Growing up I was always the child in the dental chair. Every check up it was as if I was destined to have another cavity. My parents chalked it up to “soft teeth run in the family.”
Then I went to dental school, got married, had children and became a pediatric dentist. Along the way I learned some tips and tricks that wouldn’t leave our children’s oral health up to genetics or luck. Today I’m happy to say that this approach has kept our children from having cavities and crooked teeth.
My fellow parents, it is not luck that contributes to good teeth, it’s about planning, consistency and adaptability. I want to share with you what I did to help decrease the family trend of cavities and crowded teeth for my children from when they were infants through their teenage years.
Decreasing The Family Trend For Cavities And Crowded Teeth
1. Before your child’s first tooth comes in it is important to wipe their gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding and before nap and bed-time.
2. Teething rings should be placed in the refrigerator only, never in the freezer. You never want anything to freeze to your child’s gums.
3. As soon as your child’s first tooth peaks through their gums it is important to start brushing with a rice grain size amount of fluoridated toothpaste twice a day.
4. For your pre-K child (over 3 years old) brush twice a day with a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste and there’s no swallowing.
5. You can protect your child from having fear of the dentist. As parents, we’re always saying that words and actions matter.
6. Orthodontic treatment may be beneficial even before your child’s permanent teeth come in.
7. Mouth guards are recommended to protect your child’s teeth from sports injuries.
8. Sealants are effective in preventing cavities on molars by forming a protective coating over the deep crevices so food doesn’t get caught in the grooves.
9. Always replace your child’s toothbrush after an illness.
With everything you have to do, it may be tempting to skip a day. Turns out diligence is the key.
Breastfeeding is special for so many reasons and it is one of the first decisions you make as a new mom about how to feed your child. Breastfeeding is a remarkable experience that also has health benefits for both you and your baby.
Breast milk can help infants fight infection, decrease the risk of allergies, asthma, and obesity, as well as lowering the risk of SIDS. Nursing mothers may lower their chances of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
Did you know breastfeeding also has an impact on both your baby’s and your dental health?
Here’s a look at how —
Mom, You Don’t Have to Wean As Your Baby Gets Teeth
This is an often asked concern about teething and breastfeeding. Many nursing moms decide it’s time to stop breastfeeding when their baby starts teething or they first notice a tooth. Usually, this is because they’ve heard that the baby can nip the breast at the end of a feeding session, or, another nursing parent voiced fears about being bitten. Yet there are many teething babies and babies with teeth who never bite when breastfeeding. So the answer is you don’t have to stop if you don’t want to.
Every mother-child breastfeeding experience is individual and special. The decision to stop breastfeeding is important to discuss with your pediatrician when you think it’s the best for you and your baby, and not just because the teeth are coming in.
Breastfed Babies Can Still Get Cavities
Can breast feeding cause cavities? Is an often asked question by nursing mothers. The short answer is yes, and this is because breast milk does contain sugar in addition to all of the other good things.
The long answer is that the benefits of breastfeeding for infants in their first year of life help to ensure the best possible health for your baby and your family.
However, frequent and nightly (and nap time) breastfeeding (and baby bottle use) beyond 12 months of age is associated with increased early childhood cavity risk.
This is why it’s important to never let your baby fall asleep while feeding. Breastfeeding infants who fall asleep while nursing with milk in their mouths are also vulnerable to cavities.
Take care for your infant’s mouth from the start, even before teeth come in. Starting right after birth begin wiping your baby’s mouth and gums with a clean, moist washcloth after each feeding every day.
Breastfeeding May Help Build a Better Bite
The American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry found that babies who are exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life were less likely to have teeth alignment issues.
While every baby and every child is different, this doesn’t mean your exclusively breastfed baby won’t need braces someday. Other factors, like genetics, pacifier use, and thumb sucking also affect tooth alignment.
Mom, You Need To Take Care of Yourself
Being a mom is stressful. You have no time to take care of yourself. Remember if you’re not healthy (and this also goes for your dental health), you will not have the time and the energy to make sure your baby is healthy.
So what you need to do — Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated by drinking water. Plain, fluoridated water is great for you to stay hydrated, for the tooth protective benefits of fluoride and your mouth to stay moist (as opposed to dry which can make you not feel your best).
Brush your teeth twice a day, Yes you are exhausted but you need to do this because if you let this slide then the bad bacteria in the mouth grows and not only causes cavities but can be transmitted to your baby by kissing and sharing (or licking) their spoon.
Another reason to brush is so that you don’t accumulate that sticky film (plaque) and hard tarter on your teeth which increases the risk for gum disease.
Some new moms may experience jaw pain, sore neck muscles, or grinding (clenching). Tell your dentist if you’re having any of these symptoms, you don’t have to grin and bear it.
Need Dental Care? Let Your Dentist Know You’re Breastfeeding
It’s safe and important for you to go to the dentist while you’re pregnant and while you’re nursing. It’s also very important for the best health of your child.
If you need to have a dental procedure that requires medication while nursing, discuss this with your dentist, your personal physician and your pediatrician.
You can even ask your dentist to call your OB, your primary care provider, and your pediatrician directly before or during your appointment to address any concerns you have.
You’ve got this!
Every woman’s motherhood journey is meaningful and special. What’s your hack for including and taking care of your dental health in your usual mom day? We’d really like to know. Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Here you are, you know your child has a cavity but you also know they won’t sit to have it taken care of. You’re thinking about taking your child to the pediatric dentist and face the music or tough it out, after all it’s only a baby tooth and it will fall out. At first toughing it out sounds like a good idea but then you look at their face then into their mouth and realize you have to go.
But what can they do?
There is a special medication that can be applied directly to teeth which can stop or at least slow down the growth of a cavity. This remedy is Silver Diamine Fluoride.
Please make my teeth stop hurting
What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an FDA and ADA (American Dental Association) approved clear topical liquid that is used to treat cavities. It is applied by a pediatric dentist to the cavity area of a tooth to control and help stop the progression of a cavity.
How Does SDF Work?
Silver Diamine Fluoride is composed of two main components, silver and fluoride. The silver part acts as an antimicrobial on the bacteria causing the cavity while the fluoride helps to strengthen and remineralize the tooth. The third accessory component is Diamine which makes the SDF into a liquid.
How Is SDF Applied To Teeth?
Your child’s teeth will be dried and any food or plaque will be removed. SDF is applied to the affected teeth with a small brush and allowed to dry on each tooth for one to two minutes. After this application it is recommended that your child does not eat or drink for at least an hour so the Silver Diamine Fluoride has time to penetrate into the tooth and the cavity.
After SDF is applied the cavity will turn black and stay black. It make take up to a week for the cavity areas to turn black. The black stains on teeth treated with SDF are permanent. The parts of the tooth without the cavity will not turn black.
When Is SDF Recommended?
While Silver Diamine Fluoride is not a substitute for the traditional way cavities are treated, it is another option for treating cavities. Young children, children with special health needs, any child who has a difficult time at the dentist or who may have a lot of cavities may benefit from this type of care.
My Tooth Hurts So Much My Head HurtsMy Tooth Hurts!
What Are The Benefits Of SDF?
Silver Diamine Fluoride has a number of benefits — Quick to apply, Painless, May stop cavity progression, Relieves tooth sensitivity, Helpful cavity treatment for children who are very young or any child who struggles with appointments and longer procedure times.
Are There Any Risks With SDF?
Some common risks are — All cavity areas will stain black while healthy tooth structure will not stain; If Sliver Diamine Fluoride touches skin or the gums, a harmless temporary brown or white stain may appear on that area, which will disappear on its own in one to three weeks; Some may notice a metallic taste but this is temporary; SDF may not stop cavities from progressing and other treatments may need to be discussed.
SDF Is Just Not For Some Children
SDF contains silver and children who are allergic to silver or who have mouth sores or ulcers in their mouth should not have it applied to their teeth. It should also not be used when the cavity is very deep and has compromised the tooth. Some parents may not want the cavity areas on their child’s teeth turning black.
Are There Any Alternatives To SDF?
Two possible alternatives may be — No treatment, which may lead to worsening symptom severity as well as increasing breakdown of teeth; Depending on the extent and location of the cavities other treatment options may be necessary which is an important conversation for you to have with your child’s pediatric dentist.
What’s important is that Silver Diamine Fluoride is a safe, effective alternative treatment that can help your child maintain a healthy smile.
Thank You Mom and Dad For My SmileI’m One And I Don’t Have Any Cavities
Every February we celebrate Children’s Dental Health Month. We like to celebrate children’s oral health every month but February historically holds a special place in our hearts.
Healthy habits start early and grow as your child grows. Whether your child is a newborn, 6 months old, 6 years old, or 16 years old healthy teeth and gums are important for a healthy smile and a healthy life.
With a consistent home care routine, a balanced diet, injury prevention, and regular dental visits your child’s teeth can be healthy, strong, beautiful and last their whole lifetime.
Keep Those Little Smiles In Your Life Healthy And Happy From The Start!
Cavities are the most common chronic disease among children across all age groups. From infant to college, cavities are 4x’s more common than Asthma.
They are also the most common preventable chronic disease among children of all ages.
Did you know that cavities can form even before a tooth is fully in the mouth?
Happy Healthy Teeth Come Out On Top – What You Can Do At Home
From their 1st tooth, brush your child’s teeth 2x/day with fluoride toothpaste every day. Teeth not in yet? No worries, use a wash cloth to wipe their gum pads and tongue after each feeding.
Teeth touching? Clean between your child’s teeth nightly with dental floss.
To snack and what to snack on? Eat healthy foods and be selective about sugary and starchy (aka high carb) foods and beverages. Yes that includes chips.
Children’s teeth are meant to last a lifetime. And a healthy smile is a happy and confident child.
After Your Feeding and Cleaning Your Mouth We Lay You Down To Sleep
After Your Feeding Mommy Is Going To Wipe Your Mouth
All My Teeth Are Looking Good
Daddy And Me Brushing Time
Daddy and Me Smiling Our No Cavity Smiles
Happy Baby Happy Mommy and Daddy
Healthy Teeth Happy Family
I May Have A Few Teeth But My Mommy Is Making Sure We Brush
Love To Smile
Love You Daddy For Playing With Me And Brushing My Teeth
Loving My Cavity Free College Smile
Mommy and Daddy Brushed Our Teeth Now It’s Playtime
Mommy And Daddy Love You So Much We Never Want You To Have A Cavity
Mommy And Daddy Make Sure I’m In The No Cavity Club
Showing Off My Healthy Teeth
Smiling Our Best Smiles
Still No Cavities!
The Thought Of Getting A Cavity Makes Us Laugh
In honor of National Children’s Dental Health Month, we applaud you and encourage you to help your children develop a healthy routine.
What is your goal for Children’s Dental Health Month? Start small and aim high, let us know your plan. Already have a routine in place that you’re working on? Let us know how it’s going. We’d really like to know. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like us or Friend us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline
Happy National Children’s Dental Health Month!
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Happy 2023 to You! We celebrated the end of another year last week and are looking forward to everything 2023 has to bring. Wishing you all a happy and healthy new year with plenty to smile about!!
Mom Tips For Starting Off 2023 On The Right Tooth
Brush And Floss By Example
Show your children that taking care of their teeth and gums is something you do twice a day everyday. Brushing after breakfast and before bed is important, so is flossing before bedtime brushing. Show them how you hold your toothbrush – tilt the bristles toward your gums and move your brush in little circles, making sure to touch every side of every tooth. This doesn’t have to be boring. You can have fun! What’s your favorite songs? You can brush to the music.
Using Fluoride Toothpaste From The Start Is Okay
The American Dental Association (ADA) and The American Academy Of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommend that parents use fluoride toothpaste as soon as your baby gets their first tooth. All you need is a little bit. A tiny rice grain size of toothpaste is all you need at first, then a peas-size amount once your child turns 3 years old.
Fluoride In The Water
Drinking water that has fluoride in it and using fluoride toothpaste is not too much fluoride. The amount that is put into each is not too little and not too much but the exact right amount because it is strictly enforced so everyone’s teeth benefit.
Water Is Good For Teeth, Soda And Juice Not So Much
The sugar and the fizzy make soda and juice taste so good, and so bad for teeth. What’s left in the mouth sits on teeth and makes their saliva more acidic. The more often teeth have a sugar bath the more likely cavities will form.
New Parents You Can Stop Cavities Before They Start
Wiping your child’s mouth (inside and out) after a feeding and before you put them to bed (or nap) can decrease the potential for a specific type of cavities on baby teeth. That’s right, all you have to do is clean their mouth with a wet washcloth starting before they get teeth and even after teeth start coming into their mouth. P.S. This also means never putting your child to sleep while they are still having their feeding.
Play It Safe
Accidents, falls, sports are common causes of tooth trauma for children. To reduce the risk of injuries, make sure your child is secure in their car seat, wears a helmet when riding a bicycle, and uses a mouthguard when playing contact sports.
Rewards And Praise
Just never candy.
These tips help make it easier for you to set your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth and bright beautiful smiles!
The holidays are such a busy time of year. Special foods, decorations, gifts – so much to do in so little time, it’s no wonder your everyday routines go off course.
As parents we want to create memories and build family traditions. It is also a great time to make it a tradition to help your children maintain healthy dental habits even with your hectic holiday schedule.
4 Simple Tips To Keep Your Children’s Teeth Healthy During The Season Of Sweets
Allow a limited selection of special sugary, sticky, chewy treats, which you offset by maintaining balanced meals;
If your child is on formula, being breast fed, drinking from a bottle or a sippy cup and you’re traveling — Remember not to let your child fall asleep with any unswallowed liquids in their mouth because it will stay on their gums and on their teeth increasing the risk for cavities;
If you’re traveling for the holidays, pack all your children’s brushing supplies in your luggage before you get on the road. Check List — toothbrush, toothpaste, floss;
Set aside a dedicated time each morning after breakfast and each night before bed devoted especially for you and your children as “our together time” to remind yourselves, encourage each other, and reinforce good brushing and flossing habits.
Gift Tips
Cool toothbrush, Travel-size dental kit, Fun brushing timers, Flavored Floss.
Wishing you and your family a lovely holiday full of fun and cheer! Keep your children’s smiles shiny and bright as they enjoy their sweets and treats.
You Have My Hand and Heart Forever, But Please Not My Teeth
As parents we want our children to inherit the best from us. Yet so many of us have thought, “please please don’t get my teeth.”
You’re doing everything you can do to prevent cavities for your child. Sometimes you feel that it’s not enough. Now you’re thinking something else is going on. Well, you’re right!
For the numbers person in you, 42% of children from 2 to 11 years of age have some form of cavities according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. In addition, dental research on cavities have found that genes account for 60% of an individuals cavity risk.
My Child’s Cavities Are Genetic?
Cavities have gone hi-tech. The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine conducted a study that found a variation of the Beta Defensin 1 gene (or DEFB1) could account for why some are more likely to have rapid cavities and gum disease. Sounds plausible? Yes, but more needs to be evaluated because the initial study didn’t look at diet and oral hygiene.
While dental genetics is in its early stages there is a lot of research going on looking at genes controlling tooth structure development and environmental factors.
The Genetic Link
There are 4 areas that researchers say genetics apparently influences cavity development —
Tooth Enamel — This is the tooth’s outer most layer and is supposed to be the strong coating protecting against breakdown. Genetic alterations in the mineral content or mineralization process increase risk of cavities.
Saliva — Saliva plays a big part. It affects the process for key nutrients like calcium and phosphorus on teeth, as well as how it controls the natural bacteria in the mouth. Gene variations make some people better at controlling this than others.
Tooth Shape — Teeth are all different shapes and sizes. Some are crowded together, some are really groovy. The tighter teeth are together and the more nooks and crannies teeth have, the more difficult it is to keep those hard to reach places clean.
Immune System — Immune system for the mouth? Your mouth has naturally occurring bacteria and how the body responds to it affects the teeth and gums.
What’s The Other 40%?
Here’s the long and short answer — diet, snacking, brushing and flossing habits, infrequent dental visits, smoking and vaping, snoring and dry mouth.
Snoring and dry mouth? When someone snores or sleeps with their mouth open they produce less saliva and develop dry mouth and dry teeth which affects the minerals in tooth enamel. Remember, even if genetic factors contribute to your child’s risk of cavities you can help to reduce the risk with good diet, good snacking habits, regular dental visits, no smoking or vaping, talking to your Pediatrician about snoring, and good oral hygiene.
Mommy Loves You, Let’s Go Floss and Brush Your Teeth
Taking care of your child’s teeth affects their oral health. A good sign of their well-being is healthy teeth and gums. A lot of parents feel that oral health is one of their top priorities for maintaining a healthy lifestyle for their family.
So what are these truths?
Mistruth 1 – Sugar Causes Cavities
Truth – While sugar does contribute to the formation of cavities, it’s not only the sugar itself that causes the cavity. It’s also the bacteria (which is naturally in the mouth) that thrive and eats the sugar which is stuck on the teeth, and eats the teeth as well.
Solution – Keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy by brushing 2Minutes 2X’s A Day and floss every night before brushing.
Mistruth 2 – Parents Don’t Need To Brush Their Child’s Baby Teeth
Truth – Start early and keep going, even before their teeth are in their mouth. Cleaning your baby’s mouth and teeth after every feeding and before naps and bedtime is a good routine.
Solution – A soft toothbrush or washcloth are best to use, with a tiny rice grain size amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Once baby teeth start coming in you’ll have your routine and your baby will be used to you doing this. Remember to Lift Their Lips (upper and lower lips) so that you can see the entire tooth to make sure they are clean.
Mommy Did You Know This Tooth Truth?
Mistruth 3 – Brushing Harder Cleans Better
Truth – Brushing harder doesn’t mean brushing smarter. The harder you brush their teeth, the more they won’t let you brush and more harm is done to teeth and gums.
Solution – Brush gently with a soft bristled toothbrush in a circular motion for 2Minutes 2X’s A Day, every day.
Mistruth 4 – Flossing Is Not Really Necessary
Truth – Flossing is an important part of maintaining your child’s good oral health. Think of flossing as brushing in-between the teeth. Why floss? The food and stuff that gets in-between has no way to get out. What’s the result? Cavities in-between teeth.
Solution – Toothbrush bristles and rinses don’t get in-between teeth so the only way to clean is with floss. Flossing at night before brushing cleans everything out and then you brush it away.
Mistruth 5 – Chewing Gum Is Like Brushing
Truth – Chewing gum is not a replacement for brushing teeth. Some chewing gums advertise cleaner teeth and fresher breath, but all they can really do is freshen breath.
Solution – While chewing sugar free gum or gum with Xylitol is better, they are not a replacement for a toothbrush and floss. A regular daily routine for brushing and flossing is still best.
What Dental Mistruths have you heard? Did they make you giggle? Was it really convincing? We’d really like to know!
kidstoothhotline 