Wishing you a fun and happy Independence Day filled with food, family, friends, fresh air, sunshine with a whole lot of smiles, and lots of ice cream!
What are your family’s plans for the 4th? Working? Watching fireworks? What’s on the BBQ? Which ice cream flavors are on the menu for your celebration? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
What’s On Your BBQ Menu For July 4th?
From each of us at Kidstoothhotline to each of you ~ Happy 4th of July!
Amazing Fireworks For The 4th Of JulyEnjoying Our Special Cupcakes Made For The 4th Of JulySo Many Yummy Red, White And Blue Treats For Our July 4th PicnicHappy 4th Of July BirthdayWe’re Having So Much Fun At Our 4th Of July PicnicOur Parent’s Set Up A Picnic Just For UsWatching Fireworks On Independence Day
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We’ve received a lot of questions about dental issues for children. Parents like you are asking about what they’ve heard, what they’ve read and why this is truly important.
So, today we’re answering your questions.
Why Are Baby Teeth Important?
Baby teeth are very important for 4 reasons ~
They are needed for the growth of your baby’s jaws, muscles and their face.
Their teeth are also necessary for your child to be able to chew their food, eat well and grow healthy and strong.
Their teeth help them to speak. Their tongue and cheeks use the surfaces of their teeth to help them form the sounds they need to talk.
Baby teeth provide the space for their permanent teeth to develop and to guide them into the correct position.
How Does Putting My Baby To Bed With A Bottle Cause Cavities?
Putting your baby to sleep for a nap or at night with a bottle or after breast feeding can cause a serious type of cavities.
The sugar in the formula, milk, fruit juice, and other sweetened liquids sits on their teeth and eats away at the tooth’s enamel. Over time the tooth will chip and then break off.
The time for cavities to show up can be as soon as 1 year after their teeth come into their mouth.
The first teeth you’ll see the cavities on are their top front teeth.
Do Children Really Get Cavities?
Yes they do. Babies, toddlers, preschoolers, school age, and teenagers can all get cavities.
Cavities are more common than Asthma. Children are 8x’s more likely to have cavities than Asthma.
That’s a lot of children — 20% of preschoolers, 50% of 2nd graders, and 75% of 15 year olds.
Do Baby Teeth Have Nerves?
Yes, baby teeth have nerves.
Baby teeth and adult teeth are made up of the same 3 parts ~
Enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth. It’s there to protect the tooth from bacteria, hot and cold, as well as physical blows to the tooth. While enamel is thinner in baby teeth, it’s still protective. However, when the tooth’s enamel is broken, things spread quickly.
Dentin is under the enamel. It’s the inner layer which makes up the largest part of the tooth. Dentin is there to support the enamel and protect the nerve (aka pulp) of the tooth.
Pulp is the soft tissue in the deepest part of the tooth. It contains nerves and blood vessels. When the nerve is irritated it causes tooth sensitivity. The pulp can in certain situations become inflamed, infected, or even die.
Is It Okay To Let My 5 Year Old Brush His Own Teeth?
Letting your child have a turn to brush their teeth first is good learning for them.
However you need to have your turn afterwards and do the real toothbrushing.
It takes time for children to develop their motor skills. How old do you think they’ll be when they can wash, dry and style their hair from start to finish on their own?
When they can do their hair themselves that’s about the time they can brush and floss on their own also. So you will be doing this for them for a while.
Then once they do start brushing and flossing by themselves they’ll do a much better job with you in the bathroom with them.
I’m Breastfeeding My Baby Then I Will Clean His Mouth
How do you take care of your child’s teeth? What questions do you have about your child’s teeth? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com, Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Mom You Light Up My Life Because You Are The Light Of My Life
Wishing every Mom a fabulous Mother’s Day!
To the most amazing Moms on your special day, you will always be your family’s heart and smile!
For all the diaper changes, meal times, putting up with temper tantrums, all the looking after and making every day memorable and so much fun, YOU really are amazing!
Celebrating My First Mother’s DayBestest MommyCelebrating Mother’s Day Together My LoveCelebrating Mother’s Day With My Mommy And GrandmaCelebrating My First Mother’s Day As A Glamma!Celebrating The Best Mother’s Day EverHappy First Mother’s Day!Cuddling with My Mommy On Mother’s DayHappy Mother’s Day To Every Grandma And Glamma!Cooking With My Grandma on Mother’s DayHappy Mommy’s Day From Me To YouHappy Mother’s Day GlammaHappy Mother’s Day GrandmaHappy Mother’s Day To The Best MomHaving Ice Cream With My Mom On Mother’s Day Is The BestI Love You Mommy, Happy Mother’s DayHappy Mother’s Day Mommy And Blow Out Your CandlesHappy Mother’s Day Memories With My GrandmaMom I’ll Alway’s Love You!Sending Mom All Our Love And Red RosesMom You Know I Love You, Happy Mother’s DayMy Mommy And I Share One Heart, Happy Mothers Day!My Mom Teaches Me So Many ThingsMommy And Me Taking Our Mother’s Day WalkTaking Our Annual Mother’s Day PictureThank You For Being My MommyYou Will Always Be My Most Precious Mother’s Day GiftMy Best Mother’s Day Gift Is YouSpending My Special Day With YouShowing My Grandma How Much I Love Her On Mother’s Day And EverydayI May Be One But This IS My Second Year Celebrating Mother’s Day With My GrandmaHappy Mother’s Day!Telling My Mom How Much I Love Her On Mother’s DayMom You’re The Best, I Love You Forever
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When I was a dental student I first heard about specialists being Board Certified. But I didn’t know what it meant or about the process. It was in my senior year that it all came together and I understood what Board Certified meant. Not just for me, but more importantly for my future patients.
As a Pediatric Dental resident I knew that I wanted to be Board Certified. My program was rigorous. The knowledge I was gaining was boundless and there was so much to communicate.
The best way and only way was to become Board Certified. This meant that my patients would receive the ultimate in care.
As a Diplomate, we seek to acquire new knowledge and bring it to the fore front to enhance our care of children, of your child. We hold ourselves accountable to a higher standard for the greater good in making a difference for your child.
I often think back to when I was a student and before I became a mother, how would I have known what to do? Would I have known to seek out a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist for my child? What would these credentials mean? Why is it important for my child’s Pediatric Dentist to be Board Certified?
Today we’re answering those questions and discussing the importance of choosing a Board Certified Pediatric Dentist.
Why Choose A Specialist In Pediatric Dentistry?
Finding a good dentist for your child can be hard. As a parent you want the best for your child and may wonder whether you should bring your child to see a pediatric dentist or go to the dentist you usually see. You need to feel confident in making the best choice for your child and family.
This is some information to help you decide what works best for the care of your child’s oral health.
Highly Specialized Training
Pediatric Dentists are specifically trained to treat children’s developing teeth and understand the complexities of how teeth grow and develop at different ages and stages. They know the unique issues that children can face during the different stages of their growth and development.
Children generally lose their first baby teeth around the age of 6 years old and this continues with permanent teeth growing in until they are teenagers. Pediatric dentists plan and address certain issues which occur at specific growth stages.
This expanded training also includes understanding the varying childhood behaviors and helping children through their appointments in a positive and comfortable way.
Starting in infancy with the first tooth Pediatric Dentists are committed to setting children on the path for a lifetime of good oral health and positive dental experiences.
Specifically Designed Materials And Equipment For Children
Pediatric dental offices are designed specifically with your child’s needs in mind. From a bright friendly office (where we know their name), to toys and i-Pads in the waiting room, cartoons and popular children’s movies when sitting in the dental chair, and plenty of stickers and prizes to choose from at the end of their appointment. This evokes positive dental experiences where your child may not want to leave.
Not only that, Pediatric Dentists will purchase smaller sized equipment and specific materials with children in mind.
Pediatric Dentists put your child at ease by introducing everything (from examinations to equipment to procedures) step-by-step using effective child-friendly techniques such as tell-show-do without overwhelming them.
Prevention Is Our Focus
Pediatric Dentists are trained to focus on the prevention of dental problems to ensure a lifetime of good dental health.
As a pediatric specialist, we can give you advice and teach your child about developing healthy habits, such as twice a day brushing, nightly flossing and eating foods that promote good oral health.
A Pediatric Dentist also has the latest information on preventive, conservative and minimal treatments for children; such as bioactive materials and sealants.
Why Choose A Board Certified Pediatric Dentist?
You get all of the above plus more!
It’s important to know what Board Certified means so you can make an informed decision when selecting a Pediatric Dentist for your child’s dental needs.
The ABPD certifies Pediatric Dentists based on standards of excellence that lead to high quality oral healthcare for infants, children, adolescents, as well as children and adults with special health needs.
Not all Pediatric Dentists are Board Certified by the ABPD. The process of Board Certification is completely voluntary!
All dentists who complete a Pediatric Dental Residency program can practice the specialty of children’s dentistry with their certificate. However, participation and satisfactory completion of the examination process by the ABPD demonstrates a Pediatric Dentist’s pursuit for continued proficiency and excellence.
The examination process is designed to continually validate the knowledge, skills and experience that’s requisite for the delivery of quality patient care. Be confident knowing the Pediatric Dentist you choose has attained ABPD Board Certification.
Board Certification represents the highest level of credentials in the specialty of Pediatric Dentistry.
What To Remember
Board Certification marks the highest level of excellence in Pediatric Dentistry. A Board Certified Pediatric Dentist goes above and beyond to provide your child with specialized care that is specific for their oral health needs.
I May Have A Few Teeth But My Mommy Is Making Sure We Brush With Fluoride ToothpasteMommy And Daddy Give Me Yummy Healthy Foods And Brush My Teeth With Fluoride ToothpasteWe’re 2 Sisters Sharing Healthy Happy SmilesMommy And Daddy Take Care Of My Teeth So I Can Smile Pretty For The CameraI’m One And I Don’t Have Any CavitiesWe Say Brush 2 Times A Day And Floss Once A DayBrushing Teeth Is Like Learning Ballet, It’s All About TechniqueKeeping My Teeth Healthy By FlossingShowing Off My Pink Sneakers, Pink Sunglasses And Healthy TeethOur Beautiful Teeth Are The Best Gift Our Parents Could Give UsHealthy Teeth, Happy Smiles, Healthy Family
Are you taking your child to a Pediatric Dentist? Do you know if your child’s Pediatric Dentist is Board Certified? Knowing what you know now, what makes Board Certification important for you? Tell Us We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us on Facebook
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While we are dedicated to children’s dental health every day, this month makes it extra special to celebrate strong healthy smiles.
When did this annual tribute to children’s dental health begin? The American Dental Association (ADA) first observed Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. In 1955, this 1-day event was extended to one week, and in 1981 it was transformed into a full month celebration acknowledging children’s dental health.
Children who have cavities when they are young struggle with cavities their whole life,
The right amount of fluoride makes teeth strong,
Cavities are preventable.
What To Know For Your Baby’s Teeth
Children need their baby teeth. Healthy baby teeth allow them to chew and to speak clearly. Baby teeth also keep space for the adult teeth.
It’s important for children to have their teeth brushed twice a day just like their mommy and daddy.
Taking Care Before Teeth Come In
Before your baby’s teeth come into their mouth, it’s important to clean their gums. Clean your baby’s gums after every feeding, before their naps, and before bed time with a clean damp washcloth.
Healthy habits start early.
Mommy And Daddy Love You So Much We Never Want You To Have A CavityLet Mommy See Your Nice Clean MouthI’m One And I Don’t Have Any Cavities
Taking Care Of Teeth For Children, Tweens And Teens Is Important
Good oral health along with healthy meals and snacks go a long way to help prevent cavities in childhood and adolescence.
Young children want to brush their own teeth, but they really need your help.
As children get older they still need your help to brush and floss properly. They have new teeth coming in they don’t even know about.
Adolescents watch and see everything. By you taking care of your own teeth, you’re setting a good example which also helps your child’s teeth stay healthy.
Mommy And Daddy Take Care Of My Teeth So I Can Smile Pretty For The CameraShowing Off Our Big Healthy SmilesShowing Off My Pink Sneakers, Pink Sunglasses And Healthy TeethLearning To Play My Game IS Like Brushing Teeth, It Takes Time And PatienceSaying Goodbye To Cavities With Healthy TeethOur Beautiful Teeth Are The Best Gift Our Parents Could Give Us
Fluoride Helps Prevent Cavities
Fluoride is nature’s cavity super-power.
There are 3 ways fluoride helps make teeth strong:
Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes it stronger against cavities,
Fluoride repairs tiny weak spots in the enamel before bigger problems develop,
Fluoride fights against cavity causing bacteria in the mouth.
Fluoride Is Safe
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all agree that water fluoridation is safe, effective and works to prevent tooth decay (aka cavities).
Still No Cavities At My AgeDaddy And Me Brushing Time
Talking Tooth Care
Introducing brushing and flossing into your child’s routine can seem complicated.
A fun way to start introducing your at home toothbrushing and flossing routine can start with watching a video cartoon the ADA put together about a school age dinosaur named Dudley and his message about taking care of teeth.
What To Remember
Cavities are the #1 childhood disease. The good news is they are preventable.
Start early even before your infant gets their first tooth by cleaning their gums.
As your child grows your consistency helps establish their daily toothbrushing and flossing routine. By you taking care of your own teeth, you’re setting a good example will also help your child’s teeth stay healthy.
Cavities are preventable with a good at home oral hygiene routine, eating healthy foods, and drinking fluoridated water. As a parent you can help give your child their bright healthy smile.
Loving My College SmileI Always Brush My Teeth For 2 Minutes 2X’s A DayNothing Can Stop Us, Healthy Teeth Strong Learning SkillsBrushing Teeth Is Like Learning Ballet, It’s All About TechniqueKeeping My Teeth Healthy By FlossingLearning Chess Is Like Brushing Teeth, We’re Taught How To Do This
What are your healthy toothbrushing habits? Do you have any tips and tricks for your child’s daily routine? What are your tips to prevent cavities? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us a email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles, Healthy Family
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
My Baby’s Teeth Are Beautiful But Why Are They Crooked?
You’ve been eagerly waiting for your baby’s teeth to come in. Now is the time. Their teeth are coming in. The color and shape are what you expected, but the position looks off.
Lots of parents expect, or at least hope to see their baby’s beautiful teeth lined up in a perfectly straight row.
That’s not always the case. There are times, and more often than not, that baby teeth do not come in straight. They come in misaligned, more commonly known as crooked.
Crooked teeth are one of the most common types of dental issues for children.
So what’s a parent to do?
What Causes Crooked Teeth?
There are several factors that contribute to the position of baby teeth, such as ~
Genetics
Misaligned teeth and jaws are often due to mismatched jaw growth. Jaw and facial growth are determined by genetics, and children inherit traits from both parents.
Prolonged Habits
Oral habits like thumb sucking and finger sucking are known as digit habits. These digit habits and/or pacifiers apply pressure on the roof of the mouth (aka palate) and top front teeth. This leads to a narrowing of the top jaw and protruding front teeth
Tongue Thrusting And Mouth Breathing
Tongue thrusting and mouth breathing are known as myofunctional (aka muscle) disorders. They may interfere with facial growth and lead to crooked teeth and/or bite problems.
Early Baby Tooth Loss
Early loss of a baby tooth may be due to tooth decay (aka cavities) or tooth trauma. When a tooth has a cavity which is large enough for the tooth enamel to break off, the tooth behind tips into the broken spot.
When a baby tooth is lost due to decay or injury from a trauma, the teeth on both sides of the gap move into the space. This causes crooked baby teeth and also blocks the adult tooth from coming in correctly.
My Mom And Dad Are Wondering Why My Teeth Are Crooked
Does It Matter If My Child’s Baby Teeth Grow In Crooked?
It doesn’t generally matter if your child’s baby teeth grow in crooked. Your child’s mouth, jaws and face will be doing a lot of growing and changing over the next several years. This growth can affect the position of teeth as they grow. So let growth take its course.
Should I Be Concerned About My Child’s Crooked Baby Teeth?
It’s okay to be concerned. You’re being extra observant and vigilant about your child’s teeth.
This is also something to discuss with your pediatric dentist, either at your child’s upcoming appointment or on the phone.
Depending on your child’s age, they may take a watch-wait-and-see approach. When your child has their regular 6 month check up appointment this is something pediatric dentists are trained to evaluate and discuss with you.
If you’re concerned and don’t want to wait, then call their office and talk with them.
Is There Anything I Can Do To Prevent My Child’s Teeth From Coming In Crooked?
As a parent this is something you really want to prevent. However this is something you can’t prevent.
What Can I Do If My Child’s Baby Teeth Come In Crooked?
There are things you can do to reduce the severity of the problem:
Stop Thumb Sucking, Finger Sucking And Pacifier Use
Digit habits (thumb sucking, finger sucking) and pacifiers can alter the position and alignment of teeth when the teeth erupt into their mouth.
For some children these effects can be seen when they are as young as 24 months of age.
This is why it’s best to encourage your child to stop sucking their thumb, or their finger, or their pacifier at or around the age of 18 to 24 months old.
While most children may naturally stop digit sucking or using a pacifier around 24 months old, there are those who don’t want to stop on their own.
Depending on your child’s age, your pediatric dentist may suggest a habit appliance, a certain type of nail polish, how to say good-bye to the pacifier or an orthodontic evaluation.
Giving Away My PacifierI’m A Big Girl, Why Do I Need A Pacifier?Ready To Give Up Up My Pacifier When My Mom and Dad Say So
Treatment For Myofunctional Habits
Tongue thrust and mouth breathing are 2 types of habits that affect tooth position and jaw growth.
Tongue thrust is also called reverse swallow or immature swallowing. This occurs when the tongue moves forward and pushes against the front teeth during swallowing.
The tongue is a strong muscle. This type of swallowing can change the position of teeth and move jaws out of alignment due to the constant pressure of the tongue.
It is important to talk with your pediatric dentist and pediatrician. They can talk with you about allergies, mouth exercises, myofunctional therapy, or habit appliances to address your child’s specific needs.
they are needed for the growth of your baby’s jaws, muscles and their face.
their teeth are also necessary for your child to be able to chew their food, eat well and grow healthy and strong.
their teeth help them to speak, their tongue and cheeks engage the surfaces of their teeth to help them form the sounds they need to talk.
baby teeth provide the space for their permanent teeth to develop and to guide them into the correct position.
What To Do If A Baby Tooth Comes Out Early
Everything is going along and then despite your best efforts your child loses a baby tooth earlier than they should be losing it.
Losing a baby tooth too early can change the position of the surrounding baby teeth and their adult tooth.
It’s important to talk with your pediatric dentist about something to help prevent this from happening. There is a dental appliance that is used for this purpose. It’s called a space maintainer.
What To Remember
Whether your child’s crooked teeth is genetic or caused by habits like digit sucking, there are ways to address the misalignment. Early intervention early, addressing habits, a healthy diet with good oral hygiene can help prevent tooth misalignment in children.
Are you happy with how your child’s teeth look? Does your child have crooked teeth? What are you doing to correct the position of their teeth? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me and Like Us on Facebook
I Asked My Mom And Dad Why My Tooth Looks This WayI Hope My Crooked Teeth Get StraightMy Brother And I Love To Laugh And Show Off Our Crooked TeethSmiling Even With My Crooked TeethWhen I Smile This Way You Don’t See My Crooked Teeth As Much
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
There are so many things to think about and do when you have a baby on the way. Some days you can’t believe how fast the day flew by.
With so many things on your mind and new experiences, teeth are the last thing you’re thinking about.
While this is so true, we’ve put together the 5 most asked questions from parents. These questions are from Moms and Dads who look back and wish they had asked these questions when they were pregnant.
As an expectant mother, what can I do to help my child have healthy teeth?
It’s important for you to take care of yourself. This also means that you need to take good care of your own dental health during your pregnancy and after your baby is born.
If you, or Daddy, or Grandma, or Grandpa have cavities or gum disease, that bacteria in the saliva will be passed to your baby by kissing, sharing eating utensils or licking a pacifier.
Remember to see your dentist, brush twice a day and floss before your nightly brushing.
Mommy Is Licking Your Baby Spoon CleanSame Goes For GrandmaDrinking Water For Me and My Baby
What can I do to prevent my baby getting cavities from bottle feeding or breast feeding?
Start when your baby is born.
Even before teeth come in it’s important to wipe their gums, cheeks, and tongue after each feeding with a wet wash cloth and before you put them down for bed.
After Your Bottle Mommy Is Going To Clean Your MouthI’m Breastfeeding My Baby Then I Will Clean His MouthMommy Fed You And Cleaned Your Mouth Now It’s Time For BedNighty Nite No Bottle To Bed For MeAfter Your Feeding Mommy Is Going To Clean Your Mouth
When do I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?
The sooner the better.
Once their teeth start coming in, it’s necessary to clean their pearly whites after each feeding and before you put them down for bed.
Whether you use a wash cloth, baby tooth brush or finger brush, remember to lift their lips to see their whole teeth and use a tiny rice grain size of tooth paste.
A Clean Mouth For A Good Night’s Sleep
Any advice on teething?
From 4 months to 3 years old your child may have sore or swollen gums as their teeth start to come into their mouths.
Some children may run a low grade fever, some may have diarrhea, or some may tug at their ears. It’s best for you to hold and gently rub a cool wet wash cloth on their tooth bumps.
Never use teething rings made with wood, teething gels, gel pads, teething beads, teething necklaces or teething bracelets.
If you’re not sure its teeth or if your child is sick always reach out to your pediatrician.
Should I worry if my baby sucks their thumb or uses a pacifier?
Thumb or finger sucking is normal for infants and most use a pacifier. Toddlers usually stop by the time they are 2 to 3 years old.
Prolonged thumb or finger sucking can cause crowded and crooked teeth or bite problems. There are a few ways to address this when your child is older and specifically for their needs.
Me And My Pacifier
How old was your baby when you started to clean their mouth and brush their teeth? Do you have any dental questions you wish you had asked when you were pregnant? How about now? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me and Like Us on Facebook
More Tips? We have lots! We’re here just for kids!
Good Night, Sleep Tight, Won’t Let The Sugar Bugs Bite After Brushing My Teeth
Tooth enamel is super hard. In fact enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. That’s right it’s stronger than bones.
Enamel has 3 important purposes. It protects the teeth from cavities (aka tooth decay), from hot and cold (foods and drinks) and fends off constant acid attacks (when we sip, eat and snack).
What we eat and drink is broken down into carbohydrates (aka sugars). The more often we eat and drink the more sugars we have in our mouth.
The more sugars we have in our mouth the more the bacteria in our mouth goes on a food frenzy. When the bacteria go on their feeding frenzy they release acids into our saliva.
These acids in our saliva mix with food particles in our mouth and form plaque. Plaque is that sticky white stuff that sticks to tooth enamel and tongues.
What’s A Tooth To Do?
Plaque keeps on accumulating until it’s brushed away. It’s the acids in the plaque that gnaw away at the tooth enamel over time.
It’s like a tug of war with 2 things going on at the same time. There’s demineralization where the plaque acids are weakening the enamel. There’s remineralization when toothbrushing and fluoride toothpaste strengthen the enamel by replacing the lost minerals.
When Is All This Happening?
During sleep our body makes less saliva, and the bacteria sit in our mouth and on our teeth.
The mouth is a warm, moist place which the bacteria love, and produce more acids.
If we go to sleep without brushing our teeth, the bacteria have more sugars to eat and put our teeth at risk for more demineralization.
How to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Strong
For healthy teeth it’s about increasing remineralization and minimizing demineralization.
Boosting the remineralization process is about amazing oral hygiene habits and a healthy diet.
Tips To Keep The Sugar Bugs Away
6 Months – 2 Years Old
If your baby is given a bottle when going to sleep make sure Only Water is in their bottle.
Bottles that have any sugary liquids or carbohydrates – like milk, formula, fruit juice keep their teeth under bacterial acid attack all night long.
A Clean Mouth For A Good Night’s SleepMommy Says Good Brushing Habits Start Early
2 – 5 Years Old
When 2 teeth are touching it’s time to start Flossing.
When you’re toothbrushing and flossing their teeth make sure there aren’t any left overs. Sugar bugs love their late night snack!
Mommy And Daddy Take Really Good Care Of My TeethGetting Ready to Brush My Teeth with My DadBrushing My Teeth With My Daddy
School Aged Children
Brush your child’s teeth Twice A Day. Once in the morning and Once at night.
Twice a day is better but if you need to pick one time, the most important time to brush your child’s teeth is Right Before Bedtime After you Floss their Teeth.
Remember, sugar bugs look forward to their nightly snack!
I Brush My Teeth Then My Mom ChecksMy Clean Teeth Make Me Sleep So Much Better
Tweens And Teens
Remember to brush with a fluoride toothpaste Once in the morning and Once at night, and Floss (around every tooth) before their night time brushing.
The same way their appetite’s have increased, so have the sugar bug’s for their nightly snack!
Healthy Teeth And Good Friends Keep Us SmilingI Have Red Hair, Freckles and Sparkling Healthy Teeth
What To Remember
There you have it! 5 reliable ways to healthy tooth enamel.
By toothbrushing twice a day and flossing every night, rinsing with water after every meal and snack, eating a well balanced diet, and seeing your pediatric dentist for regular checkups, you’re helping to keep those sugar bugs away from your child’s teeth.
Look At My Teeth!
How do you keep the sugar bugs away? What are your successful tips and tricks to win the remineralization game? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me and Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Wishing each of you a Happy New Year! To new beginnings, healthy habits, and lots and lots of laughter in this year ahead.
Here we are. On the 2nd day of this new year. Whether you feel eager or daunted, try picking one small change to your child’s oral hygiene routine.
You may choose to start with brushing twice a day or flossing every night. Because, remember, how we start the day is how we end it. With bright healthy smiles all day long!
Here are 4 simple ways to start 2025 on the right foot. Because a healthy smile is the best gift to give your child.
Embrace Sugar-Free Treats
Now-a-days the emphasis for many families are sugar-free snacks and gum as healthier alternatives to sugar-rich treats.
These options not only decrease sugar in children’s diets, they also protect their teeth from harmful sugar acid buildup.
While it’s a good idea to incorporate more sugar-free options into your child’s diet, it’s also important to always encourage rinsing with water after meals and snacks.
Healthy Snacks For My Healthy TeethI Love My Fruit, Then Mommy Brushes My TeethMommy And Daddy Only Let Me Have Juice With My BreakfastMommy Says Eating The Rainbow Makes My Teeth HealthyMommy Takes Care Of My Teeth So We Can Spend More Time Having FunMy Teeth And I Love Our CarrotsI Love Choosing My Fruits And Veggies, And So Does My Teeth
Prioritize Toothbrushing
Toothbrushing and fluoride are 2 of the best defenses against cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.
There are 2 ways to help make sure your child gets the right amount of fluoride. The first is by brushing with an American Dental Association (ADA) Seal Of Acceptance fluoride toothpaste. The second is by drinking fluoridated water whenever possible.
Brushing My Teeth Just Like My Daddy I Like To Show Off My SmileI’m Brushing My Teeth With My Mom And Dad WatchingMommy And Daddy Brush My Teeth And My TongueMommy And Daddy Say This Isn’t The Way To Brush My TeethMommy Is Starting To Clean My Mouth NowNew Teeth New Healthy SmileNo Cavities For Me How About You?Our Teeth Are A Work Of ArtDaddy Makes Everything Fun, Especially Brushing Our Teeth
Consider Sealants For Protection
Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection because they create a barrier over the grooves and crevices in teeth.
Sealants are a great preventive measure, especially for molars.
Showing My Mom My Awesome Teeth
Replace Used Toothbrushes
The New Year is the perfect time replace worn toothbrushes with new ones.
A useful guide is that a toothbrush should be changed every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed or bent.
What To Remember
Set achievable oral health care goals for this year. Start with brushing twice a day, or flossing every night.
Celebrate milestones to keep both of you motivated.
Be consistent while also modeling good oral hygiene habits yourself. This helps instill in children their daily routine.
Setting small attainable goals makes tooth care more accomplishable and less overwhelming.
Healthy Teeth Means More Game TimeLook At My Teeth!Mommy Takes Care Of My Teeth So We Can Spend More Time Having FunMy Teeth Are Healthy So I Get To Go To The PlaygroundWe’re Teeth StrongTeeth Time In The Morning, Teeth Time At Night, More Family Time During The DayStrong Healthy Teeth, Strong Healthy UsTaking Care Of My Teeth Everyday So I Spend More Time Having Fun With My FriendsAfter Mommy Brushed My Teeth This Morning, We Got ManicuresTaking Care Of My Teeth Gives Me Time To Do What I LikeTaking Good Care Of My Teeth Gives Me More Time For School
As you reflect on the year that was and look forward to all that’s to come, cheers for a happy, bright and smile filled 2025!
Good Night, Sleep Tight, Won’t Let The Tooth Bugs Bite After Brushing My Teeth
What is your tooth goal for your child in the first month of this new year? What will you choose? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
Thanks Mom And Dad For My Great Teeth Habits
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
As a Mom I understand how down right frustrating it is to find answers to our questions.
As a pediatric dentist I get it. You want to learn more to take the best care you can of your children.
This is why I put together the most asked pediatric dental questions we have received along with their answers.
Browse through these FAQ’s to learn more about pediatric dental care.
What is baby bottle tooth decay and how did my child get it? Baby bottle tooth decay is a type of very rapid decay associated with prolonged nursing and/or bottle feeding. This happens when a child goes to sleep while breast feeding and/or bottle feeding. During sleep time and nap time, the milk or juice sits on the teeth because the saliva flow in the mouth is decreased. It’s best not to nurse children to sleep, and to avoid putting them to sleep with a bottle.
What causes tooth decay? There are 4 things necessary for cavities to form ~ teeth, bacteria, carbohydrates or starches or sugar and time. Dental plaque is the thin, sticky, colorless deposits of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone’s teeth everyday. When you eat, the sugars in food cause the bacteria in plaque to produce acids which attack the tooth enamel. Over time and with repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down and a cavity forms. This is why it’s important to brush your child’s teeth twice a day and to floss every night.
If my child gets a cavity in their baby tooth, why should it be filled? Baby teeth or “primary” teeth are important for several reasons ~ these teeth help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming the path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Some baby teeth stay in a child’s mouth until they are 12-14 years old or longer. A cavity (aka tooth decay) is really an infection caused by bacteria. Left untreated, cavities will continue to grow larger and can potentially spread outside the tooth and cause serious infections. Pain, infection, impairment of general health and premature loss of teeth are just a few of the problems that can happen when baby teeth are not taken care of. This is why proper care of baby teeth is instrumental in your child’s health.
How can I make my child’s diet safe for their teeth and appealing for them to want to eat? A balanced diet good for your child’s general health, growth and development doesn’t have to be boring. Make this fun and be creative. If your child is old enough include them. Keep this in mind when serving fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, fish and eggs. Limit the servings of sugars and starches, including sugar containing drinks. When you allow these “special treats,” serve them with a meal instead of as a stand-alone snack.
Are pacifiers and thumbsucking harmful to children’s teeth? Thumbsucking, fingersucking and pacifier habits will generally only become a problem if they go on past the age of 3 years old. Most children stop these habits on their own. There are individual treatments that can be discussed if a child is still using a pacifier or sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of 3.
Are dental sealants good for children’s teeth? Sealants help prevent cavities. The purpose of sealants is to cover the grooves and deep crevices on the surfaces of the back teeth (think molars) which are hard to clean, and keep out food that could get caught and cause cavities. You still need to brush and floss your child’s teeth everyday.
After Your Bottle Daddy And I Will Wipe Your Mouth And Then It’s Off To SleepNow Mommy Is Going To Brush Your TeethWater Is The Best Drink In My BottleChoosing My Fruit Is So Much FunLook What We Got At The Farm MarketOranges Are My FavoriteMy Mom Always Packs Me The Best LunchWe Get To Help Choose Our Fruits And Vegetables At The StoreOpen Wide And Brush TeethNo Cavities For My 2, After Bottle Feeding And Breast Feeding It’s Time To Clean Their Teeth And Mouth Before BedChecking My Sealants
Do you have any questions? Don’t be shy. I’m ready to provide you with informative and clear answers to your dental questions. Let me know. I’m more than happy to help you learn more for you to help your child. Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
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