Doesn’t every child bite their nails? Did you? I definitely did.
Nail biting may seem like a harmless habit, but it can take a toll on a child’s teeth. Frequent nail biting can increase the risk of chipped teeth, irritated gums, and even introduce extra bacteria into their mouth.
If you’re working on breaking the habit, there are a few things you can do to help combat the nail biting.
Here’s what I want you to know.
When Does Nail Biting Start?
Nail biting begins during childhood, increases during adolescence, and declines as children get older. Although for some this may continue into adulthood.
This Is My Favorite Nail To BiteI’ve Bitten My Nails For Forever
Why Do Children Bite Their Nails?
It’s important to understand their Why!
Nail biting can be a sign of:
Stress relief,
Nervous about difficult situations or tasks,
Need to put something in their mouth,
Boredom.
Hiding My NailsTrying To Hide Biting My Nails
How To Help Stop Nail Biting
Tips for you to help your child stop nail biting:
Keep hands busy with activities, fidget toys or games like puzzles;
Gently remind in a kind way,
Come up with a code word as a reminder so as not to draw attention to the child,
Try to identify the reason and in what situations the behavior occurs,
Take weekly pictures of their nail growth to show their progress,
Take care of their nails to keep them looking nice,
Look up videos about the germs under the nails,
Reward positive changes.
No More Nail Biting For MeGetting My Nails Done Like Mommy
What I Want You To Know
If you’ve noticed your child biting their nails, you’re not alone. Nail-biting is something so many children (and parents) deal with.
This isn’t something you have to fix overnight. This isn’t something you’ll change overnight. What’s most important is helping your child feel seen, heard, supported, empowered; and definitely not judged.
I’m Biting My Nails
Anyone in the family bite their nails? Have they stopped? How long did it take? What did they do to stop their nail biting? What do you wish you knew sooner? If you’ve found something that helped your child stop biting their nails, 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!
I Feel So Much Better Knowing What To Do For Both Of Your Teeth
In the Know for You to Know
Whether you’re a new mom or a mom of a teen, there’s always something new to learn. This is especially true when navigating your child’s dental health.
Who knew teeth were so complicated?
Did you know? I for sure didn’t know this before dental school.
So I’ve put together some “Did you know?” tips to help guide you through your child’s dental milestones.
Did You Know you should lift your baby’s lips when you’re cleaning their front teeth?
Lifting your baby’s lips does 2 things:
You’re cleaning their teeth more effectively,
You can see changes in color, lines or spots on your child’s teeth; which can be signs of potential problems.
Did You Know that flossing is equally important as tooth brushing?
Honestly not many adults enjoy flossing. But it really is essential for healthy teeth and gums. Start flossing your child’s teeth when they’re young and you’ll create a life long healthy habit for them.
We Didn’t Know And Now We DoNow Grandma Knows Too
Did You Know sippy cups aren’t the best for your child’s teeth?
Why? 2 reasons:
Sippy cups allow teeth to constantly be in contact with sugars and acids in drinks, especially those found in fruit juices and milk. This prolonged exposure can lead to tooth decay.
They can cause oral development and speech pattern issues if the cup is used to long. Prolonged use of sippy cups can cause improper tongue tip development, which is crucial for speech development.
Did You Know I have a few favorite questions I’m always happy to have parents ask me?
My favorite is, “What should we be doing next?” I love being asked this so we can discuss for example their child’s dental milestones, or how teeth affect speech development.
Parenting is hard, so being present and helpful is extra important when a parent can actually find a little time to plan ahead.
Did You Know how much breakfast matters?
Toddler to teenager, start your child’s day off with a delicious healthy breakfast. Did you know this limits their cravings for sweets later in the day?
On Our Way To The Pediatric DentistI Want To Know Everything I Can To Protect Her Teeth
Did You Know there are 5 possible causes why a child’s teeth can be sensitive?
The most common causes of tooth sensitivity are:
Permanent tooth coming into their mouth,
Chipped or cracked tooth,
Brushing to hard which can lead to tooth enamel wearing away and the gums moving away,
Cavity,
Sinus concerns can cause their top teeth to be sensitive.
Did You Know that medicines can have added sugars and some medicines cause dry mouth?
Your child still needs to take their medicine. It’s important to know this puts them at risk for tooth decay.
This is because:
Sugar is added to some medicines to make them taste better,
Medicines used to treat cerebral palsy, seizures and mental health challenges and conditions can cause dry mouth by lowering the amount of saliva in the mouth,
Saliva plays an important role in preventing tooth decay,
Medicines given to children who have asthma or allergies can also cause dry mouth.
Did You Know not all adolescents and young adults have their wisdom teeth removed?
That’s right, some have the space in their mouth for these teeth to come in fully. These teeth still need to be monitored just like their other teeth. Tooth brushing and flossing around wisdom teeth is important because the potential for cavities still exists in the same way as for their other teeth.
We’re All About Teenage TeethThanks Mom For Helping Me With My Hair, Can You Help Me With My Teeth?
Did You Know about the Tell-Show-Do technique?
The Tell-Show-Do technique is a step by step approach in pediatric dentistry which helps alleviate anxiety, builds trust, and allows children to feel more involved and informed during their dental appointments.
How does this work? Before performing any procedure, your dentist explains the purpose of their visit to your child, shows them the instruments (and allows them to touch) , and then proceeds with the treatment.
This approach is a great way to make children of all ages, toddlers to teens to young adults feel more at ease and comfortable at the dentist.
So Many Stages, So Much To Know About Teeth
As a parent I understand, parenting is hard. What’s frustrating as a parent is that you don’t know until you know. So rest assured, no question is silly and no question is too small or too big. Did you know? It’s always okay to ask.
Learning About Teeth For 2
What pediatric dental question have you been wanting to ask? Has anyone explained to you what to expect for your child’s dental growth over the next 6 months? If you don’t have a pediatric dentist, do you know where to find one for your child? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
We Still Have A Lot To Learn About Our Teeth
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Brushing My Teeth Like My Daddy So I’ll Be Big And Strong Like Him
In the Know for You to Know
World Oral Health Day is a global observance dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of oral health and promoting good oral hygiene practices.
This day emphasizes the connection between oral health and overall well-being, encouraging parents and people of all ages to take care of their children’s and their own teeth and gums.
So what is there to know about World Oral Health Day?
What Is World Oral Health Day?
This is an annual event that focuses on the significance of maintaining good oral health throughout life.
World Oral Health Day’s goal is to encourage and develop better oral care practices.
When Is World Oral Health Day?
World Oral Health Day is observed every year on March 20th.
March 20th was chosen to reflect the importance of the number 20 in oral health. Children should have 20 baby teeth, and seniors should aim to have at least 20 of their natural teeth.
History Of World Oral Health Day
World Oral Health Day was launched by the FDI World Dental Federation in 2007 to raise awareness about oral health and its impact on overall health.
For 2026 the motto “A Happy Mouth is…A Happy Life” inspires lasting, positive change by showing the vital role oral health plays in living a healthier, happier life; which begins in childhood.
Nice Clean Mouth And All Ready For BedMommy And Daddy Give Me Yummy Healthy Foods For My Teeth And To Grow
Why is World Oral Health Day Important?
Oral health is a crucial component of overall health.
Poor oral hygiene can lead to a range of issues, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Systemic disease in adulthood can be traced back to childhood habits.
Oral Health Across The Lifespan
A positive mouth-body connectionultimately shows how oral health supports well being throughout life.
Oral health matters at every age and stage of life. From a baby’s first tooth to a confident smile in older age, oral health is far more than just healthy teeth. It shapes how we eat, speak, learn, work, and connect with one another.
Oral health is essential to living life to the fullest. It is inseparable from overall health, influencing both body and mind.
At its core is prevention, simple daily habits and regular check ups that can make a lifelong difference.
Love To Brush My TeethGood Teeth and Great GradesStill No Cavities At My Age, Healthy Mouth And Healthy MeLearning To Hold A Scisssor Is Like Learning To Hold A ToothbrushFlossing Is Part Of My Nightly Routine For Heathy Gums
Ways To Celebrate World Oral Health Day
Celebrating World Oral Health Day is celebrating every life, young and old. Because feeling your best starts with a healthy smile, every day and at every age.
How To Celebrate
Schedule a Dental Check-Up: Use this day as a reminder to schedule your children’s and your regular dental check ups. Early detection and prevention are key to maintaining good oral health.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene: Make sure everyone brushes their teeth at least twice a day and flosses overnight.
Educate Your Family and Friends: Encourage your extended family members and friends to follow a good oral hygiene routine as well.
Promote Oral Health In School: As a parent encourage your children’s school to talk about oral health and teach children about the importance of brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits.
Happy Heathy Mommy Happy Heathy BabyStrong Healthy Teeth, Strong Healthy MePlaying Is Like Brushing Teeth And Flossing, We Do It EverydayEven On Vacation We Still Brush Our Teeth 2X’s A DayMommy And Daddy Brush My Teeth And My Tongue
What To Remember
It’s important to prioritize your child’s and your oral health for a very good reason, a healthy mouth is the gateway to a healthy, happy life.
Reading Our Social Story About Keeping Our Teeth And Body Healthy Loving My Teen SmileMommy Fed You And Cleaned Your Mouth Now It’s Time For Bed
What are your thoughts? Do you think there is a connection between a healthy mouth and a healthy body? Do you believe oral health plays a vital role in living a healthier, happier life? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
Healthy Teeth, Healthy Body, Happy Family
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Showing Off My Mouth Piercing, Now Have To Really Watch My Teeth
In the Know for You to Know
Back in the day it was all about getting your ears pierced. I remember being so excited when my parents finally said I was old enough to get my ears pierced and pick out my first set of earrings.
Fast forward to today. Now it’s about piercing the tongue, lips, cheeks, skin around the mouth and even the uvula (the little flap of skin hanging down in the back of the mouth).
You may not be surprised to see a teenager with a face or mouth piercing. But it may be surprising to know how dangerous they can be.
While everyone likes to display their personal style, oral piercings can cause dental problems along with other health risks and complications.
How Harmful Are Mouth Piercings?
Piercings can interfere with:
Speaking,
Chewing,
Swallowing.
They can also cause:
Pain,
Swelling,
Infections,
Choking.
In addition:
Some children may be allergic to the metal in the piercing,
Piercings on the face and lips can lead to facial scarring,
Tongue piercings can lead to broken teeth, nerve damage or speech problems.
How Do Mouth Piercings Hurt Teeth?
Piercings can hurt teeth in several ways:
Cut into the gums and cause the gums to recede away from the teeth,
Crack teeth,
Scratch teeth,
Cause sensitive teeth,
Damage fillings.
The mouth jewelry may become trapped between the teeth,
Having a piercing in the mouth can also lead to excessive drooling.
I’m Expressing My Real SelfMy New Lip Piercing
Recommendations For Parents
Everyday Care:
Keep the piercing site clean and call your pediatrician immediately if your child shows any signs of infection.
Avoid clicking the jewelry against teeth and avoid stress on the piercing.
Be gentle and aware of the jewelry’s movement when talking and chewing.
Check the tightness of their mouth jewelry daily (with clean hands) to help prevent swallowing or choking if the jewelry becomes dislodged.
See your pediatric dentist regularly, and remember to brush twice a day and floss daily.
When Taking Part In Sports:
Remove the jewelry,
Protect their mouth with a mouthguard.
Piercings Are So Not Us
What To Remember
The best advice about oral piercings is to avoid getting them altogether.
If your child already has a piercing prevention is best. Something doesn’t seem right? It’s best to remove their mouth jewelry before it causes more of a problem, and contact your pediatric dentist or pediatrician.
Don’t pierce on a whim. The piercing will be an added responsibility to your child’s and to your life, requiring constant attention.
If you’ve made the decision to have a piercing done, make sure an experienced professional does the piercing.
Just Say NO To Piercing
Does your child have a mouth or face piercing? What type do they have? How do they take care of their piercing? 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!
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
Showing Off My Beautiful SmileSmiling My Best SmileWe Brushed My Teeth So Now I Can Show Them OffKeeping My Teeth Healthy By FlossingLoving My College Smile
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
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.
I’m 1 So Where Are My Teeth?I’m 2 Where Are My Teeth?So My Love Where Are Those Teeth Of Yours?Why Does My Brother Have Teeth And I Don’t?I Have Teeth But My Brother Doesn’t
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
When Will Our Children Get Their Teeth?I’m Calling The Toothfairy To Find Out Where My Teeth Are
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
My Elastic’s Color Pops With My Clean Teeth And Braces
Your child has their braces on and you’re settling into your new normal. Now you’re facing the dreaded “I don’t want to brush.”
You’ve heard about cavities after braces and want to avoid this for your child. So brushing and flossing is more important than ever.
Now you’re thinking about how to explain and show them what to do; especially if you didn’t have braces.
Today we’re breaking down the basics on tooth brushing and flossing when your child has braces.
Can You Clean Teeth With Braces On?
Yes and your child should, especially with braces.
Having braces on makes it feel like it’s more difficult to keep your child’s teeth clean. It can be difficult to go around the archwires and brackets, but remember how extremely important it is to keep your child’s mouth as clean as possible.
Clean Teeth And Braces For Our Happiest SmilesClean Teeth And Clean Braces Is A Great FeelingI Just Finished Brushing And Flossing
Why It’s Important To Take Care Of Teeth With Braces
While it feels like it’s more difficult to keep your child’s teeth clean, there are 2 influencers that play a role ~
The Plaque Aspect
Plaque and tarter are sneaky and attach themselves to the teeth, as well onto, around and under the brackets, wires, and bands. When plaque and food get trapped and sit around teeth and braces, there is a high likely-hood of bad breath, their gums becoming inflamed, cavities developing, or teeth discoloring.
The Time Aspect
The time factor is made up of 2 components ~
How long your child will be in braces,
How much time it takes to floss and brush with braces on. This takes more time and effort to properly and fully clean around each bracket, band and wire, however it doesn’t take as long as you think it will.
Taking Care Of Teeth At Home When Your Child Has Braces
Here are some basic things you can do at home to help keep your child’s teeth and braces clean ~
BRUSH, BRUSH, And BRUSH SOME MORE – It’s essential to keep up with your regular 2Minutes 2X’s A Day brushing routine. What boosts your game is adding brushing after each meal and snack.
HOW YOU BRUSH AND WHAT YOU USE MATTERS – Hold their toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to remove plaque and food from around the teeth and braces. Hand held soft bristle tooth brushes are a good choice. Electric toothbrushes vary in styles and features. If you’re looking into an electric toothbrush decide of what you’re comfortable using. Curved, circular or interdental brushes can make it easier to access the areas around their braces and help you get a good cleaning. It’s best to use non-metal containing brushes to avoid scratching the teeth and braces.
REMEMBER TO FLOSS – Flossing is as necessary as brushing. Flossing is tricky but important when your child has braces. You can start with a piece of floss 18″-20” long (yes that long). Slide one end of the floss under their archwire so you have equal amounts above and below the wire. Floss gently around the bracket and in-between their teeth. Gently slide the floss out from under the wire. Clean the floss with a wash cloth and then floss the next tooth. Remember to floss behind the most back teeth.
CLEAN THEIR TONGUE – Food and plaque get trapped in the crevices on the tongue. Have them stick their tongue out (a comfortable amount) and gently brush their tongue in a back to front motion with a soft bristle tooth-brush (no toothpaste needed) or with a tongue scrapper.
RINSE – If there’s no time to brush after lunch or snacks then have them swish and rinse their mouth with water. This way the food residue will be dislodged.
My Dentist Can’t Believe How Clean My Teeth And Braces AreSmiling Is Fun With My Clean Teeth and BracesSo Happy With My Healthy Teeth And Clean BracesMy Smile Says It All
What To Remember
Taking care of your child’s teeth and gums is always important, and crucial during the time they have braces. A consistent daily oral hygiene routine including brushing, flossing, cleaning their tongue and rinsing helps to protect their teeth from potential dental issues and insure their healthy smile.
Rocking My Healthy SmileNot Worrying About How My Teeth Look In Pictures Is The BestSummer Sweets With Clean Teeth
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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
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