

When Isn’t A Zirconia Crown Recommended?

There are 4 specific times when a Zirconia crown isn’t advised~

When a child grinds their teeth,
When there is space loss between the tooth needing the crown and the adjacent teeth,
When there is too little tooth structure remaining to retain the crown on the tooth,
When there is substantial crowding between the teeth.

What To Remember

Baby teeth may be small but their need is great.

This is because children’s primary teeth are essential for chewing, speaking, and maintaining space for the development and correct positioning of their adult teeth.

Zirconia crowns are a good treatment choice for these important teeth for 4 reasons ~

They have good retention,
They are fracture resistant,
They are oral hygiene friendly,
They have parent’s satisfaction and increase children’s self-confidence.

I Really Like How My Zirconia Crown Looks

Have you been told your child needs a crown? Are you concerned about the crown’s esthetics? What do you think about zirconia crowns? Do you feel comfortable discussing zirconia crowns with your child’s dentist? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or chat with us on Facebook

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

The Importance of Stainless Steel Crowns for Child Tooth Care

June 6, 2024June 5, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

Why Am I Going To The Dentsit For A Crown? I'm Already Wearing One — Why Am I Going To The Dentsit For A Crown? I’m Already Wearing One

You take your child for their regular dental check-up appointment and you’re feeling good this time but you still have this feeling they may have a cavity or two.

The hygienist asks you to come over and the pediatric dentist begins to discuss the best way to take care of the tooth with the big cavity. Yes, that tooth. The tooth all the way in the back that has been a challenge to floss and brush.

As the dentist is talking with you, you’re thinking “maybe a filling, a smallish filling, after all it’s a baby tooth and not very big.”

Then you hear the words “cap” and “crown.” You’re surprised and thinking “oh no, what?, how?, you’ve got to be kidding.”

This isn’t a ploy. There are times when a child’s tooth may have a cavity, a developmental defect, or a fracture and the best way to restore the tooth is with a dental crown.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on a commonly used dental crown for children, the stainless steel crown.

What Is A Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth shaped cap that restores a decayed or broken tooth.

The crown fits over the entire tooth (like a hat covers your child’s head) and is contoured to ensure a proper fit.

Why Does A Baby Tooth Need A Crown?

Baby Teeth (aka primary teeth) are important to take care of because they help with proper speech development, chewing, and maintaining space for adult teeth to come in correctly.

When a baby tooth has a cavity, or defect, or is fractured the structure of the tooth is weakened and can easily break; which causes another set of issues.

Covering the tooth with a crown gives support and structure while preserving the tooth’s form and function.

What Are The Reasons For A Dental Crown?

Tooth decay (aka cavities) is very prevalent among children, and the extent of the cavity is the most common reason for a crown.

There are several additional indications for why a child needs a dental crown —

After a pulpotomy,
The decay has caused so much loss of tooth structure that a filling will break, break the tooth even more, or both,
The tooth has developmental defects that compromise the structure of the tooth,
A fractured tooth

Mommy And Daddy Say This Is Why I Need Silver Caps On My Molars — I Had To Have 2 Silver Caps

What Is A Stainless Steel Crown?

Stainless steel crowns are a metal crown which are pre-formed, resemble the anatomy of the tooth and can be contoured to the tooth. The crown is then affixed onto the tooth with a special dental cement.

A stainless steel crown is the most traditional type of crown for baby molars. The reason is that they are designed to last for several years until the baby tooth falls out. They are very durable, and adapt very well to the tooth.

What Is A Stainless Steel Crown Made Of?

Stainless steel crowns are manufactured using a stainless steel alloy which contains nickel and chromium.

If your child has any sensitivity or allergy to any of these materials it’s important for you to speak with your pediatrician and pediatric dentist before your child’s crown appointment.

How Long Does A Stainless Steel Crown Last?

A stainless steel crown is placed to help restore form and function to a baby tooth (most typically a baby molar), and lasts as long as the baby tooth.

The tooth and the crown usually come out together, which can be around the time your child is 10 to 14 years old.

Grandma Do You Remember When I Had All Those Silver Crowns In My Mouth? I Learned My Lesson

How Do We Take Care Of A Stainless Steel Crown?

Floss and brush around the tooth with the crown just like all your child’s other teeth.

It’s best to avoid sticky, chewy and gooey candies since they can dislodge the crown or pull it off completely.

Daddy's Helping Me Brush My Teeth So I Won't Have To Get Any More Silver Crowns — Daddy’s Helping Me Brush My Teeth So I Won’t Have To Get Any More Silver Crowns

Is There An Alternative To A Stainless Steel Crown?

While stainless steel crowns are the gold standard for children’s molar teeth, there are other options available, such as stainless steel crowns with a pre-veneered tooth colored white facing and zirconium crowns.

Stainless Steel Crown With Pre-Veneered White Facing

Stainless steel crowns can be made to look more esthetically pleasing with a pre-veneered tooth colored plastic face.

These crowns appear more cosmetic because from the front they look “tooth colored” but the area around the facing, the biting surface, the sides and back of the crown are all the traditional silver color.

For the tooth colored facing to adhere to the metal crown extra bulk is added, so these crowns look thick and round.

The facing also has an increased tendency to easily break off exposing the silver underneath.

Zirconium Crowns

Stay tuned for my upcoming post on these new for children highly esthetic crowns.

What To Remember

The care of baby teeth is essential due to their role in chewing, speaking, and maintaining space for the development and correct positioning of adult teeth.

While baby teeth may be smaller in size than adult teeth, tooth decay, structural defects and fractures loom larger for them.

Stainless Steel Crown’s are the treatment of choice for primary teeth for 3 important reasons —

Durability,
Longevity,
Reliability.

Mommy Had Silver Caps in Her Mouth When She Was Little, I'm Making Sure My Precious Angel Never Does — Mommy Had Silver Caps in Her Mouth When She Was Little, I’m Making Sure My Precious Angel Never Does

I Got A Tooth Crown And Princess Crown Today — Mommy Had Silver Caps in Her Mouth When She Was Little, I’m Making Sure My Precious Angel Never Does

Does your child have a stainless steel crown? What were your thoughts when you heard your child needed a stainless steel crown? Did you have a stainless steel crown as a child? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothotline@proton.me Like Us or chat with us on Facebook

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

Why Does My Child’s Baby Tooth Need A Pulpotomy?

May 30, 2024May 29, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 2 Comments

In the Know for You to Know

My Dentist Told My Mom That I Need A Pulpotomy — My Dentist Told My Mommy And Daddy That I Need A Pulpotomy

Your child may have woken up with a toothache or hurt their tooth playing sports. Maybe your neighbor or sister-in-law called you because your child is at a sleepover and has tooth pain. Before you know it you’re being told the nerve in their tooth is inflamed and they need a pulpotomy.

Then you’re thinking, what does all this mean, what is a pulpotomy, and why does my child need a pulpotomy?

I’ve had a lot of questions recently about pulpotomies. Today I’m answering your questions and breaking down the basics on a frequently performed procedure but one you’re not familiar with, a pulpotomy.

Do Baby Teeth Have Nerves?

Yes, Baby teeth have nerves. The nerve is the inner most part of the tooth.

The Nerve Of The Tooth Is Also Known As The Dental Pulp

The nerve, or dental pulp of a tooth is the inner most part of the tooth. The pulp is a jelly-like structure in the center of every tooth, which contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue and specialized cells. The purpose of the pulp is to keep the tooth alive.

Why Does A Baby Tooth Need A Pulpotomy?

Cavities and a traumatic injury to a child’s tooth are the main reasons the tooth’s pulp is wounded.

A pulpotomy is performed in order to remove the damaged portion of the nerve and keep the remaining part of the pulp intact and alive.

This way the tooth feels normal and your child can keep their baby tooth until it falls out naturally and is replaced by an adult tooth.

What Is A Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy is a procedure in which a dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth’s pulp to help prevent the formation of an infection, so your child can keep their baby tooth until it falls out naturally.

This procedure is only performed on baby teeth, and when there are no signs or symptoms of infection, such as pain, sensitivity, or swelling.

Is A Pulpotomy Like A Root Canal?

A baby tooth pulpotomy is sometimes referred to as a “baby root canal” or a “baby nerve treatment,” but this is not the same as an adult tooth root canal.

In a traditional root canal, all of the dental pulp is removed. In contrast a pulpotomy only removes the diseased pulp and is intended to preserve the remaining healthy pulp. This helps to keep the tooth healthy and strong.

It’s Only A Baby Tooth, Why Save It?

Children with strong healthy baby teeth grow up to have strong healthy adult teeth.

It’s i mportant to take care of baby teeth because infections in baby teeth cause pain and can damage developing adult teeth.

Healthy baby teeth are also important because they help with proper speech development, chewing, good nutrition, and maintaining space for the adult teeth to come in correctly.

What Should We Be Doing At Home To Prevent Needing A Pulpotomy In The Future?

ToothBrushing And Flossing Routine

Tooth brushing and flossing are simple but crucial to keep your child’s mouth healthy. Make sure to brush 2X’s a day and floss once a day with your child to establish a healthy brushing routine.

Mouthguards Matter

As a parent you are always saying “Wear your helmet!” when our children want to go out to ride their bike, skateboard or scooter. Mouthguards offer the same protection.

While a helmet protects a child’s head, a mouthguard helps cushion a blow to the mouth and face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your child’s lips, tongue, face or jaws.

When it comes to protecting your child’s mouth, a mouthguard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of their standard equipment from an early age.

What To Remember

A pulpotomy is often recommended as a way for your child to be able to keep their baby tooth and is performed on a tooth for a few reasons —

when the bacteria from a cavity penetrate into the nerve of a tooth,
a tooth is broken and the crack is extends into the nerve of the tooth.

This procedure is done because they are too young to lose their baby tooth, and their adult tooth is not developed enough to grow in.

Has your child had a toothache and needed a pulpotomy? Has your child suffered a hit to their mouth which cracked their tooth and they needed a pulpotomy? Have you ever had a root canal? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us of Chat with us on Facebook

I'm Having Fun Playing With My Dad and Brother After Brushing and Flossing So I Don't Need Another Pulpotomy — I’m Having Fun Playing With My Dad and Brother After Brushing and Flossing So I Don’t Need Another Pulpotomy

My Mom Says My Baby Molar Needs A Pulpotomy — I’m Having Fun Playing With My Dad and Brother After Brushing and Flossing So I Don’t Need Another Pulpotomy

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

Understanding Canker Sores in Children: Causes and Treatment

May 16, 2024May 15, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Mommy Knows Canker Sores Aren't Any Fun — Mommy Knows Canker Sores Aren’t Any Fun

Your child is crying and complaining to you because their mouth hurts and burns when they eat and when you brush their teeth. You check that they’re not getting sick, and when you have them open their mouth wide you see these small yellowish sores on the inside of their mouth.

You think to yourself, what can this be? Then you remember you’ve heard about canker sores and wonder if these are canker sores.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on what you should know about canker sores.

What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, are a common condition that 20-30% of children and adolescents experience.

There are 2 types of canker sores. The most common type of canker sores occurring 80% of the time is called Minor aphthous ulcer and the second type is called Major aphthous ulcer.

Minor Aphthous Ulcer

Minor aphthous ulcers have a yellowish-white color and are surrounded by a red inflamed looking border. These sores measure 3-10 millimeters (pinpoint to 1/3 of an inch) in diameter; and are found on the soft tissues in the mouth, such as the inside surfaces of the lips, cheeks and the area where the gums and soft tissues meet. In a single outbreak you can expect to find 1-5 ulcers, and they heal in 7-14 days without scarring.

Depending on where the sore is located, your child may experience difficulty talking or eating, and pain when touching or brushing around the area.

Major Aphthous Ulcer

These ulcers are larger, deeper and take longer to heal than the minor aphthous ulcer. They occur on the lips, soft palate, the tonsillar arches, and can take up to 6 weeks to heal with the potential to cause scarring.

What Causes Canker Sores In Children?

It’s not exactly known what causes children, adolescents, and even adults to get canker sores.

There are some factors that can trigger the development of canker sores:

Stress,
Injury to the inside of your mouth,
Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits,
Food allergies or Vitamin deficiencies,
Irritation from orthodontic appliances, such as braces.

What Are The Symptoms Of Canker Sores In Children?

Canker sores are diagnosed on visual examination by their appearance and symptoms.

Common canker sore symptoms include:

One or more painful sores inside of the mouth. These ulcers may form on the inside of their lips, the inside of their cheeks or above their gums where the gums meet the cheeks,
Burning or tingling sensations.
Small, round ulcers that are yellowish-white with a red border.

Are Canker Sores And Cold Sores The Same?

Canker sores and cold sores are not the same thing. They are very different for several reasons.

What Is The Difference Between Canker Sores And Cold Sores?

Canker sores are only found inside the mouth. They are flat and look like an ulceration with a light center and red edge. These sores can appear as a single round sore or up to 5 sores. Canker sores are not contagious.

Cold sores, or fever blisters are caused by a virus, are highly contagious and easily spread from person to person. They are fluid filled and can appear as a blister or cluster of blisters usually outside of or around the mouth.

How Are Canker Sores Treated In Children?

Treatment usually isn’t necessary for minor canker sores, since they tend to heal on their own in 7-14 days.

However, if you’d like to do something more than wait it out, these are some ways to reduce your child’s discomfort:

Keep your child hydrated with water, hydration helps with healing;
Encourage your child with soft, cold, cool and easy to eat foods;
Avoid spicy, acidic, salty foods and drinks since they irritate the canker sores and make their mouths more painful. Think bland food;
Good sleep habits and sleep times encourage healing;
Keep up with your oral hygiene routine gently, take it slow, keeping up with their brushing and flossing helps with healing.

How Long Do Canker Sores Take To Heal?

Canker sores take 7-14 days to go away, and there isn’t anything that will make them go away faster. However, there is a tendency for the sores to re-occur.

Grandma And Grandpa Are So Happy My Canker Sore Is All Healed And So Are Mommy And I

Is There A Way To Prevent Canker Sores?

There’s no way to prevent canker sores.

However, there are several things you can do to have your child be more comfortable while the sores are healing:

Try stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation, giving your child a warm bath before bed, having them take a warm shower, or enjoyable family time;
Stay away from acidic, salty and spicy foods;
Keep up with your good oral hygiene routine;
Encourage good sleeping habits;
Talk with your pediatrician for nutritional guidance.

When To Call Your Pediatrician

Call your pediatrician’s office for an appointment if your child begins to experience:

Recurring sores with new break outs before the existing sores heal,
Frequent episodes of canker sores,
Large canker sores,
Non-healing sores, or sores not healing within 14 days,
Sores outside their mouth,
Increasing pain,
Increasing difficulty eating and drinking,
It hurts to swallow,
Fever of any kind.

What To Remember

Canker sores are small, shallow yellowish-white ulcers that are found on the soft tissues in your child’s mouth like the inside of their lips, cheeks, or below the base of their gums. They can be found as a single ulcer or as several together, and can be painful initially which can make eating difficult.

Unlike canker sores, cold sores are found outside the mouth, such as on the outside surface of their lips, at the corners of their mouth and they are very contagious.

Most canker sores go away in 7-14 days on their own. Call your pediatrician or pediatric dentist’s office if something doesn’t seem right, your child develops a fever, your child looks and/or feels sick, eating and drinking is becoming an issue, the canker sore isn’t healing, or you have any concerns.

Has your child ever experienced a canker sore? Have you had a canker sore? Do canker sores run in your family? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook

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

Braces Evaluation For Children, Helping Develop A Healthy Smile

Starting Early

So Why Age 7?

Should Your Child Be Evaluated For Braces? Signs To Check For

3 Reasons Why This Matters

What Is The Purpose Of Evaluating My Child’s Bite When They’re So Young?

4 Benefits Of Early Braces Evaluation

What Will I Learn From A Consultation With An Orthodontist?

Why Would An Orthodontist Recommend Early Treatment?

4 Reasons An Orthodontist May Recommend Early Treatment

What To Remember

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What Is A Tooth Abscess?

Why Do Children’s Teeth Abscess?

What Are The Signs Of A Tooth Abcess To Look For?

Can An Abscess In A Baby Tooth Affect The Permanent Tooth?

Do Children’s Tooth Abscesses Go Away On Their Own?

Are Antibiotics Needed For A Child’s Tooth Abscess?

Can A Child’s Tooth Abscess Turn Into An Emergency?

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Tooth Basics – What Is A Molar Tooth

What Are 6 Year Molars?

Does My Child Have To Be 6 Years Old To Get Their 6 Year Molars?

What Does It Mean When The Dentist Says My Child’s Tooth Is Erupting?

What Does Teething Feel Like For 6 Year Molars?

How Long Is Teething For 6 Year Molars?

How Do I Comfort My Child When They’re Teething With 6 Year Molars?

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Tooth Basics

Dental Enamel Starts Developing Early

What Is Hypoplasia?

What Causes Enamel Hypoplasia?

Does Enamel Hypoplasia Affect Baby Teeth And Adult Teeth?

What Are The Signs Of Enamel Hypoplasia?

Do You Treat Enamel Hypoplasia?

How Do You Treat Teeth With Enamel Hypoplasia?

What Can We Do At Home To Help The Hypoplasia From Getting Worse?

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Summer Vacation Tips

Stay With A Routine

Keep Your Traveling Dental Kit Handy

Have A Choice? Choose Water

Healthy Summer Snacks

Pool’s Rules Rule

Smile Protector

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Child Friendly Language Is The Key To Creating A Fun And Positive Dental Experience

Child Friendly Dental Words

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Is Zirconia?

What Is A Zirconia Crown?

How Long Does A Zirconia Crown Last?

How Do We Take Care Of A Zirconia Crown?

Are The Reasons For A Zirconia Crown Different From A Stainless Steel Crown?

5 Indications For A Children’s Zirconia Crown

When Isn’t A Zirconia Crown Recommended?

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Is A Dental Crown?

Why Does A Baby Tooth Need A Crown?

What Are The Reasons For A Dental Crown?

What Is A Stainless Steel Crown?

What Is A Stainless Steel Crown Made Of?

How Long Does A Stainless Steel Crown Last?

How Do We Take Care Of A Stainless Steel Crown?

Is There An Alternative To A Stainless Steel Crown?

Stainless Steel Crown With Pre-Veneered White Facing

Zirconium Crowns

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Do Baby Teeth Have Nerves?

The Nerve Of The Tooth Is Also Known As The Dental Pulp

Why Does A Baby Tooth Need A Pulpotomy?

What Is A Pulpotomy?

Is A Pulpotomy Like A Root Canal?