Our Teacher Is Reading Us A Story About Brushing Our TeethBrushing Teeth Like Daddy
An exciting new school year is here and now is the time for your child’s big, healthy smile to shine.
Making your nightly routine enjoyable for your child so they’ll want to take care of their teeth is a good way to start!
Be creative with your own pre-brushing toothbrushing dance, sing some favorite tunes together to help brushing time fly by, buy yummy flavored colorful flossers and have your child choose their color and flavor of the night, and set aside reading time with their best book.
Today we’re talking about tips to setup your routine for motivating your child to take care of their teeth.
The 4B’s For Your Nightly Bedtime Routine
The new school year has started and you’re putting together everyone’s new routine making sure your child starts and ends their day in a healthy way.
Where do you start? Easy, with the 4B’s.
The 4B’s are the key to a consistent bedtime routine for both of you to enjoy together. This helps you to turn challenges into an easy routine and protecting those precious teeth in a big way.
So What Are The 4B’s?
The 4B’s are ~
Bath,
Brush,
Book,
Bed.
Suggestions To Include The 4B’s Into Your Routine
Bath
Low key bath time along with comfy and cozy pjs helps your child to start to relax and wind down from their day.
Depending on how long you both like bath time to linger build that time into your schedule and start earlier before they start rubbing their eyes and you feel rushed.
Ready For Our Pj’s After Our Baths, Then We Brush and FlossDaddy’s Watching Me Brush To Make Sure I Brush RightLaughing With Mommy After My BathBubbles Make Bath Time FunDaddy’s Helping And Watching Us Brush Our TeethGrandma Is Showing Me How Much Toothpaste Goes On My BrushMommy’s Coming To Help Me Brush My TeethGrandma’s Making Sure I Learn How To Brush My Teeth Correctly
Brush
Brushing for 2 minutes with a soft wet cloth or favorite soft tooth brush while singing your favorite brushing song puts brushing in a whole new stress free light.
Once their teeth touch each other it’s time to floss.
Remember, nothing to eat or drink after brushing keeps the sugar bugs away.
Book
Children love the sound of their parent’s voice.
Spend together time reading their favorite good night book in your special place, make up your own stories, or use silly voices to tell the story. Your child can follow along as you read to them, they can read to you, or you can make up fun stories together.
Sharing books and being together at the end of the day, even for 15 minutes builds memories and skills you’ll both cherish forever.
As your child gets sleepy it’s book away and into bed.
We Love To Read With Our Mom and Dad After We Brush And FlossYes I Still Love It When My Mom and Dad Tuck Me InTonight Is Daddy and Me Time To Read Before My Bed TimeToothbrushing And Reading With Mommy Is Always FunI Love When Daddy Gives Me My Bath, Brushes My Teeth And Reads To MeDaddy Brushes Our Teeth And Reads The Best StoriesI’m Dreaming My Pleasant DreamsI’m Starting To Feel Ready For BedGrandma And I Brush My Teeth And Read Every Night Before My Bed TimeI Brushed And Flossed, Now Daddy And I Are Reading Before I Go To Bed
Bed
Setting a regular bed time and tucking your child in with hugs and kisses for sweet dreams and a restful night’s sleep with clean sparkling teeth helps the whole family have a relaxing night and stress free morning.
The Benefits Of The 4B Routine
These 4B’s will help you create a consistent healthy sleep routine for bed time success allowing your child to settle down for a good night’s sleep, good learning in school, and the added benefit of regular toothbrushing time.
What To Remember
YOU have the power. You can do this!
Set a consistent bath and bed time and stick to it,
Let your child choose their favorite color for their toothbrush, so they feel they’ve made a decision in the process!
Don’t forget to Floss,
Encourage your child to pick out their favorite book or two to read with you before lights out.
From each of us at Kidstoothhotline to you, our Best Wishes for Happy and Healthy Smiles this School Year!
What color is your child’s toothbrush? Which cartoon characters talk about the importance of a healthy mouth? Who’s your superstar brusher? 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 Elastic’s Color Pops With My Clean Teeth And Braces
Your child has their braces on and you’re settling into your new normal. Now you’re facing the dreaded “I don’t want to brush.”
You’ve heard about cavities after braces and want to avoid this for your child. So brushing and flossing is more important than ever.
Now you’re thinking about how to explain and show them what to do; especially if you didn’t have braces.
Today we’re breaking down the basics on tooth brushing and flossing when your child has braces.
Can You Clean Teeth With Braces On?
Yes and your child should, especially with braces.
Having braces on makes it feel like it’s more difficult to keep your child’s teeth clean. It can be difficult to go around the archwires and brackets, but remember how extremely important it is to keep your child’s mouth as clean as possible.
Clean Teeth And Braces For Our Happiest SmilesClean Teeth And Clean Braces Is A Great FeelingI Just Finished Brushing And Flossing
Why It’s Important To Take Care Of Teeth With Braces
While it feels like it’s more difficult to keep your child’s teeth clean, there are 2 influencers that play a role ~
The Plaque Aspect
Plaque and tarter are sneaky and attach themselves to the teeth, as well onto, around and under the brackets, wires, and bands. When plaque and food get trapped and sit around teeth and braces, there is a high likely-hood of bad breath, their gums becoming inflamed, cavities developing, or teeth discoloring.
The Time Aspect
The time factor is made up of 2 components ~
How long your child will be in braces,
How much time it takes to floss and brush with braces on. This takes more time and effort to properly and fully clean around each bracket, band and wire, however it doesn’t take as long as you think it will.
Taking Care Of Teeth At Home When Your Child Has Braces
Here are some basic things you can do at home to help keep your child’s teeth and braces clean ~
BRUSH, BRUSH, And BRUSH SOME MORE – It’s essential to keep up with your regular 2Minutes 2X’s A Day brushing routine. What boosts your game is adding brushing after each meal and snack.
HOW YOU BRUSH AND WHAT YOU USE MATTERS – Hold their toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to remove plaque and food from around the teeth and braces. Hand held soft bristle tooth brushes are a good choice. Electric toothbrushes vary in styles and features. If you’re looking into an electric toothbrush decide of what you’re comfortable using. Curved, circular or interdental brushes can make it easier to access the areas around their braces and help you get a good cleaning. It’s best to use non-metal containing brushes to avoid scratching the teeth and braces.
REMEMBER TO FLOSS – Flossing is as necessary as brushing. Flossing is tricky but important when your child has braces. You can start with a piece of floss 18″-20” long (yes that long). Slide one end of the floss under their archwire so you have equal amounts above and below the wire. Floss gently around the bracket and in-between their teeth. Gently slide the floss out from under the wire. Clean the floss with a wash cloth and then floss the next tooth. Remember to floss behind the most back teeth.
CLEAN THEIR TONGUE – Food and plaque get trapped in the crevices on the tongue. Have them stick their tongue out (a comfortable amount) and gently brush their tongue in a back to front motion with a soft bristle tooth-brush (no toothpaste needed) or with a tongue scrapper.
RINSE – If there’s no time to brush after lunch or snacks then have them swish and rinse their mouth with water. This way the food residue will be dislodged.
My Dentist Can’t Believe How Clean My Teeth And Braces AreSmiling Is Fun With My Clean Teeth and BracesSo Happy With My Healthy Teeth And Clean BracesMy Smile Says It All
What To Remember
Taking care of your child’s teeth and gums is always important, and crucial during the time they have braces. A consistent daily oral hygiene routine including brushing, flossing, cleaning their tongue and rinsing helps to protect their teeth from potential dental issues and insure their healthy smile.
Rocking My Healthy SmileNot Worrying About How My Teeth Look In Pictures Is The BestSummer Sweets With Clean Teeth
How is your child’s oral hygiene routine going? Or isn’t it going? What do you think would make this easier? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothotline@proton.me Chat with Us and Like Us on Facebook
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The sheer mention of the Tooth Fairy brings out such joy and excitement in all of us. No matter if your child is about to lose their first tooth or you’re a pro the thought of a visit sparks amazing anticipation.
The slightest suggestion the Tooth Fairy will visit causes such happiness and wonder that a special day has been set aside to honor our tooth loving friend. And that day is today!
Yes today, August 22 is Tooth Fairy Day!
Who Is The Tooth Fairy?
The Tooth Fairy is a magical fairy who visits children when they lose a tooth and leaves them a gift if their tooth is healthy and clean.
The Tooth Fairy Always Has Her Basket Of Teeth
A Poem From The Tooth Fairy To You
As pediatric dentists we are very close friends with the Tooth Fairy. So close in fact that she’s written a poem for us to share with you in honor of her special day.
My Dearest Friend, I saw you wiggling in your mouth and knew a tooth would soon be mine You kept it close thinking you'd stay up all night long Then you drifted off to sleep and I began my fairy flight So into your bedroom I did come upon my fairy wings When I took a peek I found my favorite thing Now off I go, I have to dash I hope you'll send me other teeth but there is no rush And remember my dearest friend, every time you lose a tooth another takes its place for you to floss and brush Most Sincerely, Your friend in teeth, The Tooth Fairy
When To Anticipate Your Child’s First Tooth Fairy Visit
Losing baby teeth is an exciting time for children. Their baby teeth will begin to get looser and looser, eventually falling out, and be replaced by their adult teeth.
This usually begins around 6-7 years old for most children. However, some parents may start seeing loose baby teeth when their child is 4 1/2 years old.
There are 2 things we often see that are helpful for you as a parent to know ~
The earlier baby teeth come in, the earlier the Tooth Fairy visits.
Girls teeth may come in a little earlier than boy’s teeth.
Have You Seen The Tooth Fairy?
Celebrating A Tooth Fairy Visit
Some fun tips to prepare for your child’s tooth fairy visit ~
Have a Tooth Fairy pillow or door hanger with a pocket to hold their tooth ready for Tooth Fairy pickup.
Your child can write a letter to the Tooth Fairy, and sometimes she answers that letter and includes some of her magical fairy glitter.
Money may be expected, sometimes though the Tooth Fairy leaves a tooth friendly gift that she would really like your child to use. Since this gift is from the Tooth Fairy it gives your child more encouragement to use this.
You may feel that you want to give your child a money gift. Sparkles and money may be the way to go. Place your gift in a home made decorated envelop and add in some magical tooth fairy glitter.
The Tooth Fairy always has her trusty wand to help scoop up those precious teeth. Sometimes a tired Tooth Fairy may leave behind her wand which gets found in their bedroom the next day.
Keep a tooth Fairy journal for you and your child to write about how they lost their teeth, how old they were, the present they received, and what they did with their prize, and any other special notes or pictures you may want to add.
Reinforce positive oral hygiene habits with the Tooth Fairy as a way to achieve this; because the Tooth Fairy (like Santa) always knows.
Think about creating your own family traditions and customs knowing the magic and excitement of the tradition will likely be more important to your child than any monetary amount!
The Tooth Fairy Is Always Welcome To Visit Our Home
What To Remember
Today you can remember your own joyful memories of your Tooth Fairy visits, when your newly lost tooth was exchanged for a surprise when you looked under your pillow the next morning. Sharing and passing along these memories with your children is a priceless way to create new and endearing memories for both of you. Happy Tooth Fairy Day!
What are your favorite Tooth Fairy memories? How do you prepare for your child’s Tooth Fairy visit? What treasure does your Tooth Fairy leave? What do you think the Tooth Fairy does with the teeth she gathers up each night? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
My Dearest Friend, I saw you wiggling in your mouth and knew a tooth would soon be mine You kept it close thinking you’d stay up all night long Then you drifted off to sleep and I began my fairy flight So into your bedroom I did come upon my fairy wings When I took a peek I found my favorite thing Now off I go, I have to dash I hope you’ll send me other teeth but there is no big rush And remember my dearest friend, every time you lose a tooth another takes its place for you to floss and brush Most Sincerely, Your friend in teeth, The Tooth Fairy
You know how it is, the day is going great, everyone is happy and everything is going along smoothly.
Then you hear “Mom, my braces are poking me!!”
Now you’re thinking how did this happen and what can I do to fix it?
Today we’re breaking down the basics on how you can handle the pesky pokey braces wire to help give your child some relief.
Braces 101
Archwires, brackets and elastics are the 3 main components of braces.
Brackets are attached to teeth with a tooth colored material which is similar to (but not the same as) a tooth colored filling. Brackets have openings (aka slots) into which the wire fits. The elastics go around the bracket and hold the wire in place.
Why Are The Wires Called Archwires?
The wires are called archwires because your child top teeth make up their top jaw or upper arch, and their lower teeth comprise their bottom jaw or lower arch.
When the wire is placed into the orthodontic brackets on their top jaw this is their upper archwire, and when the wire is placed on their bottom jaw it is their lower archwire.
What Do Archwires Do?
The archwire is the metal wire which connects all the brackets on the teeth together and curves around the teeth from front to back. The wire corrects teeth alignment and other irregularities to reposition and make your child’s teeth straight.
My Child’s Archwire Is Poking Their Cheek, What Should I Do?
You can use a Q-tip to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth.
If you can’t position the wire so that it’s comfortable position, place a piece of the wax your orthodontist gave you over the wire where it’s poking your child’s cheek.
Then call your orthodontist to let them know and see your child.
What Is Wax For Braces?
Dental wax is usually made from one or a combination of several waxes, mostly beeswax, carnauba wax, and/or paraffin wax.
Dental wax can also be found under a few different names, including tooth wax, braces wax, and orthodontic wax.
The wax can be applied to create a smooth protective barrier between your child’s mouth and the area of the wire that is causing discomfort.
Similarly, dental wax can be an excellent at-home remedy for relief and protection when a wire has come out of a place. Applying a small piece of dental wax can act as a protective barrier until your orthodontist can correct the issue.
How To Use Wax For Braces
First have your child brush their teeth (or you brush their teeth) to make sure the wire itself is clean, especially the part where you’ll be placing the wax.
After brushing, with clean hands gently pull their cheek away from the area where the pokey wire is. They can wiggle their lower jaw to the side where you’ll be placing the wax to allow you to see better.
Take off a new, unused piece of wax about the size of a small green pea and roll it into a ball. Place the wax where the wire is poking out or causing irritation.
The wax should reduce pain or irritation caused by the wire. Make sure to remove the wax when eating or brushing teeth and then reapply new, unused wax as needed or until you see your orthodontist.
Why Do Archwires Become Loose?
Sometimes a wire can break depending on the food your child eats, as their teeth are moved, if they get hit in the mouth while playing sports (and not wearing a mouth guard), or the wires might be too long in the back of their mouth.
Your child may feel a pokey archwire coming in contact with their gums or cheeks. If this happens. the wires can cause small mouth sores or cuts on the gums and cheek, so it’s important to take action right away.
My Orthodontist Is Removing The Wax From My Broken Brace’s WireMy Broken Wire Is Really Bothering My CheekHaving My Broken Brace’s Wire ReplacedBroken Wire Off, New Wire Going On
Foods To Avoid With Braces
During the time your child is in braces it is important to use caution when eating certain foods and snacks which put their braces at risk.
So what are these foods that can pop off or dislodge an archwire?
Anything that is hard, or sticky, or gooey, or chewy,
Chewing gum,
Nuts and seeds
Popcorn
Want to eat a bagel or an apple? Instead of biting in, cut the food into bitesize pieces and eat on their back teeth.
What To Remember
It is expected during the course of your child’s braces the wires will pull out and cause poking.
These are 3 steps to help you to help your child stay comfortable ~
Stay calm and check things out – look in their mouth to see what’s happening. If you can, with a clean finger try to move the wire away from their cheek back towards the teeth.
Always keep the small container of orthodontic wax handy. Take a small green pea size amount of wax and roll it with your fingers into a ball and place it over the end of the poky wire,.
Never hesitate to call your orthodontist, no matter how many times this may happen.
Remember to remove the wax before eating and brushing, and don’t reuse the wax. Once you remove it you’ll need a new piece of wax.
What’s been your experience with poking wires? Does wax do the trick for comfort until your child’s next orthodontic appointment? How often do poky wires occur? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook
I May Be Smiling But The Wire Poking My Cheek Really Hurts
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
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 MeI Got My Braces Last ChristmasStill Getting Used To My Braces But I Like How My Teeth Are LookingI’m So Happy When I Look At My TeethChecking Out My Braces
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.
Cool Braces To Match My Cool ShadesLove To Show Off My Brace’s SmileWearing My Braces To PromLoving The Color Of My New Brace’s Elastics
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
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.
Daddy, Why Is My Face Swollen?Mommy And Daddy Please Make My Tooth Stop Hurting
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 GumsMommy And Daddy Are Taking You To The Dentist To Make Your Tooth Stop Hurting
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
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
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
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.
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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.
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 Molars2 Of My 6 Year Molars Are In And 2 More Coming In6 Year Molars Coming In
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!
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 HypoplasiaMommy Says My Front Teeth Look Great But My Back Teeth Have HypoplasiaMy Dentist Told My Mommy And Daddy That I Have Hypoplasia On Alot Of My Teeth
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.
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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
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
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.
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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.
Road Trip, Dental Kit in Red SuitcaseMommy Packed My Dental Kit For Me To Use At My Camp
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.
Thirst Quencher RefresherDaddy Says Water Is The Best To DrinkKeeping Teeth Healthy And Making Memories
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 PoolsideWatermelon Is My Favorite Summer Snack
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.
Pool Time After Toothbrushing TimeCruising Along With Our Healthy Teeth
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 BedShowing Off My Pearly White TeethShowing Off My Dazzling Summer SmileHanging Out While My Friend’s Having Her Teeth Brushed
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!
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
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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 TodayMy Children Just Had The Best Pediatric Dental Appointment
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!
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