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

May 2, 2024May 1, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

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!

Does Tongue Tie Go Away?

June 1, 2023May 31, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

Mommy and Daddy Love That Now I Can Stick Out My Tongue

Tongue tie is a short muscle attachment under the tongue which may restrict tongue mobility and can cause potential difficulties for breastfeeding and speech.

In our last post we talked about recognizing tongue tie, and how the tie affects breast feeding and speech. Today we’re discussing Treatments for Tongue tie.

Some doctors may take a wait and see approach to evaluate if tongue tie goes away as in some milder cases. There are an increasing number of others who recommend prompt treatment to prevent ongoing feeding difficulties for an infant, or for an older child who has speech difficulties, dental problems, and social concerns. Most cases of tongue tie are treated as soon as they are diagnosed, and depending on the child’s age, it can be done either in the office or in the operating room.

Does Tongue Tie Go Away On Its Own?

Treating Tongue Tie

Tongue tie does not really go away on its own. Sometimes the tight tie may loosen slightly as the child’s mouth grows. For some as they get older they seek to accommodate to their limited tongue movement for chewing and speech. Nonetheless there are children who continue to experience difficulties with eating and speech.

Sticking Out My Tongue Because Now I Can

This Is How Far I Can Stick Out My Tongue

Once a child has been examined and it’s decided that the best way to address the tie is to surgically alter the attachment, you may be referred to either an ENT (Ear Nose and Throat) Physician, an Oral Surgeon, or a Pediatric Dentist.

Tongue tie can be corrected in one of two surgical ways:

Frenotomy

The doctor examines the frenum and then snips it free with sterile scissors. The procedure is quick and usually there is little blood. Most times local anesthetic isn’t used because discomfort is minimal due to there being few nerve endings and blood vessels in the frenum. After the procedure, you stay for a while in the office while the baby breastfeeds. In this circumstance, the breast milk is for pain relief and as an antiseptic.

Frenuloplasty

On examination if the frenum is too thick for a frenotomy, a frenuloplasty, may be recommended. This procedure uses general anesthesia and surgical tools to free the tongue from the thick band of tissue in the bottom of the mouth. When the frenum is free the wound is closed with stitches that dissolve on their own within a couple of weeks. The child will most likely not need to stay in the hospital overnight, and will likely go home the same day as the operation. As with all surgeries there are possible complications and can include bleeding, infection, scarring, or damage to the tongue or salivary gland.

Follow-Up Care

After the procedure a follow-up appointment is usually scheduled between 5 and 7 days to check on healing in the treated area.

Your pediatrician may refer you to a speech therapist depending on how your child’s speech was affected by the tongue tie to overcome any articulation and enunciation problems.

The doctor who performed the procedure or your pediatrician may give your child simple exercises to help improve the full motion of their tongue.

Do you know a Mom who is having trouble with painful breastfeeding? Have you seen a child who is unable to stick their tongue out all the way or move it from side to side? Do you know someone whose child doesn’t want ice cream because they can’t lick the cone? Do you know a child who doesn’t want to be in the school band because they can’t play the wind instrument they want? Newborns, babies and children, tweens and adolescents can have tongue tie. Let us know if you know a family whose child has (or had) tongue tie and what they are doing (or did) to address the tie.. Send us an email 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?

May 25, 2023May 24, 2023 ~ 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.

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!

Can Babies Be Born With Teeth?

October 6, 2022October 5, 2022 ~ kidstoothhotline

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.

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!

New Parents: 5 Oral Health Tips To Share

September 22, 2022September 21, 2022 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Once your baby comes you’re going to be busy. As a parent you have so many responsibilities. Let’s face it, teeth sometimes fall to the bottom of the list.

So we’ve put together some tips to help you seamlessly incorporate dental health into your new daily routine.

Tip 1 Mom and Dad, you and your baby share everything.

If you have cavities, then you also have the bacteria in your mouth that causes them. These bacteria can be passed from your mouth to your baby’s mouth and increase their risk of having cavities. Think giving kisses, licking spoons, and licking pacifiers.

Oral health is always a work in progress, so think about your own healthy smile early on.

Tip 2 Take care of your baby’s teeth before they come into their mouth.

Whether you bottle feed, breast feed, or a combination of both, what’s important is that you wipe your baby’s gums and lips after each feeding and before naps and bedtime. Their mouth is a warm moist place, the milk (or formula) contains sugar, and bacteria love both so they can grow.

When wiping your baby’s gums and lips use a soft lightly wet washcloth. Gently go over their top and bottom gum pads and gingerly move their lips so you have their gums in full view (this is called – Lift the Lip). Then wipe their lips from the inside to the outside.

Tip 3 Don’t let your child fall asleep with a bottle or while breast feeding.

Of course this can happen and the milk bubbles they make with their lips is so adorable. While this looks super cute the sugar in the milk helps to cause cavities (which are not so cute). Even with your best efforts to avoid this, if it does happen, wipe their gum pads and lips with a soft damp washcloth.

Keep extra washcloths at the ready in a separate compartment of your diaper bag so if this happens when you’re out and about you’ll be prepared.

Tip 4 What to do when your baby starts teething.

Baby’s can start teething when they are between 4 and 6 months old. Some baby’s can be older and some can be younger. You can rub their gums with your clean fingers or with a cool washcloth that you hold.

It’s a good idea to stay away from those liquid teething medicines (since they can burn their tender gums), teething rings, teething beads and teething necklaces.

Teething itself doesn’t cause a fever or diarrhea. Check with your Pediatrician if your baby develops a fever, diarrhea, or looks sick.

Tip 5 Baby Teeth are important.

Not all baby teeth are the same. Some teeth go to the tooth fairy when your child is much older, like 13 to 15 years old.

Baby teeth allow your child to chew their food and speak clearly. Very importantly they provide the place for adult teeth to grow in healthy and in proper position.