Talking Teeth During National Children’s Dental Health Month — Why Are Baby Teeth So Important?

February 8, 2024February 7, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Mommy And Daddy Give Me Yummy Healthy Foods For My Teeth

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (#NCDHM), but children’s dental care is important every day.

Making dental care a daily habit from before their first teeth helps you keep your child healthy.

Your Newborn’s Mouth

After your baby is born there are new things to learn and become comfortable doing.

Did you know that there is something you can do in anticipation of their teeth? And it’s simple and easy to do.

All you have to do is wipe their mouth after their feedings and before you lay them down (for a nap or bedtime) with a cool wet wash cloth. Easy as that, wipe their gums, tongue, cheeks and top of their mouth with a soft cloth.

Why is this so important? This is because teeth come next and taking care of your child’s baby teeth is important for your child’s overall health and development.

Happy Baby Happy Mommy — Let Mommy See Your Nice Clean Mouth

Teething

Baby teeth are also called primary teeth or milk teeth, and they are your child’s first set of teeth.

Teething usually begins at about 4 to 6 months of age, and continues intermittently until your baby is about 24 to 36 months old.

When your child’s teeth are coming in (aka erupting), a good way of comforting their tender gums is by rubbing cool wash cloths (never frozen) gently on the gums.

First Teeth

Around the time your child is 12 months old they should have about 10 teeth.

With more and more teeth coming into your child’s mouth, it is important to be aware that constant bottle feeding, breast feeding or sippy cups increases their risk for cavities.

So keeping up on wiping their teeth and mouth with a cool wet wash cloth after each feeding and before putting them to bed helps to reduce that risk.

Mommy And Daddy Take Care Of My Teeth So I Can Smile Pretty For The Camera

Playing Outside Having Fun And Showing Off My Adorable Smile — Mommy And Daddy Take Care Of My Teeth So I Can Smile Pretty For The Camera

How Many Baby Teeth Do Children Have?

By the time children are 24 to 36 months old they usually have all their baby teeth; although this can vary.

When all of your child’s baby teeth have come in they will have 20 teeth, 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom.

Did you know that during the time your baby has been growing and getting their new teeth, their adult teeth have been developing underneath the baby teeth?

5 Reasons Baby Teeth Are Important To Keep Healthy

Baby teeth are important to help children:

Chew and eat – Eating healthy foods promotes good nutrition and healthy weight. Children who have cavities are less likely to want to eat because their teeth hurt.
Speak clearly – Teeth help with certain speech sounds like f, s, v, t, and th.
Keep the space for their adult teeth – When a baby tooth (or teeth) are lost early the surrounding teeth move into that space and block the adult tooth out. This causes issues later when the adult tooth tries to come into their mouth.
Stay healthy – cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, swelling and significant infections.
Have self-confidence – Have you seen a child that doesn’t smile or keeps their hand over their mouth or doesn’t want to play much with other children? They’re probably hiding the cavities on their teeth that they don’t want anyone to see.

I Love My Kitty And Showing Off My Beautiful Teeth

What To Remember

Taking care of your child’s baby teeth is important for their overall health and well-being now and for their future.

When did you start taking care of your child’s teeth? What is your daily routine? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to 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!

Why Does My Child Grind Their Teeth?

January 25, 2024January 24, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

My Mom and Dad Say I Grind My Teeth But I Don't Know Why — My Mom and Dad Say I Grind My Teeth But I Don’t Know Why

You walk into your child’s room to check on them after they’re asleep, you hear what sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard and you think “Oh no, they’re grinding their teeth. But do children grind their teeth?”

According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia about 3 out of 10 children grind their teeth, and that’s before they’re 5 years old. So yes, teeth grinding is fairly common for children.

What Is Tooth Grinding?

Tooth grinding, is also known as bruxism. Bruxism is when your child grinds or clenches their teeth together. This can occur unconsciously during the day or at night while they are sleeping.

What Are The Signs My Child Is Grinding Their Teeth?

There are usually 6 signs to look out for that your child is grinding their teeth —

The grinding, nails on a chalk board sound,
Their teeth are getting shorter because they are getting worn down and becoming more sensitive,
Their teeth look flatter especially the eye teeth (aka canines),
Their jaw joints (aka Temporomandibular joint or TMJ), jaws and/or cheeks are sore in the morning,
Their neck muscles are tight and painful in the morning,
They have a headache in the morning.

While children may let you know about most of these signs in the morning, they can also occur during school, after school, and in the evening.

Why Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

Young children such as toddlers and preschoolers usually grind their teeth as a way counteract teething discomfort or pain. They’re getting new teeth so this is also a way for them to learn how to place their teeth together.

Most school age children between the ages of 6 and 9 stop grinding on their own.

For the school age children, tween and teenagers who still constantly grind there could be a few reasons why —

It could be a sign that they are stressed. We don’t usually think that children have stress, but they do. There’s school work, home work, tests, sports, after school, in other words lots of reasons to be stressed,
Their teeth aren’t lining up in a way that’s comfortable for them to bite together and they’re searching for the right spot for all their teeth to fit together comfortably,
Some medications,
They may not be getting good sleep due to things like nightmares, night terrors, snoring, sleep apnea,
Ear infections cause a buildup of pressure in the middle ear and a child may grind to compensate and try to equalize what they’re feeling.

Can Bruxism Cause Problems?

Chronic bruxism can cause ongoing problems such as —

Worn off tooth enamel
Fractured and chipped teeth,
Tooth sensitivity,
Jaw pain,
Jaw joint issues,
Headaches.

How is Bruxism Treated?

Toddlers and preschoolers grind their teeth usually when they are teething. To help with the teething pressure you can try a clean cool wet washcloth, you hold the cloth while having them bite on it. The coolness of the washcloth helps soothe their gums.

For older children who haven’t stopped clenching and grinding their teeth, like school age, tweens and teenagers and you’re concerned that it’s damaging their teeth or causing jaw pain, your pediatric dentist can sometimes fabricate a custom night guard. A night guard helps cushion the impact from grinding, which can help prevent damage to the teeth and jaw joint.

If teeth clenching and grinding is part another sleep issue like snoring or sleep apnea, it’s important for you to speak with your pediatrician before your child’s next appointment.

As A Parent, What Can I Do To Help My Child?

Help your child, no matter their age, feel relaxed and comfortable before bed by establishing a calming bed time routine —

Set a regular bedtime and wakeup time every day,
Encourage beds are only for sleeping, no electronics or doing homework in the bed
Set up their room decor in a warm, welcoming, comfy and cozy way,
Have them take a warm bath or shower before bed,
Older children may want to listen to their favorite book on a podcast,
For younger children, reading their favorite stories or books together,
You may want to start the evening with their favorite music or some calming music and have some fun,
You may want to turn on an app with some calming water sounds, white noise, nature sounds,
As an after school activity you may want to consider children’s yoga,
Try to find out what’s causing the grinding. This may take some detective work and part of that is talking with your child to see how things are going, if anything has changed, anything new at school or with sports…

If you’ve tried and it’s not working, then it’s best to speak with your pediatrician and pediatric dentist to help you delve deeper and help you get the right treatment.

What To Remember

Often, the first indication that your child is grinding is the noise created by the clenching during sleep; or, you may notice their teeth getting shorter.

There are many thoughts as to why this occurs. Stress or inner ear infections are only 2 likely causes.

While the majority children may outgrow this or not require any treatment, there are children who need to see their pediatric dentist and pediatrician to address the cause of their bruxism and provide treatment.

If you suspect bruxism or have any concerns, always discuss this with your pediatrician and pediatric dentist.

Do you grind your teeth? Have you heard your child gnashing their teeth together? What have you done to help stop the grinding? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to 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!

Is My Child To Young For Braces?

January 18, 2024January 17, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

The 2 questions parents ask most often about their children’s teeth are about braces and cavities.

When asking about braces, we’ll often hear one of two types of questions. Many parents ask if “now” is the time to see the Orthodontist. While many more parents will ask “Isn’t my child too young to start braces?”

The answer is, there is a lot that goes into recommending when to first see the Orthodontist.

What Does The Orthodontist Say?

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7.

Does This Mean We’re Ready To Start Braces?

An evaluation does not mean that your child will start braces immediately. Depending on your child’s growth and development, braces may or may not be indicated for several years.

The evaluation gives the Orthodontist a chance to examine your child, and discuss with you their growth pattern, the next steps and when to begin treatment.

What is Early Treatment?

Early treatment is also called Interceptive Orthodontics or Phase 1 treatment.

In this phase, the emphasis is on growth; specifically your child’s growth pattern.

The Orthodontist is interested in the position and symmetry of the jaws, future growth, spacing of the baby teeth, breathing and other oral habits which can, over a period of time affect your child’s dental and facial development.

When Is Early Treatment Recommended?

Early treatment may be recommended for —

Habits such as tongue thrusting or thumb sucking
A constricted airway due to enlarged adenoids or tonsils
Mouth breathing or snoring problems
A bad bite
Narrow or underdeveloped jaws
Space maintenance (if there are any missing teeth)

Treatment in this phase of development does not necessitate or eliminate the need for future orthodontic treatment.

Remember this phase is all about how your child grows.

If There is Phase 1, Is There A Phase 2?

In the second phase, the Orthodontist will be looking at how your child’s teeth and jaws fit and come together.

Teeth will be straightened and their bite (aka occlusion) is properly aligned. Attention is given to their jaw joint (TMJ), their facial profile and gum tissues.

On Our Way To The Orthodontist's Office — Showing Off My Beautiful Smile

What To Remember

You want your child to have their best smile. While some children may need braces sooner than others, there is no exact age on when to start; and each child needs their own distinct treatment protocol.

An evaluation by an Orthodontist is valuable because it helps identify and address dentofacial issues early, putting your child on the path to their healthy beautiful smile.

Did you have braces? Does your child have braces? or, Are you about to start braces? What questions do you have? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us or Chat with us on
Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

My Child Has Special Health Needs, Where Can I Find A Dentist Who Understands?

January 11, 2024January 10, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Oral health is an important component of overall health. For many families who have a child with special health needs this is challenging to include in everyday life.

Children with special health needs most especially need regular dental care. Oral health care can be a pleasant experience when the dental office provides continuity of care and takes the time to establish a trusting relationship with both you and your child.

But where do you as parents find these offices? and how do you know if that office is the right fit for your family?

These are some tips you may find useful to help you find the right dental office.

Questions To Ask

These questions are a first step. As your conversation progresses you will most probably add to this list as you get more of a sense of the office (or offices) you speak with, as well as discussing your child’s specific medical concerns and needs.

Does this office have experience treating children (tweens, teenagers, young adults) with special health needs? intellectual disability? developmental disability?
My child has this specific medical concern, or disability. Is your office familiar with this condition?
Does your office offer tours before the first appointment? Are your Doctors available to introduce themselves to me and my child?
What techniques does your office use to help children with special needs feel comfortable?
What is your office’s approach for working with patients who resist treatment?
Would you be open to discussing behavior and communication strategies that your office uses?
Does your office provide a low stimulation environment and treatment room?
Does your office provide any comfort devices?
Do you provide distractions? or can I bring them with us to appointments?
Is your office willing to or able to devote extra time for procedures?
Does your office offer any additional supportive services if necessary?
Can I stay with my child in the treatment room? and during all procedures?

Referral Sources

3 main resources for you to speak with are those who are familiar with what you are going through,

Your primary care Pediatrician or Family Physician,
Your child’s medical (or surgical) specialists,
Support groups and/or organizations you belong to.

An additional resource for you is the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). The AAPD has a membership list pediatric dentists and their contact information, which you can search by your specific location.

My Cousin And I Playing Together And Having Ice Cream

My Sister And I Like Being Outside Together — My Cousin And I Playing Together And Having Ice Cream

Your Get To Know Me Visit

Scheduling a let’s meet and get to know each other visit is a good first step. This way you and your child have an opportunity to see and get a feel of the new environment and the dental team. Feeling comfortable and knowing what to expect on the day of your child’s appointment is priceless.

It's So Much Fun When We Come To The Playground — I Love To Smile

Finding the right office to skillfully address your child’s dental needs and help to teach you how to take care of your child’s oral health can be difficult. We hope these tips will help, because when you find that particular dentist you’ll want to stay with them for forever.

Do you have a child or loved one you care for who has special health needs? Are you on the journey to find that dental office who fits your needs? Have you found the office who understands your child’s needs? Tell us how you’re doing. We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothotline

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

New Years Resolution Tips On How To Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy In 2024

January 4, 2024January 3, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Happy New Year 2024!

Can you believe we rang in 2024? Seems like yesterday that everyone was in awe of the new century starting, and now we’re almost at a quarter of the century. Time sure does fly.

In the spirit of this new year we’ve put together some helpful tips to make it easier for you to take care of your children’s teeth. This is because as we know, taking good care of your children’s teeth gives you the power to protect your child from cavities.

Floss And Brush That Smile

A handy tip is that the last thing that touches your child’s teeth at night is their toothbrush.

Brushing starts and ends your day
Make a game out of brushing your child’s teeth 2 Minutes 2X’s A Day – Once in the morning after breakfast and once at night right before their bedtime.
Floss every night
There are 2 rules of thumb for flossing —
1st is to begin flossing your child’s teeth once they have any two teeth touching,
2nd is that flossing is recommended with your every night brushing routine. The key is to floss first and brush second. This way all the yucky stuff that comes out from in-between their teeth is brushed away.
What type of toothbrush?
Choose a child size soft bristle toothbrush. Remember to replace it when the bristles start to wear down, which is usually every 3 to 4 months.
How much toothpaste?
For children under 3 years old a rice grain size (meaning a dab) of fluoridated toothpaste on a baby tooth brush or finger brush or wash cloth is the right amount. For children over 3 years old brush twice a day with a pea size amount o fluoride toothpaste. Be sure your child doesn’t swallow the toothpaste and spits it out instead. Can’t spit out? Have a wash cloth handy to wipe the toothpaste off their teeth, tongue and cheeks.

Sister's Showing Off Their Smiles Together

Fluoride Is Nature’s Cavity Superpower

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in most drinking water. It’s also in toothpaste and mouth rinses. There are some sources of drinking water like bottled, filtered, spring, and well waters that vary in their fluoride amount. If this is the case for you then it’s important to talk with your pediatric dentist or pediatrician about fluoride supplements. In the right amount and on a regular schedule fluoride is safe and helps prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.

Protect Your Child’s Teeth With Sealants

Sealants protect the grooved chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) where most cavities are found. They are made of clear or tooth colored plastic which is brushed on to these surfaces of the tooth to help keep them cavity-free. Sealants can last for several years, and over time will need to be reapplied when necessary.

Healthy Diet Strong Teeth

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

Good food can be fun food
Fresh fruit and veggies are always flavorful and appealing. To make eating them
more fun you can cut their fruit and veggies into different shapes with your
cookie cutters. Know what goes great with fruit and is good for teeth? Cheese! The calcium in cheese is healthy for growing teeth and growing bones. So it’s a win-win 2 for 1. When thinking about bread and crackers, whole grains are a great addition to
stay on that healthy track.
Juice is not a way to meet your child’s daily fruit and vegetable needs
Juice, soda, and sports drinks are sugar sweetened beverages with no real nutritional value and put you on the fast track to cavities. Drinking water and plain low fat milk are the healthiest choices. Water is the best choice in-between meals and for hydration.

Help Prevent Sports Related Dental Injuries

If your child plays sports, any kind of sports, it’s best to use a mouth guard to protect their teeth. Sporting goods stores sell hard and soft types, or your pediatric dentist can make a custom mouth guard. Your child only needs to wear 1 guard, and usually the top is more comfortable and easier to fit. When it’s more comfortable and a regular part of their sports equipment it’s so much easier to wear.

What are your News Years Resolutions for healthy teeth and gums? Your resolution doesn’t have to be for a whole year. Take small steps for the next week or for this month. Tell us what you’re doing and how you’re doing. We’d really like to know!

Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Keep Your Child’s Smile Sparkling During The Holidays

December 14, 2023December 13, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

The holidays spirit is in the air! Spending time enjoying family, friends and food is here. Chocolate, candy, cookies, and cake are everywhere.

Mostly everything our children eat this time of year is tied to tradition, especially the sweets. As parents we want to create new memories and enjoy family traditions.

This is also a great time to start new family traditions to help your children maintain healthy tooth habits even during your hectic holiday schedule.

Strive For Moderation

We’ve all heard this from our own parents. You can enjoy everything but everything in moderation.

But why is this especially true for sugary and starchy foods?

Holiday time with big family meals and lots of special foods and tons of deserts increase the number of times children are eating sweets.

The natural bacteria in their mouth also love all those sugary and starchy foods. As they do this, the bacteria release acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Eating away at the enamel causes cavities.

So what to do? When you’re planning your entertaining and festive meals, make sure your child’s other meals (like breakfast and lunch) and snacks are full of foods that help strengthen teeth, like fresh vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein.

If you’ve been invited out for the holidays, stock your own refrigerator and kitchen cabinets with healthy food. This way you’ll know that when you’re at home, your child is enjoying foods with less sugar and important nutrients.

New Twists On The Classics

Family time together with home made cookies and hot chocolate is the best. With minor alterations in the recipe these special treats can be even better.

Instead of using all purpose flour, perhaps you can find a recipe that replaces some of the regular flour with whole wheat flour. Maybe you experiment to see how much frosting, icing, sprinkles, jimmies and sugar decorations you can remove from your baked goods and your children and guests will still absolutely love them.

There’s something so special about drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows when it’s cold outside. Maybe instead of mixing up the pre-packaged mixes (which are loaded with sugar), you make it from scratch. This way you can keep the hot chocolate on the yummy side but not the sugary sweet side. Or maybe you’ll add a dash of cinnamon. Remember, that peppermint stick candy is just for decoration.

Make Brushing And Flossing A Priority

Set aside a dedicated time each morning after breakfast and each night before bed devoted especially for you and your children as together time, and to and reinforce good brushing and flossing habits.

Making oral hygiene even more of a priority during the holidays can help go a long way in protecting your child’s teeth.

Remember to brush your child’s teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes in the morning and 2 minutes before bed, and floss before their bed time brushing. Use an age appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste on their toothbrush — that’s a rice grain size or smear for children younger than 3 years old, and a pea size amount for children between 3 and 6 years old.

If you’re traveling for the holidays, pack all your children’s brushing supplies in your luggage before you head out on the road. Check List: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss.

Avoid Grazing While Enjoying Family Time

Spending time together in the kitchen enjoying all the cooking and baking, or at the table reminiscing after a luxurious meal is so heart warming.

But it’s actually not that great for teeth.

The first 30 minutes after eating are the most vulnerable time for teeth. This is when they are the most susceptible to those bacterial acids. So eating a cookie here, grabbing a candy there, actually restarts the clock each time. It’s really better to eat and drink all at once. If your child is having their one special juice or soda, it’s best for them to drink it with their meal so that it gets neutralized by their saliva.

How Much Powdered Sugar Do You Like On Your Jelly Donut?

Give Some Tooth-Friendly Holiday Gifts

Including a few tooth friendly gifts into your holiday gift mix is a good way towards keeping your child’s teeth healthy during the holidays and afterwards.

Gift Tips —
Cool character toothbrush, cool color toothbrush, tempting flavored toothpaste, travel-size dental kit, fun brushing timers, flavored floss, or an electric toothbrush for an older child.

Encourage Drinking Water

Drinking water helps to wash away the residual food that stays around in the mouth as we eat and after we eat. Water also helps to stimulate more saliva to be released into the mouth, both of which neutralize the pH in the mouth.

This is a good thing because there isn’t any sugar in water, so it then goes on to also help neutralize the acid caused by bacteria in the mouth.

Drinking water is always a good idea, whether it’s with a meal, after a meal, instead of juice and soda, or after a sugary drink. An added bonus is that water keeps everyone hydrated.

The holidays are hectic enough. Helping you child brush like a champ, and being watchful about the amount of sugary treats they eat and drink during the festivities and downtime at home, and keeping up with their regular dental check-ups goes a long way to happy mouths and bright smiles for all.

Cavity bugs love to eat sugar and teeth. When do you think is their most favorite time of the year? Tell us what you think. We’d really like to know. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook at facebook,com/kidstoothhotline

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

Why Does My Child Need A Dental Space Maintainer?

December 7, 2023December 6, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

All Is Good With My Space Maintainer

You’re going along, everything is good and then out of the blue your child loses a baby tooth way earlier than they should be losing the tooth.

So why worry? You’re thinking that the permanent tooth will eventually come in and replace that baby tooth.

Not necessarily. Losing a baby tooth too early can change the position of where the adult tooth comes into their mouth.

What do you do?

There is something that is used to keep the space for the adult tooth. It’s called a space maintainer.

Haven’t heard about space maintainers? You’re not alone. Many parents haven’t heard about them. This is some information for you to know about space maintainers.

What Is A Space Maintainer?

Space maintainers help “hold space” for adult teeth when a child loses a baby tooth early, before the permanent tooth is developed enough to come into their mouth.

Why Is A Space Maintainer Important?

Baby teeth are important for a lot of reasons. One of the most essential functions of baby teeth is to hold the space necessary for the growth and position of the future adult teeth.

The same way baby teeth have a natural cycle of growing in and going to the tooth fairy, adult teeth have a natural growth cycle which can’t be rushed.

When a baby tooth is lost naturally at the time the permanent tooth is developed enough to come in, the adult tooth grows right into the same site.

A baby tooth can be lost early due to cavities, infection or trauma. When it’s lost before the adult tooth is developed, it is a long time before it will come in and the space maintainer “maintains” the space. When this space is maintained, the permanent tooth has a place to grow into.

Why Does Tooth Space Need To Be Maintained?

When a baby tooth is lost early before adult teeth are ready to come into the mouth the space the baby tooth occupied is lost. This is because the teeth on each side of the space naturally move into the gap left behind and when the adult tooth is ready to come in there isn’t enough empty space available for it to grow into.

To help prevent this from happening, pediatric dentists recommend a space maintainer to hold open the space left by the missing tooth.

How Long Does The Space Maintainer Stay In?

The space maintainer stays in for as long as it takes the new permanent tooth to grow in. When the permanent tooth starts to grow in, the space maintainer is removed.

How Do You Know A Space Maintainer Is Necessary?

Pediatric Dentists recommend space maintainers for children who lose their teeth well before the permanent tooth is expected to grow into their mouth. The development of the adult teeth is different for each child; even among siblings.

To help in determining when and the order teeth come in, it’s important to look at each child’s dental history and the age they began teething to determine if a space maintainer is needed.

Are There Different Types Of Space Maintainers?

There are several types of space maintainers and each is used for a specific reason.

Once the style of space maintainer is determined for your child, it is custom made for your child’s specific needs.

The 4 most common types of space maintainers are:

Band and Loop is one of the most common types of space maintainers for back teeth. This space maintainer is fabricated with a metal band that is placed on the tooth behind the gap with a stainless steel open wire loop that extends over the gap to the tooth in front of the gap. A band and loop is used when there is one baby tooth missing, and can be used for the top and bottom teeth.
Nance is used when more than one top back baby teeth have been lost early. With a nance, a metal band is placed on each of the teeth behind the gap attached to a stainless steel wire which goes behind the top teeth.
Lower Lingual Holding Arch is a third type of space maintainer. This is for bottom back teeth when two or more baby teeth have been lost. With a lower lingual holding arch, a metal band is placed on each of the teeth behind the gap attached to a stainless steel wire that goes behind the bottom teeth.
Distal Shoe is designed when a specific baby molar is lost before the first permanent molar (6 year molar) comes into their mouth. This spacer is inserted under the gums to keep the gap open and the 6 year molar to come into the correct position.

Can You Guess Who Has A Space Maintainer?

We Both Have Space Maintainers — Can You Guess Who Has A Space Maintainer?

Does This Mean My Child Won’t Need Braces?

Space maintainers are not a guarantee that your child won’t need braces. This is because there are a lot of factors during your child’s growth that go into deciding about braces.

How Do We Take Care Of A Space Maintainer?

No matter which type of space maintainer your child has, taking caring of it properly is important.

Plaque can still build up on and around the space maintainer. Food can also become stuck in it, on it and around it. Chewy and sticky foods will pull the space maintainer off.

The best way to take care of your child’s space maintainer, the teeth supporting it, and their whole mouth is still, as always with really good brushing and flossing.

Showing Off My Space Maintainer

What To Remember

If your child loses a baby tooth early and a space maintainer is indicated, the type of space maintainer is specifically designed for their needs.

Has your child lost a baby tooth early? Does your child need a space maintainer? or already have one? Is this helpful for you to learn about space maintainers? Tell us what you think. 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!

What Is The Blue-Purple Bump On My Baby’s Gums?

November 30, 2023November 29, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Feels like there's something in my mouth

Your baby is healthy and happy, and achieving their milestones. Next on the list is teething. Yes teething, but you’ve got this, you’re on it.

Then one day when you’re cleaning your baby’s mouth you notice a bump. Not just any bump, a bluish-purplish bump on their gums where a tooth is supposed to be.

You’re thinking what is this bump? It wasn’t there before, where did it come from?

While you’re used to the more common signs of teething like children drooling, putting their hands in their mouths, running a low grade temperature, diarrhea, or pulling on their ears. there is also a not so commonly talked a sign of teething.

There are some babies and toddlers who may have a bump on their gums around their developing tooth. This bump is called an eruption cyst.

What Is An Eruption Cyst?

An eruption cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms around a tooth that is developing before that tooth comes through the gums.

As the tooth moves closer to the gums the sac (or bump) appears through the gums and as the tooth continues to grow the bump becomes more apparent.

An eruption cyst does not affect the development of the tooth. The tooth develops as it normally would.

How Does An Eruption Cyst Form?

When fluid accumulates around the special dental tissue which surrounds the developing tooth the eruption cyst forms.

The normal pressure from the developing tooth on the fluid pushes on the gums and because the gums are thin the bump appears bluish-purple.

Sometimes blood can be in the bump around the tooth, which gives the bump a red-brown color.

There are some theories as to why this can occur, there aren’t any definitives as to what causes the fluid to accumulate around the developing tooth.

How Is An Eruption Cyst Treated?

Most of the time when the tooth has fully developed to the point it is ready to come through the gums the eruption cyst will pop on its own.

When the eruption cyst pops and the fluid is clear you’ll see a brand new tooth coming into your baby’s mouth with sore looking gums around the tooth. The sore looking gums are from the eruption cyst that popped and usually gets better on its own in about a week.

However when the cyst pops and there is blood in the bump you’ll see blood in the mouth and on the lips. The best thing to do if you see this is to wet some clean soft wash cloths and gently clean your baby’s mouth. This way you can see where the blood is coming from. When it comes from a new tooth the gums will look sore and get better on their own in about a week.

If you have any worries or concerns always contact your child’s dentist or pediatrician.

What To Know About An Eruption Cyst

Can be a bluish-purple or reddish-brown bump or bruise on the gums which forms over a developing tooth,
This bump may feel spongy or look like a small balloon on the gums,
They may look uncomfortable, but they usually are not painful,
An eruption cyst lasts until the tooth comes into the mouth,
There can be redness around the gums when the eruption cyst pops and the new tooth comes into the mouth.

What To Remember

Eruption cysts are the not so often talked about part of teething. It is formed by fluid accumulating around a developing tooth. These sacs can look like a bluish-purple or red-brown bump on the gums. They usually aren’t a cause for concern and pop on their own when the tooth comes into the mouth.

Have you seen an eruption cyst up close in person? What did you think when you saw it? Share your thoughts with 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!

Dental X-Rays Are Safe For Children – As A Parent What You Need To Know

November 16, 2023November 15, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

My Dentist Always Goes Over My X-Rays With My Dad

As parents we know from our own dental experiences about cavity detecting x-rays. But x-rays detect so much more than cavities. X-rays allow Dentists to diagnose and treat conditions that can’t be detected during a clinical examination.

Pediatric Dentists recommend x-rays only when they are necessary and minimize radiation exposure by using lead aprons with thyroid collars, and following the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American College of Radiology and Image Gently.

But wait, there’s even more that is being done to minimize radiation exposure for your child.

Digital X-Rays

Digital x-rays significantly reduce the amount of radiation as compared to the older film based x-rays, and provides an opportunity to further reduce the radiation dose by 90 percent.

In addition, today’s modern digital dental x-ray machines are required by the FDA to have “child settings” that keep radiation exposure to a minimum.

Digital x-rays are instantaneous. Their improved diagnostic quality and the efficiency to view the x-rays directly on the computer screen enable you to better visualize and follow your child’s treatment.

Even though it takes less than a second to take a digital x-ray, your child will still be protected with a lead apron and thyroid collar shield to protect their body from unnecessary radiation exposure.

If you’re into green technology, you’ll be glad to know that digital x-rays are green.

X-Ray Procedure For Children

Pediatric Dentists have special ways to help children be comfortable taking an x-ray.

First, before taking any x-ray, we place a protective lead apron and thyroid collar on your child.

Then to make taking the x-ray easier we use child size digital x-ray computer sensors while engaging your child to “take a photo” or “take a tooth selfie” of their tooth. Children really like seeing their tooth selfie on the computer screen.

Types Of Dental X-Rays

There are several varieties of x-rays typically seen in a pediatric dental office, but the type that is used totally depends on your child’s needs.

Bitewing X-rays – Are to view cavities between the teeth, especially when then teeth are touching.
Periapical X-rays – Allow us to see several adjacent teeth and the supporting bone structure. This is also helpful to see the adult teeth growing underneath baby teeth. We also use this x-ray to check for any tooth infections.
Panoramic x-rays – We’re able to view of the entire mouth, upper and lower jaws, the jaw joint, sinus, nose, eyes and the wisdom teeth.
Occlusal X-rays – We take one for the top front baby teeth and another for the bottom front baby teeth. This allows us to check for cavities, infections, injuries, and developing adult teeth.
Orthodontic x-rays – Evaluate the relationship between the head, jaw, and teeth.

Important To Know

While dental x-rays are important to diagnose and treat oral health conditions which wouldn’t ordinarily be found during a clinical examination, this is not something Pediatric Dentists take lightly.

Pediatric Dentists respect your concerns for your child’s health especially about radiation exposure during x-rays and are mindful to minimize the amount of radiation.

We do this by following the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for the type and frequency of x-ray examinations, in addition to adhering to the radiation protection standard of ALARA for a safe radiation protocol, as well as the Image Gently safety and effectiveness standards for pediatric radiation imaging safety best practices.

Also, in addition to following these 3 sets of guidelines, lead aprons and thyroid collars are used to help to protect your child. Modern equipment restricts the x-ray beam to the area of concern, while digital x-rays, and proper shielding assure that your child receives the minimal amount of radiation exposure.

We want to assure you that we respect everyone’s opinion regarding dental x-rays. We also hope that you found the information from last week’s post as well as today’s helpful and informative.

What are your feelings now about dental x-rays after seeing how diligent Pediatric Dentists are in making sure that when your child does need an x-ray it is taken with the least amount of radiation possible? Have they changed? Are they the same? Share your thoughts with 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!

Dental X-rays For Children, What Parents Need To Know

November 9, 2023November 8, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

Dental x-rays (aka radiographs) are a valuable diagnostic tool to see places on teeth that are not visible to the eye. They help diagnose cavities and other developing problems that your Pediatric Dentist would not be able to see otherwise.

While dental x-rays are not like medical x-rays, the same question still comes to mind – What about the radiation?

This X-Ray Machine Takes X-Rays Of The Teeth Inside My Mouth

Why Dental X-rays Are Important

As parents we know from our own dental visits about cavity detecting x-rays. But x-rays detect so much more than cavities. Pediatric Dentists utilize x-rays to evaluate developing adult teeth, evaluate the results of an injury, diagnose bone problems, or plan orthodontic treatment.

X-rays allow Pediatric Dentists to diagnose and treat conditions that can’t be detected during a clinical examination. Dental problems that are found early and treated early allow dental care to be more comfortable.

Safety Features

X-rays are recommended only when necessary to evaluate and monitor your child’s oral health, and the frequency is determined by your child’s individual needs.

Pediatric Dentists are particularly mindful and careful to minimize radiation exposure.

3 Sets Of Gold Standards and Guidelines

As well as following the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (aapd.org) guidelines for the type and frequency of x-ray examinations, Pediatric Dentists also adhere to the principle of ALARA as set by the American College of Radiology (acr.org) and Image Gently (imagegently.org).

ALARA stands for “as low as reasonably achievable” and is a radiation protection standard set by the American College of Radiology (acr.org) for establishing and following a safe radiation program.

Image Gently (imagegently.org) is a coalition of health care organizations dedicated to providing safe, high quality pediatric x-ray imaging worldwide. The primary objective for Image Gently is to raise awareness in the imaging community of the need to adjust the radiation dose when imaging children.

Safety Equipment

In addition to following these 3 sets of guidelines, lead aprons and thyroid collars are used to help to protect your child. Today’s equipment restricts the x-ray beam to the area of interest. Digital x-rays, modern equipment and proper shielding assure that your child receives the minimal amount of radiation exposure.

Oral Health Conditions X-rays Diagnose

Dental x-rays are used to diagnose conditions that cannot be seen with the plain eye.

To this end, x-rays are used to assist in diagnosing:

Infection
Injuries
Monitor healing
Developing teeth
Impacted teeth
Growths, cysts, tumors of the jaws
Cavities
Gum disease
Growth and development of the face, teeth, and jaws

My Dentist Took This X-ray To Check For My Wisdom teeth

Important To Know

This is not something Pediatric Dentists take lightly. While dental x-rays are important to diagnose and treat oral health conditions that wouldn’t ordinarily be detected during a clinical examination, at the same time, Pediatric Dentists respect the importance of your child’s health and are careful to minimize their radiation exposure.

We respect everyone’s opinion regarding dental x-rays and hope you found this information on dental x-rays helpful.

In our post next week we will continue our conversation on x-rays and focus on digital x-rays, the x-ray procedure for children, the types of dental x-rays and when they are recommended.

What are your feelings about dental x-rays now that you’ve read about ALARA, Image Gently and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s standards for radiation safety? Would you feel comfortable discussing this with your child’s Dentist? Share your thoughts, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to 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!

Your Newborn’s Mouth

Teething

First Teeth

How Many Baby Teeth Do Children Have?

5 Reasons Baby Teeth Are Important To Keep Healthy

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Is Tooth Grinding?

What Are The Signs My Child Is Grinding Their Teeth?

Why Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

Can Bruxism Cause Problems?

How is Bruxism Treated?

As A Parent, What Can I Do To Help My Child?

What To Remember

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What Does The Orthodontist Say?

Does This Mean We’re Ready To Start Braces?

What is Early Treatment?

When Is Early Treatment Recommended?

If There is Phase 1, Is There A Phase 2?

What To Remember

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Referral Sources

Your Get To Know Me Visit

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Floss And Brush That Smile

Fluoride Is Nature’s Cavity Superpower

Protect Your Child’s Teeth With Sealants

Healthy Diet Strong Teeth

Help Prevent Sports Related Dental Injuries

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Strive For Moderation

New Twists On The Classics

Make Brushing And Flossing A Priority

Avoid Grazing While Enjoying Family Time

Give Some Tooth-Friendly Holiday Gifts

Encourage Drinking Water

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What Is A Space Maintainer?

Why Is A Space Maintainer Important?

Why Does Tooth Space Need To Be Maintained?

How Long Does The Space Maintainer Stay In?

How Do You Know A Space Maintainer Is Necessary?

Are There Different Types Of Space Maintainers?

Does This Mean My Child Won’t Need Braces?

How Do We Take Care Of A Space Maintainer?

What To Remember

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What Is An Eruption Cyst?

How Does An Eruption Cyst Form?

How Is An Eruption Cyst Treated?

What To Know About An Eruption Cyst

What To Remember

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Digital X-Rays

X-Ray Procedure For Children

Types Of Dental X-Rays

Important To Know

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Why Dental X-rays Are Important

Safety Features

3 Sets Of Gold Standards and Guidelines

Safety Equipment

Oral Health Conditions X-rays Diagnose

Important To Know

If this is helpful for You Please Share: