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 CrownMommy And Me Reading Up On Zirconia CrownsShowing Grandma My New Zirconia CrownsMommy’s So Proud, My Brother Did Awesome For His Zirconia Crowns TodayCan You Guess Which Of My Teeth Have Zirconia Crowns?I’m Showing My Zirconia Crowns To My FriendCan You See My Zirconia Crown?Mommy and Me Looking In The Mirror Checking Out My New Zirconia CrownI’m Cuddling With My Mom After Getting My Zirconia Crown Today
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 CrownCan You Guess Which Are My 2 Zirconium Crowns?Mommy Said I Did Great For My Zirconia Crowns
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,
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!
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 —
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
I Had To Have 2 Silver CapsMommy And Daddy Say This Is Why I Need Silver Caps On My MolarsMy Mom Said At least I Only Needed 1 Silver Crown, My Brother Needed 4
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
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 DoesI Got A Tooth Crown And Princess Crown Today
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!
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 important 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 flossingare 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 pulpotomyis 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 My Mom Says My Baby Molar Needs A PulpotomyMy Mom And Dad Always Say This Is Why Having My Teeth Checked Is So ImportantMommy And Daddy Said I Did A Great Job During My PulpotomyDaddy Says We’ll Get To Play More After We Brush and Floss So I Won’t Need A Pulpotomy Like My BrotherSmiling My Beautiful Smile After My PulpotomyPeek-A-Boo, We’re On Our Way Home After My PulpotomyMommy And Daddy Are Helping Me Brush and Floss My Teeth So I Won’t Need Another PulpotomyChecking Out My Mouth After My Pulpotomy
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
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.
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.
I Know You Don’t Want To Eat Because Of Your Canker Sore
How Do I Stop Getting Canker Sores?
What Will Make My Canker Sore Go Away?
Why Do I Keep Getting Canker Sores?
II Know The Sore In You Mouth Hurts, Let Me Make It Batter
Why Do I Have Another Canker Sore?
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!
As a parent, you know that preventing dental related issues is important, and you also know that this is not so simple to do when your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Some children may be fearful of new surroundings or sensitive to light and sounds or smells and tastes and do not know how to express these feelings. You may or may not have already established a consistent way that comforts your child when introducing them to new experiences.
Today we’re breaking down the basics on how to create your own dental social story.
Helping Your Child To Learn And Prepare For Going To The Dentist
Your approach needs to be tailored to your child’s individual needs.
For some children with ASD, it’s your calm reassuring voice talking with them about the Pediatric Dentist’s office, the people they’ll meet, the chair they’ll sit in, the toothpaste that’s used to brush their teeth.
While other children may like to read or look at books, some like to look at actual photos on your phone, or role play, and for some it’s your social story.
Which ever works best for your child, always stay positive and portray their dental care (whether in the office or at home) in small, repeatable steps.
Read A Social Story With Your Child About Taking Care Of Their Teeth
Social stories use simple, straight forward language to describe the sequence of events a child will experience. The stories usually have photos or pictures to help show the things they will see, hear, and do.
You’ll find social stories about going to the Dentist, having their teeth cleaned, having dental x-rays taken, and having a cavity filled.
I Am Autism
Create Your Own Social Story About Going To The Dentist
Once you’ve made your child’s appointment it’s best to introduce this early on.
Before you do, consider taking pictures of the street the office is on, the parking lot, the outside of the building, the office’s front door with the Dentist’s name.
You might want to stop by and ask if you can take some pictures of the office to include in your social story.
This way you’re establishing what your child will be expecting step by step.
To go along next to the pictures you can include a description—
We’re going to the Dentist and we’ll be driving down this street,
Then we’ll park the car near the Dentist’s office,
After we park the car we’ll walk to the Dentist’s office,
The office is upstairs/downstairs/on the walk-in level so we may/may not need to take an elevator ride; or we may or may not take the stairs,
When we get to the Dentist’s office we’ll open the door and walk in,
There is a lady sitting behind a desk to say hello to us when we walk in,
After we say hello, we’ll tell her my name,
The lady behind the desk may ask us to sit down and watch a movie, or play one of the games until it’s my turn,
When it’s my turn the hygienist will call my name,
We’ll all walk together to a room with a few special chairs that look like Daddy’s recliner chair,
The hygienist will ask me to sit down in the chair,
The hygienist will tell me that this chair is special because it moves up and down and reclines back almost like a bed, but I don’t have to take a nap,
The hygienist will tell me that the chair moves back so she and the Dentist can look at all my teeth even my teeth all the way in the back,
The hygienist will also tell me that when I’m lying back on the chair I can hold my Mom’s hand and put my legs straight out in front of me,
The hygienist will ask me how big I can open my mouth, and we will count how long I can stay open wide,
The hygienist will show me the big light she and the Dentist use so they can see all my teeth,
Before she turns the light on, the hygienist will ask me if I want to wear sunglasses because the light is bright or if I want to close my eyes,
The hygienist will show my the special mirror she and the Dentist use to look at my teeth. She’ll let me touch the mirror will also show me what the mirror feels like on my lips and tongue and cheeks,
Then the hygienist will show me the tooth counter she and the Dentist use to count and check my teeth,
The hygienist will show me the special floss string she uses to clean in-between my teeth, she’ll let me touch the floss and she’ll show me how it feels in-between my fingers and then she’ll floss my teeth,
The hygienist will show me the special power toothbrush and special toothpaste she uses to clean my teeth, then she will let me touch this special toothbrush and she’ll show me what the brush feels like on my finger and then on my teeth; the best part is that the hygienist says I will get to pick the flavor of the toothpaste,
The Dentist may want to take special photos of my teeth, the hygienist explains that these photos are called x-rays and I get to wear a super special emoji apron to take the x-rays, and my Mom gets to watch me,
When I’m all finished the hygienist will give me a fun bag filled with a brand new toothbrush and toothpaste, and I’ll get to choose a super special prize.
What To Remember
Preparing your children with ASD for their Dentist’s appointment and dental care in advance can be helpful for having a calm and successful visit.
Ask your child’s Pediatric Dentist about scheduling a pre-visit introductory walk about, or if you can take pictures of the office to help you put together your own social story.
Your child’s needs always come first, so if you feel doing everything at one appointment is too much, ask about breaking up the visit into smaller steps and introduce the appointment more gradually. This way your child will become more familiar and feel more comfortable.
Most important, praise and reward your child and you for a job well done!
How did you prepare your child for their first dental appointment? How did it go? How have your subsequent dental visits been? Have you heard of social stories? Have your read social stories or created your own? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Children’s oral health (aka dental health) is essential for their overall health and well-being. As a parent, you understand that preventing dental issues are important.
You also know that this is not so simple to do when your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), since establishing and following a daily brushing and flossing routine can be quite challenging.
For some children this may be due to sensory sensitivities, for some it’s due to taste and texture sensitivities, and for some it’s tactile sensitivities which leads to everyone’s frustration.
Today we’re continuing to break down the basics on challenges and strategies for your at home flossing routine.
Strategies For Your At Home Flossing Routine
Almost everyone thinks you need to brush teeth first and then floss. Brush and floss, right?
It’s actually a good idea to floss first and then brush, so this way you brush away everything that was caught in-between the teeth.
Dental Floss Choices To Help Get You Started
Hand held flossers in fun colors and fun shaped handles
String floss (aka regular floss) waxed or unwaxed
String floss in plain (no flavor) or fun flavors (like grape or bubblegum)
Flossing Steps
Start by showing your child the floss and have them touch the floss. You can touch the floss to the back of their hand and then slide it gently up and down along the side of one of their fingers.
You can then gently touch the floss to their lips. Ask them to open their mouth (as big as they can) and touch the floss up to one or two of their front teeth. Count together how long they can keep their mouth open.
Next Comes Flossing
Whether you’re using a hand held flosser or string floss always remember to gently slide the floss between your child’s tooth and their gums.
The gums between the teeth are triangle shaped and you want to gently slide the floss to the side of the gums next to the tooth, never straight up onto the gums.
If you decide to use a hand held flosser keep a tissue or two close by so you can clean off the floss as you go from tooth to tooth. You don’t want to transfer the stuff in-between teeth from one tooth to the next.
If you’re using string floss, here are 5 steps to help stream line your flossing technique—
Wrap about18 inches of floss around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of your opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as you move along.
Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
Guide the floss between your child’s tooth and gums using a gentle, rubbing motion.
When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it around the tooth into a C shape against the tooth. Always gently slide floss into the space between the gums and each tooth.
Hold the floss against the tooth away from the gums. Gently rub the side of the tooth with an up-and-down motion, following the shape of each tooth. Don’t forget the back of their last teeth.
What’s The Order To Floss Teeth?
Most of the time the order you’ll floss is the same as toothbrushing. Since you’re going slowly and introducing flossing, it may be helpful to try this tooth flossing order—
Top front teeth
Bottom front teeth
Top right back teeth
Top left back teeth
Bottom left back teeth
Bottom right back teeth
4 Important Tips To Remember
Always support your child’s head,
Always have good lighting so you can see inside their mouth as well as what you are doing,
Always be able to easily move the floss around their mouth, and
Always find the safest and most comfortable position for you and your child to floss and brush their teeth.
A Parent’s Experience Establishing A Daily Oral Hygiene Routine For Their Child With ASD
Remember the child we’ve been discussing the last couple of weeks? The child who took 4+ years to be able to become the ideal child and accept dental care.
This family’s schedule and calendar for their AM and PM routine included separate check boxes for AM brushing as well as for PM flossing and PM brushing.
Then after each part was completed they helped their child check off that box. If it was partially completed, that box got a partial check mark, and if it wasn’t going to happen they left that box blank.
At the end of the week they counted up the number of checked boxes, the number of partially check boxes, and the number of no checked boxes. Then they determined a prize for the checked boxes, and kept moving forward in a positive way.
What To Remember
Flossing is hard and can be a struggle, but it is important because it is the only real way to clean in-between teeth.
Introducing flossing and incorporating it into your child’s daily oral routine takes time and may take multiple revisions and repeats.
1 of the most important things to remember, praise and reward your child and yourself for a job well done!
I Am Autism
Stay Tuned — We’re looking forward to seeing you next week when we discuss tips for creating your own story.
Does your child have ASD? Have you attempted flossing? What are your at home care challenges? How is your routine going? What are your successes? What have you learned works for your child? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Children’s oral health (aka dental health) is an extremely important part of healthy everyday life. As a parent, one of your first goals is to focus on prevention and at home oral hygiene routines.
However, for some children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) following a brushing and flossing routine can be quite difficult. This makes establishing and maintaining these daily routines challenging.
For some children this may be due to sensory sensitivities, for some it’s due to taste and texture sensitivities, and for some it’s their inability to communicate which leads to everyone’s frustration.
Today we’re breaking down the basics on challenges and strategies for your at home tooth care routine.
Strategies For Your At Home Tooth Care Routine
Almost everyone thinks you need to brush teeth in the bathroom, it is not always the case.
A Few Ways For You To More Easily Brush Your Child’s Teeth
Try brushing your child’s teeth with your child lying down on your bed, or
With you sitting on a chair have your child sit down on the floor in front of you and lean back against your legs. Have them tip their head up so you can see inside their mouth, or
Have your child lie down on the floor. You can either sit beside your child, or put a pillow on your lap and place your child’s head on the pillow, or
Standing in the bathroom with your child standing in front of you, have them face the bathroom mirror with their head slightly tilted against your body. Place your hand gently over their hand so that you can help guide the toothbrush around their mouth.
What You Need To Get Started Brushing Your Child’s Teeth
Soft-bristled toothbrush-choose your child’s favorite color or cartoon character
Electric toothbrush
Bubble gum or fruity flavored toothpaste
Hand held Flossers in fun colors
2 Minute Timer-a traditional fun colored plastic timer and watch the sand as you brush teeth, play a favorite song, or sign up for the 2 Minute 2X A Day App
Fluoride Rinse- which is available in several flavors
Parent Choices
Electric toothbrush-some children like the feeling of the moving bristles in their mouth and some children do not
Toothpaste- if you’re concerned about sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in your child’s toothpaste, there are toothpastes without SLS, you may want to consider the Hello brand or Tanner’s Tasty Paste (Disclaimer: I do not receive any endorsements and do not have any affiliations with any of the mentioned products).
Toothbrushing Steps
Start by showing your child their toothbrush and have them touch the brush handle and then the bristles with their fingers, then rub the bristles gently in small circles on the back of their hand.
You can then touch the toothbrush bristles to their lips. Ask them to open their mouth (as big as they can) and touch the bristles to one or two of their front teeth. Count together to see how long they can keep their mouth open.
Place a rice grain size (if your child is younger than 3 years old) or a small green pea size (if your child is older than 3 years old) amount of toothpaste on their toothbrush.
Next Comes Toothbrushing—
Brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of the top right back teeth five times,
Brush the outside, inside and biting edges of the top front teeth five times,
Brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of the top left back teeth five times,
Brush the inside, outside and chewing surfaces of the bottom left back teeth five times,
Brush the outside, inside and biting edges of the bottom front teeth five times,
Brush the bottom right back teeth outside, inside and chewing surfaces five times.
4 Important Tips To Remember When Brushing Your Child’s Teeth
always support your child’s head,
have good lighting so you can see inside their mouth as well as what you are doing,
be able to easily move their tooth brush around their mouth, and
always find the safest and most comfortable position for you and your child.
A Parent’s Experience Establishing A Daily Oral Hygiene Routine For Their Child With ASD
You know that agonizing, tearful, disappointing, painful and frustrating dental appointments are compounded at home when you try to brush your child’s teeth, let alone try to floss.
They read social stories and made step by step story boards. They coordinated their oral hygiene schedule with other parts of their daily AM and PM routines.
They involved anyone in the family they could. They tried distraction and demonstrated through role playing.
They came up with a calendar for their AM and PM routines, made this something fun to look forward to, and they included a rewards calendar.
The hardest part was staying positive and motivated no matter how frustrated or defeated they felt.
Then one day out of the blue it came together after more than 4 years in the making. Yes this may seem amazing, but it can happen because each child is on their own time line.
I Just Want To Do My PuzzleI Always Brush My Teeth Twice A DayLook How Far I Can Stick Out My Tongue
What To Remember
It takes time to establish a routine, and it may take multiple revisions and repeats. Try incorporating oral care into your daily life to become part of what you do everyday.
Consider talking with your child’s teacher, principal or the school district about adding daily oral hygiene to to your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
It’s important to take this one step at a time, reward your child’s successes and acknowledge that somethings may need to be tweaked.
2 of the most important things to remember— When you get to where you want your child’s oral hygiene routine to be it will be so worth it! Reward yourself for a job well done!!
Stay Tuned — We’re looking forward to seeing you next week when we continue discussing Strategies For Your At Home Care Routine with tips for creating your own storyboard.
Does your child have ASD? What are your at home care challenges? How is your routine going? What are your successes? What have you learned works for your child? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Going to the Dentist is hard. For parents whose child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) it is especially difficult.
See Me FirstIt’s Just To Much
What is important to know is that dental care and oral hygiene routines may go very slowly at first. Over time, and with compassion, patience and determination at home and in the pediatric dental office achieving positive results is possible and can bring invaluable rewards for your child and you.
ASD is complex and individual. There can also be associated medical issues that your family is dealing with and need to be taken into consideration.
Some children are distant and detached from people and their surroundings, and may or may not be verbal. Other children may have repetitive routines and behaviors, unpredictable body movements, or self-injurious behaviors. There are some children who have sensory, taste and/or texture sensitivities. Any of these behaviors can complicate dental care and establishing oral hygiene routines.
Today we’re breaking down the basics on challenges and strategies to help you help your child achieve successful dental care in the office.
Challenges And Strategies For Dental Care
Pediatric dental offices have all the bells and whistles for making going to the dentist fun. However they still have bright lights, loud noises and unfamiliar sights, smells and tastes.
Dental visits and procedures can be difficult for children with ASD who are sensitive to strong smells, tastes, and textures, or can not tolerate people or objects near their ears, face and mouth.
Strategies For Making Dental Visits Successful
Call the office ahead of your visit to discuss your child’s medical history, needs and preferences. Ask if you can tour the office with your child before their appointment.
While you’re on the phone or during the tour, ask if the office has or if you can bring noise-canceling headphones, a weighted blanket, or sunglasses, You can also ask if your child can listen to music or watch a movie. It’s okay to ask if it would be possible to turn off the fluorescent ceiling lights in the treatment room, and/or have limited talking during the dental procedure. If your child has self-soothing or a repetitive routine when they’re in a new environment remember to let the office know.
Some children with ASD may benefit from a gradual introduction to each step over multiple successive visits, rather than trying to accomplish everything at once. You can also ask the office if they offer introduction or “desensitization” visits to help prepare for your child for their first visit, their cleaning appointment or their dental procedure.
Tell your child ahead of time they are going to the dentist.
Read a social story about going to the dentist or create a story board about going to the dentist.
Read a book about going to the dentist. Some of our favorites are —Just Going To The Dentist by Mercer Mayer, The Berenstain Bears Visit The Dentist, Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig), Dora Goes To The Dentist.
Role play a dentist visit at home – You can put on disposable gloves, let your child touch them when they’re on your hands so they get the feel of the gloves’ texture, and practice looking in their mouth and counting their teeth. You can also do this with their toys.
Encourage your child and and do something fun as a reward for success at the end of the visit. (just not sweets or candy). This gives them positive reinforcement and associates the visit with something happy and something to look forward to.
Always be positive when talking about the dentist and their upcoming appointments.
A Pediatric Dentist’s Experience Treating A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder
As a pediatric dentist it is a pleasure and privilege to treat all children. The greatest compliment I can receive is when a parent entrusts me with the dental care and treatment for their child.
I would like to tell you about a patient of mine who has ASD. This child is amazing in the office now but our dental journey did not start out that way 4+ years ago. For this child’s parents it was agonizing, hair pulling, tearful, disappointing, painful and frustrating. What worked once didn’t always work twice. Each time we regrouped and eked forward. Today I’m happy to say that this child is incredible for their dental appointments, and I am so proud for this family.
I Just Want To Do My PuzzleI Am Autism Eye To Eye With My MomSee Someone SpecialCelebrating My BirthdaySometimes I Need A Time Out
What To Remember
Pack your patience. It may take a while to get to where you want to be. When you get there it will be so worth it!
Stay Tuned — We’re looking forward to seeing you next week when we discuss Challenges And Strategies For Your At Home Care.
Does your child have ASD? What are your dental visit challenges? What are your tips for dental visits? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
As pediatric dentists we are always emphasizing good oral habits like brushing and flossing. You’ve heard it so often you can recite it in your sleep.
The reason we talk about this so much is because often times when a cavity forms it doesn’t stay small for very long. It grows and its continuing growth is what makes it concerning.
You see, a tooth is made up of several layers, actually 3 distinct layers. The 1st is the outside layer, the enamel which is the hardest layer. Once a cavity (aka decay) penetrates through the enamel it moves into the 2nd layer which is the dentin.
The dentin is the middle layer and is softer than enamel so the cavity readily moves through this part. Once the cavity expands past the dentin it invades into the 3rd layer which is the nerve (aka pulp) of the tooth.
The pulp is the deepest layer of the tooth and has the blood supply and nutrients that the tooth needs but the cavity bacteria thrive on and want.
When a cavity invades into the pulp it causes the pulp to become inflamed, which can lead to a toothache and sometimes an infection.
There is a specialized procedure that is done specifically for when the cavity has reached the pulp in order to save the tooth, and this is called a Pulpotomy.
Today we’re breaking down the basics on when your child’s cavity has gotten so deep that a Pulpotomy is indicated.
What Is A Pulpotomy?
A lot of pediatric dentists refer to a pulpotomy as a “baby root canal.” While a root canal for adult teeth is a much different procedure, the basic reason is the same.
In a pulpotomy the inflamed portion of the pulp is removed and a specific medicated solution is used to treat any remaining bacteria in the pulp area.
The overall purpose of a pulpotomy is to preserve your child’s dental health.
Why Does My Child Need A Pulpotomy?
As a parent recognizing the signs at home indicating the need for a pulpotomy for your child is crucial.
Symptoms and complaints of a severe or ongoing toothache, tooth sensitivity especially when eating, tooth discoloration, waking up in pain during the night, or difficulty chewing indicate you need to contact your pediatric dentist.
By addressing these issues early on, you can help prevent the spread of infection and preserve the overall health of your child’s teeth and gums.
In contrast, hoping these red flags will go away can lead to more serious sequela.
New Front Teeth With Cavities On Back Teeth
Why A Pulpotomy And Not A Regular Filling?
A pulpotomy is the treatment of choice for a tooth when the cavity is so deep that it has infiltrated into the pulp of the tooth.
Once the cavity has gotten to the point when it extends into the pulp it is quite large. Since the cavity is extremely large and deep a traditional filling doesn’t address the nerve involvement, and can make things worse.
How Is A Pulpotomy Performed?
A pulpotomy is typically performed by removing the inflamed tooth pulp, with local dental anesthesia (aka numbing the tooth).
Once the tooth is numb, the dentist carefully accesses the pulp chamber and removes the inflamed or infected pulp tissue. This aims to eliminate the source of the infection and prevent it from spreading further.
After the pulp is removed, a medicated solution and dressing is placed into the pulp chamber to promote healing and help prevent bacterial growth.
What Do You Need To Know For After A Pulpotomy?
After treatment, the pain of your child’s toothache will go away.
Once the numbness wears off, their tooth may feel a sore for a day or two, but not like the pain they had before the pulpotomy.
The best part is you and your child can get back to your normal routine.
What To Remember
There are 2 goals for why a pulpotomy is performed — The 1st is to take your child out of pain and preserve your child’s dental health, The 2nd is to restore their tooth’s function and maintain its structural integrity. Both are important for preserving your child’s tooth for the long term.
Has your child ever had a toothache? One that kept them up at night? and painful enough they didn’t want ice cream or candy? What did you do? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
I Love My Mommy And Daddy, And They Love My Fresh Breath
When it’s snuggle time with your child you expect your child’s breath to smell as sweet as they are. While children’s breath can be very sweet, there are times when your toddler to teen’s breath is plain stinky.
Bad breath (aka Halitosis) while not uncommon in children also does not necessarily mean your child is sick.
We’re breaking down the basics for you, so keep reading to find out about potential causes and solutions for bad breath in children.
What Causes Bad Breath?
Halitosis can be caused by several factors, such as —
Mouth Breathing
Everyone breathes through their mouths once in a while, especially when it’s cold and flu season. Even then you’ll notice that your mouth feels dry and chapped.
This is because breathing through the mouth, and especially for children who breathe through their mouths every night when they sleep do dry out their mouth. The drying effect is due to a decrease in saliva production. Less saliva means more dry mouth.
What else can cause mouth breathing? Something stuck in their nose, congestion from a sinus infection, seasonal allergies, or certain medicines like an asthma inhaler. When any of these issues show no signs of resolving anytime soon, it’s time to see your pediatrician.
Good Morning BreathMonster Breath
Large Tonsils
Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can cause bad breath when they trap nasal secretions, food particles, and bacteria.
On the other hand, tonsillitis is an infection that makes the tonsils appear red and swollen. It occurs due to viruses or bacteria.
Dehydration and Dry Mouth
Drinking the right amount of water is important to keep your child’s body hydrated. Being well hydrated means that their salivary glands are producing the correct amount of saliva which in turn helps to cleanse their mouth and teeth, helping them to have fresh breath.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that saliva helps clean the mouth. When children don’t drink enough water, the amount of saliva in their mouth’s decreases. Less saliva leads a decrease the natural ability to clean their mouths. and an increase in the odor causing bacteria in their mouths.
Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can cause smelly breath even in children as young as toddlers. The most common places for food debris to hang out is in between teeth, on the gums, and also on the tongue.
Food debris is more than left over particles of food, it is also the mouth bacteria that attaches onto the food, and all of this together make up what we call dental plaque (or plaque for short).
Ever notice that white coating on your child’s tongue? That’s the plaque that attaches to the natural crevices on their tongue. You know that if the plaque is on the tongue, it’s for sure on the teeth and gums.
You Mean Stuff Caught In My Braces Can Give Me Stinky Breath
Cavities, Loose Fillings, Dental Infection
Did you know that bacteria causes cavities? Yes they do. The natural bacteria in the mouth latch onto the plaque. The longer plaque sits on teeth and in between the teeth, the more the tooth enamel is broken down, which is how cavities start and grow.
Cavities keep growing and the larger it gets the more likely it is to cause an infection. When the infection forms more types of bacteria come to the site and since these bacteria have their own smell the mouth gets even smellier.
Sometimes it could happen that your child has a loose cap or filling. If this occurs, food and bacteria can get trapped underneath, which can also cause bad breath.
Gum Disease
The same plaque that sits on the teeth, in between teeth and on the tongue also sits on the gums and causes their breath to smell like sulfur or rotten eggs. Also known as gingivitis, this causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed during toothbrushing.
Eating Smelly Foods
Some of the foods we really like, are good for us, and are happy our children want to eat can cause smelly breath. The most talked about are onions and garlic.
So what to do? After enjoying your oniony-garlicky delights, have your child rinse their mouth with water, brush their teeth, or chew sugar-free gum to freshen up their breath. The sugar free gum helps to stimulate saliva production to naturally help cleanse their mouths.
Medical Conditions
Your child may have bad breath if they have certain medical conditions, such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, or other respiratory infections.
If your child has a serious medical condition such as uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disease, gastrointestinal issues, liver disease they may also experience chronic bad breath.
An Object In The Nose
Some children, especially toddlers like to put things into their nose, whether it’s a tiny toy, something they find or bits of food.
When something gets put into the nose, it causes an increase in nasal secretions like a runny nose, inflammation and a bad smell that can be mistaken for bad breath. This is the time to seek medical attention.
What Can I Do To Keep Bad Breath Away?
Children can have halitosis for several reasons, and the approach to treatment depends on the cause.
Sometimes it’s a trip to your pediatrician to make sure everything is okay; or sometimes it’s your pediatric dentist you contact.
Sometimes what you’re doing at home is the solution to taking care of your child’s bad breath —
Good daily oral hygiene – Toothbrushing twice a day in the morning before going to school and at night after flossing. Use a fluoride toothpaste to help reduce the risk of cavities and infection;
Change their toothbrush – Toothbrush bristles wear down with regular twice daily use and should be changed every 3-4 months to make sure your child’s teeth are properly cleaned so their breath can stay fresh;
Brush to their favorite tunes or use a 2 minute brushing timer;
Be rock stars of the toothbrushing world together by brushing together and establishing your daily routine.
Mommy And Daddy Love Your Sweet Smelling BreathFresh Food For Fresh BreathI Always Brush My Teeth Twice A DayDaddy And Me Brushing TimeHow Often Do You Change Toothbrushes?Mommy Loves You, Let’s Go Floss and Brush Your TeethDad Did You Know This Tooth Truth?
What To Remember
Most children and teenagers have bad breath when they wake up. This usually goes away after they have something to eat and drink and brush their teeth.
Key ways to prevent bad breath for your child is to —
maintain good oral hygiene including toothbrushing, flossing, tongue brushing,
decreasing the habit of mouth breathing and learning how to breathe through their nose,
staying well hydrated by drinking healthy amounts of water which also helps maintain adequate flow of saliva.
However, there are times when you’re concerned because your child’s bad breath isn’t going away no matter what you do, this is the time for you to talk with your pediatric dentist or pediatrician.
Have you noticed your child’s breath lately? Are you worried your child may have bad breath? Has your child had bad breath for a while?, What did you do? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
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