Summer Vacation Tips for Healthy Teeth: Keep Your Child’s Smile Bright

July 11, 2024July 10, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Mommy And Daddy, Did You Remember To Pack Our Toothbrushes And Flossers?

Summer is here and it’s time for long lazy days and fun foods. Whether your plans include traveling, a staycation, or sending your child to camp, it’s even more important to keep up your brushing and flossing routine.

Why? Ice cream, popsicles, summer foods and snacks always taste better with clean healthy teeth.

Today we’re breaking down the basics with summer vacation tips for healthy summer teeth.

Summer Vacation Tips

Brushing and flossing is important even in the summer, especially since children like sugary treats to keep cool.

Stay With A Routine

Stay with your consistent daily routine and add a twist. Do something fun while brushing to keep your child’s attention long enough for you to brush all their teeth. Brush and floss together and have a brush-a-thon to your child’s favorite tunes. Pack a sticker chart for a fun daily tooth brushing reminder. and look for your child’s favorite flavor toothpaste or toothbrush and flossers with their favorite character for camp.

During your travels bottles and sippy cups may be good for comforting your child, however falling asleep with one in their mouth increases your little one’s risk for cavities.

Raise Your Hands If You Brushed Your Teeth This Morning

Showing Daddy How Beautiful My Teeth Are After Mommy Brushed Them — Raise Your Hands If You Brushed Your Teeth This Morning

Keep Your Traveling Dental Kit Handy

Put together a dental kit for your travels whether you’re taking a car trip, a plane trip, or sending your child to summer camp.

Pack a kit and a spare (or 2) with floss, toothbrush, toothpaste, and fluoride rinse for everyone. Remember to keep it on you in a carry-on bag so it’s easily accessible for you.

Mommy Packed My Dental Kit For Me To Use At My Camp — Road Trip, Dental Kit in Red Suitcase

Have A Choice? Choose Water

Juice boxes and cans of soda may be convenient, but the soda and fruit juices don’t quench thirst for long and even make children thirstier. Then there’s the sugars in those beverages which weaken the outermost tooth layer (aka enamel) causing teeth to look dingy and increase the risk of cavities.

Why water? Water is refreshing, it’s best for keeping your child hydrated and for helping to keep their teeth healthy. Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, and keeps saliva flowing which is essential for helping prevent cavities.

Daddy Says Water Is The Best To Drink — Thirst Quencher Refresher

Healthy Summer Snacks

Special foods are more fun when eaten along with tooth friendly options like fresh fruit, veggies, whole grains, and dairy.

Choose fresh fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery which provide essential vitamins and also help clean teeth. Same for cheese and yogurt (without added jellies, jams or crunchies). These snacks are high in calcium and phosphate, which can help strengthen tooth enamel.

Lunching With My Favorite Summer Foods Poolside

Watermelon Is My Favorite Summer Snack — Lunching With My Favorite Summer Foods Poolside

Pool’s Rules Rule

Everyone loves to be at the pool. With so much excitement, so many people, and water splashing everywhere there’s always a chance for a slip, a fall, and potential tooth injury. It’s important to follow the pool’s rules about diving, diving boards, jumping into the pool and running poolside.

No one wants to leave the pool because of a tooth accident. Stay safe and follow the rules.

Cruising Along With Our Healthy Teeth — Pool Time After Toothbrushing Time

Smile Protector

Summer means being outside and having fun swimming, biking, skate boarding, riding the scooter, and playing sports. This fun can sometimes lead to a dental accident.

It’s important to make sure your child wears a mouthguard when playing sports and other physical activities. This preventive step can help protect their teeth from potential injuries.

Protecting Teeth While Having Fun At The Beach

What To Remember

While your child is on vacation their teeth are not, this is why it’s so important to stay on track with their dental health.

Time To Go In For Our Night-Time Flossing And Brushing Before Bed

Showing Off My Pearly White Teeth — Time To Go In For Our Night-Time Flossing And Brushing Before Bed

Have a wonderful summer and enjoy your child’s healthy summer smile!

What is your child looking forward to doing most this summer? What is their most favorite, must have snack, drink and summer food? Do you have any summer family traditions? 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!

Talking Teeth During National Children’s Dental Health Month — Why Are Baby Teeth So Important?

February 8, 2024February 7, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Mommy And Daddy Give Me Yummy Healthy Foods For My Teeth

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (#NCDHM), but children’s dental care is important every day.

Making dental care a daily habit from before their first teeth helps you keep your child healthy.

Your Newborn’s Mouth

After your baby is born there are new things to learn and become comfortable doing.

Did you know that there is something you can do in anticipation of their teeth? And it’s simple and easy to do.

All you have to do is wipe their mouth after their feedings and before you lay them down (for a nap or bedtime) with a cool wet wash cloth. Easy as that, wipe their gums, tongue, cheeks and top of their mouth with a soft cloth.

Why is this so important? This is because teeth come next and taking care of your child’s baby teeth is important for your child’s overall health and development.

Happy Baby Happy Mommy — Let Mommy See Your Nice Clean Mouth

Teething

Baby teeth are also called primary teeth or milk teeth, and they are your child’s first set of teeth.

Teething usually begins at about 4 to 6 months of age, and continues intermittently until your baby is about 24 to 36 months old.

When your child’s teeth are coming in (aka erupting), a good way of comforting their tender gums is by rubbing cool wash cloths (never frozen) gently on the gums.

First Teeth

Around the time your child is 12 months old they should have about 10 teeth.

With more and more teeth coming into your child’s mouth, it is important to be aware that constant bottle feeding, breast feeding or sippy cups increases their risk for cavities.

So keeping up on wiping their teeth and mouth with a cool wet wash cloth after each feeding and before putting them to bed helps to reduce that risk.

Mommy And Daddy Take Care Of My Teeth So I Can Smile Pretty For The Camera

Playing Outside Having Fun And Showing Off My Adorable Smile — Mommy And Daddy Take Care Of My Teeth So I Can Smile Pretty For The Camera

How Many Baby Teeth Do Children Have?

By the time children are 24 to 36 months old they usually have all their baby teeth; although this can vary.

When all of your child’s baby teeth have come in they will have 20 teeth, 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom.

Did you know that during the time your baby has been growing and getting their new teeth, their adult teeth have been developing underneath the baby teeth?

5 Reasons Baby Teeth Are Important To Keep Healthy

Baby teeth are important to help children:

Chew and eat – Eating healthy foods promotes good nutrition and healthy weight. Children who have cavities are less likely to want to eat because their teeth hurt.
Speak clearly – Teeth help with certain speech sounds like f, s, v, t, and th.
Keep the space for their adult teeth – When a baby tooth (or teeth) are lost early the surrounding teeth move into that space and block the adult tooth out. This causes issues later when the adult tooth tries to come into their mouth.
Stay healthy – cavities in baby teeth can cause pain, swelling and significant infections.
Have self-confidence – Have you seen a child that doesn’t smile or keeps their hand over their mouth or doesn’t want to play much with other children? They’re probably hiding the cavities on their teeth that they don’t want anyone to see.

I Love My Kitty And Showing Off My Beautiful Teeth

What To Remember

Taking care of your child’s baby teeth is important for their overall health and well-being now and for their future.

When did you start taking care of your child’s teeth? What is your daily routine? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Talking Teeth During National Children’s Dental Health Month

February 1, 2024January 31, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Showing Off My Pink Sneakers, Pink Sunglasses and Happy Smile

I've Always Brushed My Teeth For 2 Minutes 2X's A Day — Showing Off My Pink Sneakers, Pink Sunglasses and Happy Smile

Today is the 1st day of National Children’s Dental Health Month, #NCDHM!

National Children’s Dental Health Month has a long and distinguished history. The American Dental Association (ADA) observed the very first Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. Then in 1955, this 1 day event was extended to 1 week, and in 1981 it was transformed into a 1 month celebration as an acknowledgement for children’s dental health.

Today, National Children’s Dental Health Month is observed every February and is supported by the ADA (ada.org) and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, (aapd.org)

Did You Know?

Did you know that tooth decay is the #1 chronic disease of childhood in the U.S.?

Yes it is. Cavities are more common than childhood obesity, asthma and diabetes.

When left untreated, tooth decay can lead to pain and infections, which can impact a child’s ability to speak, eat, play, and learn.

What To Know For Your Child’s Teeth

Children need healthy teeth. Healthy teeth help children to chew and to speak clearly. Baby teeth also keep space for their adult teeth.

Children need their teeth to be brushed twice day just like their mommy and daddy.

Taking Care Before Teeth Come In Is Important

Before your baby’s teeth come in it’s important to clean their gums. Clean gums, clean teeth, healthy mouth from the start!

This is why it is important to establish an oral care routine by the time your baby turns 1 year old, including regular check-ups. Good oral care habits and routine visits with a pediatric dentist can help prevent tooth decay.

After Her Bottle I Cleaned Her Mouth And Then We Put her To Bed

Smiling My Gummy Smile — After Her Bottle I Cleaned Her Mouth And Then We Put her To Bed

Taking Care Of Teeth For Your Children, Tweens and Teens Is Important

Children and adolescents who have poor oral health are more likely to have tooth pain, miss school, and perform poorly in school.

Good oral health care to help prevent cavities in childhood and adolescence is important because oral health affects a person’s overall health and well-being throughout their life.

Dental care, especially early dental visits for children is important because as parents you can be educated on oral hygiene, fluoride, injury prevention, and nutrition.

My Dentist And My Teacher Gave Me An A In Oral Health — Playtime With Lots Of Beautiful Smiles

Talking Tooth Care

Introducing brushing and flossing into your child’s routine can seem complicated and feel exhausting.

A fun way to start introducing your oral care routine may by watching a video cartoon the ADA put together about a school age dinosaur named Dudley, his younger sister along with their friends, and Dudley’s message about taking care of teeth, #ADA160.

What To Remember

Tooth decay is preventable with proper care oral hygiene techniques, allowing parents and caregivers to help give their children healthy teeth, bright smiles and healthy futures!

Even On Vacation We Still Brush Our Teeth 2 Minutes 2X's A Day — Even On Vacation We Still Brush Our Teeth 2 Minutes 2X’s A Day

Do cavities run in your family? Does your child have cavities? Do you feel that no matter what you do, your child will get cavities? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us a email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Keep Your Child’s Smile Sparkling During The Holidays

December 14, 2023December 13, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

The holidays spirit is in the air! Spending time enjoying family, friends and food is here. Chocolate, candy, cookies, and cake are everywhere.

Mostly everything our children eat this time of year is tied to tradition, especially the sweets. As parents we want to create new memories and enjoy family traditions.

This is also a great time to start new family traditions to help your children maintain healthy tooth habits even during your hectic holiday schedule.

Strive For Moderation

We’ve all heard this from our own parents. You can enjoy everything but everything in moderation.

But why is this especially true for sugary and starchy foods?

Holiday time with big family meals and lots of special foods and tons of deserts increase the number of times children are eating sweets.

The natural bacteria in their mouth also love all those sugary and starchy foods. As they do this, the bacteria release acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Eating away at the enamel causes cavities.

So what to do? When you’re planning your entertaining and festive meals, make sure your child’s other meals (like breakfast and lunch) and snacks are full of foods that help strengthen teeth, like fresh vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein.

If you’ve been invited out for the holidays, stock your own refrigerator and kitchen cabinets with healthy food. This way you’ll know that when you’re at home, your child is enjoying foods with less sugar and important nutrients.

New Twists On The Classics

Family time together with home made cookies and hot chocolate is the best. With minor alterations in the recipe these special treats can be even better.

Instead of using all purpose flour, perhaps you can find a recipe that replaces some of the regular flour with whole wheat flour. Maybe you experiment to see how much frosting, icing, sprinkles, jimmies and sugar decorations you can remove from your baked goods and your children and guests will still absolutely love them.

There’s something so special about drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows when it’s cold outside. Maybe instead of mixing up the pre-packaged mixes (which are loaded with sugar), you make it from scratch. This way you can keep the hot chocolate on the yummy side but not the sugary sweet side. Or maybe you’ll add a dash of cinnamon. Remember, that peppermint stick candy is just for decoration.

Make Brushing And Flossing A Priority

Set aside a dedicated time each morning after breakfast and each night before bed devoted especially for you and your children as together time, and to and reinforce good brushing and flossing habits.

Making oral hygiene even more of a priority during the holidays can help go a long way in protecting your child’s teeth.

Remember to brush your child’s teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes in the morning and 2 minutes before bed, and floss before their bed time brushing. Use an age appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste on their toothbrush — that’s a rice grain size or smear for children younger than 3 years old, and a pea size amount for children between 3 and 6 years old.

If you’re traveling for the holidays, pack all your children’s brushing supplies in your luggage before you head out on the road. Check List: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss.

Avoid Grazing While Enjoying Family Time

Spending time together in the kitchen enjoying all the cooking and baking, or at the table reminiscing after a luxurious meal is so heart warming.

But it’s actually not that great for teeth.

The first 30 minutes after eating are the most vulnerable time for teeth. This is when they are the most susceptible to those bacterial acids. So eating a cookie here, grabbing a candy there, actually restarts the clock each time. It’s really better to eat and drink all at once. If your child is having their one special juice or soda, it’s best for them to drink it with their meal so that it gets neutralized by their saliva.

How Much Powdered Sugar Do You Like On Your Jelly Donut?

Give Some Tooth-Friendly Holiday Gifts

Including a few tooth friendly gifts into your holiday gift mix is a good way towards keeping your child’s teeth healthy during the holidays and afterwards.

Gift Tips —
Cool character toothbrush, cool color toothbrush, tempting flavored toothpaste, travel-size dental kit, fun brushing timers, flavored floss, or an electric toothbrush for an older child.

Encourage Drinking Water

Drinking water helps to wash away the residual food that stays around in the mouth as we eat and after we eat. Water also helps to stimulate more saliva to be released into the mouth, both of which neutralize the pH in the mouth.

This is a good thing because there isn’t any sugar in water, so it then goes on to also help neutralize the acid caused by bacteria in the mouth.

Drinking water is always a good idea, whether it’s with a meal, after a meal, instead of juice and soda, or after a sugary drink. An added bonus is that water keeps everyone hydrated.

The holidays are hectic enough. Helping you child brush like a champ, and being watchful about the amount of sugary treats they eat and drink during the festivities and downtime at home, and keeping up with their regular dental check-ups goes a long way to happy mouths and bright smiles for all.

Cavity bugs love to eat sugar and teeth. When do you think is their most favorite time of the year? Tell us what you think. We’d really like to know. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook at facebook,com/kidstoothhotline

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

What Is The Blue-Purple Bump On My Baby’s Gums?

November 30, 2023November 29, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Feels like there's something in my mouth

Your baby is healthy and happy, and achieving their milestones. Next on the list is teething. Yes teething, but you’ve got this, you’re on it.

Then one day when you’re cleaning your baby’s mouth you notice a bump. Not just any bump, a bluish-purplish bump on their gums where a tooth is supposed to be.

You’re thinking what is this bump? It wasn’t there before, where did it come from?

While you’re used to the more common signs of teething like children drooling, putting their hands in their mouths, running a low grade temperature, diarrhea, or pulling on their ears. there is also a not so commonly talked a sign of teething.

There are some babies and toddlers who may have a bump on their gums around their developing tooth. This bump is called an eruption cyst.

What Is An Eruption Cyst?

An eruption cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms around a tooth that is developing before that tooth comes through the gums.

As the tooth moves closer to the gums the sac (or bump) appears through the gums and as the tooth continues to grow the bump becomes more apparent.

An eruption cyst does not affect the development of the tooth. The tooth develops as it normally would.

How Does An Eruption Cyst Form?

When fluid accumulates around the special dental tissue which surrounds the developing tooth the eruption cyst forms.

The normal pressure from the developing tooth on the fluid pushes on the gums and because the gums are thin the bump appears bluish-purple.

Sometimes blood can be in the bump around the tooth, which gives the bump a red-brown color.

There are some theories as to why this can occur, there aren’t any definitives as to what causes the fluid to accumulate around the developing tooth.

How Is An Eruption Cyst Treated?

Most of the time when the tooth has fully developed to the point it is ready to come through the gums the eruption cyst will pop on its own.

When the eruption cyst pops and the fluid is clear you’ll see a brand new tooth coming into your baby’s mouth with sore looking gums around the tooth. The sore looking gums are from the eruption cyst that popped and usually gets better on its own in about a week.

However when the cyst pops and there is blood in the bump you’ll see blood in the mouth and on the lips. The best thing to do if you see this is to wet some clean soft wash cloths and gently clean your baby’s mouth. This way you can see where the blood is coming from. When it comes from a new tooth the gums will look sore and get better on their own in about a week.

If you have any worries or concerns always contact your child’s dentist or pediatrician.

What To Know About An Eruption Cyst

Can be a bluish-purple or reddish-brown bump or bruise on the gums which forms over a developing tooth,
This bump may feel spongy or look like a small balloon on the gums,
They may look uncomfortable, but they usually are not painful,
An eruption cyst lasts until the tooth comes into the mouth,
There can be redness around the gums when the eruption cyst pops and the new tooth comes into the mouth.

What To Remember

Eruption cysts are the not so often talked about part of teething. It is formed by fluid accumulating around a developing tooth. These sacs can look like a bluish-purple or red-brown bump on the gums. They usually aren’t a cause for concern and pop on their own when the tooth comes into the mouth.

Have you seen an eruption cyst up close in person? What did you think when you saw it? Share your thoughts with us, we’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Raise Your Toothbrush For National Brush Day

October 26, 2023October 25, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

National Brush Day is celebrated every year on November 1st. That’s right, the day after Halloween.
Each year on November 1st, National Brush Day focuses on the importance of children’s oral health through activities to make brushing fun, and tips to keep their teeth healthy, while reminding everyone that brushing doesn’t have to be a chore.

What Is National Brush Day?

Every year we celebrate National Brush Day to remind us how important it is to brush our children’s teeth everyday and reinforce good dental health. At the same time you’re encouraging your older children to brush their teeth on a daily basis.

Why Is National Brush Day The Day After Halloween?

We celebrate to make up for those extra sweets from Halloween so we can get back to our healthy routines including brushing our children’s teeth.

What Do We Need To Celebrate National Brush Day?

You already have everything you need to use at home.

The 3 pieces of equipment you need are a soft tooth brush, a dab will do ya size of toothpaste (fluoride preferred), and a flosser.

Remember to floss first so that you to take out all the yucky stuff that gets caught in between their teeth (and there’s always stuff) then you brush all that away. If you floss after toothbrushing, you’ll have to brush all over again.

When Do We Start?

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

Brushing 2minutes 2x’s a day is a great way to start on your way to good dental health.

Toothpaste Flavors

We’re used to the usual toothpaste flavors like mint and bubblegum.

How about some crazy flavors that you may or may not want to try on your or your child’s toothbrush —

Bacon
Chocolate
Wasabi
Blueberry
Cantaloupe
Ketchup

Celebration Ideas

Make brushing fun on National Brush Day and every day. After your children enjoy their treats it’s time to brush to the beat of their favorite song. On this day being especially mindful of how important brushing your child’s teeth is for 2 minutes 2x’s a day.
Brush up on their brushing by getting back to basics. Remind your child by showing them how to brush gently along their gum line and brush all the way to the back of their mouth. Remind them to brush for a full two minutes.
Make it a family brushing competition. Brushing is actually fun when you do it together. Create a family chart to track how well everyone is brushing. Each day, have your child fill in the chart for how long they brushed their teeth and if they flossed. At the end of the month decide on a reward for the family member that did the best. Keep this going every month.
Check out 2min2x.org for fun brushing ideas.
Involve your children and take them with you to the store when you buy them their favorite flavor toothpaste and a colorful toothbrush or a toothbrush with their favorite character. If your child is old enough maybe you’ll consider an electric toothbrush.

Important To Remember

National Brush Day, is November 1st. It falls on the day after Halloween because it serves as an important reminder of the significance of children’s oral health, and encourages healthy toothbrushing habits.

This is to remind and encourage you to ensure your children either brush their teeth or have their teeth brushed by you for 2 minutes, twice a day, on National Brush Day and every day.

HAPPY NATIONAL BRUSH DAY from us to you!

Which is your pick for the craziest toothpaste flavor? Have an idea for a crazy toothpaste flavor? Tell us. Share with us your family’s favorite toothbrushing song? We’d really like to know. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Infant Oral Health Fast Facts, Your Child’s Dental Well Care Visits

October 19, 2023October 18, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Mommy Fed You And Cleaned Your Mouth Now It's Time For Bed — Mommy Fed You And Cleaned Your Mouth Now It’s Time For Bed

Your child’s dental health is much more than healthy teeth. This is because dental health is integral to their overall good health, the same way it is for mom and dad.

Your baby’s dental examinations allows you opportunities to learn about so many changes they will go through as they grow, especially in the first year.

There are so many things to talk about concerning your baby’s mouth, teeth and growth at this young age. They could be about teething, tooth development, jaw growth, oral hygiene, fluoride, diet, thumb sucking, pacifiers, injury prevention, brushing and so much more.

You may want to know how often you should bring your baby for their dental examination. Or maybe your husband, mom, or mother-in-law may have a question or two.

Where And When Do We Start?

We’ve put together a list of topics which are important right from the beginning, and will help you as your baby grows.

Birth to 2 months

Feeding Whether you’re breast feeding, bottle feeding or doing a combination of both it’s important to wipe your baby’s mouth with a clean wet wash cloth to clean away the residual milk or formula.
Why is this important? So your baby gets used to you cleaning their mouth now and as they grow.
If you’re bottle feeding, remember no bottle propping.

4 months

Feeding Whether you’re breast feeding, bottle feeding or doing a combination of both it’s important to wipe your baby’s mouth with a clean moist wash cloth to clean away the residual milk or formula. If you’re bottle feeding, remember no bottle in the bed.
Fluoride Depending on your water supply your baby may or may not need a fluoride vitamin, so it’s best to talk about your drinking water now.
Teething Teeth may be starting to come even at this young age, which makes it even more important for you to wipe your baby’s mouth with a clean wet wash cloth after every feeding.

6 to 9 months

Teething Teeth typically begin coming in at 6 months old. Cool wash cloth compresses on the new teeth and tender gums help with discomfort. Avoid teething gels, teething beads, teething rings filled with liquid.
Dental Check-up We’re looking at the teeth to see which one’s are coming in, which one’s are about to come in, the order they’re coming in, if there are any white or brown spots or cavities on the teeth, the shape of the teeth, if there are any defects of the teeth, as well as the shape, size and growth of your baby’s jaws.
Oral Hygiene As teeth come into their mouth keep wiping your baby’s mouth with a clean wet wash cloth after each feeding to keep their mouth clean. You can put a dab (aka small pea size) of fluoride toothpaste on the wash cloth to wipe your baby’s teeth. It’s important to lift their top and bottom lips away from their teeth so that you can see the full tooth and clean the whole tooth (and all of the teeth).
Fluoride If your drinking water has very little or does not have any fluoride your child will need fluoride vitamins. The exact does of fluoride depends on how little fluoride your water has and your child’s age.
Feeding Whether you’re breast feeding, bottle feeding, doing a combination of both, trying out a sippy cup or introducing table foods it’s important to keep wiping your baby’s mouth with a clean moist wash cloth to clean away the residual milk, formula, or food. If you’re bottle feeding or beginning to use a sippy cup, remember no bottles or cups in the bed. It’s important to clean your baby’s teeth before going to sleep.

12 months

Teething Teeth are still coming into your baby’s mouth. Cool wash cloth compresses help with discomfort. Teething gels, teething beads, teething rings filled with liquid need to be avoided.
Dental Check-up With more teeth in your baby’s mouth we’re looking at the teeth to see which teeth are in their mouth, which one’s we can feel under their gums, the order they’re coming in, if there are any white spots or brown spots or cavities on the teeth, the shape of the teeth, if there are any defects of the teeth, as well as the shape, size and growth of your baby’s jaws. We’ll ask you about your pediatrician’s visits since your baby’s overall growth affects their dental growth.
Oral Hygiene As more teeth come into their mouth keep wiping your baby’s mouth with a clean wet wash cloth after each feeding to keep their mouth clean. You can put a dab (aka small pea size) of fluoride toothpaste on the wash cloth to wipe your baby’s teeth. It’s very important to lift their top and bottom lips away from their teeth so that you can see the full tooth and clean the whole tooth (and all their teeth).
Fluoride If your drinking water has very little or does not have any fluoride in it, your child will need fluoride vitamins. Since the exact does of fluoride depends on the amount of fluoride your water has and your child’s age your prescription may change.
Feeding Whether you’re breast feeding, bottle feeding, doing a combination of both, trying out a sippy cup or introducing table foods it’s important to keep wiping your baby’s mouth with a clean moist wash cloth to clean away the residual milk, formula, or food. If you’re bottle feeding or beginning to use a sippy cup, remember no bottles or cups in the bed. It’s important to always clean your baby’s teeth before going to sleep.

Important To Remember

Always hold your infant when you are feeding them. No bottle propping or putting them to bed with a bottle or sippy cup.
Start cleaning your baby’s mouth with a clean wet wash cloth after their very first feeding and then after every feeding.
Make your child’s first pediatric dental appointment when their first tooth starts to peek through their gums.
Baby’s can start to get their teeth as early as 4 months old, this is why starting early to clean their mouths is so important.
Lift their top and bottom lips so you can see all of their top and bottom front teeth.
Fluoride is safe and your pediatric dentist will only prescribe fluoride if your drinking water does not have the optimal amount of fluoride.

Love Feeding My Baby And Looking Into Her Beautiful Eyes

Breastfeeding My Baby Then I Will Clean His Mouth — Love Feeding My Baby And Looking Into Her Beautiful Eyes

As Pediatric Dentists our goal is to make dental visits stress free for every child and their parents, and that starts in infancy.

Your child’s visits to the pediatric dentist should be fun and positive. Every child deserves a dentist who lays the foundation for a lifetime of good oral health.

How old was your child when they got their first baby teeth? How old was your baby when you started cleaning their teeth? Share with us, We’d really like to know. Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

Helping Your Child Be Comfortable At The Dentist

September 28, 2023September 26, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You To Know

I'm Watching My Dentist Clean My Teeth — I’m Watching My Dentist Clean My Teeth

As a parent you know how important your child’s health is, including their dental health. Taking your child to the dentist is as important as taking them to their pediatrician.

But what if your child is afraid of going to the pediatrician? Will they also be afraid to go to the dentist?

We’ve put together tips you can use to help overcome fears of the dentist and reinforce positive dental experiences.

How To Calm Your Child’s Fears Of The Dentist

1. Start going to the dentist with your child at an early age

I'm One and I Have Teeth — I’m One and I Have Teeth

Mom Said We're Going To The Dentist After The Park — I’m One and I Have Teeth

First tooth first dentist visit and continue with regularly scheduled checkups. This way your child becomes familiar with the dentist and more comfortable at each visit. Bonus – you also learn ways to help your child you may not have known.

2. As your child gets older tell them about their upcoming dental appointment with a limited amount of details

Answer their questions simply and keep it light and positive. Then let your pediatric dentist describe the specifics about their dental visit in an easy age appropriate manner.

My Dentist Always Tells Me and Shows Me Everything First

Then My Dentist Does What She Said — My Dentist Always Tells Me and Shows Me Everything First

3. Role play going to the dentist

This is an incredible ice-breaker before your appointments. Whether it’s practicing opening wide and counting teeth, sitting in the family room recliner practicing to open wide, reading books together about going to the dentist, or playing dolls with Dentist Barbie; your child will have a positive outlook for their appointment.

Mommy Said The Dentist Is Going To Take Pictures Of My Teeth, So I'm Practicing

Taking My Tooth Photos Wearing My Cool Shades

Checking Out My Tooth Photos With My Dentist and My Dad

4. Drive past your pediatric dentist’s office

While your out together doing errands or the school run, the day before their appointment drive past to show your child where you’ll be going to their appointment.

5. Children are very smart and in tune with their parent’s feelings

Please don’t mention any previous bad experiences you’ve had at the dentist.

6. Show your child the importance of good dental health by taking care of your own teeth

Explain that their dentist is a doctor who helps us keep our teeth and gums happy and healthy.

7. Practice at home

Children learn by example, so by modeling proper oral health care habits and discussing them with your child in a positive way, you can help prepare your child for successful dental visits now and into the future.

My Dad Teaching Me To Brush My Teeth — Brushing Teeth With My Grandma

8. Listen to your child’s fears and concerns

By listening to your child’s feelings and any worries they may have alleviates a lot of anxiety they’re feeling. Listen and provide reassurance that going to the dentist is a safe experience. Let them know it’s okay to feel scared or anxious and that you will be there with them during their appointment and their pediatric dentist is here to help.

9. Find a fun and welcoming pediatric dentist

Pediatric dentists make every visit a fun adventure for your child. Visit aapd.org and click on Find a Dentist.

Books To Read About Going To The Dentist

Books are great to help in preparing your child for their dental visit since they have a positive impact on children’s perception of the dentist.

3 recommendations to help you get started –

The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss (amazon.com/Tooth-Book-Dr-Seuss)

The Berenstain Bears Visit The Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain (amazon.com/Berenstain-Bears-Visit-Dentist)

Show Me Your Smile! A Visit To The Dentist — with Dora The Explorer (amazon.com/Show-Your-Smile-Dora-Explorer)

Our Teacher Is Reading Us A Story About Going To The Dentist

Mommy's Reading To Me About My Dentist's Visit — Our Teacher Is Reading Us A Story About Going To The Dentist

What’s Important To Know About A Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists are like pediatricians.

After dental school we go on to study for an additional 2-3 years dedicated to children’s dental health, medical health and growth and development.

We only see children and specifically take care of children during all stages of their dental development. We are the experts for children from birth to college graduation.

Overcoming The Overwhelming

Going to the dentist can be overwhelming for a child. There are so many sites and sounds – from a large chair that moves up and back, to lots of shiny metal equipment (aka tools) with some that spin in their mouth while making noises, and the dentist puts a tool or two into their mouth.

Children grow quickly so regular check-ups are the key to their familiarity and comfort, while allowing your pediatric dentist to monitor their development and ensure you maintain their healthy teeth throughout their childhood and young adulthood.

What To Remember

Dental health plays such a tremendous role in your child’s health and life that you’ll want to get them started on a good path at a young age. These are tips you can use to help overcome their fear of the dentist and reinforce positive dental experiences.

Share your experiences. What has worked for you to overcome your child’s fear of going to the dentist? We really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Happy Grandparent’s Day

September 7, 2023September 6, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

September 10th is National Grandparent’s Day. Grandparent’s Day is a very special day set aside to honor all grandparents and the extraordinarily memorable relationship they have with their grandchildren.

Cherish Your Grandparents

This is a day to honor grandparents, to give grandchildren an extra reason to show love for their grandparents, and to allow children to become more aware of the strength, knowledge, and guidance grandparents can share with them.

A grandparents relationship with their grandchild is so precious and influential. The love, honor, respect, and admiration is easy to see with the feelings being totally mutual.

These cherished gifts from a grandparent to their grandchild are something they will hold dear and carry with them every day of their lives.

Spending Time With Your Grandparents

Your family may have your own traditions or you may be starting new ones.

Maybe you’ll be taking out your family’s photo albums reminiscing and telling stories, or asking grandma if you can cook together a favorite meal. Think about having a grandparent sleepover, spending time with your grandparents at the park or zoo, fixing the car with grandpa or asking grandpa to teach you how to ride a 2 wheeler.

Remember to take photos, start a memory book, or record their stories on your phone because what you’re doing together is making beautiful memories for a life time and to pass on.

3 Reasons Grandparents Are The BEST

Without them we wouldn’t be here,
We love each other totally and unconditionally,
They have a lot of knowledge to pass along.

From each of us at kidstoothhotline to each of you Happy Grandparent’s Day!

What are your plans for celebrating Grandparent Day? We’d really like to know. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me or Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline.

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

Summer Tooth Tips For Your Family

July 6, 2023July 5, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Summer is here and your family wants to have fun, fun, and more fun. Lazy days and yummy foods have been on your children’s minds since the count down to vacation began.

This is also a stressful time for you because you know what they want and you want to keep up their balanced diet and keep going with those good habits you’ve worked hard on.

So how do you indulge those eagerly awaited extra special delights and stay on track?

4 Bite Sized Tips For Healthy Summer Teeth

Keep up with your child’s routine

Whether you’re traveling, day tripping, planing a staycation or a trip to Grandma’s, put together a traveling dental kit. This way if schedule changes disrupt your good habits you can start up where you left off. Also remember that while bottles and sippy cups are good for comforting your child, don’t let them fall asleep with one in their mouth as it increases their risk for cavities.

Stick to your child’s healthy diet

Make those special foods and beverages more delicious when eaten with a healthy and balanced meal full of fresh fruit, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, water, and plain milk.

Indulge with care

Gooey, sticky and chewy are fun to eat, not so much to brush off teeth. Choose treats that are super smooth and slide off the teeth like chocolate bars without crunchies, italian water ices, and ice cream.

Make it fun

Vacation time is happy and new every year. This year tweak your consistent daily routines in a fun way. Try doing something to keep your child’s attention long enough for you to brush all their teeth, like – brushing and flossing together or have a brush-a-thon to your child’s favorite tunes. Children love stickers, so use a sticker chart and remember to be on the look out for their fun flavor toothpaste or a toothbrush with their favorite character.

Grapes Are Our Favorite, Easy To Pack And Easy To Eat

Daddy has my tooth brush in his knapsack

Summer time is always a busy time for families. Being out of school with a steady stream of activities puts every day life on hold, including good tooth routines and habits.

If your good habits go haywire, pick up where you left off and help your child get back on track with their good brushing, flossing and healthy eating habits.

Enjoy your summer and make those amazing memories while at the same time protecting those beautiful smiles!

How do you keep up with your children’s brushing and flossing over the summer? What are your families favorite summer foods? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me or Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Summer Vacation Tips

Stay With A Routine

Keep Your Traveling Dental Kit Handy

Have A Choice? Choose Water

Healthy Summer Snacks

Pool’s Rules Rule

Smile Protector

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Your Newborn’s Mouth

Teething

First Teeth

How Many Baby Teeth Do Children Have?

5 Reasons Baby Teeth Are Important To Keep Healthy

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Did You Know?

What To Know For Your Child’s Teeth

Taking Care Before Teeth Come In Is Important

Taking Care Of Teeth For Your Children, Tweens and Teens Is Important

Talking Tooth Care

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Strive For Moderation

New Twists On The Classics

Make Brushing And Flossing A Priority

Avoid Grazing While Enjoying Family Time

Give Some Tooth-Friendly Holiday Gifts

Encourage Drinking Water

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Is An Eruption Cyst?

How Does An Eruption Cyst Form?

How Is An Eruption Cyst Treated?

What To Know About An Eruption Cyst

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Where And When Do We Start?

Birth to 2 months

4 months

6 to 9 months

12 months

Important To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

How To Calm Your Child’s Fears Of The Dentist

1. Start going to the dentist with your child at an early age

2. As your child gets older tell them about their upcoming dental appointment with a limited amount of details

3. Role play going to the dentist

4. Drive past your pediatric dentist’s office

5. Children are very smart and in tune with their parent’s feelings

6. Show your child the importance of good dental health by taking care of your own teeth

7. Practice at home

8. Listen to your child’s fears and concerns

9. Find a fun and welcoming pediatric dentist

Books To Read About Going To The Dentist

What’s Important To Know About A Pediatric Dentist

Overcoming The Overwhelming

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Cherish Your Grandparents

Spending Time With Your Grandparents

3 Reasons Grandparents Are The BEST

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

4 Bite Sized Tips For Healthy Summer Teeth

Keep up with your child’s routine

Stick to your child’s healthy diet

Indulge with care

Make it fun

If this is helpful for You Please Share: