Tag: Preschooler Tooth Care

Do You Have Trouble Brushing Your Child’s Teeth?

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Like most parents you may have a tough time brushing your child’s teeth. There’s crying, screaming, struggling, chasing and all to brush teeth.

I’ve put together some tips and tricks that will empower you in your brushing dilemma.

Laughing And Smiling Brushing Teeth with Daddy
Laughing And Smiling Brushing Teeth with Daddy

Insider Tips To Make Brushing Easier

There isn’t only one way to for you to brush teeth. There are a few different positions you can use to more easily and comfortably clean your child’s teeth.

Lying On The Bed
Try brushing your child’s teeth with your child lying down on your bed. If you’re right handed you sit on their right side, and if you’re left handed sit on their left side. You can use your arm to help cradle your child’s head while brushing.

Sitting On The Floor
With you sitting on a chair have your child sit down on the floor in front of you and lean back against your legs. Have them tip their head up so you can see inside their mouth.

Lying On The Floor
Have your child lie down on the floor. You can either sit beside them, or put a pillow on your lap and place your child’s head on the pillow. If you’re right handed you sit on their right side, and if you’re left handed sit on their left side. You can use your arm to help hold your child’s head while brushing.

Standing In The Bathroom
With your child is standing in front of you, have them face the bathroom mirror with their head slightly tilted against your body. Place your hand gently over their hand so that you can help guide the toothbrush around their mouth.
This helps your child learn how to brush so they can see how tooth brushing is done, and standing behind them may make it easier for you to brush their teeth.

The 4 Most Important Things To Remember

The 4 most important things to remember are —

  • always cradle your child’s head,
  • have good lighting so you can see inside their mouth as well as what you are doing,
  • be able to easily move their tooth brush around their mouth, and
  • always find the safest and most comfortable position for you and your child.

Tooth Brushing By Any Other Name

Does the mention of tooth brushing cause stress in your home? Instead of saying it’s time to brush teeth try calling brushing by another name. For your next brushing time simply say to your child “It’s Smile Check Time”.

Even if helping your child brush twice a day is challenging a little creativity can go a long way to getting them interested, no matter their age.

How do you brush your child’s teeth? Which tip works best for your family? We’d really like to know. Email us as kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Stopping Cavities With The Silver Bullet

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know For You To Know

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
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 Hurts
My Tooth Hurts So Much My Head Hurts
My Tooth Hurts!
My 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 For Taking Care Of Our Teeth
Thank You For Taking Care Of Our Teeth

Has your child had SDF applied to their teeth? How did your appointment go? We’d really like to know. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com Like us or Friend us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

It’s National Children’s Dental Health Month

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Thank You Mom and Dad For My Smile
Thank You Mom and Dad For My Smile
I'm One And I Don't Have Any Cavities
I’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 and Cleaning Your Mouth We Lay You Down To Sleep
  • After Your Feeding Mommy Is Going To Wipe Your Mouth
    After Your Feeding Mommy Is Going To Wipe Your Mouth
  • All My Teeth Are Looking Good
    All My Teeth Are Looking Good
  • Daddy And Me Brushing Time
    Daddy And Me Brushing Time
  • Daddy and Me Smiling Our No Cavity Smiles
    Daddy and Me Smiling Our No Cavity Smiles
  • Happy Baby Happy Mommy and Daddy
    Happy Baby Happy Mommy and Daddy
  • Healthy Teeth Happy Family
    Healthy Teeth Happy Family
  • I May Have A Few Teeth But My Mommy Is Making Sure We Brush
    I May Have A Few Teeth But My Mommy Is Making Sure We Brush
  • Love To Smile
    Love To Smile
  • Love You Daddy For Playing With Me And Brushing My Teeth
    Love You Daddy For Playing With Me And Brushing My Teeth
  • Loving My Cavity Free College Smile
    Loving My Cavity Free College Smile
  • Mommy and Daddy Brushed Our Teeth Now It's Playtime
    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 Love You So Much We Never Want You To Have A Cavity
  • Mommy And Daddy Make Sure I'm In The No Cavity Club
    Mommy And Daddy Make Sure I’m In The No Cavity Club
  • Showing Off My Healthy Teeth
    Showing Off My Healthy Teeth
  • Smiling Our Best Smiles
    Smiling Our Best Smiles
  • Still No Cavities!
    Still No Cavities!
  • The Thought Of Getting A Cavity Makes Us Laugh
    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!

My Child Is Grinding Their Teeth, Why?

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

You’ve been there, the children are in bed, the house is quiet, you’re starting to relax and then you hear that familiar grating, nails on the chalk board sound coming from your child’s bedroom. You think to yourself “Not again, what is going on?”

I Grind My Teeth and My Parents Don't Like It
I Grind My Teeth and My Parents Don’t Like It

Teeth grinding, also called Bruxism is quite common for children and causes a lot of concern for parents. So what’s a parent to do? The good news is that most children outgrow their teeth grinding habit, so there’s no cause for worry.

You’re thinking “But what do I do?”

What Causes Grinding?

You may be worried that your child is afraid of something, is anxious, or is having a nightmare.

However it can be as simple as your child’s teeth coming in and they’re learning how to make their teeth match up with each other. After all having new teeth come in is new for them and for you.

Some children grind their teeth because they are deep sleepers. So even if you wake them up, the grinding will start again as they fall back to sleep.

Is Grinding A Concern?

Sometimes even after children get all their teeth the grinding may persist. You’re noticing that their teeth don’t have the same shape they did before or they may look flatter. For toddlers, pre-schoolers, and school age children we don’t recommend a mouth piece (aka mouth guard) as it can affect how their teeth come into their mouths and how they lose their baby teeth.

If your child snores that can cause them to grind their teeth, and it’s best to let your pediatrician know about their snoring. Sometimes teeth grinding can be due to pain from an ear infection, so again talk with your pediatrician.

Solutions For Parents

Starting a relaxing pre-bedtime routine for your child may be helpful to set the stage for healthy sleep and have your child feel confident and secure at bedtime.

Some comforting bedtime activities to help your child fall asleep in a more calm and relaxed way —

Eating a nutritious snack before bed and then brushing teeth with a silly brushing song, Taking a warm bath, Together time or Cuddle time together with your child and reading stories, Singing songs or playing soft music.

  • Checking To See Why My Son is Grinding His Teeth
    Checking To See Why My Son is Grinding His Teeth
  • I May Be Sleeping Peacefully Now But Wait Until I Start Grinding And The Whole House Is Up
    I May Be Sleeping Peacefully Now But Wait Until I Start Grinding And The Whole House Is Up
  • I'm Helping My Mom and Dad Learn Why I'm Grinding My Teeth
    I’m Helping My Mom and Dad Learn Why I’m Grinding My Teeth
  • My Covers Don't Stop The Sound Of My Teeth Grinding
    My Covers Don’t Stop The Sound Of My Teeth Grinding
  • My Mommy and Daddy Are Comforting Me Trying Too Get Me Too Stop Grinding My Teeth
    My Mommy and Daddy Are Comforting Me Trying Too Get Me Too Stop Grinding My Teeth

What approaches have you tried for your child’s teeth grinding? We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like us or Message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

Look for our post next week on Tweens and Teens Teeth Grinding

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

Why Does My Child Have Shark Teeth

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

It’s new tooth time again, and this time your child is getting their first adult tooth.

I'm 5 and I have Shark Teeth
I’m 5 and I have Shark Teeth

You’re thinking okay, baby tooth gets loose, baby tooth falls out, the tooth fairy is coming and what is it going to cost me?

Then you look in your child’s mouth and the baby tooth is still there and now the adult tooth is coming in behind it. Now you’re thinking, there’s 2 rows of teeth, that’s not supposed to happen, what’s going on? and what do I do?

The FYI On How Baby Teeth Fall Out

Around the time your child is 5 to 7 years old their bottom and top front adult teeth (aka forever teeth) start to come into their mouths.

Baby teeth start to become loose when the adult teeth push up from under the gums and naturally melts away the baby tooth’s root. Then the adult tooth grows into that same place.

Sometimes the adult tooth isn’t growing directly under the baby tooth, it’s growing a little further back behind the baby tooth. When this happens the baby tooth doesn’t fall out and the adult tooth grows in behind it.

When this happens, these 2 rows of teeth are fondly called Shark Teeth.

Why? Sharks have 2 rows of teeth.

Should You Be Worried?

The long and short answer is No.

This is relatively common even though it looks frightening.

That Adult Tooth Looks Really Big

Yes it does and they’re supposed to look that way.

The front adult teeth are about 2x’s the size of baby teeth. That’s why sometimes they don’t fit in the same spot as baby teeth.

What To Do About Shark Teeth

If the baby tooth is even a little bit loose encourage your child to wiggle it and loosen it more.

Most times the baby tooth will eventually fall out on its own, and the permanent tooth will slowly move into place. It may or may not be in the perfect position.

Remember, your child is growing and so are their jaws, as their jaws grow there is room for more teeth.

If the baby tooth isn’t loose it may be time to visit the pediatric dentist.

Showing Off My Shark Teeth
Showing Off My Shark Teeth

As a parent, it’s natural to be worried when you see those 2 rows of teeth in your child’s mouth. Knowing that it’s common will help you rest a lot easier.

What’s your Shark Tooth story? Did you have Shark Teeth when you were a child? Let us know, we’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com or Like 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

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays

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

Happy National Cupcake Day!

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

It’s time to CELEBRATE Today is Cupcake Day!

I'm Loving Eating My Cupcake At Our Party
I’m Loving Eating My Cupcake At Our Party
I'm 4 and I'm Celebrating My Birthday On National Cupcake Day
I’m 4 and I’m Celebrating My Birthday On National Cupcake Day
I'm Celebrating My 4th Birthday On National Cupcake Day
I’m Celebrating My 4th Birthday On National Cupcake Day

Yes, today, December 15th is dedicated to celebrating everything cupcake. Whether it’s the frosting, the sprinkles, the yummy decorations, or that they are the perfect fit in the palm size for your child, cupcakes are the ultimate treat.

Fun Cupcake Facts

  • Cupcakes are delicious,
  • They are fun to make and eat,
  • Cupcakes are irresistible,
  • They were inspired by English Fairy Cakes dating all the way back to the 17th century,
  • Cupcakes were originally baked in tea cups and were small yellow cakes,
  • They bring us together and are great for birthdays, celebrations, and bake sales.

Celebrating The Day

Everyone loves cake and cupcakes are the perfect size to bake, decorate and eat together. Whether you use a box cake mix, look up a recipe online or from your favorite cookbook, use a muffin tin with cup liners, or ramekins, have some together time with your child and bake your favorite bite-sized creation.

Or maybe you’re a fan of celebrating by eating or short on time, then bakeries are sure to have some tasty choices for you to enjoy.

Whether you and your child are baking at home or going to the bakery to pickup your cupcakes, make it a party and have fun!

Take some pictures to remember your special day. Remember too bake (or pickup) extra cupcakes, because left overs taste just as wonderful.

  • I Made This Cupcake Just For You
    I Made This Cupcake Just For You
  • Love Making These Cupcakes
    Love Making These Cupcakes
  • Bake Cupcake Decorate Cupcake Eat Cupcake Repeat!
    Bake Cupcake Decorate Cupcake Eat Cupcake Repeat!
  • Cupcakes For My Birthday!
    Cupcakes For My Birthday!
  • So Many Cupcake Choices
    So Many Cupcake Choices
  • Celebrating With Cupcakes For My Mom
    Celebrating With Cupcakes For My Mom
  • Amazingly Irresistible Cupcakes
    Amazingly Irresistible Cupcakes
  • Just Love Decorating My Cupcakes
    Just Love Decorating My Cupcakes
  • Having Fun Decorating My Cupcakes
    Having Fun Decorating My Cupcakes
  • Which One Should I Choose?
    Which One Should I Choose?

After The Celebration

After the fun of your day before your child goes to bed there’s one last thing to do — floss and brush. You knew I was going to say this!

There’s Another Cupcake Day?

Mark your calendar — October 18, 2023 is National Chocolate Cupcake Day.

Have an awesome Cupcake Day!

We’d love to hear how you celebrated National Cupcake Day and all about you or your bakeries creations. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com or 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!

Are My Child’s New Teeth Supposed To Be Bumpy?

~ kidstoothhotline ~ 2 Comments

In the Know for You to Know

Smiling With My New Bumpy Teeth
Smiling With My New Bumpy Teeth

You’ve made it! Your child is officially on the permanent tooth chart. The Tooth Fairy has visited at least once. Adult teeth are coming in. Everyone is happy.

But wait, what are those bumps on the edges of these teeth? They weren’t there yesterday, or were they? Are they supposed to be there? What are they and why are they there?

You’re thinking, what do I do? And how do I explain this to my child?

Why Do The Edges Of My Child’s Teeth Have Bumps?

Their baby teeth had smooth edges, so why don’t their adult teeth? Adult teeth don’t form as a solid entity. As they form they fuse from 3 tissue lobes which morph into a single tooth, and the bumps are the result of this process. The 3 bumps are located along the edge of the teeth and help the teeth come through the gums.

The Bumps On New Adult Teeth Actually Have A Name

These bumpy grooves have a groovy name and are called Mamelons. Mamelons are perfectly normal.

As a Pediatric Dentist we expect these bumps to be present as brand new adult teeth come in and for a few years as these teeth continue to grow under the gums.

Which Teeth Have Mamelons?

You will see Mamelons on the 4 top and 4 bottom front teeth. These front teeth are called Incisors. The 4 top front teeth are called the Maxillary Incisors and the 4 bottom front teeth are called the Mandibular Incisors.

Do I Need To Have the Mamelons Removed Or Can I Leave them Alone?

There is no need to worry about Mamelons. They do not interfere with normal biting and chewing, they are not an esthetic issue; so they are not an oral health concern.

As your child gets older and the Mamelons don’t wear away, check with your Dentist about any potential bite concerns.

In general, leave them alone and they will wear away on their own.

How Do I Explain Mamelons To My Child?

There’s really nothing to say. If your child asks, assure them everything is okay and there are children in their class whose teeth also have these wavy Mamelons.

What About Pictures?

Take as many as you can! Mamelons are present for such a short period of time. You’ll want to remember this time forever.

  • All My New Teeth Are Bumpy
    All My New Teeth Are Bumpy
  • I Know Why My Teeth Have Bumps
    I Know Why My Teeth Have Bumps
  • I Love my new Lumpy Bumpy Teeth
    I Love my new Lumpy Bumpy Teeth
  • New Teeth Almost All Grown In With Bumpy Mamelons
    New Teeth Almost All Grown In With Bumpy Mamelons
  • I'm Reading Up On Why My Teeth Have Bumps
    I’m Reading Up On Why My Teeth Have Bumps
  • Showing Off My New Teeth And They Have Mamelons
    Showing Off My New Teeth And They Have Mamelons
  • We All Have Teeth With Bumpy Mamelons
    We All Have Teeth With Bumpy Mamelons
  • Yes, I Can See Your Bumpy Teeth
    Yes, I Can See Your Bumpy Teeth
  • Yes, I Still Have My Bumpy Mamelons on My Teeth And That's Okay With Me
    Yes, I Still Have My Bumpy Mamelons on My Teeth And That’s Okay With Me
  • Yea For Bumpy Teeth
    Yea For Bumpy Teeth

What did you think when you first saw the Mamelons? Share your stories with us – email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.com or Like us, Message us, Chat with us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline We’d love to hear from you!

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

Happy Thanksgiving

~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for you to Know

What Makes You Smile About Thanksgiving?
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

~ 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.

Mommy Did You Know This Tooth Truth?
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.

I'm Going To Bed After I Floss and Brush My Teeth
Dad Did You Know This Tooth Truth?
This Is Why We Love Our Smiles
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!