As a Mom and a Pediatric Dentist, February is one of the nicest times, when I have heart felt conversations about the importance of children’s oral health.
Talking with you as one parent to another, and giving you these nuggets of powerful information helps you realize how important it’s to start your children early for a lifetime of good oral health.
Truth be told, keeping your child’s teeth healthy isn’t only a 1 month job. It’s something parents and caregivers work on each and every day.
Today I’m shining the light on the importance of starting oral health care early in your child’s life.
Why It Matters
Early oral care and daily habits matter from the very start.
Tooth decay is the most common preventable chronic disease in children. When left untreated, it can cause infection, trouble eating or sleeping, missed school days, and long term health issues.
Schedule your child’s first pediatric dental appointment by their 1st birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth erupting into their mouth.
Daily routines and at home habits are important to start at a young age. Clean gums before teeth come in with a soft cloth. Transition to a soft toothbrush when their first tooth appears. Use a rice grain size of fluoridated toothpaste to help prevent cavities.
Your child’s diet impacts their teeth more than you realize. It’s important to avoid putting your child to bed with a bottle. If that’s the only way they’ll go to sleep only put water in their bottle.
What To Remember
Healthy teeth play a big role in your child’s health and well being. Three simple habits make all the difference:
First dental visit by their 1st birthday or within 6 months of their first tooth coming into their mouth.
No teeth, use a soft cloth to wipe their gums and transition to a soft toothbrush with fluoridated toothpaste when their first tooth comes into their mouth.
Diet impacts your child’s teeth more than you realize.
While February is a great reminder of how we need to focus on our children’s teeth, children’s oral health matters every month. By starting good oral healthcare habits at an early age you can help prevent problems as they grow.
How old was your child when they had their first dental appointment? How old was your child when you started to brush their teeth? Did they go to bed with a bottle? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Can you believe it’s 2026? Here’s to a great year!
Like the saying goes, new year, new dreams, new hopes. This year you’re hoping for only good visits at the pediatric dentist’s office. Finger’s crossed no cavities. Or at least no new ones.
But when cavities are caught early, are they really cavities?
How can you tell if your child has early signs of tooth decay? What do you look for to tell if your child has a potential cavity?
Today we’re talking the tell tale signs of early tooth decay for you to spot.
Early Signs Of Tooth Decay
Recognizing the early signs of decay can help you take action.
What to look for:
White spots on the teeth – this is also called demineralization, and indicates the earliest sign of enamel damage
Brown or black spots near the gum line – indicates cavities are forming or have already formed
Bad breath
Sensitivity to sweets
Sensitivity to hot and/or cold foods and beverages
Pain or discomfort while chewing – can lead to a decreased appetite
Puffy, swollen or red gums
Why Early Decay Isn’t Only About Baby Teeth
Have you heard the myth about baby teeth? The one that goes, “They’re just baby teeth. They’ll fall out anyway.”
Well, this is what happens when early decay is undervalued and overlooked:
Pain and infections lead to missed school and poor nutrition
Premature tooth loss affects speech and adult tooth position
Self-confidence takes a hit and embarrassment takes over due to visible cavities and/or bad breath
Future dental visits may become a source of fear
We’re Reading Our Social Story So I Can Check My Daughter’s TeethI Look At Mommy’s Teeth, Then Mommy Looks At My Teeth
Parent’s Role In Early Detection Of Tooth Decay
Become the tooth detective of your home.
Be on the look out for:
Complaining about teeth hurting when eating or drinking cold foods, beverages, and ice cream
Avoiding chewing on one side or eating less
White or brown spots that don’t go away no matter how much you brush
Bad breath
Gums that bleed when brushed
When your child tells you they have a bad taste in their mouth
Let Me Tell You About My TeethMy Teeth, My Teeth
What To Remember
Tooth decay often starts silently.
As a parent, you’re always looking for anything unexpected when it comes to your child’s health, and that includes their teeth.
So if you’ve spotted something on your child’s pearly whites, you’ll be wondering what’s going on. Whether your child has baby teeth or newly erupted adult teeth, knowing what to look for can give you peace of mind.
When is the last time you looked in your child’s mouth? And looked at their teeth? How did they look? How did their breath smell? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
This week we’re continuing our discussion about the importance of tweens and teens maintaining good oral health habits.
As they strive for more independence their good habits may fall to the side; as they’re finding out being a teen can be awesome and tough at the same time.
If you’re at a loss as to how to talk with your tween or teen, we’ve put together some tips on how they can maintain excellent dental health.
Brushing Teeth
Brushing teeth is important for keeping teeth healthy and preventing tooth decay. Unfortunately teenagers don’t always brush their teeth, and there could be several reasons for this.
For example, your child might not understand the importance of brushing their teeth and gums, they might forget to do it, or they may not want to because none of their friends are brushing.
How To Tell If Your Teen Isn’t Brushing Their Teeth
There are a few ways for you to know if your tween or teen isn’t keeping up with tooth brushing ~
Their toothbrush doesn’t look like it’s been used.
The tube of toothpaste is lasting a very long time.
Their teeth don’t look clean.
They may have bad breath (aka halitosis).
They have red, swollen, bleeding gums.
Toothbrushing Basics
These are some basic steps in case your tween or teen needs some gentle reminding for brushing their teeth.
Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on their toothbrush.
Place the toothbrush at a 45° angle towards the gum-line. If you’re using a manual toothbrush, move the brush in gentle circles. If you’re using an electric toothbrush, move the brush gently across the teeth.
Start with the top teeth. Brush the outside surface of the top teeth and along the gum-line, one tooth at a time. Then brush the inside surface of the teeth and gums, one tooth at a time.
Move to the bottom teeth and repeat as in the step above.
Brush along the chewing surfaces of all the teeth.
Gently brush the tongue.
Toothbrush for 2 minutes. Remember to brush for 2 minutes every morning (after breakfast) and for 2 minutes every night (before bed).
Spit out the toothpaste after brushing is finished. There’s no need to rinse with water. Any leftover fluoride toothpaste helps to build strong, healthy teeth.
Now that their teeth are nice and clean it’s best not to have anything more to eat or drink. If they do then they have to brush all over again.
As well as brushing, your child should use dental floss to clean between their teeth every evening before brushing.
Does My Teen Really Need To Floss?
Yes. Brushing is important but it won’t remove the particles of food between their teeth and around their gum-line. You need to floss these spaces at least once a day.
With any floss, you should be careful to avoid hurting your gums. You and your teen can follow these basic steps ~
Carefully insert the floss between two teeth, using a back and forth motion. Gently bring the floss under the gum-line, but don’t force it under the gums.
Curve the floss around the side of your tooth in the shape of the letter “C” and slide it up and down the side of each tooth.
Repeat this process between all your teeth.
Choosing The Correct Toothbrush
When you and your teen are choosing a toothbrush, it’s important to look for a brush which has ~
Soft bristles- these aren’t rough and won’t damage your child’s gums or tooth enamel.
A long handle – this will help your child reach all their teeth.
A small head – this will make it easy for your child to move the toothbrush one tooth at a time around their mouth.
Electric Or Manual Toothbrush?
Electric and manual toothbrushes are equally good, as long as you use them properly to clean all the surfaces of all your child’s teeth. Electric toothbrushes can be useful if you feel your child needs more control in positioning the brush.
What To Remember
Dental decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in young people. This makes it imperative for your child to continue to follow good oral health habits during their teen years.
Do you prefer a manual toothbrush or electric brush for your teenager? How’s their toothbrushing going? How many times a week does your teen floss? What works best for you when it comes to their toothbrushing routine? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
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Like most childhood milestones teeth are variable. The age when a baby gets their teeth differs from child to child.
There are some infants who are born with teeth. Then there are 1 year olds who have yet to get any teeth.
When you’re out and about you’re noticing other children your baby’s or toddler’s or pre-schooler’s age who already have teeth or are getting teeth.
You’re wondering why at 1 year old your child doesn’t have any teeth yet?
Today we’re talking about possible causes of delayed baby teeth, also known as delayed tooth eruption.
When Do Babies Start To Get Their Teeth?
There is no one set “normal” expected age for when teeth start to come into a baby’s mouth. It is a really wide range of time. Some babies may be born with teeth and some may not get a tooth until they’re 1 year old.
However, most babies get their first tooth when they are between 4 and 9 months old.
At What Age Is A Baby Considered To Have Delayed Tooth Eruption?
If a child does not have any teeth by the time they are 12-18 months old, it is time for them to see a pediatric dentist.
It is important to examine their mouth and try to determine the reason teeth have not come in yet, and what to do next.
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What Causes Delayed Tooth Eruption?
For some children who haven’t gotten their baby teeth yet, it can come down any one of a number of factors ~
Genetics
Failure To Thrive or Under Nutrition
Fibrosis (thick gums)
Systemic Diseases
Premature Birth or Low Birth Weight
Genetics
Genes for teeth are passed down just like hair color, eye color, and height.
If your child doesn’t have teeth yet, ask other family members how old they were or their children were when they started getting their teeth.
There are also some genetic conditions, such as Down’s Syndrome, which cause delays in tooth eruption.
Systemic Disease
There are some developmental delays, diseases, and syndromes which are associated with delayed tooth eruption.
Some include ~
Apert Syndrome
Hypopituitarism
Vitamin D Resistant Rickets
Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
Premature Birth, Low Birth Weight, Failure To Thrive
Baby teeth begin forming during your pregnancy and are almost fully formed in time for a full term birth, and ready to start coming into their mouth in the next 4 to 9 months.
Tooth development slows down and delays tooth eruption for baby’s born premature, were low birth weight, and/or failure to thrive.
Under Nutrition, Malnutrition, Vitamin Deficiencies
Poor nutrition with inadequate intake of vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, adversely affect tooth development and eruption.
Still No TeethNope, No Teeth YetWe’re Still Waiting For Those Teeth Hope They’re ComingWhere Are My Teeth?I Have 10 Fingers And 10 Toes But No Teeth
Is Delayed Tooth Eruption Serious?
For most children baby teeth coming in late isn’t a concern. For some other children there can be unknown issues.
It’s always best to talk with your pediatrician and pediatric dentist about why no teeth have come through your child’s gums.
What To Remember
Children’s teeth are just like they are, lots of variety.
While there is a general time line for baby teeth to come in, there is a lot of variability in the process.
For most baby teeth coming in late shouldn’t be a concern. However, for some children there could be underlying issues.
If your child’s baby teeth aren’t coming in as you’d expect and they are 12 months old there could be several reasons. Knowing these possible causes can help you take the appropriate steps.
Why Does My Brother Have Teeth And I Don’t?No Teeth Yet
Did your child get their teeth “on time” or were they late? How old were they when they finally got their teeth? Is your family a late tooth bloomer? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook
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My Elastic’s Color Pops With My Clean Teeth And Braces
Your child has their braces on and you’re settling into your new normal. Now you’re facing the dreaded “I don’t want to brush.”
You’ve heard about cavities after braces and want to avoid this for your child. So brushing and flossing is more important than ever.
Now you’re thinking about how to explain and show them what to do; especially if you didn’t have braces.
Today we’re breaking down the basics on tooth brushing and flossing when your child has braces.
Can You Clean Teeth With Braces On?
Yes and your child should, especially with braces.
Having braces on makes it feel like it’s more difficult to keep your child’s teeth clean. It can be difficult to go around the archwires and brackets, but remember how extremely important it is to keep your child’s mouth as clean as possible.
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Why It’s Important To Take Care Of Teeth With Braces
While it feels like it’s more difficult to keep your child’s teeth clean, there are 2 influencers that play a role ~
The Plaque Aspect
Plaque and tarter are sneaky and attach themselves to the teeth, as well onto, around and under the brackets, wires, and bands. When plaque and food get trapped and sit around teeth and braces, there is a high likely-hood of bad breath, their gums becoming inflamed, cavities developing, or teeth discoloring.
The Time Aspect
The time factor is made up of 2 components ~
How long your child will be in braces,
How much time it takes to floss and brush with braces on. This takes more time and effort to properly and fully clean around each bracket, band and wire, however it doesn’t take as long as you think it will.
Taking Care Of Teeth At Home When Your Child Has Braces
Here are some basic things you can do at home to help keep your child’s teeth and braces clean ~
BRUSH, BRUSH, And BRUSH SOME MORE – It’s essential to keep up with your regular 2Minutes 2X’s A Day brushing routine. What boosts your game is adding brushing after each meal and snack.
HOW YOU BRUSH AND WHAT YOU USE MATTERS – Hold their toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to remove plaque and food from around the teeth and braces. Hand held soft bristle tooth brushes are a good choice. Electric toothbrushes vary in styles and features. If you’re looking into an electric toothbrush decide of what you’re comfortable using. Curved, circular or interdental brushes can make it easier to access the areas around their braces and help you get a good cleaning. It’s best to use non-metal containing brushes to avoid scratching the teeth and braces.
REMEMBER TO FLOSS – Flossing is as necessary as brushing. Flossing is tricky but important when your child has braces. You can start with a piece of floss 18″-20” long (yes that long). Slide one end of the floss under their archwire so you have equal amounts above and below the wire. Floss gently around the bracket and in-between their teeth. Gently slide the floss out from under the wire. Clean the floss with a wash cloth and then floss the next tooth. Remember to floss behind the most back teeth.
CLEAN THEIR TONGUE – Food and plaque get trapped in the crevices on the tongue. Have them stick their tongue out (a comfortable amount) and gently brush their tongue in a back to front motion with a soft bristle tooth-brush (no toothpaste needed) or with a tongue scrapper.
RINSE – If there’s no time to brush after lunch or snacks then have them swish and rinse their mouth with water. This way the food residue will be dislodged.
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What To Remember
Taking care of your child’s teeth and gums is always important, and crucial during the time they have braces. A consistent daily oral hygiene routine including brushing, flossing, cleaning their tongue and rinsing helps to protect their teeth from potential dental issues and insure their healthy smile.
Rocking My Healthy SmileNot Worrying About How My Teeth Look In Pictures Is The BestSummer Sweets With Clean Teeth
How is your child’s oral hygiene routine going? Or isn’t it going? What do you think would make this easier? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothotline@proton.me Chat with Us and Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
You know how it is, the day is going great, everyone is happy and everything is going along smoothly.
Then you hear “Mom, my braces are poking me!!”
Now you’re thinking how did this happen and what can I do to fix it?
Today we’re breaking down the basics on how you can handle the pesky pokey braces wire to help give your child some relief.
Braces 101
Archwires, brackets and elastics are the 3 main components of braces.
Brackets are attached to teeth with a tooth colored material which is similar to (but not the same as) a tooth colored filling. Brackets have openings (aka slots) into which the wire fits. The elastics go around the bracket and hold the wire in place.
Why Are The Wires Called Archwires?
The wires are called archwires because your child top teeth make up their top jaw or upper arch, and their lower teeth comprise their bottom jaw or lower arch.
When the wire is placed into the orthodontic brackets on their top jaw this is their upper archwire, and when the wire is placed on their bottom jaw it is their lower archwire.
What Do Archwires Do?
The archwire is the metal wire which connects all the brackets on the teeth together and curves around the teeth from front to back. The wire corrects teeth alignment and other irregularities to reposition and make your child’s teeth straight.
My Child’s Archwire Is Poking Their Cheek, What Should I Do?
You can use a Q-tip to push the wire so that it is flat against the tooth.
If you can’t position the wire so that it’s comfortable position, place a piece of the wax your orthodontist gave you over the wire where it’s poking your child’s cheek.
Then call your orthodontist to let them know and see your child.
What Is Wax For Braces?
Dental wax is usually made from one or a combination of several waxes, mostly beeswax, carnauba wax, and/or paraffin wax.
Dental wax can also be found under a few different names, including tooth wax, braces wax, and orthodontic wax.
The wax can be applied to create a smooth protective barrier between your child’s mouth and the area of the wire that is causing discomfort.
Similarly, dental wax can be an excellent at-home remedy for relief and protection when a wire has come out of a place. Applying a small piece of dental wax can act as a protective barrier until your orthodontist can correct the issue.
How To Use Wax For Braces
First have your child brush their teeth (or you brush their teeth) to make sure the wire itself is clean, especially the part where you’ll be placing the wax.
After brushing, with clean hands gently pull their cheek away from the area where the pokey wire is. They can wiggle their lower jaw to the side where you’ll be placing the wax to allow you to see better.
Take off a new, unused piece of wax about the size of a small green pea and roll it into a ball. Place the wax where the wire is poking out or causing irritation.
The wax should reduce pain or irritation caused by the wire. Make sure to remove the wax when eating or brushing teeth and then reapply new, unused wax as needed or until you see your orthodontist.
Why Do Archwires Become Loose?
Sometimes a wire can break depending on the food your child eats, as their teeth are moved, if they get hit in the mouth while playing sports (and not wearing a mouth guard), or the wires might be too long in the back of their mouth.
Your child may feel a pokey archwire coming in contact with their gums or cheeks. If this happens. the wires can cause small mouth sores or cuts on the gums and cheek, so it’s important to take action right away.
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Foods To Avoid With Braces
During the time your child is in braces it is important to use caution when eating certain foods and snacks which put their braces at risk.
So what are these foods that can pop off or dislodge an archwire?
Anything that is hard, or sticky, or gooey, or chewy,
Chewing gum,
Nuts and seeds
Popcorn
Want to eat a bagel or an apple? Instead of biting in, cut the food into bitesize pieces and eat on their back teeth.
What To Remember
It is expected during the course of your child’s braces the wires will pull out and cause poking.
These are 3 steps to help you to help your child stay comfortable ~
Stay calm and check things out – look in their mouth to see what’s happening. If you can, with a clean finger try to move the wire away from their cheek back towards the teeth.
Always keep the small container of orthodontic wax handy. Take a small green pea size amount of wax and roll it with your fingers into a ball and place it over the end of the poky wire,.
Never hesitate to call your orthodontist, no matter how many times this may happen.
Remember to remove the wax before eating and brushing, and don’t reuse the wax. Once you remove it you’ll need a new piece of wax.
What’s been your experience with poking wires? Does wax do the trick for comfort until your child’s next orthodontic appointment? How often do poky wires occur? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook
I May Be Smiling But The Wire Poking My Cheek Really Hurts
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
As parents we love that cute adorable stage when our child’s teeth are white picket fence perfect.
Then they start losing their baby teeth and their adult teeth start coming in and they don’t look as perfectly positioned.
When you talk with some other parents they’re saying the same thing but some are making appointments to have their child examined by an orthodontist.
You know your child’s dental check-up is coming up and you think to yourself that you’ll bring it up then.
Today we’re breaking down the basics on when a child should be evaluated for possible braces.
Braces Evaluation For Children, Helping Develop A Healthy Smile
For children (and adults) oral health is a window into their overall health.
Potential orthodontic treatment can be an important part of your child’s oral health care. Teeth that are correctly positioned make for confident smiles as well as eating and chewing properly.
Starting Early
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children have their first orthodontic evaluation around the age of 7, or when a potential problem is recognized.
It’s important to remember there is a big difference between an orthodontic consultation and actually beginning orthodontic treatment.
So Why Age 7?
This is because around the age of 7 years old, children have a combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth.
An examination with an orthodontist at this age provides a lot of information. If a problem exists, or if one is developing, then the orthodontist can advise you on what treatment is recommended, when it should begin, and estimate how long it will last.
However, if you notice something, it’s not necessary to wait until your child turns 7 years old.
Should Your Child Be Evaluated For Braces? Signs To Check For
The first step is to look inside your child’s mouth.
A few things to look out for ~
Crooked teeth,
Too many teeth in a too small mouth,
Difficulty flossing and brushing,
Frequently biting the inside of their cheek,
Jaw discomfort or a clicking sound when chewing or jaw pain upon waking,
Losing baby teeth early or late,
Adult teeth coming in early with no room or coming in late,
Problems with chewing food,
An underbite, An overbite, A deep bite,
Mouth breathing,
Thumb or finger sucking,
Missing teeth or extra teeth.
3 Reasons Why This Matters
Losing Baby teeth either too early or too late can cause problems for the permanent teeth to come into your child’s mouth.
How teeth come together is important for the life of the tooth. In what is considered “a good bite” the outside surface of the upper teeth prevent the cheeks from getting caught between the chewing surfaces with the bottom and top back teeth. If the teeth aren’t matched up, this can cause constant cheek biting and prevent a child from wanting to eat.
Bite problems can over time also lead to jaw problems such as pain, clicking, popping, or locking.
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What Is The Purpose Of Evaluating My Child’s Bite When They’re So Young?
Parents want their child to have healthy teeth and a good bite. To have this means that they need to have 2 things, good tooth alignment and good jaw position.
4 Benefits Of Early Braces Evaluation
Starting at an earlier age can help avoid more complicated and lengthy treatments when a child is older.
Most children will have a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth, so the way their permanent teeth come in can be evaluated and potential issues can be addressed such as a cross-bite, crowding, or impacted teeth.
Proactive steps can be an advantage for younger children to correct issues as their jaws grow utilizing interceptive treatments such as palatal expanders.
A beautiful smile can boost a child’s self-esteem and confidence.
What Will I Learn From A Consultation With An Orthodontist?
The orthodontist will examine your child and discuss with you when it will be best for your child to begin treatment as well as the type of treatment they are recommending.
Each child has their own specific individual treatment needs. For some children starting early when they still have baby teeth may be best for them. Other children may benefit from some extra growing time and waiting until they’ve lost their baby teeth. Some children may wait until they have all their adult teeth to begin braces.
Depending on your child’s needs, they may be evaluated every 6 months or 1 year to watch their growth and development progress to take advantage of their natural growth.
Why Would An Orthodontist Recommend Early Treatment?
Early treatment is a proactive and valuable way to address some issues so they don’t become more involved long term problems.
4 Reasons An Orthodontist May Recommend Early Treatment
Create room in a child’s mouth to decrease crowding for adult teeth,
Help with facial growth,
Preserve space when baby teeth are lost early and adult teeth aren’t ready to come in
Decrease trauma risk for protruding top front teeth.
What To Remember
There is a big difference between an orthodontic consultation and actually beginning braces.
An evaluation when your child has a combination of baby teeth and adult teeth doesn’t always mean that they’re getting braces right away. If and/or when treatment is needed, it can begin at the appropriate time for your child.
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Do you feel like braces runs in your family? Have you thought to yourself that since you had braces your child will also? Did you want braces as a child but didn’t have them and you want to make sure that your child doesn’t feel the way? Have you thought about getting braces as an adult? Do you have braces now? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook
Daddy Says To Smile Pretty Since The Spots On My Front Teeth Are Better Than The One’s On My Back Teeth
You feel like you’re in a good place keeping up with your child’s twice a day tooth brushing routine. Flossing and brushing is going really well so you know what’s going on with their teeth and gums.
Then you notice there are some spots on their teeth which you didn’t notice before and you’re wondering what they are and why they’re there.
Thinking back to your child’s last dental check-up you remember hearing about the areas of hypoplasia on their teeth. Since they didn’t have any cavities you thought everything was all right.
Now you’re thinking, why does my child’s teeth have these spots and what caused them?
Today we’re breaking down the basics about the spots on children’s teeth which is called enamel hypoplasia.
Tooth Basics
Enamel is the hard outermost layer of teeth and the hardest substance in the human body.
Dental enamel needs to be hard because it forms an insulating barrier that protects the inner layers of the tooth from chewing and biting forces as well as sensitivity from hot and cold foods and drinks.
Dental Enamel Starts Developing Early
Around the time Mom’s are finding out that they are pregnant, tooth enamel is starting to form for baby teeth.
Tooth enamel continues to form as baby teeth develop during pregnancy. Around the time your baby is born the dental enamel begins to form for their adult teeth.
Adult tooth enamel continues to develop as these teeth form during early to middle childhood.
Any type of disruption to the enamel formation process will cause defects in the enamel, including hypoplasia.
What Is Hypoplasia?
Enamel hypoplasia is a developmental defect when tooth enamel doesn’t develop properly causing it to be too thin.
Enamel formation is a complex process of formation and timing. Any disruption leading up to the final step in completing the process can affect the thickness of the enamel layer.
What Causes Enamel Hypoplasia?
The enamel forming cells are precise and sensitive, so hypoplasia can affect a whole tooth, part of a tooth, some teeth, certain teeth or less commonly all the teeth.
Some factors which can cause hypoplastic teeth are ~
Premature birth,
Low birth weight,
Health concerns for Mom or Baby during pregnancy,
Health concerns for Baby after birth,
Failure to thrive, Malnutrition,
Certain bacterial or viral infections,
Dental trauma,
Fever,
Some early childhood diseases and/or chronic illness in the first few years of life,
Genetic conditions, such as Treacher Collins syndrome.
Does Enamel Hypoplasia Affect Baby Teeth And Adult Teeth?
Enamel hypoplasia can occur in both baby teeth and permanent teeth, depending on the timing of the disruption.
If enamel formation is disrupted during pregnancy, baby teeth can be affected with hypoplasia.
When the disruption occurs from birth through middle childhood, the permanent teeth which are developing at that time can be affected with hypoplasia.
We Thought The White Spots On My Teeth Were Supposed To Be There, They’re Called HypoplasiaMommy Says My Front Teeth Look Great But My Back Teeth Have HypoplasiaMy Dentist Told My Mommy And Daddy That I Have Hypoplasia On Alot Of My Teeth
What Are The Signs Of Enamel Hypoplasia?
When looking at your child’s teeth some signs to check for to see if they have hypoplastic teeth are ~
White spots on teeth,
Teeth with ridges, grooves or pits,
Stained teeth or teeth that look yellow, brown, or grayish because the enamel is thin and the underlying dentin layer which is yellowish in color shows through,
Sensitive teeth due to the thinness of the enamel and the dentin being close to the surface,
Excessive enamel wear or enamel fracturing off,
Teeth that look mis-shaped,
Teeth that look like they have cavities.
Do You Treat Enamel Hypoplasia?
Yes, teeth with enamel hypoplasia do need to be treated.
Even teeth with mild hypoplasia, which may initially be a cosmetic concern, needs to be monitored since they can go on to become a significant dental issue due to the thin enamel.
In addition, the thinness of the enamel places children with hypoplastic teeth at more of a risk for developing cavities faster, having increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods, increased risk for tooth damage, and can impact the position of their teeth and their bite.
How Do You Treat Teeth With Enamel Hypoplasia?
Treatment for teeth with enamel hypoplasia depends on the tooth’s location in the mouth (front tooth or back molar), as well as the extent and severity of the hypoplasia.
For hypoplastic teeth where there is purely an aesthetic concern without any other dental complications, cosmetic treatment options can include ~
Fluoride treatments to help strengthen the enamel,
Tooth bonding where tooth colored materials are applied over the thin enamel,
When your child is older and has passed their last growth spurt, other esthetic restorations are a consideration.
For hypoplastic teeth that are more seriously involved including molars, treatment considerations may include ~
Desensitizing toothpaste,
Dental sealants,
Fillings, tooth colored bonded fillings don’t bond well to teeth with defects in the enamel and can come off or chip the enamel more, so there may be other options depending on the specific tooth involved,
Dental crowns,
Other restorations when your child has completely finished growing,
Orthodontic consultation.
What Can We Do At Home To Help The Hypoplasia From Getting Worse?
Some helpful suggestions for at home care ~
Brush teeth for 2 minutes every morning and 2 minutes every night before bed,
Floss every night before brushing teeth,
Use an alcohol-free fluoride mouth rinse every night after flossing and brushing. You can place a small amount in a disposable cup (enough to cover their tooth brush bristles) and dip their tooth brush into the fluoride rinse, then brush their teeth for 1 minute. If your child is old enough to spit out (and not swallow) then watch them as they swish for 1 minute and then spit out the rinse,
After meals, snacks and drinks rinse their mouths with plain water,
Water is the best beverage, serve it routinely and encourage your child to drink water,
Choose healthy snacks and meals to stay on track with their dental health.
My Mommy And Daddy Thought I Have A Cavity, But It’s Called Enamel HypoplasiaMy Dentist Told My Parents The Spots On My Teeth Are Called Enamel HypoplasiaMy Dentist Always Checks My Teeth Really Well Since I Have Enamel HypoplasiaWe Have To Take Very Good Care Of Your Teeth So The Hypoplasia Doesn’t Get Worse
What To Remember
Taking care of teeth with enamel hypoplasia is super important.
This is important because these teeth simply don’t have a thick enough enamel layer to protect them from cavities as well as pain and sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages.
Teeth use each other as a guide for their positioning and alignment. Thin enamel doesn’t provide the support teeth need to stay in place, so these teeth are more susceptible to being misaligned which affects a child’s bite.
Your twice daily at home care routines, healthy choices for meals, snacks and beverages, and regular dental visits are a good place to start to help protect your child’s teeth especially when they have enamel hypoplasia.
My Mom Says The Spots On My Teeth Are Called Hypoplasia
Have you been told your child has enamel hypoplasia? Does your child have another defect involving their tooth enamel? Have you been told your child has a different defect involving their teeth? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Mommy And Daddy, Did You Remember To Pack Our Toothbrushes And Flossers?
Summer is here and it’s time for long lazy days and fun foods. Whether your plans include traveling, a staycation, or sending your child to camp, it’s even more important to keep up your brushing and flossing routine.
Why? Ice cream, popsicles, summer foods and snacks always taste better with clean healthy teeth.
Today we’re breaking down the basics with summer vacation tips for healthy summer teeth.
Summer Vacation Tips
Brushing and flossing is important even in the summer, especially since children like sugary treats to keep cool.
Stay With A Routine
Stay with your consistent daily routine and add a twist. Do something fun while brushing to keep your child’s attention long enough for you to brush all their teeth. Brush and floss together and have a brush-a-thon to your child’s favorite tunes. Pack a sticker chart for a fun daily tooth brushing reminder. and look for your child’s favorite flavor toothpaste or toothbrush and flossers with their favorite character for camp.
During your travels bottles and sippy cups may be good for comforting your child, however falling asleep with one in their mouth increases your little one’s risk for cavities.
Raise Your Hands If You Brushed Your Teeth This MorningShowing Daddy How Beautiful My Teeth Are After Mommy Brushed ThemLooking At The Stars After Flossing And Brushing On Our StaycationMommy’s First Rule Of The Day Is To Brush My TeethWe Brush Our Teeth With Mommy And Daddy Every Day Before We Go OutsideFun With Daddy At The Beach After Brushing My TeethMommy And Daddy’s Rule Every Night After PJ’s They Floss And Brush My Teeth
Keep Your Traveling Dental Kit Handy
Put together a dental kit for your travels whether you’re taking a car trip, a plane trip, or sending your child to summer camp.
Pack a kit and a spare (or 2) with floss, toothbrush, toothpaste, and fluoride rinse for everyone. Remember to keep it on you in a carry-on bag so it’s easily accessible for you.
Road Trip, Dental Kit in Red SuitcaseMommy Packed My Dental Kit For Me To Use At My Camp
Have A Choice? Choose Water
Juice boxes and cans of soda may be convenient, but the soda and fruit juices don’t quench thirst for long and even make children thirstier. Then there’s the sugars in those beverages which weaken the outermost tooth layer (aka enamel) causing teeth to look dingy and increase the risk of cavities.
Why water? Water is refreshing, it’s best for keeping your child hydrated and for helping to keep their teeth healthy. Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, and keeps saliva flowing which is essential for helping prevent cavities.
Thirst Quencher RefresherDaddy Says Water Is The Best To DrinkKeeping Teeth Healthy And Making Memories
Healthy Summer Snacks
Special foods are more fun when eaten along with tooth friendly options like fresh fruit, veggies, whole grains, and dairy.
Choose fresh fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery which provide essential vitamins and also help clean teeth. Same for cheese and yogurt (without added jellies, jams or crunchies). These snacks are high in calcium and phosphate, which can help strengthen tooth enamel.
Lunching With My Favorite Summer Foods PoolsideWatermelon Is My Favorite Summer Snack
Pool’s Rules Rule
Everyone loves to be at the pool. With so much excitement, so many people, and water splashing everywhere there’s always a chance for a slip, a fall, and potential tooth injury. It’s important to follow the pool’s rules about diving, diving boards, jumping into the pool and running poolside.
No one wants to leave the pool because of a tooth accident. Stay safe and follow the rules.
Pool Time After Toothbrushing TimeCruising Along With Our Healthy Teeth
Smile Protector
Summer means being outside and having fun swimming, biking, skate boarding, riding the scooter, and playing sports. This fun can sometimes lead to a dental accident.
It’s important to make sure your child wears a mouthguard when playing sports and other physical activities. This preventive step can help protect their teeth from potential injuries.
Protecting Teeth While Having Fun At The Beach
What To Remember
While your child is on vacation their teeth are not, this is why it’s so important to stay on track with their dental health.
Time To Go In For Our Night-Time Flossing And Brushing Before BedShowing Off My Pearly White TeethShowing Off My Dazzling Summer SmileHanging Out While My Friend’s Having Her Teeth Brushed
Have a wonderful summer and enjoy your child’s healthy summer smile!
What is your child looking forward to doing most this summer? What is their most favorite, must have snack, drink and summer food? Do you have any summer family traditions? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Showing Off My Pink Sneakers, Pink Sunglasses and Happy SmileI’ve Always Brushed My Teeth For 2 Minutes 2X’s A Day
Today is the 1st day of National Children’s Dental Health Month, #NCDHM!
National Children’s Dental Health Month has a long and distinguished history. The American Dental Association (ADA) observed the very first Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. Then in 1955, this 1 day event was extended to 1 week, and in 1981 it was transformed into a 1 month celebration as an acknowledgement for children’s dental health.
Today, National Children’s Dental Health Month is observed every February and is supported by the ADA (ada.org) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, (aapd.org)
Did You Know?
Did you know that tooth decay is the #1 chronic disease of childhood in the U.S.?
Yes it is. Cavities are more common than childhood obesity, asthma and diabetes.
When left untreated, tooth decay can lead to pain and infections, which can impact a child’s ability to speak, eat, play, and learn.
What To Know For Your Child’s Teeth
Children need healthy teeth. Healthy teeth help children to chew and to speak clearly. Baby teeth also keep space for their adult teeth.
Children need their teeth to be brushed twice day just like their mommy and daddy.
Taking Care Before Teeth Come In Is Important
Before your baby’s teeth come in it’s important to clean their gums. Clean gums, clean teeth, healthy mouth from the start!
This is why it is important to establish an oral care routine by the time your baby turns 1 year old, including regular check-ups. Good oral care habits and routine visits with a pediatric dentist can help prevent tooth decay.
After Her Bottle I Cleaned Her Mouth And Then We Put her To BedSmiling My Gummy SmileHealthy Teeth, Healthy Body, Happy FamilyCome To Daddy And Then We’re Going To Clean Your Teeth Before Bedtime
Taking Care Of Teeth For Your Children, Tweens and Teens Is Important
Children and adolescents who have poor oral health are more likely to have tooth pain, miss school, and perform poorly in school.
Good oral health care to help prevent cavities in childhood and adolescence is important because oral health affects a person’s overall health and well-being throughout their life.
Dental care, especially early dental visits for children is important because as parents you can be educated on oral hygiene, fluoride, injury prevention, and nutrition.
Playtime With Lots Of Beautiful SmilesMy Dentist And My Teacher Gave Me An A In Oral HealthNothing Can Stop Us, Healthy Teeth Strong Learning SkillsShowing Off Our Big Healthy SmilesSmiling My Best SmileHealthy Teeth, Happy Smiles, Healthy FamilyBrushing My Teeth Has Helped Me Learn Better
Talking Tooth Care
Introducing brushing and flossing into your child’s routine can seem complicated and feel exhausting.
A fun way to start introducing your oral care routine may by watching a video cartoon the ADA put together about a school age dinosaur named Dudley, his younger sister along with their friends, and Dudley’s message about taking care of teeth, #ADA160.
What To Remember
Tooth decay is preventable with proper care oral hygiene techniques, allowing parents and caregivers to help give their children healthy teeth, bright smiles and healthy futures!
Even On Vacation We Still Brush Our Teeth 2 Minutes 2X’s A Day
Do cavities run in your family? Does your child have cavities? Do you feel that no matter what you do, your child will get cavities? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us a email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline
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