Wishing each of you a Happy New Year! To new beginnings, healthy habits, and lots and lots of laughter in this year ahead.
Here we are. On the 2nd day of this new year. Whether you feel eager or daunted, try picking one small change to your child’s oral hygiene routine.
You may choose to start with brushing twice a day or flossing every night. Because, remember, how we start the day is how we end it. With bright healthy smiles all day long!
Here are 4 simple ways to start 2025 on the right foot. Because a healthy smile is the best gift to give your child.
Embrace Sugar-Free Treats
Now-a-days the emphasis for many families are sugar-free snacks and gum as healthier alternatives to sugar-rich treats.
These options not only decrease sugar in children’s diets, they also protect their teeth from harmful sugar acid buildup.
While it’s a good idea to incorporate more sugar-free options into your child’s diet, it’s also important to always encourage rinsing with water after meals and snacks.
Healthy Snacks For My Healthy TeethI Love My Fruit, Then Mommy Brushes My TeethMommy And Daddy Only Let Me Have Juice With My BreakfastMommy Says Eating The Rainbow Makes My Teeth HealthyMommy Takes Care Of My Teeth So We Can Spend More Time Having FunMy Teeth And I Love Our CarrotsI Love Choosing My Fruits And Veggies, And So Does My Teeth
Prioritize Toothbrushing
Toothbrushing and fluoride are 2 of the best defenses against cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.
There are 2 ways to help make sure your child gets the right amount of fluoride. The first is by brushing with an American Dental Association (ADA) Seal Of Acceptance fluoride toothpaste. The second is by drinking fluoridated water whenever possible.
Brushing My Teeth Just Like My Daddy I Like To Show Off My SmileI’m Brushing My Teeth With My Mom And Dad WatchingMommy And Daddy Brush My Teeth And My TongueMommy And Daddy Say This Isn’t The Way To Brush My TeethMommy Is Starting To Clean My Mouth NowNew Teeth New Healthy SmileNo Cavities For Me How About You?Our Teeth Are A Work Of ArtDaddy Makes Everything Fun, Especially Brushing Our Teeth
Consider Sealants For Protection
Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection because they create a barrier over the grooves and crevices in teeth.
Sealants are a great preventive measure, especially for molars.
Showing My Mom My Awesome Teeth
Replace Used Toothbrushes
The New Year is the perfect time replace worn toothbrushes with new ones.
A useful guide is that a toothbrush should be changed every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed or bent.
What To Remember
Set achievable oral health care goals for this year. Start with brushing twice a day, or flossing every night.
Celebrate milestones to keep both of you motivated.
Be consistent while also modeling good oral hygiene habits yourself. This helps instill in children their daily routine.
Setting small attainable goals makes tooth care more accomplishable and less overwhelming.
Healthy Teeth Means More Game TimeLook At My Teeth!Mommy Takes Care Of My Teeth So We Can Spend More Time Having FunMy Teeth Are Healthy So I Get To Go To The PlaygroundWe’re Teeth StrongTeeth Time In The Morning, Teeth Time At Night, More Family Time During The DayStrong Healthy Teeth, Strong Healthy UsTaking Care Of My Teeth Everyday So I Spend More Time Having Fun With My FriendsAfter Mommy Brushed My Teeth This Morning, We Got ManicuresTaking Care Of My Teeth Gives Me Time To Do What I LikeTaking Good Care Of My Teeth Gives Me More Time For School
As you reflect on the year that was and look forward to all that’s to come, cheers for a happy, bright and smile filled 2025!
Good Night, Sleep Tight, Won’t Let The Tooth Bugs Bite After Brushing My Teeth
What is your tooth goal for your child in the first month of this new year? What will you choose? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
Thanks Mom And Dad For My Great Teeth Habits
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
As a Mom I understand how down right frustrating it is to find answers to our questions.
As a pediatric dentist I get it. You want to learn more to take the best care you can of your children.
This is why I put together the most asked pediatric dental questions we have received along with their answers.
Browse through these FAQ’s to learn more about pediatric dental care.
What is baby bottle tooth decay and how did my child get it? Baby bottle tooth decay is a type of very rapid decay associated with prolonged nursing and/or bottle feeding. This happens when a child goes to sleep while breast feeding and/or bottle feeding. During sleep time and nap time, the milk or juice sits on the teeth because the saliva flow in the mouth is decreased. It’s best not to nurse children to sleep, and to avoid putting them to sleep with a bottle.
What causes tooth decay? There are 4 things necessary for cavities to form ~ teeth, bacteria, carbohydrates or starches or sugar and time. Dental plaque is the thin, sticky, colorless deposits of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone’s teeth everyday. When you eat, the sugars in food cause the bacteria in plaque to produce acids which attack the tooth enamel. Over time and with repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down and a cavity forms. This is why it’s important to brush your child’s teeth twice a day and to floss every night.
If my child gets a cavity in their baby tooth, why should it be filled? Baby teeth or “primary” teeth are important for several reasons ~ these teeth help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming the path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Some baby teeth stay in a child’s mouth until they are 12-14 years old or longer. A cavity (aka tooth decay) is really an infection caused by bacteria. Left untreated, cavities will continue to grow larger and can potentially spread outside the tooth and cause serious infections. Pain, infection, impairment of general health and premature loss of teeth are just a few of the problems that can happen when baby teeth are not taken care of. This is why proper care of baby teeth is instrumental in your child’s health.
How can I make my child’s diet safe for their teeth and appealing for them to want to eat? A balanced diet good for your child’s general health, growth and development doesn’t have to be boring. Make this fun and be creative. If your child is old enough include them. Keep this in mind when serving fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, fish and eggs. Limit the servings of sugars and starches, including sugar containing drinks. When you allow these “special treats,” serve them with a meal instead of as a stand-alone snack.
Are pacifiers and thumbsucking harmful to children’s teeth? Thumbsucking, fingersucking and pacifier habits will generally only become a problem if they go on past the age of 3 years old. Most children stop these habits on their own. There are individual treatments that can be discussed if a child is still using a pacifier or sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of 3.
Are dental sealants good for children’s teeth? Sealants help prevent cavities. The purpose of sealants is to cover the grooves and deep crevices on the surfaces of the back teeth (think molars) which are hard to clean, and keep out food that could get caught and cause cavities. You still need to brush and floss your child’s teeth everyday.
After Your Bottle Daddy And I Will Wipe Your Mouth And Then It’s Off To SleepNow Mommy Is Going To Brush Your TeethWater Is The Best Drink In My BottleChoosing My Fruit Is So Much FunLook What We Got At The Farm MarketOranges Are My FavoriteMy Mom Always Packs Me The Best LunchWe Get To Help Choose Our Fruits And Vegetables At The StoreOpen Wide And Brush TeethNo Cavities For My 2, After Bottle Feeding And Breast Feeding It’s Time To Clean Their Teeth And Mouth Before BedChecking My Sealants
Do you have any questions? Don’t be shy. I’m ready to provide you with informative and clear answers to your dental questions. Let me know. I’m more than happy to help you learn more for you to help your child. Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
You know about their baby teeth and how to take care of them. You have this down!
Then your child is telling you their friends are getting new teeth. These new teeth go by a few names. They’re known as adult, grown up, and secondary teeth.
Your child is asking when they’ll be getting their grown up teeth.
You’re thinking when you got yours, but you’re not sure, and no one seems to remember.
Today we’re talking about the timing for adult teeth coming into the mouth (aka tooth eruption).
Losing Baby Teeth
When a child has all their baby teeth, they’ll have 20 teeth. As children grow they ultimately lose all their baby teeth.
Generally children start losing their baby teeth around 6 years of age (aka exfoliation). However, the earlier baby teeth come into the mouth, the earlier they fall out. Like wise, the later baby teeth come in the later they fall out.
By the time a child has reached their tween and teen years, they will have lost all their 20 baby teeth. Those baby teeth are replaced with adult teeth.
Just Yesterday Baby Teeth, Today Adult TeethI Finally Lost My Last Baby Tooth, Now I Have My Adult Teeth
When Do Adult Teeth Come In?
Adult teeth typically begin to come in about the time the bottom front baby teeth (aka central incisors) start to become loose.
Like with baby teeth, there can be individual variation in permanent tooth eruption. However, also like baby teeth, adult teeth usually follow a pattern.
6 Year Molars Coming In
6 year molars (aka first molars) are the first set of permanent teeth which come into a child’s mouth and do not replace any baby teeth.
You will see these adult molars coming into your child’s mouth all the way in the back in the empty space behind their last baby molar.
So when your child has all 4 of their 6 year molars they will no longer only have 20 baby teeth, they will have 24 teeth.
Adult Tooth Time Line
As a child enters their mid-teen years, they’ll have on average 28 teeth.
The baby teeth have been replaced with new adult teeth, and 2 sets of adult molars (6 year and 12 year molars) which come in all the way in the back.
Late teen to early adult years is when wisdom teeth (aka third molars) usually start to come into the mouth.
Adult Tooth Growth Guide
While the age varies with each child, there is generally a pattern in which the adult teeth come in ~
Tooth
Average Age (In Years)
Lower 6 Year Molar
6-7
Upper 6 Year Molar
6-7
Lower Central Incisor
6-7
Upper Central Incisor
7-8
Lower Lateral Incisor
7-8
Upper Lateral Incisor
8-9
Lower Canine
9-10
Upper First Premolar
10-11
Lower First Premolar
10-12
Upper Second Premolar
10-12
Lower Second Premolar
11-12
Upper Canine
11-12
Lower 12 Year Molar
11-13
Upper 12 Year Molar
12-13
Upper Wisdom Teeth
17-21
Lower Wisdom Teeth
17-21
So the adult teeth count is made up of 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 8 molars make up their 28 teeth. Including the 4 wisdom teeth that’s 32 teeth.
4 Grownup Teeth And 2 More On The WayGrown Up Teeth Growing InI Can’t Believe My Daughter Is Getting Her Adult Teeth And My Son Is Getting His Baby TeethGetting My Adult TeethMy 2 New Adult Front Teeth Are Coming InScore, 28 Adult TeethI Finally Lost My Last Baby Tooth, Now I Have My Adult Teeth
Fun Tooth Facts
Girls get their teeth earlier than boys.
Between the ages of 6 and 12 years old, children are in the “mixed dentition” stage. This means they have both baby teeth and permanent teeth.
Not everyone is born with wisdom teeth. If a child doesn’t have wisdom teeth they’ll have 28 teeth instead of 32.
What To Remember
This doesn’t have to be a stressful time for you as a parent. Children grow at their own pace, and there is a wide range when it comes to permanent teeth coming into the mouth.
Typically permanent teeth begin erupting around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until approximately age 21.
When all the adult teeth have come in, children and young adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 which includes the wisdom teeth.
Getting My Grown Up Teeth Doesn’t Mean I Stop Having FunI Love To Show Off My Adult TeethSo Now We Both Have All Our Adult Teeth
How old was your child when they go their first adult tooth? Which tooth was it? Were they the same age you were when you got your first adult tooth? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
It seems like yesterday your baby got their first tooth. Now they’re coming to you saying “My tooth is loose.” Where did the time go?
This is an exciting time for you and your child as you embrace this new milestone.
Today we’re discussing this natural growth phase as your child begins to lose their baby teeth (aka primary teeth).
What Age Do Children Start To Lose Their Baby Teeth?
Generally children start losing their baby teeth (aka exfoliation) around 6 years of age.
However, the earlier baby teeth come into the mouth, the earlier they fall out. There are some children who may start losing their baby teeth as young as 4 years old.
It’s important to also keep in mind, the later baby teeth come in the later they fall out. So there are some children who may start losing baby teeth at 7 or 8 years of age.
My Bottom Front Teeth Are Really LooseMom, My Teeth Are Wiggly!I Lost My 2 Front Teeth!My Top Teeth Are Loose And Bottom Teeth Are Coming In
How Many Teeth Do Children Lose?
When toddlers have all their baby teeth they’ll have 20 teeth, 10 teeth on the top and 10 teeth on the bottom.
As they grow, children will lose all 20 of their baby teeth.
Which Teeth Do Children Lose First?
Teeth fall out in the order they came in to the mouth.
Around the time a child turns 6 years old the first teeth they start to lose are their bottom front teeth (aka lower central incisors).
While the age varies with each child, there is generally a pattern in which baby teeth are lost~
Tooth
Age
Lower Central Incisors
6-7 years
Upper Central Incisors
6-7 years
Upper Lateral Incisors
7-8 years
Lower Central Incisors
7-8 years
Upper First Molars
9-11 years
Lower First Molars
9-11 years
Lower Canines
9-12 years
Upper Canines
10-12 years
Lower Second Molars
10-12 years
Upper Second Molars
10-12 years
What Are The Signs Of A Loose Tooth?
Sometimes a child doesn’t realize their tooth is loose, so they won’t be able to tell you.
If your child is about the age you were when you lost your first tooth or in the age range, go ahead and check for wiggly teeth. You may find none, 1, or 2.
So what are the tell-tale signs of loose teeth?
Tooth movement or wiggling when eating, talking, touching the tooth, brushing teeth.
Gaps between teeth – as teeth get loose they can move out of their original position. So if teeth were touching before when they become loose they can move and create spaces between teeth.
Change in tooth position – in the same way loose teeth create spaces between teeth, as teeth get lose they can move to the left or the right of their original position and sometimes overlap the teeth next to them.
As A Parent, Is There Anything Special I Should Do?
Losing teeth is an exciting time for some children, but unsettling for others.
Children do well with guidance in new situations, and losing baby teeth is no exception.
When you know that a tooth is loose, it’s important to stay calm and explain to your child what is happening. They’re growing up. The feeling around their wiggly tooth is new and different and it will go away when their tooth comes out; which may mean a visit from the tooth fairy.
Also, keep in mind that while your child’s tooth is loose, it’s important to show them why you need to stay on your regular toothbrushing and flossing routine; even if they don’t want to.
I’m So Excited, I Lost My Top Tooth And The Other One Is WigglyLosing More Baby TeethI Have 2 Wiggly Teeth and I Can’t Wait For The Tooth Fairy To VisitSweet Dreams About The Tooth Fairy With My Tooth Tucked Under My Pillow
Can I Wiggle Out My Child’s Loose Tooth?
Some children love to wiggle their loose teeth anticipating an earlier visit from the tooth fairy. Other children may not like the feeling of their tooth moving in their gums and want to let the tooth come out on its own.
It’s all right if your child wiggles their loose tooth with their tongue or a clean finger, as long as their gums aren’t inflamed or causing pain.
What To Remember
The earlier baby teeth come in, the earlier they fall out
The most common time children lose their baby teeth is when their permanent tooth is ready to grow in and pushes out the baby tooth.
The first baby teeth that fall out are most often the bottom 2 front teeth, the lower central incisors. The next to fall out are the two top front teeth, the upper central incisors. Followed by the lateral incisors, first molars, canines and second molars.
Embrace each time the tooth fairy makes a visit to your house. These special moments will be a memory in the blink of an eye.
So Much To Know About Losing Our Teeth
How old was your child when they lost their first baby tooth? Did the tooth come out on its own? Did you need to wiggle their tooth out? Have you saved their teeth? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
You know your baby is going to get their teeth soon. You’re sad to see their adorable toothless grin go, but you’re anxiously awaiting that first pearly white tooth.
Everyone is telling you when baby teeth come in, and how long they take. But no one has mentioned the order baby teeth come in, or if there even is an order.
Well, yes there is a typical sequence for the way baby teeth come in (aka tooth eruption).
Today we’re talking about the usual order baby teeth (aka primary teeth) erupt into a baby’s mouth, and what happens if teeth come in out of order.
What Is The Order Baby Teeth Usually Come In?
Your baby’s teeth have been forming during your pregnancy. When your baby is born they have all their baby teeth under their gums. With their teeth waiting to come into their mouth at the right time.
Yes, Teeth Are Coming InTeeth Coming InSmiling About My 4 Bottom Front TeethGetting My Teeth
The Typical Pattern For Baby Tooth Eruption
Baby teeth tend to erupt in pairs. So the tooth on the right will come in around the same time as their partner on the left.
Central Incisor
These are the front teeth. These teeth are thin and flat. When your baby is on solid food, they help them bite into their food. There are 4 incisors, 2 lower and 2 upper.
Lower Central Incisors come in between 4-9 months of age. Upper Central Incisors erupt between 8-12 months of age.
Lateral Incisor
Each of these teeth comes in to the right and left of your baby’s central incisors. There are 4 lateral incisors, 2 lower and 2 upper.
Lower Lateral Incisors erupt between 10-16 months of age. Upper Lateral Incisors come in between 9-13 months of age.
Canine (aka Cuspid)
Each canine comes in behind the lateral incisors. These teeth have the pointed edge and help to tear into food. There are 4 canines, 2 lower and 2 upper.
Lower Canines come in between 17-23 months of age. Upper Canines erupt between 16-22 months of age.
Molars
Molars are the largest teeth in the mouth. They have large flat biting surfaces that help to chew and grind food. There are 8 molars.
First Molars come in behind the canine teeth. There are 4 first molars, 2 lower and 2 upper.
Lower First Molars erupt between 14-18 months of age. Upper First Molars come in between 13-19 months of age.
Second Molars come in behind the first molars. There are 4 second molars, 2 lower and 2 upper. These teeth are the furthest back in the mouth.
Lower Second Molars come in between 23-31 months of age. Upper Second Molars come in between 25-33 months of age.
What Is The Time Line For Baby Teeth To Come In?
Typically the first baby teeth to come through the gums are the bottom front central incisors. These teeth come in when baby’s are around 4-9 months old.
All My Teeth Are InShowing Off My Pretty TeethFront Teeth Coming InTeeth Still Coming In
How Many Baby Teeth Should My Child Have?
Between 25-33 months of age, the upper second molars erupt. By their 3rd birthday your toddler should have a full set of 20 primary teeth.
What If Baby Teeth Come In Out Of Order?
Children’s teeth are just like they are, lots of variety. While there is a typical time line for baby teeth to come in there is also variability in the process.
There may be no cause to worry if your baby’s teeth don’t come in the same order as their sibling’s, cousin’s or your friend’s baby.
Maybe their upper central incisors come in before their lower ones. Or, maybe the lower canine comes in before the upper first molars.
The exact order the teeth come in doesn’t matter. What matters is that the teeth come in and your child has their full set of 20 baby teeth by about their third birthday.
My Sister And I Have The Same Teeth But They Came In In A Different OrderMy Teeth Came In Different Times Than My Brother’s TeethShowing Off All My Baby TeethEach Of My Children Is Getting Their Teeth In A Different Order
Did You Know?
3 Tips to know about baby teeth~
Girls get their baby teeth earlier than boys.
Baby teeth are called milk teeth because they are whiter than adult teeth.
You can start brushing your chid’s baby teeth when they first start to come in, and floss their teeth when 2 teeth are touching.
What To Remember
Your baby’s first teeth are an important milestone in their growth. Baby teeth have an impact on your child’s facial development, their bite and how they chew their food.
The average age for a baby’s first tooth come into their mouth is between 4 and 9 months old. You can expect to see 2-4 new teeth come in every 3-4 months.
Teeth come in starting with the front central incisors, followed by the lateral incisors, canines, first molars and second molars.
When teeth come in, the bottom and top teeth typically alternate in terms of appearance.
Sometimes teeth come in out of sequence, and that’s okay, as long as they come in and they are healthy.
How Many Teeth Do I Have?
Do you remember which baby tooth was the first one your child had come into their mouth? It’s okay if you don’t, this isn’t a test. Which was the last baby tooth that came in? Did your child follow the typical tooth path or did they forge their own? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Like most childhood milestones teeth are variable. The age when a baby gets their teeth differs from child to child.
There are some infants who are born with teeth. Then there are 1 year olds who have yet to get any teeth.
When you’re out and about you’re noticing other children your baby’s or toddler’s or pre-schooler’s age who already have teeth or are getting teeth.
You’re wondering why at 1 year old your child doesn’t have any teeth yet?
Today we’re talking about possible causes of delayed baby teeth, also known as delayed tooth eruption.
When Do Babies Start To Get Their Teeth?
There is no one set “normal” expected age for when teeth start to come into a baby’s mouth. It is a really wide range of time. Some babies may be born with teeth and some may not get a tooth until they’re 1 year old.
However, most babies get their first tooth when they are between 4 and 9 months old.
At What Age Is A Baby Considered To Have Delayed Tooth Eruption?
If a child does not have any teeth by the time they are 12-18 months old, it is time for them to see a pediatric dentist.
It is important to examine their mouth and try to determine the reason teeth have not come in yet, and what to do next.
I’m 1 So Where Are My Teeth?I’m 2 Where Are My Teeth?So My Love Where Are Those Teeth Of Yours?Why Does My Brother Have Teeth And I Don’t?I Have Teeth But My Brother Doesn’t
What Causes Delayed Tooth Eruption?
For some children who haven’t gotten their baby teeth yet, it can come down any one of a number of factors ~
Genetics
Failure To Thrive or Under Nutrition
Fibrosis (thick gums)
Systemic Diseases
Premature Birth or Low Birth Weight
Genetics
Genes for teeth are passed down just like hair color, eye color, and height.
If your child doesn’t have teeth yet, ask other family members how old they were or their children were when they started getting their teeth.
There are also some genetic conditions, such as Down’s Syndrome, which cause delays in tooth eruption.
Systemic Disease
There are some developmental delays, diseases, and syndromes which are associated with delayed tooth eruption.
Some include ~
Apert Syndrome
Hypopituitarism
Vitamin D Resistant Rickets
Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy
Premature Birth, Low Birth Weight, Failure To Thrive
Baby teeth begin forming during your pregnancy and are almost fully formed in time for a full term birth, and ready to start coming into their mouth in the next 4 to 9 months.
Tooth development slows down and delays tooth eruption for baby’s born premature, were low birth weight, and/or failure to thrive.
Under Nutrition, Malnutrition, Vitamin Deficiencies
Poor nutrition with inadequate intake of vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, adversely affect tooth development and eruption.
Still No TeethNope, No Teeth YetWe’re Still Waiting For Those Teeth Hope They’re ComingWhere Are My Teeth?I Have 10 Fingers And 10 Toes But No Teeth
Is Delayed Tooth Eruption Serious?
For most children baby teeth coming in late isn’t a concern. For some other children there can be unknown issues.
It’s always best to talk with your pediatrician and pediatric dentist about why no teeth have come through your child’s gums.
What To Remember
Children’s teeth are just like they are, lots of variety.
While there is a general time line for baby teeth to come in, there is a lot of variability in the process.
For most baby teeth coming in late shouldn’t be a concern. However, for some children there could be underlying issues.
If your child’s baby teeth aren’t coming in as you’d expect and they are 12 months old there could be several reasons. Knowing these possible causes can help you take the appropriate steps.
Why Does My Brother Have Teeth And I Don’t?No Teeth Yet
Did your child get their teeth “on time” or were they late? How old were they when they finally got their teeth? Is your family a late tooth bloomer? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook
When Will Our Children Get Their Teeth?I’m Calling The Toothfairy To Find Out Where My Teeth Are
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
For the children it’s all about the excitement. The thrill of dressing up in their costumes to go out trick-or-treating to collect candy and trinkets from friends and neighbors.
For you it’s how to manage the sweets while keeping your child’s teeth healthy. Part of you is saying for them to have fun and enjoy some candy. Then you’re also thinking about keeping their teeth healthy.
So how do you keep candy and toothbrushing realistic while allowing your child to have a delightful time?
5 Tooth Friendly Tips For A Happy Halloween And For The Days After
When you get home from trick or treating sit down at the table with your child and sort and check treats as you go through their treat bag with them. Help your child pick the healthiest choices. Allow them to eat these choices within a specific period of time in the kitchen rather than continually snacking throughout the day. By doing this you’re done and everyone is happy. Remember to keep candy out of their bedroom.
Water is your friend. Drink water to help wash away any gooey chewy candy that’s stuck in their teeth. Water is really good for you and your teeth.
Sticky and hard candies stay in their mouths for a long time. It’s a good idea to stay away from taffy, dried fruits, caramels, and other chewy, sticky candy. Select less sticky and less sour goodies like pretzels, sugar free gum and chocolate. Chocolate without any mix-ins is great because it slides off and there’s nothing to get stuck in their teeth.
Brush the candy away. After trick or treating it’s important to make sure to floss and brush your child’s teeth. It takes 2 minutes of brushing to clean away all the candy and flossing to remove what has gotten in between their teeth. Keeping up with your flossing and brushing routine is important every day and reinforces consistency.
Don’t allow the Halloween candy stash to be a substitute for healthy snacks. Cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, celery, carrot sticks, apple slices are great options.
A Small Treat Gives A Big SmileHaving Fun Making My Children’s Halloween SnacksHummus And Veggies Ready For HalloweenHappy National Brush Day
What Is National Brush Day?
Each year we celebrate National Brush Day on November 1st.
The legend goes, that to make up for those extra sweet indulgences on Halloween we celebrate today to help your healthy toothbrushing routine.
How Do We Celebrate?
On this day it’s being mindful of how important brushing your child’s teeth for 2 minutes 2x’s a day is for everyone. Brushing is actually fun when you do it together and watching videos to make sure you get into all those tooth nooks and crannies.
Some ways to celebrate ~
Brushing and flossing #2min2x (www.2min2x.org)
Choose your family toothbrushing song or make up your own song
Have a family brushing contest
Select your favorite toothpaste flavor of the week
Smile and always make brushing fun
When Do We Brush?
Brushing for 2 minutes in the morning after breakfast and for 2 minutes before bed (and after flossing) is a great way to healthy teeth and gums.
How Often Do We Brush?
Twice a day every day. That’s 7days a week/365 days a year. Yes, even on school days, holidays, vacations and weekends.
What Do We Need?
You’ll need 3 things, a soft bristle toothbrush (age appropriate size), a dab will do ya size of toothpaste (fluoride preferred), and a flosser.
What Comes Next?
Remember to floss first. Flossing first allows you to take out all the yucky stuff that gets caught in-between your child’s teeth (there’s always stuff) and then you brush all that away at once.
If you floss second, then you’ll have to brush again to take the in-between teeth stuff away.
When Should We Start?
National Brush Day is a great day to start. This way it will always be your anniversary for good oral health!
I Always Brush My Teeth Twice A DayDaddy’s Going To Brush My TeethDaddy’s Showing Me How To Brush My TeethBrushing My Teeth With My DadTeaching My Daughter How To Brush Her TeethMommy, My Teeth are So Beautiful
What To Remember
Halloween is a thrilling time for parents and children. It’s a treat for parents to see their child’s enthusiasm about dressing up and for children to comb through scary decorations for their rewarding sweet treats.
Upon returning home with your child’s over flowing stash of goodies, take this opportunity to share lessons for making healthy choices and also to reinforce good dental habits.
You can continue all this enthusiasm on November 1st. November 1st is National Brush Day. Celebrate with brushing and flossing #2min2x, choose your family toothbrushing song, have a family brushing competition, select your favorite toothpaste flavor of the week; and always make brushing fun.
Today Is The Day For A New Toothbrush And A New Toothpaste Flavor, Can You Guess The Flavor?Happy Halloween
Have A Spooktacular Halloween! and remember to Lift Your Toothbrush For National Brush Day!
Tell us ~Are you having a Halloween Bash or going out Trick-or-Treating? What costume is your child looking forward to wearing? Which is your most memorable costume? Share your favorite toothbrushing song with us. What is your family’s toothpaste flavor this week? If you could create your own toothpaste flavor, what would it be? 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!
Halloween is almost here. This is the sweet time of year when children enjoy dressing up in their favorite costume, going out trick-or-treating as they collect candy and treats from friends and neighbors.
Leading up to Halloween, everywhere you look there’s chocolates and sugary treats ready to tempt your eager trick or treaters.
So, how do you keep treats reasonable while enjoying your family’s fun Halloween trick-or treating?
Tasty And Fun Halloween Treats
Whether it’s your annual Halloween monster mash, a gathering of your ghosts and goblins, appetizers to go with a witch’s brew or a pre trick-or-treat treat, no Halloween bash is complete without some scary snacks.
Try our top treats you can prepare with your child and your child will love this Halloween~
Chocolate Dipped Orange Pumpkins
Peel mandarin oranges and separate the individual wedges. Dip the orange wedges into melted chocolate, place on a parchment lined sheet pan and chill in the refrigerator until firm. A bite sized black and orange treat just right for the season.
Spider Bites
Fun and easy to prepare. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a bowl then add pretzel sticks. Arrange the pretzel sticks in the shape of a spider on a parchment lined sheet pan, place in the refrigerator or freezer until firm.
Mummy Pizza
Whether you choose pizza dough, english muffins, pita, or a tortilla as your base, cover with your favorite tomato sauce and criss-cross slices of mozzarella cheese (or your child’s favorite cheese). Slice green or black olives to make the eyes. Bake until fully cooked.
Apple Monster Mouth
Quarter an apple (red or green is your choice) and remove the core from each quarter. On the side where you removed the core, slice the apple part way through and spread with your favorite nut butter. Place a slice of strawberry, peach, or red plum onto of the nut butter to create the “tongue”. For the teeth place any nut of your choice into the apple above the through the nut butter. Melt chocolate chips and place a dab of melted chocolate on the bottom of 2 chocolate chips to create the eyes.
Pumpkin Hummus With Broomsticks
Fill a festive bowl with your favorite hummus. Run the back of a spoon through the hummus to create the look of a pumpkin. Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, pepper slices or cucumber slices.
Jack-O-Lantern Peppers With Witch Dip And Vegetable Broomsticks
Remove the stem and seeds from a bell pepper. Make cut outs in the pepper for the eyes, nose and mouth. Fill one pepper with your family’s favorite dip or dressing. Fill another pepper with pepper slices, carrot sticks, broccoli pieces, cucumber slices, carrot sticks or pretzels. A colorful, festive, fun way to encourage your child to eat their veggies.
Witch’s Broomsticks
These are fun, yummy and festive. Choose 2 of your family’s favorite cheese sticks. Cut each cheese stick to resemble the bristles of a broom. Place two cheese sticks around a pretzel stick or pretzel rod and tie together with a chive or use a vegetable peeler to create thin carrot ribbons to tie the broom together.
Sharing Our Halloween Treats With YouMaking Our Halloween Pizza Our WayPicking Peppers For Our Jack-O-Lantern PeppersReady To Transform Oranges Into Pumpkins
Better Candy Options
When it needs to be candy ~
Dark Chocolate
Choose dark chocolate treats like chocolate bars over sticky, gummy candy. Chocolate melts off the teeth and has anti-oxidants which are good for children.
Sugar-Free Gum
Sugar-free gum contains xylitol, stimulates saliva, neutralizes acids in the mouth, and helps wash away food particles all of which help keep teeth healthy.
Sugar-Free Candy
Sugar-free candy contains xylitol, helps increase the flow of saliva, neutralizes acids in the mouth, and helps wash away food particles which help teeth stay healthy.
Top 3 Candy No-No’s
Part of Halloween fun is indulging. However some candies should be on the no candy list~
Gummy And Sticky Candies
Gummy and sticky candies stay stuck to the teeth which is difficult to brush off.
Hard Candies
Hard candies are so hard that they can cause a child to chip or break a tooth by biting into or chewing on them. Since these candies stay in their mouth for such a long time there is more time for the sugar to stick to their teeth.
Sour Candies
Sour candies taste so sourly good because they are acidic which makes their saliva more acidic and weakens tooth enamel.
Sticky Gummy Worms Look Great On A Plate Not So Much On My TeethWhat’s in Your Pumpkin?Which Treat Will I Choose?
Non-Food Goodies Are A Good Choice
When given a choice select children’s play favorites such as ~
Glow sticks
Spider rings
Vampire fangs
Pencils
Bubbles
Bouncy balls
Finger puppets
Whistles
Stickers
Stencils
Rubik’s cube
Yo-yo’s
Halloween is every child’s dream. It’s the holiday of costumes and candy and more candy and even more candy. With all the joy trick-or treating brings, we don’t want to crush their excitement. So be the cool parent and the Halloween Hero, and wonder no more about which Halloween treats are best for your child’s teeth.
Happy Halloween!
Does your family like to trick or do you like the treats? Are you doing a family costume theme or does everyone choose their own? What are your children’s all time must have no way it will ever change favorite Halloween treats? Where does your child like to keep their candy stash and how did you find it? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook
More Tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
I May Be 1 But, How Many Teeth Do You Think I Have?
It’s an exciting time, your baby is getting their teeth. Their first pearly white teeth are so adorable.
You’re noticing that teeth are coming in, but how many teeth is a child supposed to have?
Is the number of baby teeth the same as the number of adult teeth? How many teeth is that?
Today we’re breaking down the basics on exactly how many baby teeth and how many adult teeth a child is supposed to have.
How Many Sets Of Teeth Do Children Have?
Children have 2 sets of teeth.
First Set Of Teeth
Their first set of teeth are their baby teeth. Baby teeth are also called primary or deciduous teeth.
Baby teeth begin developing in your baby’s jaws during your pregnancy and continue until just after they are born.
Second Set Of Teeth
A child’s second set of teeth is their adult teeth. Adult teeth are also called permanent teeth.
Adult teeth begin developing around birth. Wisdom teeth (aka third molars) are the last teeth to develop, which is around 8 to 12 years of age.
Baby Teeth
Baby teeth come into a child’s mouth when they are between 4 and 9 months of age, with the average being when a baby is 6 months old.
The timing and order of baby teeth coming into a child’s mouth (aka tooth eruption) is variable.
Most children by the time they are 3 years old have all of their 20 baby teeth.
20 baby teeth means that they have 10 top teeth and 10 bottom teeth.
What Are The Different Types Of Baby Teeth?
The front teeth are the incisors. These teeth help with biting into food and with speech. There are 4 top and 4 bottom incisors.
Next to the incisors are the canines. These are the pointy teeth. There are 2 top canines and 2 bottom canines.
The teeth behind the canines are the molars. Molars help with chewing. There are 4 top and 4 bottom molars.
So 8 incisors, 4 canines, and 8 molars make up the 20 baby teeth.
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Adult Teeth
Around the time a child is 4 1/2 to 7 years old their baby incisors begin to get loose and they also have new teeth coming in behind their baby molars.
When their baby incisors are lost (aka exfoliate), they are replaced with their adult incisors.
Losing baby teeth and having new teeth come in typically continues until a child is 12 to 14 years old.
During this time the adult teeth are gradually replacing the baby canines and baby molars with adult canines and premolars.
School age children as well as tweens and teens also have adult teeth coming in behind their baby molars which are their new adult molars. These new molars do not replace baby teeth. The 6 year old molars come in first, and then the 12 year old molars.
So 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 8 molars make up their 28 teeth.
What Are The Different Types Of Adult Teeth?
Incisors Like with baby teeth, the front adult teeth are the incisors. There are the 4 top and 4 bottom incisors. These teeth are to help with biting into food and with speech.
Canines Behind the incisors are the canines. They are more pointy than baby canines. There are 2 top and 2 bottom canines. They also help with biting into food.
Premolars Premolars come into the mouth behind the canines and replace the baby molars. They are also called bicuspids. There are 4 top and 4 bottom premolars. These teeth help in chewing food.
Molars Molars are the teeth behind the premolars. Adult molars do not replace any baby teeth. They are the teeth that come in all the way in the back behind all the other teeth. Molars have flat and broad biting surfaces which help in grinding food while chewing.
What About Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth (aka third molars) usually develop when a child is between 8 and 12 years old.
Typically you think about having 4 wisdom teeth. But that isn’t always the case. While lots of children develop 4 wisdom teeth, sometimes 1, 2, 3 or even all 4 teeth don’t develop.
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How Many Teeth Does?
The number of teeth depends on the child. Each child’s tooth pattern is different. Every child loses teeth and gets teeth at their own rate.
A 1 year old can have? Most 1 year olds should have between 2 and 6 teeth. Some can have 8 teeth, while other babies have none.
A 4 year old can have? Most 4 years olds should have all 20 of their 20 baby teeth.
An 8 year old can have? Most 8 year olds should have about 16 to 20 teeth, a combination of baby teeth and adult teeth.
A 15 year old can have? Most 15 year olds should have about 24 to 28 teeth. Some may have all adult teeth, while other’s can have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth.
Tooth Count
Baby teeth total is 20
Adult teeth total is 28
Wisdom teeth— All 4 wisdom teeth develop, tooth total is 32 teeth 3 wisdom teeth develop, tooth total is 31 teeth 2 wisdom teeth develop, tooth total is 30 teeth 1 wisdom tooth develops, tooth total is 29 teeth 0 wisdom teeth develop, tooth total is 28 teeth
What To Remember
When your toddler has all their baby teeth they’ll have 20 teeth. 10 teeth on the top and 10 teeth on the bottom. The front teeth are their incisors, next are the pointy teeth called the canines, and behind those are the large squarish-rectangular teeth called the molars. So in all they’ll have 8 incisors, 4 canines, and 8 molars.
When your tween and teen has their adult teeth (not counting wisdom teeth) they’ll have 28 teeth. The adult teeth count of 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 8 molars make up their 28 teeth. Including wisdom teeth the tooth count is up to 32.
Why Don’t I Have As Many Teeth As My Friends?Loving My New Teeth
How many teeth does your child have? How many teeth do you have? Did you know that the number of teeth your child has changes as they grow? Which tooth do you think is the most important? Tell us, we’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
High 5, My Mommy Is Taking Extra Special Care of My Mouth
You’ve seen your gums bleed when you brush your own teeth, and don’t think twice about it. After all don’t everyone’s gums bleed?
Then you notice when you brush your toddler’s teeth their gums also bleed. Sure you’ve missed a few brushings but why would their gums bleed? Now when you look at their gums they don’t look so good.
Your toddler’s gums bleeding isn’t something you want to overlook.
Today we’re breaking down the basics for you to understand why this is happening, how to treat it, and how to prevent bleeding gums for your toddler.
Is It Normal For A Toddler’s Gums To Bleed?
In a word, No.
If you notice your child’s gums are bleeding when you’re brushing their teeth this is something to pay attention to.
It’s important to check and see if their gums are red, swollen, or tender. This is something to talk about with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.
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What Causes Bleeding Gums For Toddlers?
There are a few reasons why you toddler’s gums are bleeding ~
Plaque – Plaque is a film that forms everyday on their teeth from eating and drinking. With regular twice daily brushing and nightly flossing the plaque accumulation can be controlled. When the plaque is left to sit on your toddler’s new teeth it also attaches onto gums and makes the gums red, swollen and tender so they bleed when you do brush.
Mouth Breathing – Children who suffer with allergies, chronic nasal congestion, or enlarged tonsils become mouth breathers. When toddlers breathe through their mouth, their gums are exposed to the air which causes their gums to become dry, red, swollen and irritated; so when you brush their teeth their gums bleed. If your child is having a hard time breathing through their nose this is something to discuss with your pediatrician or pediatric dentist.
Toothbrush – A soft bristle toothbrush is the way to go as it allows for a kinder, gentler, more effective toothbrushing. It’s also important to make sure that the toothbrush is the correct size to fit their mouth so you can brush all around their mouth easily.
Daily Routine – Sometimes children are fussy and you just want to put them to bed, even if it means not brushing their teeth. While this may happen on a rare occasion, it’s best not to let this become the usual. If this does happen more often than not, plaque continues to accumulate on top of plaque which leads to bleeding gums and tooth decay (aka cavities).
My Mommy Makes Sure She Keeps My Gums HealthyDaddy Takes Care Of My Gums Like When He Makes Sure I’m Good Riding My BicycleOur Mommy And Daddy Are Taking Really Good Care Of Our Gums To Keep Us HealthyKeeping Our Daughter’s Gums Healthy Is So Important
Are Bleeding Gums And Gingivitis The Same Thing?
Yes, bleeding gums and gingivitis are the same thing. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth which leads to bleeding gums..
What Are The Signs Of Gingivitis In Toddlers?
When plaque sits on the teeth without being removed the gums become red, swollen, irritated and begin to recede away from the teeth.
Plaque irritates the gums and it is the consistent irritation that causes the bleeding.
What you need to look for ~
Blood on their toothbrush or in the sink if they can spit out,
Swollen, red, tender, inflamed and irritated gums,
Bad breath – plaque that isn’t brushed away causes bad breath.
Can A Toddler Have Gum Disease?
Yes, a toddler can have gum disease.
Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease (aka periodontal disease). This causes the gums to become red, swollen, and bleed easily.
At this mild stage gingivitis is reversible with regular dental care and good at home consistent twice daily home care.
Healthy Gums Mean Happy SmilesI Love Showing Off My Healthy Gums And Beautiful Smile At My Dance RecitalMy Daddy’s The Best At Keeping My Gums HealthyMy Gums Are Healthy Pink Like My Favorite Balloon
How To Treat And Prevent Bleeding Gums For Toddlers?
The best way to prevent your toddler’s gums from bleeding is to keep to a daily routine of twice a day toothbrushing with a soft bristle brush and nightly flossing.
While you’re brushing their teeth, angle the toothbrush slightly towards the gums and brush in gentle circles all around their mouth, including their tongue.
Plaque also sticks to the tongue so remember to brush their tongue as well.
What to do ~
Establish a consistent, daily toothbrushing and flossing routine,
Use a soft bristle toothbrush in the correct size for your toddler’s mouth,
Maintain a balanced diet, cut back on sugary foods and drinks which increase plaque and tooth decay.
Mommy Always Says To Smile Pretty To Show Off My Healthy Gums
What To Remember
Your toddler’s bleeding gums is definitely something you want to pay attention to.
Plaque forms in the mouth everyday, even in toddler’s mouths. Beginning a regular toothbrushing and flossing routine with your child when they are young helps you both grow into it together.
Now I Know How Important It Is To Keep Up On My Children’s Teeth and Gums
Does your toddler have bleeding gums? How is your family’s daily toothbrushing and flossing routine going? What special tricks have you come up with to keep your routine going? What struggles are you having in your routine? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
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