Category: Children’s Oral Health

Are My Child’s New Teeth Supposed To Be Bumpy?

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In the Know for You to Know

Smiling With My New Bumpy Teeth
Smiling With My New Bumpy Teeth

You’ve made it! Your child is officially on the permanent tooth chart. The Tooth Fairy has visited at least once. Adult teeth are coming in. Everyone is happy.

But wait, what are those bumps on the edges of these teeth? They weren’t there yesterday, or were they? Are they supposed to be there? What are they and why are they there?

You’re thinking, what do I do? And how do I explain this to my child?

Why Do The Edges Of My Child’s Teeth Have Bumps?

Their baby teeth had smooth edges, so why don’t their adult teeth? Adult teeth don’t form as a solid entity. As they form they fuse from 3 tissue lobes which morph into a single tooth, and the bumps are the result of this process. The 3 bumps are located along the edge of the teeth and help the teeth come through the gums.

The Bumps On New Adult Teeth Actually Have A Name

These bumpy grooves have a groovy name and are called Mamelons. Mamelons are perfectly normal.

As a Pediatric Dentist we expect these bumps to be present as brand new adult teeth come in and for a few years as these teeth continue to grow under the gums.

Which Teeth Have Mamelons?

You will see Mamelons on the 4 top and 4 bottom front teeth. These front teeth are called Incisors. The 4 top front teeth are called the Maxillary Incisors and the 4 bottom front teeth are called the Mandibular Incisors.

Do I Need To Have the Mamelons Removed Or Can I Leave them Alone?

There is no need to worry about Mamelons. They do not interfere with normal biting and chewing, they are not an esthetic issue; so they are not an oral health concern.

As your child gets older and the Mamelons don’t wear away, check with your Dentist about any potential bite concerns.

In general, leave them alone and they will wear away on their own.

How Do I Explain Mamelons To My Child?

There’s really nothing to say. If your child asks, assure them everything is okay and there are children in their class whose teeth also have these wavy Mamelons.

What About Pictures?

Take as many as you can! Mamelons are present for such a short period of time. You’ll want to remember this time forever.

  • All My New Teeth Are Bumpy
    All My New Teeth Are Bumpy
  • I Know Why My Teeth Have Bumps
    I Know Why My Teeth Have Bumps
  • I Love my new Lumpy Bumpy Teeth
    I Love my new Lumpy Bumpy Teeth
  • New Teeth Almost All Grown In With Bumpy Mamelons
    New Teeth Almost All Grown In With Bumpy Mamelons
  • I'm Reading Up On Why My Teeth Have Bumps
    I’m Reading Up On Why My Teeth Have Bumps
  • Showing Off My New Teeth And They Have Mamelons
    Showing Off My New Teeth And They Have Mamelons
  • We All Have Teeth With Bumpy Mamelons
    We All Have Teeth With Bumpy Mamelons
  • Yes, I Can See Your Bumpy Teeth
    Yes, I Can See Your Bumpy Teeth
  • Yes, I Still Have My Bumpy Mamelons on My Teeth And That's Okay With Me
    Yes, I Still Have My Bumpy Mamelons on My Teeth And That’s Okay With Me
  • Yea For Bumpy Teeth
    Yea For Bumpy Teeth

What did you think when you first saw the Mamelons? Share your stories with us – email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com or Like us, Message us, Chat with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline We’d love to hear from you!

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

Children’s Tooth Truths

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Mommy Loves You, Let's Go Floss and Brush Your Teeth
Mommy Loves You, Let’s Go Floss and Brush Your Teeth

Taking care of your child’s teeth affects their oral health. A good sign of their well-being is healthy teeth and gums. A lot of parents feel that oral health is one of their top priorities for maintaining a healthy lifestyle for their family.

So what are these truths?

Mistruth 1 – Sugar Causes Cavities

Truth – While sugar does contribute to the formation of cavities, it’s not only the sugar itself that causes the cavity. It’s also the bacteria (which is naturally in the mouth) that thrive and eats the sugar which is stuck on the teeth, and eats the teeth as well.

Solution – Keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy by brushing 2Minutes 2X’s A Day and floss every night before brushing.

Mistruth 2 – Parents Don’t Need To Brush Their Child’s Baby Teeth

Truth – Start early and keep going, even before their teeth are in their mouth. Cleaning your baby’s mouth and teeth after every feeding and before naps and bedtime is a good routine.

Solution – A soft toothbrush or washcloth are best to use, with a tiny rice grain size amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Once baby teeth start coming in you’ll have your routine and your baby will be used to you doing this. Remember to Lift Their Lips (upper and lower lips) so that you can see the entire tooth to make sure they are clean.

Mommy Did You Know This Tooth Truth?
Mommy Did You Know This Tooth Truth?

Mistruth 3 – Brushing Harder Cleans Better

Truth – Brushing harder doesn’t mean brushing smarter. The harder you brush their teeth, the more they won’t let you brush and more harm is done to teeth and gums.

Solution – Brush gently with a soft bristled toothbrush in a circular motion for 2Minutes 2X’s A Day, every day.

Mistruth 4 – Flossing Is Not Really Necessary

Truth – Flossing is an important part of maintaining your child’s good oral health. Think of flossing as brushing in-between the teeth. Why floss? The food and stuff that gets in-between has no way to get out. What’s the result? Cavities in-between teeth.

Solution – Toothbrush bristles and rinses don’t get in-between teeth so the only way to clean is with floss. Flossing at night before brushing cleans everything out and then you brush it away.

I'm Going To Bed After I Floss and Brush My Teeth
Dad Did You Know This Tooth Truth?
This Is Why We Love Our Smiles
Really? Mommy And Daddy, Wow-These are The Tooth Truths

Mistruth 5 – Chewing Gum Is Like Brushing

Truth – Chewing gum is not a replacement for brushing teeth. Some chewing gums advertise cleaner teeth and fresher breath, but all they can really do is freshen breath.

Solution – While chewing sugar free gum or gum with Xylitol is better, they are not a replacement for a toothbrush and floss. A regular daily routine for brushing and flossing is still best.

What Dental Mistruths have you heard? Did they make you giggle? Was it really convincing? We’d really like to know!

Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com or Like us, Message us or Chat with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Keeping Your Child’s Toothbrush Clean After Brushing

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In the Know for You To Know

You do this twice a day out of habit – Brush, Rinse, Repeat.

Brushing my teeth with my fresh, clean toothbrush makes me happy
Brushing my teeth with my fresh, clean toothbrush makes me happy

But, what are the best ways to keep toothbrushes clean and fresh between brushing?

Here are 6 ways to take care of your child’s toothbrush so your child’s toothbrush will help you take care of them —

Cleaning your toothbrushes is easy

Rinse your brushes to remove any remaining toothpaste and food particles from the bristles.

Toothbrushes like to be left out in the open

Store your brushes upright and allow them to air dry. Don’t cover or store them in closed containers. A closed container or one with little air holes keeps the brushes wet which allows unwanted bacteria to grow.

Keep toothbrushes separate

If you store your child’s toothbrush with other toothbrushes make sure they are separated to prevent cross contamination and allow them to dry.

Store toothbrushes so they don’t get splashed on

Keep your brushes away from the edge of the sink and counter top. This way they’re not accidentally splashed when someone is washing their hands or reaching for the hand towel. It’s also a good way to help avoid getting germs on the brushes.

Sharing is not caring with toothbrushes

Sharing a toothbrush means you’re also sharing bacteria from each other’s mouth.

Replace your child’s toothbrush every 3 months

90 days of brushing 2Min 2X’s A Day (that’s 180 brushings) takes a toll on a toothbrushes bristles. The bristles become worn down, don’t do a good job of brushing and give germs a place to grow. Regularly replacing your child’s brush allows you to keep up with your good healthy habits.

It's time for a new toothbrush

How do you keep your child’s toothbrush clean and fresh? Have a tip you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you!

Email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com or Like us, Message us, Chat with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

How Often Should You Change Your Child’s Toothbrush?

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How Often Do You Change Toothbrushes? There are 3 important reasons to change your child's toothbrush to keep their routine on track.

3 Important Reasons to Replace Your Child’s Toothbrush?

How many times a year do you change your child’s toothbrush?

  • Every 6 months?
  • Every 3 months?
  • Once a month?
  • Once a year?

3 most important reasons to change your child’s toothbrush – when the bristles start to wear out, after your child has been sick, and every 3 months to keep their routine on track.

Brushing My Teeth
Brushing My Teeth With My New Toothbrush Makes Me Smile

Let us know how often you change your child’s toothbrush. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com or Message us, Chat with us, Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Halloween is October 31st, Do you know what November 1st is?

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Yes it is the day after Halloween, and it’s also a special day. It’s NATIONAL BRUSH DAY.

Family Brushing Time After Trick or Treating
Family Brushing Time After Trick or Treating

What is National Brush Day?

Every year we celebrate National Brush Day on November 1st. To make up for those extra sweets from Halloween we celebrate this day so we can remind our children to get back into our healthy routines and brushing our teeth.

How do we celebrate?

After your children enjoy their treat it’s time to brush to the beat (of their favorite song).

On this day it’s being especially mindful of how important brushing for 2Minutes 2X’s A Day is for everyone. Brushing is actually fun when you do it together to make sure they get into the nooks and crannies. Check out www.2min2x.org for fun brushing.

What do we need to do?

You’ll need 3 things–A soft toothbrush (age appropriate size), a dab will do ya size of toothpaste (fluoride toothpaste recommended), and floss.

Remember to floss first at night. I know everyone says to brush and floss. Flossing first allows you to take out all the yucky stuff that gets caught in between your child’s teeth (and there’s always stuff) then you brush all that away at once.

If you floss second, then you’ll have to brush again to brush that in between the teeth stuff away.

When do we start?

If you haven’t already, National Brush Day is a great day to start. This way National Brush Day will be your family’s anniversary for good oral heath!

Shine Bright My Teeth
Shine Bright My Teeth

HAPPY NATIONAL BRUSH DAY from US to You!

Tell us how your family celebrated National Brush Day. What’s your routine for your child’s healthy teeth and dazzling smile? Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com or Message us, Send us a Comment and Like us on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Halloween Is Coming – What Treats Will You Choose?

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What's in Your Pumpkin?
What’s in Your Pumpkin?

Halloween will soon be here. What costume will your child wear? Will it be trick or will it be treat?

If you choose treats, what will they be? and what will you do to keep their teeth healthy?

What's Your Favorite Halloween Candy?
Trick or Treat
Halloween Treats
Bubblegum Machine filled with Xylitol Bubblegum
What's Your Sweet Tooth?

Check out these tips for a happy Halloween –

*If it’s sticky, it gets stucky and that’s so yucky! Staying away from taffy, dried fruits, caramels, and other chewy, sticky candy is a good idea.

**When choosing candy less sticky and less sour goodies like pretzels, xylitol gum, and smooth chocolate are a good choice. Chocolate without any mix-ins is great because it slides off their teeth.

***Drink water to help wash away the sticky gooey chewy candies. Water is really good for you and your teeth.

****After trick or treating it’s important to make sure to brush their teeth and remember to floss before you brush. It takes 2 Minutes of brushing to clean away all the candy and flossing to remove what has gotten in between their teeth. Keeping up your flossing and brushing routine is important every day.

*****Select with your child their top 5 favorite pieces of candy. Allow them to eat all these choices with in a specific time period rather than continually snacking throughout the night and next day. By doing this you’re one and done and everyone is happy.

Follow these tips for spooktacular teeth.

Happy Halloween!

Tell us about your Halloween plans, costume, whether you tricked or treated, and what your child’s candy choices were. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com or Message us, Send us a Comment and Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

What’s In Your Bubblegum?

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In the Know for You to Know

We're Only Allowed To Chew Xylitol Bubblegum
We’re Only Allowed To Chew Xylitol Bubblegum

Chewing gum and blowing bubbles is so much fun. The bigger the bubble gets the more fun it is.

Regular gum is full of sugar and well sugar is really not so much fun. So what’s a gum lover to do?

To keep those bubbles coming a great alternative is chewing gum with Xylitol.

What Makes Xylitol Gum Better?

Everyone’s mouth contains bacteria and some bacteria really like sugar. These are the bacteria that cause cavities. But these bacteria so not like Xylitol. So Xylitol is a great alternative because of this plus it helps produce more saliva and keep everything moist and moving around and as an added bonus gives you minty fresh breath with no added sugar.

Sounds Good, Any Other Tips?

As with all good things moderation is key for maximum enjoyment. Remember to Brush (2 Minutes 2X’s A Day) and floss before brushing every night.

Anything Else?

Are you ready for a Bubblegum Blowing Contest? Ready – Set – Blow Bubbles!

Blowing Bubbles with Xylitol BubbleGum
Blowing Bubbles with Xylitol BubbleGum

Tell us about your Bubblegum Bubbles Contest! Who blew the biggest bubble? How big were those bubbles? OR Say Hello! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com Message us and Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Can Babies Be Born With Teeth?

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I may just have been born but I can still have teeth
I may just have been born but I can still have teeth

In the Know for You to Know

Yes it is possible for babies to be born with teeth. We’re used to hearing that we should expect babies to get their first teeth around the time they are 6 months of age. Believe it or not, you’d be surprised that some babies are born with teeth!

What Are These Teeth And Where Did They Come From?

Some babies are born with teeth, and they are called Natal Teeth.

The reason for natal teeth is not well understood. What is known is that there is no one single cause of natal teeth.

Some say these are baby teeth that come in early. Some say it’s genetic. While others are of the opinion that babies born with cleft lip or cleft palate are more likely to have natal teeth.

What To Know About Neonatal Teeth

There are some babies who have teeth appear within the first 30 days after they are born, these are called Neonatal Teeth.

Neonatal teeth are less common than Natal Teeth. They can develop like typical baby teeth, but they need to be watched as they carry many of the same complications and risks as natal teeth.

I have a full head of hair and a tooth
Grandma's checking out my beautiful newborn smile and teeth
Checking Our New Baby's Mouth and We See Teeth

What Do Natal and Neonatal Teeth Look Like?

Sometimes these teeth have the same shape and appearance as typical baby teeth. While other times they may be smaller, under developed, yellow or yellow-brown in color, loose, or conical in shape.

Natal and neonatal teeth can come through the gums in the same places a baby tooth would, but they’re most likely to be in the bottom front area. Sometimes there’ll be a lone tooth, or they can come in as a pair.

Complications To Watch Out For

While natal and neonatal teeth aren’t usually fully developed like usual baby teeth, there are some complications to watch out for:

Breastfeeding Difficulties – Babies with natal and neonatal teeth often have difficulty latching on for breastfeeding. These teeth can also make breastfeeding painful for mothers as they can cause sores due to biting.

Tongue Injury – An injury to the tongue is uncomfortable, especially for a newborn, and especially when it is on the bottom surface or tip of their tongue. These are the places where their tongue comes in contact with the natal or neonatal teeth. This can also cause interferences with breastfeeding.

Tooth Swallowing – There are some circumstances when the natal or neonatal teeth are loose and there is a risk of them being swallowed that they’ll need to be taken out for safety.

Treatment For Natal And Neonatal Teeth

Some treatment may include:

Tooth Extraction – This is recommended if the baby’s natal or neonatal tooth is loose to prevent the tooth from being swallowed.

Smoothing – Smoothing the tooth if it is impacting the baby’s ability to feed. If the tooth is sharp it can cause pain and injury during breastfeeding.

Watch and Wait – Some natal and neonatal teeth are actually baby teeth. If this is the case and there aren’t any concerns with these teeth, keeping them in place has many potential benefits for your child’s oral health.

As long as natal and neonatal teeth are not interfering with feeding, not causing any injuries or problems, aren’t at risk for being swallowed, aren’t bothering you or the baby they can be kept in place and monitored. It’s also important to care for them as you would regular baby teeth.

Let us know if you know someone whose baby has (or had) natal or neonatal teeth and what they needed to do. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com or Message us, Like us or Send us a Comment on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

How Do Cavities Form?

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In the Know for You to Know

Did you know that teeth are the only part of the human body that can’t repair itself?

Tooth enamel is the outer most layer of teeth and is made up of specific proteins, crystals and minerals like calcium and phosphorus. When teeth have been in ongoing contact with foods high in carbohydrates (aka sugars), carbonated beverages (aka soda), and there are longer times (than you would like) between tooth brushings these minerals break down and dissolve the enamel.

DEMINERALIZATION

Everyone has bacteria in their mouths, even newborns. When the bacteria comes in contact with the yummy sweet foods and drinks they produce an acidic environment in the mouth which causes the minerals in your child’s teeth to demineralize and weaken the enamel.

The weakened enamel makes their teeth more vulnerable and cavities form. It is usually not only one cavity that forms, it’s multiple.

Cavities grow fast in baby teeth. The enamel is super thin. A finger nail is thicker than enamel on baby teeth.

SO WHAT TO DO?

Once cavities get to a certain size they can’t be stopped or reversed and don’t stop growing.

While it’s best if cavities aren’t given the opportunity to grow at all, if they do show up and they are small, sometimes they can be stopped.

This does take work on your part when your child is young and on your child’s and your part when they are older. The rewards are worth it.

TIPS TO DO

  • For your newborn, infant, and baby use a clean moist washcloth to wipe their mouths after every feeding and before putting them to bed.
  • For your toddler, pre-schooler, and kindergartener you can also use a clean moist washcloth twice a day (as you would a tooth brush) and add a rice grain size amount of fluoride toothpaste, or, if they allow you can use a soft toothbrush with a rice grain size amount of fluoride toothpaste and brush for 2 Minutes in the AM after breakfast and in the PM floss first and then brush for 2 Minutes before bedtime.
  • For your school-age child you’ll use a soft toothbrush, a small pea size amount of fluoridated toothpaste and brush for 2 Minutes in the AM and in the PM floss first and then brush for 2 Minutes before bedtime.
  • For your tween and teenage child you get to watch them use a soft toothbrush, a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste and brush for 2 Minutes in the AM after breakfast and in the PM floss first and then brush for 2 Minutes before bedtime.
  • For your college age child you may still need to advise them and make sure they use a soft toothbrush, a larger pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste and brush for 2 Minutes in the AM after breakfast and in the PM floss first and then brush for 2 Minutes before bedtime.

P.S. Don’t forget about yourself!

P.P.S.

REMEMBER – YOU GOT THIS

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

Flossing Tips

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In the Know for You to Know

Flossing every night before you brush your child’s teeth goes a long way to teaching them this is something they will always do. Repetition lets them know, even from a young age, that is their normal, their routine, their habit.

So, when to start? The best time is when they are toddlers and they have 2 teeth touching. Yes, when any 2 teeth are touching.

If you can’t see a full uninterrupted 360 around a tooth, that tells you it’s time to floss.

Why Floss?

Brushing alone doesn’t remove everything.

Floss goes where no toothbrush can go. The bristles on a brush may look like they can go everywhere. They can’t. They can’t because they are too thick (really, no joke, totally serious). Unlike a toothbrush, floss fits in between their teeth and along the gum line under where the teeth touch.

Not only does this help with cleaning all the tooth surfaces, flossing also helps control bad breath.

Remember to floss first and brush second, so that you brush away the food and plaque the floss takes out from between the teeth.

Toothbrush bristles are BIG

Types of Dental Floss

There are so many to choose from –

  • waxed and unwaxed,
  • flavored (grape, bubblegum, mint) and unflavored,
  • wide and regular,
  • textured and smooth

There is also –

  • regular string floss,
  • pre-threaded flossers (great for children!),
  • floss holders (you put on and change the floss with each use),
  • floss threaders (if your child has braces).

Floss Techniques

Pre-threaded flossers are great when flossing your children’s teeth. There are so many colors, shapes, and flavors to choose from which makes this easier for you and keeps them interested and entertained. Remember to clean the floss with a tissue after flossing between each tooth.

Floss holders, once they have the floss put on are like using the pre-threaded flossers.

Floss threaders are great if your child has braces. You place the string floss through the loop and pass the floss threader at the tip top point of the triangle their gums form between their teeth, floss, and pull the threader with the floss straight out. Do not pull up or push down as this can dislodge their braces.

String floss is also a good choice. With this method you are wrapping floss around your fingers (like you do for yourself).

Where to Start –

You may want to start between the 2 front teeth and floss towards the back on each side. Or you may want to start in the back and floss all the way around their mouth, like a circle. Which ever is your preference and works best for you and your child, remember to floss the back side of the most back teeth.

How Long Do I Have To Floss My Child’s Teeth?

Like tying their shoes this takes time and dexterity. Don’t worry if it takes a little longer than you’d like, expect, or are hoping for. Usually around the time the children are 10 or 11 years old they start flossing and you start watching.

This way you make sure they are flossing between their teeth, especially the hardest to reach ones all the way in the back.

Success Is 1 Step At A Time

Don’t be discouraged if this is hard when you start. Try starting with 1 or 2 teeth a night in the beginning, and don’t forget to congratulate yourself on your success!

Your Happy Place is Your Success!

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