Category: Children’s Oral Health

Why Does My Child’s Baby Tooth Need A Pulpotomy?

~ kidstoothhotline ~ 2 Comments

In the Know for You to Know

My Dentist Told My Mom That I Need A Pulpotomy
My Dentist Told My Mommy And Daddy That I Need A Pulpotomy

Your child may have woken up with a toothache or hurt their tooth playing sports. Maybe your neighbor or sister-in-law called you because your child is at a sleepover and has tooth pain. Before you know it you’re being told the nerve in their tooth is inflamed and they need a pulpotomy.

Then you’re thinking, what does all this mean, what is a pulpotomy, and why does my child need a pulpotomy?

I’ve had a lot of questions recently about pulpotomies. Today I’m answering your questions and breaking down the basics on a frequently performed procedure but one you’re not familiar with, a pulpotomy.

Do Baby Teeth Have Nerves?

Yes, Baby teeth have nerves. The nerve is the inner most part of the tooth.

The Nerve Of The Tooth Is Also Known As The Dental Pulp

The nerve, or dental pulp of a tooth is the inner most part of the tooth. The pulp is a jelly-like structure in the center of every tooth, which contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue and specialized cells. The purpose of the pulp is to keep the tooth alive.

Why Does A Baby Tooth Need A Pulpotomy?

Cavities and a traumatic injury to a child’s tooth are the main reasons the tooth’s pulp is wounded.

A pulpotomy is performed in order to remove the damaged portion of the nerve and keep the remaining part of the pulp intact and alive.

This way the tooth feels normal and your child can keep their baby tooth until it falls out naturally and is replaced by an adult tooth.

What Is A Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy is a procedure in which a dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth’s pulp to help prevent the formation of an infection, so your child can keep their baby tooth until it falls out naturally.

This procedure is only performed on baby teeth, and when there are no signs or symptoms of infection, such as pain, sensitivity, or swelling.

Is A Pulpotomy Like A Root Canal?

A baby tooth pulpotomy is sometimes referred to as a “baby root canal” or a “baby nerve treatment,” but this is not the same as an adult tooth root canal.

In a traditional root canal, all of the dental pulp is removed. In contrast a pulpotomy only removes the diseased pulp and is intended to preserve the remaining healthy pulp. This helps to keep the tooth healthy and strong.

It’s Only A Baby Tooth, Why Save It?

Children with strong healthy baby teeth grow up to have strong healthy adult teeth.

It’s important to take care of baby teeth because infections in baby teeth cause pain and can damage developing adult teeth.

Healthy baby teeth are also important because they help with proper speech development, chewing, good nutrition, and maintaining space for the adult teeth to come in correctly.

What Should We Be Doing At Home To Prevent Needing A Pulpotomy In The Future?

ToothBrushing And Flossing Routine

Tooth brushing and flossing are simple but crucial to keep your child’s mouth healthy. Make sure to brush 2X’s a day and floss once a day with your child to establish a healthy brushing routine.

Mouthguards Matter

As a parent you are always saying “Wear your helmet!” when our children want to go out to ride their bike, skateboard or scooter. Mouthguards offer the same protection.

While a helmet protects a child’s head, a mouthguard helps cushion a blow to the mouth and face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your child’s lips, tongue, face or jaws.

When it comes to protecting your child’s mouth, a mouthguard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of their standard equipment from an early age.

What To Remember

A pulpotomy is often recommended as a way for your child to be able to keep their baby tooth and is performed on a tooth for a few reasons —

  • when the bacteria from a cavity penetrate into the nerve of a tooth,
  • a tooth is broken and the crack is extends into the nerve of the tooth.

This procedure is done because they are too young to lose their baby tooth, and their adult tooth is not developed enough to grow in.

Has your child had a toothache and needed a pulpotomy? Has your child suffered a hit to their mouth which cracked their tooth and they needed a pulpotomy? Have you ever had a root canal? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us of Chat with us on Facebook

I'm Having Fun Playing With My Dad and Brother After Brushing and Flossing So I Don't Need Another Pulpotomy
I’m Having Fun Playing With My Dad and Brother After Brushing and Flossing So I Don’t Need Another Pulpotomy
My Mom Says My Baby Molar Needs A Pulpotomy
My Mom Says My Baby Molar Needs A Pulpotomy
My Mom And Dad Always Say This Is Why Having My Teeth Checked Is So Important
My Mom And Dad Always Say This Is Why Having My Teeth Checked Is So Important
Mommy And Daddy Said I Did A Great Job During My Pulpotomy
Mommy And Daddy Said I Did A Great Job During My Pulpotomy
Daddy Says We'll Get To Play More After We Brush and Floss So I Won't Need A Pulpotomy Like My Brother
Daddy Says We’ll Get To Play More After We Brush and Floss So I Won’t Need A Pulpotomy Like My Brother
Smiling My Beautiful Smile After My Pulpotomy
Smiling My Beautiful Smile After My Pulpotomy
Peek-A-Boo, We're On Our Way Home After My Pulpotomy
Peek-A-Boo, We’re On Our Way Home After My Pulpotomy
Mommy And Daddy Are Helping Me Brush and Floss My Teeth So I Won't Need Another Pulpotomy
Mommy And Daddy Are Helping Me Brush and Floss My Teeth So I Won’t Need Another Pulpotomy
Checking Out My Mouth After My Pulpotomy
Checking Out My Mouth After My Pulpotomy

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

The Top 5 Children’s Teeth Truths

~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

These days there’s a lot of information out there for parents. Most of the time what appears true simply isn’t true. Yet there are myths that continue to be spread.

We want you to be knowledgeable and informed, so today we’re breaking down the most common children’s dentistry myths.

Myth #1 Baby Teeth Aren’t Important, They Fall Out

Truth: Baby teeth are the foundation for a life time of good oral health. When your child’s tooth foundation is strong and healthy, they grow up with strong and healthy adult teeth.

The 2nd truth about why it’s important to take care of baby teeth is because if baby teeth aren’t well cared for, tooth decay (aka cavities) may develop. This decay can cause pain and infection that spreads into the gums and cause damage to developing adult teeth.

The 3rd truth is that healthy baby teeth help with proper speech development, chewing, and maintaining space for the adult teeth to come in correctly.

Myth #2 Cavities Are Only Caused By Sugar

Truth: Sugar does play a large role in cavities, but there is also another cause for you to be aware of. Starches in chips, crackers and cookies lower the pH of saliva which makes the saliva more acidic. A lower pH saliva causes cavities to form more quickly and more often.

Myth #3 Children Can Brush Their Own Teeth

Truth: Yes, you should have your child brush their own teeth, BUT ONLY IF they can do it effectively. Most children can’t brush their own teeth because they are too young to have the dexterity to know how to adapt the toothbrush around their mouth. This takes time for a child to develop. You can start your nightly brushing routine when your child is young by spending time with your toddler showing him/her how to brush all sides of their teeth and gums effectively.

The 2nd truth is that teaching correct and proper brushing habits early is essential for good life long oral hygiene habits.

Myth #4 Fruit Juice Is Healthy

Truth: Do you know that fruit juice can have as much sugar or more sugar than a soda? Yes, it’s true. This high amount of sugar cancels out all the benefits of the small amount of vitamins in the juice.

The 2nd truth is that all this sugar in the mouth causes the saliva to become acidic. The more times a child drinks a sugary beverage the more acidic their saliva becomes. The lower pH breaks down tooth enamel, which leads to cavities developing.

Myth #5 Children Should Never Chew Gum

Truth: Gum can be good for children’s teeth, as long as it’s sugar-free. This is because sugar-free gum helps neutralize the pH of saliva.

A 2nd truth is that the action of chewing increases the amount of saliva in the mouth. Both of these aspects can help keep cavities away.

What To Remember

Children’s dental health is a vital aspect of their over all health and well-being.

Share The Information, Now that you’ve read the truth about the most common children’s tooth truths you can spread the word to everyone you know. This way everyone will understand how to take better care of their child’s dental health.

What children’s tooth myths have you heard? Do you have any tooth truths you’d like to share? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or chat with us on Facebook

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

What Is That White Bump In My Baby’s Mouth?

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In the Know for You to Know

Let Daddy Look At The White Bumps In Your Mouth
Let Daddy Look At The White Bumps In Your Mouth

You and your baby are home from the hospital happy and healthy and now you’re anticipating taking care of your precious newborn.

After your infant’s feeding you take a soft moist washcloth to clean their mouth, and you notice that there are one or two spots on their gums that won’t wipe clean.

Then you look more closely while gently touching that area and think to yourself, “Did I just find a small white bump on my baby’s gums?”

The answer is yes, and if you see this white bump on the gums it may very well be a Bohn’s nodule.

What are Bohn’s nodules and why does your baby have this?

Today we’re breaking down the basics on Bohn’s nodules and why something which is so common is not so commonly discussed.

What Are Bohn’s Nodules?

Bohn’s nodules are small white or yellowish appearing, smooth, round to oval, painless bumps that form along the gums in a baby’s mouth before they are born.

They are firm to the touch, measure 1 to 3 millimeters (they are up to 1/8” in size), and frequently appear in groups of two to six nodules, but they can also arise as a single isolated bulge.

Bohn nodules are most commonly found on the lip/cheek (aka in dental terms labial/buccal) side of the gums of the upper jaw (aka in dental terms the maxillary alveolar mucosa); although they can be found on the lip/cheek gums of the lower jaw (aka in dental terms the mandibular alveolar mucosa).

How Common Are Bohn’s Nodules?

Very common, about 85 percent of babies are born with Bohn’s Nodules.

What Causes Bohn’s Nodules?

Bohn’s nodules are bumps made up of an excess of the protein keratin (which lines the inside and outside surfaces of the body).

There is nothing you can do to prevent Bohn’s Nodules from forming or lower the chance of your baby developing them.

How Do You Treat Bohn’s Nodules?

No treatment is needed as most Bohn’s nodules resolve spontaneously within the first few months after your baby is born.

Are Bohn’s Nodules Painful?

Bohn’s Nodules are not painful. They are asymptomatic and do not interfere with feeding.

How Are Bohn’s Nodules Diagnosed?

Bohn’s Nodules are diagnosed based on their location in your infant’s mouth.

Does Bohn’s Nodules Mean My Child Is Teething?

While it may almost look like your newborn is teething, Bohn’s Nodules do not interfere with when your baby starts teething or their teething pattern.

When Do Bohn’s Nodules Go Away?

Bohn’s Nodules typically go away on their own within 3 months after your baby is born.

What If You Still Have Concerns?

Call your Pediatrician.

Call your Pediatrician when you’re worried and feel that something else is causing of the bumps.

Calling your Pediatrician is also a good idea when:

  • The bumps haven’t gone away and it’s more than 3 months,
  • You feel the bumps are changing in size (getting larger) and/or shape,
  • Your baby is having trouble feeding and shows signs of pain or discomfort.

Your Pediatrician will examine your baby and determine what needs to be done next.

What To Remember

Bohn’s nodules are common for parents to see in their newborns mouth. The nodules are small white or yellowish appearing, smooth, round to oval, painless bumps that form along the gums in a baby’s mouth before they are born. These bumps aren’t painful and resolve spontaneously within the first 3 months after your baby is born.

As with any concerns you have always call your Pediatrician.

Did you ever hear about Bohn’s Nodules before today? Have you seen small white or yellowish bumps in your infant’s mouth? What did you think when you saw these bumps? Has your Pediatrician told you that your baby has Bohn’s Nodules? 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!

Happy National Watermelon Day

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Did you know there is a day dedicated to watermelon? Turns out today is the day to celebrate watermelon.

Watermelon Says Summer
Watermelon Says Summer

Watermelon means summer. Summer weekends, bbq’s, picnics, enjoying fun times with friends and family. We love biting into a juicy piece of watermelon, then wiping the sweet juices off our children’s smiling faces.

Watermelon Is Healthy

Watermelon is 92% water and full of Vitamins A, C, and antioxidants. In addition to being a thirst quencher, watermelon is also a superfood.

Fun Trivia About Watermelon

*Watermelon is both a fruit and a vegetable.
*It takes 90 days to grow a watermelon from planting seeds to harvest.
*The most common watermelon varieties and colors are seeded, seedless, mini, yellow, orange, red and white.
*Watermelon is the official state vegetable of Oklahoma.
*According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest watermelon on record weighed in at 350.5 pounds (159 kg) and was grown by Chris Kent of Sevierville, Tennessee (USA) in 2013.

Cooling Off Eating Watermelon At The Beach
Cooling Off With My Watermelon Smoothie
Eating Watermelon On Our Road Trip
Icy Refreshing Watermelon Is The Best Drink
I Love Eating My Watermelon
Sharing Watermelon Is The Best
So Many Ways To Enjoy Watermelon
Sumer Sun and Watermelon
Taking Home Our Fresh Picked Watermelon
Watermelon For Dessert Is The Best
Watermelon Fries With Strawberry Dip Are A Yummy Treat
Watermelon Is The Best Afternoon Snack
Watermelon Of All Colors Is Always Tasty
Happily Eating Watermelon
Watermelon, Strawberry And Grape Kabobs

Tips For Celebrating Watermelon

There’s nothing that says summer like biting into a perfect slice of watermelon. Some other ways to enjoy this delightfully tasty treat are grilling it, drinking it as a juice or smoothie, eating it as ices or sherbet, and enjoying it in a salad or salsa.

There’s nothing like beating the heat with summertime’s most refreshing fruit. How does your family like to enjoy watermelon? What will your family do celebrate watermelon day? Which watermelon color is your family’s favorite? Tells us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Gummy Vitamins, What’s The Big Deal For Little Teeth?

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In the Know for You to Know

Sugar Puts The Gummy In Gummy Vitamins

Sugar Puts The Gummy In Gummy Vitamins

Gummy vitamins are very popular with children and parents for getting essential vitamins and nutrients in a tasty gummy treat. While this can be a great way for your children to want to take their vitamins, gummy vitamins can also harm their teeth.

BUT THEY’RE VITAMINS

Yes, they’re vitamins that are chewy, really tasty, and come in an endless variety of colors, shapes and flavors.

THE STICKY TRUTH

It’s really 3 things to keep in mind,
Gummy vitamins are high in sugars in comparison to other vitamins. It’s the sticky consistency that makes them stick to the tops and in-between the teeth that’s the concern because it eats away at the tooth’s outer protective enamel layer.

Chewing My Gummy Vitamin
Chewing My Gummy Vitamin
What's Your Favorite Flavor Of Gummy Vitamins?
What’s Your Favorite Flavor Of Gummy Vitamins?

Gummy Vitamins Can Also Come Sugar-Free, But…

Xylitol is the only 1 sugar substitute known to help reduce cavities, and that is in very specific amounts.

Manufacturers of gummy vitamins may not use xylitol or use it in different amounts. Some manufacturers may say their vitamin is sugar-free only to find out that they add other sugar substitutes (which doesn’t reduce cavities) and other sweeteners. They may also coat the vitamin with sugar or a sugar substitute (again which doesn’t reduce cavities).

Our Recommendation

It is your and your pediatrician’s decision regarding which vitamin supplement is best for your child. Our suggestion is to please make sure your child takes their gummy vitamin before your nightly tooth brushing routine. This way everyone goes to bed with nice clean teeth.

If your pediatrician wants your child to take their gummy vitamin in the morning, have them take it with their breakfast and when they’ve finished eating then brush their teeth. This way everyone starts the day with nice clean sparkling teeth.

Does your child take gummy vitamins? What’s your routine? We’d really like to know! Send us and email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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



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Mouthguards Are The Sports Equipment To Protect Your Child’s Smile

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In the Know for You to Know

As parents we all know to say “Wear your helmet!” when our children want to go out to ride their bike, skateboard or scooter. We also say this when our older children play baseball, football, hockey or lacrosse. You may have already seen them used in contact sports, such as football, boxing, and ice hockey.

Mouthguards offer the same protection. While a helmet protects a child’s head, a mouthguard protects their teeth and their head.

How does a mouthguard protect a child’s head? As parents we’ve heard about concussions, and a lot of times we think about concussions as occurring from a blow to the head. What’s important to note is that contact to any portion of the mouth or jaw can cause a concussion.

My Balance Beam Is Really High And The Mat Is Far Away, I'm Happy I'm Wearing My Mouthguard
My Balance Beam Is Really High And The Mat Is Far Away, I’m Happy I’m Wearing My Mouthguard

How can a mouthguard help?

What Is The Benefit Of Wearing A Mouthguard?

Mouthguards are mouth protectors which help cushion a blow to the mouth and face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your child’s lips, tongue, face or jaws.

While collisions in contact sports, such as basketball and boxing are higher-risk sports for the mouth, children can experience a dental injury in non-contact activities too, such as gymnastics and skating.

Findings in Sports Dentistry show that even in non-contact sports such as gymnastics, rollerblading, and field hockey, mouthguards help protect teeth. Many of these experts recommend that a mouthguard be worn for any recreational activity that poses a risk of injury to the mouth.

Most Important Mouthguard Features

To be most effective a mouthguard should have these features:

  • Be resilient, tear-resistant and comfortable,
  • Fit properly and stay in place during sports activities,
  • Be durable and easy to clean,
  • Not restrict your child’s speech or breathing.

There Are 3 Types Of Mouthguards

  • Stock These are found in sporting goods stores and come pre-formed, ready to wear. One size fits most and may not fit very well. They are made of hard plastic, can be bulky and which can make it uncomfortable to wear and talk.
  • Boil and bite These mouth protectors can also be bought at many sporting goods stores and may have a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They are first softened in hot boiling water, then placed in the mouth and with your child moving their lips, tongue and cheeks around and closing their teeth together, they plastic is adapted to the shape of their mouth. Remember to be very careful because this is very hot water and very hot plastic.
  • Custom-fit These are made by your dentist for your child specifically and because they are customized, usually offer the best fit. They fit snugly, allowing your athlete to run and talk more easily while playing sports. Custom mouth guards are comfortable, and offer excellent protection. They can be made in a wide variety of colors and designs.

How Many Mouthguards Does My Child Have To Wear?

One.

Mouthguards typically cover the top teeth, and are a great way to protect the soft tissues of their tongue, lips and cheek lining.

There are certain times when depending on specific needs your dentist or orthodontist may suggest for your child to instead use a mouthguard to cover their lower teeth.

Mouthguards And Braces

A properly fitted mouthguard is especially important for children who have braces. A blow to the face could damage the wires and brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. The mouthguard provides a barrier between the braces and their cheeks and lips, limiting the risk of gum and soft tissue injuries.

If your child has an orthodontic retainer or wears any removable appliance, never wear it during any type of sports activities.

Tips for Caring for Your Child’s Mouthguard

4 tips for keeping your child’s mouthguard sports ready:

  • Rinse with cool water before each use and afterwards brush with toothpaste, rinse, dry.
  • Keep the mouthguard in a sturdy container that has vents and in a safe place. This permits air circulation and helps prevent damage to the mouthguard.
  • Don’t take the mouthguard out and leave it in the sun. Avoid high temperatures, such as hot water, hot surfaces or direct sunlight, which can distort the mouth guard.
  • Check for wear and tear to see if it needs replacing. A mouthguard that’s torn, in bad shape, or doesn’t fit any more can irritate your child’s mouth and lessen the amount of protection it provides.
I May Look Young But I Can Really Get My Speed Up So I Always Wear My Mouthguard, Thanks Mom!
Wishing I Listened and Wore My Mouth Guard.jpg
Having Fun Playing Soccer Wearing Our Mouthguards
My Friend's T-ball Bat Hit Me In The Mouth
Playing Basketball, Guess Who Is Wearing A Mouthguard?
Mom Is Trying To Balance Me On My Rollerblades And So Happy We Remembered My Mouthguard
My Broken Tooth Is No Fun, We'll Remember My Mouthguard Next Time
Bicycle Riding And I Forgot My Mouthguard
Helmet, Bat and Mouthguard, All Set To Play Ball
College Rules- Playing Sports Means Wearing My Mouthguard
My Sports Gear Includes My Mouthguard

When it comes to protecting your child’s mouth, a mouthguard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of their standard equipment from an early age.

Does your child wear a mouthguard? Do you wear a mouthguard? What are your thoughts about mouthguards? We’d really like to know. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

I’m A Mom And A Pediatric Dentist: Here Are 9 Ways I Protect My Children’s Teeth

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In the Know for You to Know

Healthy Teeth Are Strong Teeth Like Our Mom
Healthy Teeth Are Strong Teeth Like Our Mom

Growing up I was always the child in the dental chair. Every check up it was as if I was destined to have another cavity. My parents chalked it up to “soft teeth run in the family.”

Then I went to dental school, got married, had children and became a pediatric dentist. Along the way I learned some tips and tricks that wouldn’t leave our children’s oral health up to genetics or luck. Today I’m happy to say that this approach has kept our children from having cavities and crooked teeth.

My fellow parents, it is not luck that contributes to good teeth, it’s about planning, consistency and adaptability. I want to share with you what I did to help decrease the family trend of cavities and crowded teeth for my children from when they were infants through their teenage years.

Decreasing The Family Trend For Cavities And Crowded Teeth

1. Before your child’s first tooth comes in it is important to wipe their gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding and before nap and bed-time.

2. Teething rings should be placed in the refrigerator only, never in the freezer. You never want anything to freeze to your child’s gums.

3. As soon as your child’s first tooth peaks through their gums it is important to start brushing with a rice grain size amount of fluoridated toothpaste twice a day.

4. For your pre-K child (over 3 years old) brush twice a day with a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste and there’s no swallowing.

5. You can protect your child from having fear of the dentist. As parents, we’re always saying that words and actions matter.

6. Orthodontic treatment may be beneficial even before your child’s permanent teeth come in.

7. Mouth guards are recommended to protect your child’s teeth from sports injuries.

8. Sealants are effective in preventing cavities on molars by forming a protective coating over the deep crevices so food doesn’t get caught in the grooves.

9. Always replace your child’s toothbrush after an illness.

With everything you have to do, it may be tempting to skip a day. Turns out diligence is the key.

Brushing Time is Fun Time with Daddy
Mommy and Me Brushing Time
Time To Show Off My Freshly Brushed Teeth
Mouthguard First Basketball Second
No Cavities Even With Braces

Help Us Help You

Do you have tip you’d like to share? What’s your strategy? We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

What Is Tongue Tie?

~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

Tongue tie is when there is a short muscle attachment under the tongue which may restrict tongue tip mobility and tongue movement. This limitation in motion can cause potential difficulties for breastfeeding and speech.

A tongue tie is something a baby is born with and can be seen in newborns, infants, children, and even adults. Pediatricians and lactation consultants are often the first to notice the tie, and maybe even before a parent.

This Is How Far I Can Stick Out My Tongue
This Is How Far I Can Stick Out My Tongue

What Is Tongue Tie?

Tongue tie is also called ankyloglossia. During pregnancy as the baby develops, the connection between the under surface of the tongue and the bottom of the mouth is too tight or too short. When the baby is born this reduces the tongue’s range of motion.

How Do I Know What Tongue Tie Looks Like?

Even though every ones tongue’s look slightly different there are a couple of ways to tell if your child has tongue tie.

The most classic appearance is if there is a small strip of what looks like gum tissue extending from the tip of the tongue to the lower jaw’s front gum area and their tongue looks heart shaped. The heart shape is more evident especially when they move their tongue or try to stick out their tongue.

Another appearance is when the attachment is behind the tip further down on the tongue and also limits tongue movement.

A third type of appearance is when the attachment is thick or stiff and is located in the middle of the underside of the tongue extending to the bottom of the mouth.

The fourth type is when you may not see the attachment, but when touching under the tongue gently with fingertips, it feels tight and the bottom of the mouth may or may not be shiny.

How Can I Tell If My Child Has Tongue Tie?

Do you know a child who can’t lick an ice cream cone or stick out their tongue as far as their friends? This child has tongue tie.

Parents typically notice their baby may be tongue tied while breastfeeding, or trying to breast feed. Babies may have trouble latching on and rather than sucking they compress Mom’s breast causing pain, or they may need long feeding times.

Sometimes Mom and Dad may notice that their child can’t move their tongue from side to side, touch the top of their mouth with their tongue, or stick their tongue out past their front teeth.

Can Tongue Tie Affect Speech?

Tongue tie does not prevent or delay the onset on speech. It may interfere with the articulation and clarity of speech.

There are certain letters and sounds we use our tongues to help us pronounce. They are: D, F, L, R, S, Sp, T, Th, and Z.

These letters and sounds need a specific amount of tongue movement to be pronounced and to be heard clearly. Otherwise it may sound like the child is mumbling.

It’s also important to know that not every child who has a tongue tie has struggles with speech.

Spoiler Alert — Check back next week for our post on Treatments for Tongue Tie.

Do you know a child with tongue tie? Or maybe you know an adult who has tongue tie? What was done (or they wish was done) to help with the tongue tie? We’d really like to know! Send us an e-mail at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me or Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Tongue and Lip Piercing – Fashion Statement or Dental Problem?

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Thinking About My Mouth, Lip and Nose Piercings
Thinking About My Mouth, Lip and Nose Piercings

Body piercing is a popular style of self expression. You may not be surprised to see someone with a face or mouth piercing, but it may be surprising how dangerous they can be.

While everyone likes to display their personal style, tongue, lip, or cheek piercings can cause dental problems and other health consequences.

How Bad Can Mouth Piercings Be?

These types of piercings can interfere with speaking, chewing or swallowing. They can also cause pain, swelling and infections. Some can also be allergic to the metal in the piercing.

Piercings on the face and lips can lead to facial scarring. Tongue piercings can lead to nerve damage and speech problems.

Anything Else To Know About Mouth Piercings?

These piercings can also injure the gums, crack teeth, scratch teeth, cause sensitive teeth, and they can also damage fillings. The mouth jewelry may even become trapped between the teeth. Also, having a piercing in the mouth can lead to excessive drooling.

Any Recommendations About Mouth Piercings?

If your child already has a piercing 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.

When taking part in sports, remove the jewelry and protect their mouth with a mouthguard.

Regular check-ups are important, and remember to brush twice a day and floss every night.

The best option is to remove mouth jewelry before it causes a problem. Don’t pierce on a whim. And remember, the piercing will be an added responsibility to your child’s and your life needing constant attention.

Expressing Myself With My New Lip Piercing
No Piercings For Me
Just Say NO To Piercing
I'm Expressing My Real Self
My New Lip Piercing
We're Saying No To Piercings
I Was Disappointed I Couldn't Get A Piercing, BUT Now I Realize That's A Good Thing
Piercing My Mouth IS NOT For Me
My Lip and Nose Piercings, I'm Not As Happy As I Thought
Wondering About My Lower Lip Piercing
Okay You Were Right About The Piercing
Showing Off My Mouth Piercing, Now Have To Really Watch My Teeth
Piercings Are So Not Us
This Is What Happens When You Get A Mouth Piercing?
Happy Lips for Smiling, Healthy Gums and Teeth to Show Off, That's A Good Day!
Pierce This Mouth-No Way

Do you or your child have a face or mouth piercing? How do you take care of the piercing? What are your hacks? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Chat with us, Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Do You Have Trouble Brushing Your Child’s Teeth?

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In the Know for You to Know

Like most parents you may have a tough time brushing your child’s teeth. There’s crying, screaming, struggling, chasing and all to brush teeth.

I’ve put together some tips and tricks that will empower you in your brushing dilemma.

Laughing And Smiling Brushing Teeth with Daddy
Laughing And Smiling Brushing Teeth with Daddy

Insider Tips To Make Brushing Easier

There isn’t only one way to for you to brush teeth. There are a few different positions you can use to more easily and comfortably clean your child’s teeth.

Lying On The Bed
Try brushing your child’s teeth with your child lying down on your bed. If you’re right handed you sit on their right side, and if you’re left handed sit on their left side. You can use your arm to help cradle your child’s head while brushing.

Sitting On The Floor
With you sitting on a chair have your child sit down on the floor in front of you and lean back against your legs. Have them tip their head up so you can see inside their mouth.

Lying On The Floor
Have your child lie down on the floor. You can either sit beside them, or put a pillow on your lap and place your child’s head on the pillow. If you’re right handed you sit on their right side, and if you’re left handed sit on their left side. You can use your arm to help hold your child’s head while brushing.

Standing In The Bathroom
With your child is standing in front of you, have them face the bathroom mirror with their head slightly tilted against your body. Place your hand gently over their hand so that you can help guide the toothbrush around their mouth.
This helps your child learn how to brush so they can see how tooth brushing is done, and standing behind them may make it easier for you to brush their teeth.

The 4 Most Important Things To Remember

The 4 most important things to remember are —

  • always cradle your child’s head,
  • have good lighting so you can see inside their mouth as well as what you are doing,
  • be able to easily move their tooth brush around their mouth, and
  • always find the safest and most comfortable position for you and your child.

Tooth Brushing By Any Other Name

Does the mention of tooth brushing cause stress in your home? Instead of saying it’s time to brush teeth try calling brushing by another name. For your next brushing time simply say to your child “It’s Smile Check Time”.

Even if helping your child brush twice a day is challenging a little creativity can go a long way to getting them interested, no matter their age.

How do you brush your child’s teeth? Which tip works best for your family? We’d really like to know. Email us as kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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