It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month

February 2, 2023February 1, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

I'm One And I Don't Have Any Cavities — Thank You Mom and Dad For My Smile

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!

Smart Mom’s Rely On A Specialist To Be In The Know

January 5, 2023January 4, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

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!

Have a tip you’d like to share? Have a story to tell us? Want to say Hi! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com Like us, Message us, Chat with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

The Holidays Are Here! The Key To Keeping Smiles Shiny And Bright

December 22, 2022December 20, 2022 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

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.

Have A Blessed Kwanzaa
Happy Chanukah Playing Dreidel
What Do You Think Santa Brought Me?
We Can’t Wait To Eat Our Hanukkah Goodies
Happy Hanukkah!
Merry Christmas
Habari Gani! Have A Blessed Kwanzaa
Happy Hanukkah
Make A Wish And Check It Twice!

Have a holiday story? Let us know, We’d love to hear! Email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com or Like us, Message us, Chat with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ALL OF US TO YOU!!

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

Are Cavities Genetic?

December 8, 2022December 7, 2022 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

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.

Do you think your child has inherited your teeth? Email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com or Like us, Message us, Chat with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline Let us know, we’d love to hear from you!

I Love My Grandchildren So Much I Don’t Want Them To Have Teeth Like Me
Our Family Gets Our Good Teeth From Our Parents Showing Us Good Habits Start Young
We’re Teaching Our Children Healthy Food Helps Us To Have Healthy Teeth
I Got My Red Hair From My Dad, My Eyes From My Mom and and My Teeth We’ll See At My Checkup
You Have My Hand and Heart Forever, But Please Not My Teeth

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

Happy Thanksgiving

November 23, 2022November 23, 2022 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for you to Know

What Makes You Smile About Thanksgiving?

It’s ALL SMILES!

Keep your children’s teeth safe this holiday. Don’t forget to brush and floss.

And as always we hope you have a happy and fun Thanksgiving.

What's Your Favorite To Eat On Thanksgiving? — What’s Your Favorite To Eat On Thanksgiving?

Let us know, send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com, or Like us, Message us, Chat with us at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Children’s Tooth Truths

November 17, 2022November 16, 2022 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for you to Know

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

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

So what are these truths?

Mistruth 1 – Sugar Causes Cavities

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

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

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

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

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

Mistruth 3 – Brushing Harder Cleans Better

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

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

Mistruth 4 – Flossing Is Not Really Necessary

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

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

I'm Going To Bed After I Floss and Brush My Teeth

Really? Mommy And Daddy, Wow-These are The Tooth Truths

Mistruth 5 – Chewing Gum Is Like Brushing

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

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

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

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

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

How Do Cavities Form?

August 18, 2022August 29, 2022 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

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

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

DEMINERALIZATION

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

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

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

SO WHAT TO DO?

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

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

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

TIPS TO DO

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

P.S. Don’t forget about yourself!

P.P.S.

REMEMBER – YOU GOT THIS

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

Infant Teething Milestones for Your Mini Me

July 6, 2022July 6, 2022 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Your child’s teeth start forming very early in your pregnancy. By the time you’re giving birth some of those first baby teeth are almost fully formed and some are still growing, while there are some adult teeth with the tiniest beginnings.

Where are their teeth?

You may not see their teeth yet, but your Baby’s teeth are right underneath their gums. You may even be able to feel the outline of some teeth.

When will I see teeth?

All children are different, even among siblings.

Teething typically starts when a Baby is between 6 and 8 months old, although some children can start as early as 3 months old. Be patient because some children don’t have their first tooth until they’re 12 to 14 months, and for some not until 24 months.

How long does teething last?

Teething is just like children, wonderful and individual.

The first teeth to peek through are usually the bottom two front teeth, next to grow in are usually the top two front teeth. Then the “usual” order are the bottom and top side teeth, followed by the first molars, the eye teeth, and finally the second molars.

Don’t stress if their teeth aren’t coming in in this exact order. What’s important is that their teeth come into their mouths.

When all their 20 baby teeth have grown in, your child can be between 2 and 3 years old.

What can I do to comfort my Baby?

Hugs, kisses, cuddling and snuggling are always a good idea.

When you feel you need something to add, you can consider —

Giving your Baby a firm rubber teething ring to chew on can help with discomfort. You may want to put the teething ring in the refrigerator to make it a little cold which also helps.. Never put a teething ring in the freezer. A frozen teething ring will freeze to their tender gums.
It’s best to avoid liquid-filled teething rings, any plastic objects or beads, teething necklaces and bracelets, any anything that will break or become a choking hazard.
Gently rub their gums with a cool, wet wash cloth, You can place the wet wash cloth in the refrigerator to chill it, but wash it before using it again.
You can give them their bottle with cool water. The bottle’s nipple is almost as strong as the teething ring and you’re hydrating them which helps them feel better.
It’s also best to skip topical pain relievers and medications that are rubbed on the gums. They aren’t helpful and run the risk of burning their sensitive gums.

How do I take care of my Baby’s teeth?

Start taking care when they are born.

Yes, you are a new Mom. Yes, you’ve just given birth to a brand new adorable human being. Yes, you’re learning what feels like ten million new things about taking care of your Baby. Yes, you are tired.

Yes, your Baby doesn’t have teeth right now. But they will soon and starting earlier is better than starting later for you and your Baby.

Wipe your Baby’s gums with a soft, clean cloth after feedings and at bedtime. This helps wipe away sugar and bacteria that together will cause cavities.

Then when you see that adorable smile with the littlest bits of those pearly white teeth showing, you can say – No problem, I’ve got this!

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

Keeping Teeth Healthy This Summer

June 22, 2022 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

It’s SUMMER!

Thank You Mommy and Daddy, I love my beautiful Smile

School’s out, Camp and Vacations are in. Long lazy days, family traditions, and fun times are here!

While you’re having fun you can also keep up your families good habits (or tweaking not so good ones) like your balanced diet and oral hygiene routine. This way those eagerly awaited treats taste extra special.

Keep a Routine

Start with putting together your summer dental kit – toothpaste, floss, tooth brush, finger brush, wash cloths.

While you’re doing your regular grocery shopping be on the look out for their fun flavor tooth paste or a tooth brush with their favorite character.

This way if schedule changes disrupt your habits you’re prepared and can start up where you left off.

Also keep in mind that bottles and sippy cups may be good for comforting a tired child, however falling asleep with one in their mouth increases their risk of cavities.

My toothbrush is in my Daddy’s knapsack

Healthy Diet = Healthy Teeth = Happy Family

Those fun foods your child always looks forward to are a special part of summer. Adding them to their healthy diet of fresh fruits, fresh veggies, whole grains, plain milk and water, go a long way to helping you decrease their cavity risk. And they are an incentive for your child to eat the way you want them to (Added Bonus!).

Sticky, Gooey, Chewy

Gooey, sticky and chewy are fun to eat, not so much fun to brush away from teeth.

Yes it’s about those candy apples from the specialty shop you always seem to go to, and the taffy at the seashore which are talked about for days before you get there. Or it’s the ice cream cone with the crunchies on top from the ice cream man coming down the street playing his familiar and anticipated summer tune that your child looks forward to every day.

While these are amazingly delicious and we all love them, the stickier, gooey, chewier and crunchier foods tend to stick into the nooks and crannies of teeth and are really hard to brush out and away.

What to do? Let’s face it when your child is enjoying these treats it is not always at a time you can take out the floss and tooth brush. When you can it is definitely best to do so. If changing your fun food selection is not possible then drinking water will help dilute all that sugar and also help wash away the food on the surface. Perhaps your child is okay with trying something else (think new family tradition), then chocolate (with no mix ins) is a good option since it is smooth and will slide off their teeth.

What’s Most Important?

Keep a consistent daily routine that can be done in a fun way and which you can continue in the summer.

Do something fun to keep their attention while flossing and brushing —

Talk about the great stuff they did today and build anticipation for tomorrow.

Floss and brush together and have a brush-a-thon to your child’s favorite summer tunes.

Make a summer sticker chart and sticker the chart every morning after brushing (2 Minutes) and every night after flossing and brushing (2 Minutes).

Above all, don’t stress, have fun and make wonderful memories.

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

Pacifiers – What 2 Know 2 Say Goodbye

May 25, 2022May 24, 2022 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Sucking is natural for infants and babies. This starts during your 7th month of pregnancy and increases in the weeks just before you give birth in preparation for nursing.

After your baby is born your Pediatrician may recommend a pacifier for a variety of reasons, including prevention of SIDS, or to calm and soothe if your baby is restless.

Each baby is different in how they take to the pacifier. Some will not want it at all, others may only want it when they are being put to sleep, and still others will not want to part with their pacifier and not let it out of their mouth.

The emotions they feel from the sucking can give them a sense of security, relaxation, happiness, or calmness. Everything they receive from you!

When and Why to Stop?

The short answer is between 18 and 24 months of age. The key is before 24 months.

Most babies stop sucking on their pacifier by the time they are 1 year old. Others by the time they are 4 years old.

Increased frequency, longer duration, and greater intensity of the sucking action on the pacifier affects the way a child’s teeth come together and the growth of the jaws. The top front teeth may be pushed outward or turned sideways. The jaws may become narrow or there can be other misalignments. The sooner a child can stop a sucking habit the better.

So What to Do?

Some parents choose to go cold turkey,
Other parents prefer to wean their child off their pacifier slowly at their pace,
There are those who snip off the top of the pacifier nipple which takes away the seal and interest in the broken pacifier,
Still others prefer to swap the pacifier with a new toy or prize which distracts attention away from the pacifier,
While other parents prefer to offer positive reinforcement, re-assurances, and praise when their child comforts themselves at bed time without the pacifier,
There’s those who make the pacifier a beautiful present for a relative’s or neighbor’s new baby who really needs a pacifier,
Then there’s the parents who throw a Bye-Bye Pacifier party,
And those parents who wrap the pacifier in tissue paper and put it on the kitchen counter for the Pacifier Fairy.

Timing is Important

Once you’ve made the decision that it’s time to stop the pacifier make sure that there are no new life changes or transitions going on for your family, and everyone is onboard with this decision. Everyone has to stay with the plan.

If you’re potty training, having another baby, moving, planning a trip, it’s holiday time, or an equally important life event — not a good time to start taking the pacifier away.

Just in Case?

Which ever plan you choose make sure you find all the pacifiers that are around the house, in the car, at Grandma’s house, at the baby sitter’s, or where ever you may have left 1 (or more) “just in case,” and don’t buy any new ones “just in case.” The last thing you want to do is for there to be confusion and have to start this all over again.

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

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