Tag: School Age Tooth Care

Talking Mom To Mom, Changes In Your Child’s Mouth That Are Normal

~ kidstoothhotline

My Teeth
My Teeth

In the Know for You to Know

Being a parent means worrying about absolutely everything. Especially when it comes to things in the mouth.

The mouth is a scary place for so many, especially when you’re not quite sure what you’re looking at.

Thankfully there are a few things that don’t need to worry you. These are actually typical findings seen in a child’s mouth.

Some children may have 1 or 2, some may have all; but all children will experience at least 1 of these changes as they grow.

I’ve put together 9 commonly seen oral changes you may notice in your child’s mouth.

A Baby’s Tooth Chart Is Totally Individual

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. Most babies get their first teeth between 4 and 9 months of age.

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 3rd birthday.

Still Getting My Baby Teeth
Still Getting My Baby Teeth
My Sister And I Have The Same Teeth But They Came In At Different Times
My Sister And I Have The Same Teeth But They Came In At Different Times

Spaces Between Baby Teeth Are Good

Spaces (or gaps) between baby teeth is good. This is something important that we like to see.

Baby teeth are smaller than adult teeth and permanent teeth need the extra space to come in correctly. Without enough room, crowding can develop as the adult teeth come into the mouth.

Why Are There Spaces Between My New Teeth?
Why Are There Spaces Between My New Teeth?

Children Lose Their Baby Teeth On Their Own Timeline

Generally children start losing (aka exfoliating) their baby teeth around 6 years of age.

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.

Getting My New Tooth
Getting My New Tooth

Adult Teeth Can Grow In Behind Baby Teeth

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 to the back behind or in front of the baby tooth. When this happens the baby tooth doesn’t fall out and the adult tooth grows in behind or in front of the baby tooth.

Showing Off My Shark Teeth
Showing Off My Shark Teeth

Adult Molars Grow In Without Losing Baby Teeth

6 year molars (aka first permanent molars or adult molars) are the first set of permanent teeth which come into a child’s mouth that do not replace any baby teeth.

You’ll 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.

See I Have My 6 Year Molars
See I Have My 6 Year Molars

Children Can Have Baby Teeth And Adult Teeth At The Same Time

When children have a combination of baby teeth and adult teeth they are in their mixed dentition.

This is the time when they start losing their front baby teeth and their adult teeth begin to come in. The mixed dentition lasts up to when a child loses their last baby tooth.

Getting My Adult Teeth
Getting My Adult Teeth

Children’s Bite and Jaws Change As They Grow

As children grow so do their jaws. Each growth milestone is reflected in the position of their jaws, the eruption pattern of their teeth, and the alignment of their teeth.

Facial and jaw growth can also affect how teeth look.

This is why it’s important to monitor a child’s developing dentition and growth pattern at regular examinations.

When I Smile This Way You Don't See My Crooked Teeth As Much
When I Smile This Way You Don’t See My Crooked Teeth As Much

Their Gums Are The Windows To Their Teeth

The gums outline teeth in a specific way and the way they look says a lot. When we look at the gums were look at 3 things. The color, the shape and the texture of the gums.

It’s not that only 1 aspect can be off. If 1 is off, there’s something going on that affects all 3 characteristics.

Which is why dry, puffy, red, swollen, irritated, or bleeding gums adversely affect the teeth.

Teeth Can Cause Discomfort As They Come In

Whether it’s baby teeth or adult teeth, as a tooth makes it way toward the tops of the jaws it is common to feel pressure. This pressure, known as teething is sporadic, intermittent, and can be uncomfortable.

When bottom teeth are coming in, it’s common to feel pain in the ears. This is why some children will pull on their ears or put their fingers into their ears.

When the top teeth are coming in, it’s common to feel like they have a headache. This is why some children will rub their foreheads or the tops of their heads.

What To Remember

While these 9 changes are commonplace, if any issues last for more than a couple of days or things are getting worse it’s important to follow up with your pediatric dentist or pediatrician for an examination.

What is the scariest thing you’ve seen in your child’s mouth? Which of these findings has your child had? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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

Talking Mom To Mom, Happy Valentine’s Day!

~ kidstoothhotline
Happy Valentines Day
Happy Valentines Day

In the Know for You to Know

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Time has really flown by. It feels like yesterday we were ringing in the new year and now Valentine’s Day is almost here. With all these never ending sweets, how are you supposed to protect your child’s healthy smile?

While there are a lot of Valentine’s traditions that involve sugary candies, there are other ways to celebrate this special day.

As a Mom and pediatric dentist, I understand. We want to preserve the fun traditions, the fun foods, but with a twist. A twist that’s equally special with a little less added sugar.

In honor of Valentine’s Day I’ve put together for you some tooth friendly ideas for you to try.

Make Breakfast And Lunch Valentine’s Special

Breakfast

Jazz up their morning pancakes by adding a drop or two of red food coloring to the batter and with a cookie cutter, cut them into heart shapes.

French toast more to their liking? Cut the bread into hearts after cooking.

Bagel and cream cheese or toast part of their breakfast. Add a drop of red food coloring to their cream cheese to make it pinky-red. You can also cut their toast into hearts.

Fruit with breakfast is always great. Cut strawberries into heart shapes and serve with pancakes, or french toast, or bagels, or toast. Or prepare your child’s favorite fruits and serve them in a heart shaped bowl.

Lunch

Keep the celebration going with lunch.

They’ll be so excited when they see their heart shaped sandwich and fruit, especially if you include a hand written heart shaped note next to their plate.

On a cold and frosty Valentine’s soup hits the spot. Why not serve it in a heart shaped bowl?

Having a salad? Arrange your salad fixings in a heart shape along with your heart shaped sides.

Our Mom Made Us A Heart Of Cherries
Our Mom Made Us A Heart Of Cherries
Our Favorite Chocolate Dipped Fruits For Valentines Day
Our Favorite Chocolate Dipped Fruits For Valentines Day

Classroom Valentine’s

Teachers love celebrating Valentine’s Day. They always ask for the children’s (and parents) participation.

Instead of sweets like candies or cupcakes, consider Valentine’s cards with small stickers or toys, and always include one for the teacher.

Family Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas

It’s really nice to receive that heart shaped box of candy. Once the candy is gone, what is there? Celebrating Valentine’s Day is more than candy, it’s lasting memories.

Some great classic gifts are stuffed animals like teddy bears, balloons (or heart shaped bouquets), and of course flowers.

Maybe there’s a certain toy or game your child wants and has been working towards or has earned. A trip to their favorite park is always fun and great together time or family time.

How about a Valentine’s family night out? What about staying home and making some family favorites together?

Valentine's Day Is Coming
Valentine’s Day Is Coming

However you choose to celebrate, Happy Valentine’s Day!

How are you celebrating Valentine’s Day? What are some of your healthier tips for Valentine’s Day? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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

Talking Mom to Mom, The Power Of A Child’s Smile

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Show Me Your Smile
Show Me Your Smile

In the Know for You to Know

Do you believe in the power of a happy and healthy smile?

What if I told you about the actual impact a smile has on a child’s overall health?

Think about it. You smile at your child and they smile back. You both giggle and feel great. Smiling may be a simple expression, but its benefits go beyond simply making us look happier.

With this in mind, today we’re talking about the benefits of smiling.

Smiling Increases A Child’s Self-Confidence

As children grow they often become self-conscious about their appearance. The internet and especially social media don’t make things easier for them or their parents.

A beautiful smile isn’t only about looks. It’s about feeling good on the inside and out. Their smile plays a major role in how they feel about themselves, and how they present themselves to others.

Children smile about 400 times a day. When a child smiles they naturally feel happier. This in turn helps them face challenges and new situations with a positive spirit.

I Love To Smile
I Love To Smile

Smiling Creates Positive Social Experiences

When a child smiles big and often, it demonstrates their confidence. Other children want to be around them. This helps a child to build friendships and lifelong relationships.

A beautiful smile helps children builds strong connections and have positive social experiences with their peers.

Friends Make Friends Smile
Friends Make Friends Smile

Smiling Reduces Anxiety And Stress

Smiling is important for a child’s health. It’s a natural mood booster. Each time they smile, their body releases natural stress releasing compounds, called neuropeptides. These neuropeptides relax their body and lower their heart rate and blood pressure.

Don’t feel like smiling? Even laughing can improve a child’s mood. Plus it’s hard not to smile when you’re laughing.

There’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s smile to make everyone feel better. It really creates a positive atmosphere for the whole family.

Giggle time With Mommy And Daddy
Giggle time With Mommy And Daddy

The Family That Smiles Together Supports And Encourages Each Other

While a smile can go a long way for a child, there is nothing like a parent’s support and encouragement to help them feel great about themselves. Creating this loving and supportive environment makes everyone feel more secure and accepted.

This is why talking with them about their oral health is so important. Good oral health, a beautiful healthy smile, and good communication go a long way to forming a positive self-image.

Sisters Know How To Make Each Other Smile
Sisters Know How To Make Each Other Smile

Smiling Positively Impacts School Performance

A smile does more than foster self-confidence and social interactions. It can also directly impact a child’s school performance. Children who have healthy smiles are less likely to be absent from school.

Which is why good oral hygiene routines are important for supporting children’s overall well-being and success in school.

I'm Smiling Because I'm With My Friends
I’m Smiling Because I’m With My Friends

Creating Beautiful Smiles By Encouraging Healthy Oral Hygiene Habits

There are some things you can do to help your child develop good oral care habits:

  • Brush teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed,
  • Use fluoride toothpaste to help strengthen their teeth and prevent cavities,
  • Floss each night to remove food particles and plaque between teeth that brushing doesn’t reach,
  • Regular dental checkups with your pediatric dentist to keep your child’s teeth healthy,
  • Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, limit sugary snacks and drinks which cause tooth decay,
  • Lead by example by showing your child the importance of good oral hygiene by practicing these habits yourself. Children watch everything their parents do and are more likely to copy those habits,
  • Reward system to motivate children to maintain their oral care routine. Stickers, a small toy, going to the park, extra play time or screen time can be great incentives.

What To Remember

A healthy smile is the first sign of a happy child. While smiling makes you feel happy, it also helps keep you healthy. As the saying goes, “smiling is contagious.” A home filled with smiles becomes a more positive and supportive place.

Remember the power of a smile, it might just be what you need to brighten up your day.

Show Us Your Smiley Face
Show Us Your Smiley Face

How do you describe a happy child? How many times a day does your child smile? Now, how many times a day do you smile? Same number of smiles in a day or different? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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

Talking Mom to Mom, How Does The Mouth-Body Connection Affect Children?

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I'm Keeping Your Teeth and Your Body Healthy Because Mommy Loves You
I’m Keeping Your Teeth and Your Body Healthy Because Mommy Loves You

In the Know For You To Know

For the last few years we’ve heard a lot about how the mouth affects the rest of the body. That the bacteria typically in the mouth has been found in other organs of the body and implicated in various diseases.

This does make sense since the mouth is the entrance to the body.

With this in mind, today is a good time to discuss how this mouth-body connection affects children.

What Is The Mouth-Body Connection?

This is the link between oral health as it relates to overall health. It’s the role that the harmful bacteria in our (children’s and yes parent’s too) mouths play in systemic disease.

Is There Science Behind The Mouth-Body Connection?

Everyone’s mouth (including children) has good and bad bacteria. The good bacteria help keep us healthy. With poor oral hygiene the bad bacteria over grow. The imbalance leads to inflammation and infection.

This inflammation and infection don’t stay in the mouth. They affect the rest of the body. With time and age this compounds on itself and affects disease progression.

What Diseases Are Oral Inflammation Linked To?

The bacteria and inflammation are linked to:

  • Heart Disease by damaging blood vessels
  • Diabetes Complications by making sugar control (and insulin) less effective which weakens the immune system
  • Lung Infections by oral bacteria being inspired into the lungs
  • Pregnancy Complications, Giving birth to pre-term, low birth weight and failure to thrive babies
  • Brain Health by causing inflammation which is a major factor in neurodegenerative disease
Learning About Teeth Starts Young
Learning About Teeth Starts Young
Strong Healthy Teeth, Strong Healthy Me
Strong Healthy Teeth, Strong Healthy Me

It’s About More Than Teeth And Gums

Oral health affects children’s lives in ways that extend beyond cavities.

It’s important to look at:

  • Sleep quality which can be affected by oral health and breathing patterns
  • Speech development which can be influenced by oral health, dental and bone structures
  • Self-confidence, social development and learning which are all affected by oral health, dental appearance and comfort
  • Proper nutrition which depends on good oral health and healthy teeth for chewing and enjoying their food

Regular dental check-ups can sometimes reveal signs of health issues before they appear elsewhere in the body. This allows for prompt referrals to your pediatrician and other appropriate healthcare providers when necessary.

How Does Oral Health Affect The Immune System?

Inflammation and infection in the mouth are the same as it is in the rest of the body. The immune system goes into overdrive to fight it.

With chronic inflammation the immune system is always on high alert. and this leads to immune fatigue.

In other words, poor oral health puts stress on the immune system making children (and parents) susceptible to colds, viruses, and long term health issues.

Mommy And Daddy Make My Tooth Stop Hurting
Mommy And Daddy Make My Tooth Stop Hurting
Drinking My Healthy Drink And Loving It
Drinking My Healthy Drink And Loving It

How To Build Life Long Health Habits

As a parent knowing about and understanding the mouth-body connection allows you develop comprehensive health habits for your child and support them as they grow:

  • Regular and routine dental check-ups are part of overall healthcare
  • Good oral health habits and routines establish long term self-care patterns
  • Making good food choices by being aware of how nutrition affects both oral and general health

These unified approaches to health can benefit your child as they grow and into adulthood.

What To Remember

Your child’s mouth isn’t just about teeth. The mouth is a window into the rest of their body, and oral health issues can influence and be influenced by your child’s general health.

Is your child a mouth breather? Are they a good sleeper, do they snore or do they wake up at during the night? Has your child missed school because of tooth or mouth pain? What is your family’s brushing habits? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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

Talking Mom To Mom, What Causes Tooth Decay In Children

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Mommy Did You Know This?
Mommy Did You Know This?

In the Know for You to Know

Do you think children are too young to have cavities (aka tooth decay)?

Most parents say that their children are too young for cavities. Unfortunately this isn’t the case.

What do the numbers say? According to the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) 46% of children age 2-19 years old have at least 1 decayed tooth. The numbers are equally high according to the National Institute of Dental and Cranio-facial Research.

Tooth decay is a significant dental problem affecting children. It’s often called the most common chronic disease of childhood.

How many children do you know who have asthma? How many children do you know who have cavities?

With this in mind, now is a great time for us to discuss tooth decay in children.

What Is Tooth Decay?

Tooth decay is the breakdown of tooth enamel. Enamel is a tooth’s hard outer protective layer. Damaged enamel can lead to cavities.

What Causes Tooth Decay In Children?

When food, beverages, bacteria and saliva all mix in the mouth they create a sticky substance called plaque. It’s plaque that sticks to the teeth.

This plaque coats all parts of the teeth. When left on the teeth plaque will eat away at the tooth’s enamel, dissolving it and causing cavities.

Beverages like juice, soda and sports drinks are especially harmful since they bring out the acidic (bad) bacteria.

When children eat, snack and drink their sugary drinks throughout the whole day, the plaque builds up. Combine this with poor dental hygiene and you have a recipe for cavities.

Main Causes Of Tooth Decay In Children

Some of the main causes are:

  • Milk or juice in the bottle at bedtime or sleeping with the bottle
  • Cookies
  • Candies
  • Raisins, any Dried Fruit
  • White Bread
  • Cereal
  • Cake
  • Chocolate Milk, any Flavored Milk
  • Sweet Specialty Coffees
  • Fruit Juice, even 100% Juice
  • Soda
Dad Did You Know This?
Dad Did You Know This?

Why Are Children At Risk For Tooth Decay?

Everyone, even children have good and bad bacteria in their mouth. Some have more good bacteria, and some have more bad bacteria.

The proportions of these bacteria are totally individual and can vary even within a family.

When foods containing sugars and starches are left on the teeth the bacteria that normally live in the mouth change these foods by making acids. Over time, the acids made by the bacteria eat away at the tooth enamel, causing cavities.

There are some things that may raise your child’s risk for developing tooth decay:

  • High levels of the bad bacteria
  • A diet high in sugars and starches
  • Drinking water that has low or no fluoride
  • Poor oral hygiene, rushed or missed tooth brushing routines
  • Decrease in saliva
I'm Not Going To Open My Mouth
I’m Not Going To Open My Mouth

What Are The Signs Of Tooth Decay?

Some early signs of tooth decay for you to be on the look out for:

  • White spots that weren’t there before. These spots mean that the enamel is starting to break down
  • Tooth sensitivity to sweets as well as hot or cold beverages
  • Light brown or dark brown color on the tooth
  • Pain in the area around the tooth
Pick Your Child's Smile
Pick Your Child’s Smile

What To Remember

Tooth decay in children starts quietly and slowly. It’s the perfect storm of everyday habits. Decay begins with the gradual chalky erosion of tooth enamel until one day a full fledged cavity appears.

Do you think that baby teeth can get cavities that matter? Are you worried about your child getting cavities? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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

Talking Mom To Mom, Spotting The Early Signs Of Tooth Decay In Children

~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment
Daddy, Why Are You Going To Check My Teeth?
Daddy, Why Are You Going To Check My Teeth?

In the Know for You to Know

Can you believe it’s 2026? Here’s to a great year!

Like the saying goes, new year, new dreams, new hopes. This year you’re hoping for only good visits at the pediatric dentist’s office. Finger’s crossed no cavities. Or at least no new ones.

But when cavities are caught early, are they really cavities?

How can you tell if your child has early signs of tooth decay? What do you look for to tell if your child has a potential cavity?

Today we’re talking the tell tale signs of early tooth decay for you to spot.

Early Signs Of Tooth Decay

Recognizing the early signs of decay can help you take action.

What to look for:

  • White spots on the teeth – this is also called demineralization, and indicates the earliest sign of enamel damage
  • Brown or black spots near the gum line – indicates cavities are forming or have already formed
  • Bad breath
  • Sensitivity to sweets
  • Sensitivity to hot and/or cold foods and beverages
  • Pain or discomfort while chewing – can lead to a decreased appetite
  • Puffy, swollen or red gums

Why Early Decay Isn’t Only About Baby Teeth

Have you heard the myth about baby teeth? The one that goes, “They’re just baby teeth. They’ll fall out anyway.”

Well, this is what happens when early decay is undervalued and overlooked:

  • Pain and infections lead to missed school and poor nutrition
  • Premature tooth loss affects speech and adult tooth position
  • Self-confidence takes a hit and embarrassment takes over due to visible cavities and/or bad breath
  • Future dental visits may become a source of fear
We're Reading Our Social Story So I Can Check My Daughter's Teeth
We’re Reading Our Social Story So I Can Check My Daughter’s Teeth
I Look At Mommy's Teeth, Then Mommy Looks At My Teeth
I Look At Mommy’s Teeth, Then Mommy Looks At My Teeth

Parent’s Role In Early Detection Of Tooth Decay

Become the tooth detective of your home.

Be on the look out for:

  • Complaining about teeth hurting when eating or drinking cold foods, beverages, and ice cream
  • Avoiding chewing on one side or eating less
  • White or brown spots that don’t go away no matter how much you brush
  • Bad breath
  • Gums that bleed when brushed
  • When your child tells you they have a bad taste in their mouth
Let Me Tell You About My Teeth
Let Me Tell You About My Teeth
My Teeth, My Teeth
My Teeth, My Teeth

What To Remember

Tooth decay often starts silently.

As a parent, you’re always looking for anything unexpected when it comes to your child’s health, and that includes their teeth.

So if you’ve spotted something on your child’s pearly whites, you’ll be wondering what’s going on. Whether your child has baby teeth or newly erupted adult teeth, knowing what to look for can give you peace of mind.

When is the last time you looked in your child’s mouth? And looked at their teeth? How did they look? How did their breath smell? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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

Talking Mom To Mom, Keeping Your Child’s Teeth Healthy During The Holidays

~ kidstoothhotline
Holiday Time Is Here
Holiday Time Is Here

In the Know for You to Know

The holiday spirit is in the air! Spending time enjoying family, friends and food is here. Chocolates, candies, cookies, cakes and donuts are everywhere.

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

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

How do you do this?

I’ve put together some tips for keeping teeth healthy while enjoying the holidays.

Strive For Moderation

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

And you know this is true, especially for sugary and starchy foods. But why?

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

The natural bacteria in their mouth also love all those sugary and starchy foods. When the sugars and starches stay on the teeth, the bacteria release acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Eating away at the enamel is a cause of cavities.

What to do? When your entertaining and festive meals are planned, make sure your child’s other meals and snacks are full of foods that help strengthen teeth, like fresh vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein.

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

Re-think The Classics

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

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

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

My Not So Small Mug Of Hot Chocolate
My Not So Small Mug Of Hot Chocolate
Celebrating Kwanzaa with Our Family
Celebrating Kwanzaa with Our Family
How Much Powdered Sugar Do You Like On Your Jelly Donut?
How Much Powdered Sugar Do You Like On Your Jelly Donut?
I'm Decorating My Christmas Cookie By Myself
I’m Decorating My Christmas Cookie By Myself

Make Brushing And Flossing A Priority

Set aside a dedicated time each morning after breakfast and each night before bed devoted especially for you and your child as “our together time.” This way you’ll be reinforcing good toothbrushing and flossing habits.

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

Remember to brush your child’s teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes in the morning and 2 minutes before bed, and floss before their bed time brushing.

If you’re traveling for the holidays, pack all your children’s brushing supplies in your easy to access luggage before you head out on the road.

Checklist:

  • Toothbrush,
  • Toothpaste,
  • Floss.


Try To Avoid Grazing While Enjoying Family Time

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

But it’s actually not that great for teeth.

Did you know that the first 30 minutes after eating are the most vulnerable time for teeth? This is when teeth are the most susceptible to those bacterial acids. So eating a cookie here, grabbing a candy there, actually restarts the clock each time.

It’s really better to eat and drink all at once. If your child is having their special treat, juice or soda, it’s best for them to have it with their meal. This is so that it gets neutralized by their saliva.

Give Some Tooth Friendly Holiday Gifts

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

Gift Tips:

  • Cool character toothbrush,
  • Cool color toothbrush,
  • Tempting flavored fluoride toothpaste,
  • Travel-size dental kit,
  • Fun brushing timers,
  • Flavored floss,
  • Electric toothbrush for an older child.

Encourage Drinking Water

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

This is a good thing because there isn’t any sugar in water. Which also helps to neutralize the acid caused by bacteria in the mouth.

Drinking water is always a good idea, whether it’s with a meal, after a meal, instead of juice and soda, or after a sugary drink.

An added bonus of water is that it keeps everyone hydrated.

What To Remember

The holidays are hectic enough. Help your child brush like a champ.

Being watchful about the amount of sugary treats they eat during the festivities and downtime at home, and keeping up with their regular dental check-ups goes a long way to happy mouths and bright smiles.

Sugar bugs love to eat sugar and teeth. What do you think is their most favorite time of the year? What is your child’s favorite holiday story? Does your child have a favorite holiday food? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

Happy holidays for all, and for all a bright smile!

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

Talking Mom To Mom, Is Your Child Scared Of Going To The Dentist?

~ kidstoothhotline
I'm Not Going To The Dentist
I’m Not Going To The Dentist

In the Know For You To Know

Here you are. You have your child’s dental appointment all set. You’ve talked about this. Even read books and watched videos. They’ve practiced how big they’re going to open for the dentist to see all their teeth. This time it’s going to be different. Everything is going great.

Somewhere along the drive to the dental office your child says “I don’t want to go. I’m scared.” They keep repeating this louder and louder. Then they start to cry.

You know their melt down has started. Maybe this time it will get better before you get there. But what if it doesn’t and gets worse?

What do you do? How do you calm and reassure your child there’s nothing to be scared of at the dentist’s office? Will they believe this?

A lot of children are afraid of the dentist. So today we’re discussing children’s dental anxiety and how you can make your child’s pediatric dental appointment a positive experience.

How Common Is Dental Anxiety In Children? What Are The Numbers?

It’s relatively common for children to have dental anxiety. Overall, the prevalence of dental anxiety in ~

  • Preschoolers is 36.5%,
  • School age children is 25.8%,
  • Adolescents is 13.3%

6 Reasons Why A Child Has Dental Anxiety

  • Fear of Injections and Local Anesthesia – Your child might be afraid of needles, getting a “shot” or a local anesthetic (aka numbing). Pediatric dentists have the equipment and know the techniques for administering injections as painlessly as possible.
  • Fear of Pain – Children might be afraid that dental treatment will be painful. This fear can come from hearing other children or adults talk about scary moments during their dental procedures. Your child might also be afraid of experiencing pain after a previous bad experience. Pediatric dentists are used to treating children and work with the child to allow them to feel comfortable during treatment.
  • Fear of Obstructed Breathing – During dental treatment children need to hold their mouth open, and sometimes for a longer time. Dental instruments and the dental team’s hands in the mouth is a lot for a child. Pediatric dentists and their team can distract your child (such as with a favorite movie) to make the procedure less scary.
  • Fear of Embarrassment – Children might feel self conscious about having dental caries (aka tooth decay) or a dental deformity. For a child who has experienced insults related to the way their teeth look, this fear could become more intense.
  • Fear of Losing Control – Lying down in a dental chair while the dentist uses instruments inside their mouth can trigger anxiety. Part of this fear stems from the feeling that they will be unable to let you know if something starts to bother or overwhelm them. Pediatric dentists address by having you in the room during treatment, as well as letting your child know they can communicate with a hand signal when something bothers them or becomes overwhelming.
  • Unexplained Fears – Specifically pinpointing a fear can be difficult with a child. Anxiety can result from sensory challenges or a stressor that the child is unable or unwilling to talk about. Your child might be anxious because they don’t understand what is going to take place, why they need the procedure or how the procedure is going to make things better.
Daddy's Here and We're Getting Your Teeth Checked
Daddy’s Here and We’re Getting Your Teeth Checked
I Don't Want To Sit On The Chair
I Don’t Want To Sit On The Chair
I Don't Want To Go
I Don’t Want To Go
I'm Not Going To Open My Mouth
I’m Not Going To Open My Mouth

As A Parent, Ways You Can Alleviate Dental Anxiety And Make Your Child Feel Comfortable

As a parent you can help your child overcome these negative and fearful feelings about dental care with an empathetic attitude and positive reinforcement.

Ways To Alleviate Dental Anxiety

  • Start dental care early and keep up with regular check-ups
  • Bring a comfort item from home
  • Role play at home
  • Be present
  • Stay strong
  • Choose your words carefully and speak honestly
  • Use positive reinforcement
  • Avoid delaying dental care
  • Communicate with your child’s pediatric dental team

What To Remember

Understanding and addressing dental anxiety in children is critical for their long term oral health. Anxiety, often rooted in fear, unfamiliarity, or past experiences can make their dental visits challenging.

We do this by working together. As pediatric dentists our goal is to empower you with knowledge and tools to help your children overcome their dental fears.

Fostering a collaborative approach ensures that children feel they are supported, informed, and involved in their dental health, making dental visits a positive experience. All of which helps to ensure a life time of healthy smiles.

Is your child afraid to go to the dentist? Do you know a child who had meltdown before, during or after their dental appointment? What tips do you have that has worked for you? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

I Don't Want Anyone Looking At My Teeth
I Don’t Want Anyone Looking At My Teeth
I Don't Want The Dentist To Make My Tooth Numb
I Don’t Want The Dentist To Make My Tooth Numb

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

Talking Mom To Mom, Why Does My Child Have A Lip Bite After A Dental Filling?

~ kidstoothhotline
Why Did I Bite My Lip?
Why Did I Bite My Lip?

In the Know for You to Know

Your child had their dental appointment for their filling (or tooth extraction) and everything went great. Yea! Everyone is cheering and so happy!

The pediatric dentist talks with you about their after care. You take special note to be especially careful and watch them since the novocaine (aka local anesthetic, numbing) hasn’t worn off yet.

Your child says that their mouth feels funny on that one side. They tell you that they don’t like it. It feels funny and big. They want you to make it “wake up now.” Then they try on their own to pinch and hit their lip and cheek saying “wake up.” You ask them to stop and put their hands in yours. Both of you explain that their mouth will “wake up” in a little while. For now it’s important to let it be and wake up on its own.

Children will be children and this is difficult for them. They want their mouth to feel “normal and regular.”

How many of us have been here? Whether it’s after your child’s or your dental treatment, many of us have experienced this feeling.

As the patient myself, as the mom, and as the pediatric dentist I have been here.

Today we’ll be talking about what happens when despite all of our best efforts your child experiences a lip bite.

What Causes A Lip Bite?

When a child needs a filling (or tooth extraction) local anesthesia is often used to “numb” the area. Depending on the treatment needed and the type of local anesthetic, it can last from 2-4 hours.

This makes it difficult for a child to feel their lips, cheek, and tongue. As a result, they may accidentally bite, chew or suck on these areas without realizing it.

After My Filing I Got To Ride My Bike, I Forgot And I Bit My Lip
After My Filing I Got To Ride My Bike, I Forgot And I Bit My Lip
I Bit My Lip
I Bit My Lip

What Does A Lip Bite Look Like?

In the event your child accidentally bites their lip, cheek or tongue, there are a few signs you need to look for ~

  • Swelling of the lip, cheek, and/or tongue,
  • A yellowish-white scab develops which resembles an ulcer or an infection,
  • Bloody crusting around the scab,
  • Tooth imprints in the area surrounding the scab.
  • Is the bite limited to the lip itself or does it extend past the border of the lip onto the skin?

How Long Does A Tooth Bite Take To Get Better?

If your child does bite, chew or suck on their lip, cheek or tongue, a yellowish-white scab forms as the wound heals. This may take up to 14 days to go away.

If the bite is larger or includes the skin, it takes longer to heal and may cause scaring.

I Can't Believe I Bit My Lip
I Can’t Believe I Bit My Lip
I'm Not Coming Out Until My Lip Bite Goes Away
I’m Not Coming Out Until My Lip Bite Goes Away

What About Eating After A Lip Bite?

Eating is important. Stay with things like ~

  • Soft easy foods like mashed potatoes, pasta, mac and cheese, oatmeal,
  • Cool foods like yogurt, ice cream, and popsicles,
  • Drink from a cup, and don’t use straws which irritates the bite,
  • Avoid citrus fruits, tomatoes, salty and spicy foods which are also irritating.

How Do You Take Care Of A Lip Bite?

Keeping your child’s mouth and the bite area clean is really important. This is because clean areas heal faster.

It’s important to ~

  • Clean the area well with a soft wet wash cloth 3 times a day as well as after eating and after tooth brushing,
  • Brush and floss teeth as normal,
  • Be gentle around the injured area.
We're Going To The Dentist To Check Your Lip
We’re Going To The Dentist To Check Your Lip
The Dentist Told Mommy What To Do For Your Lip
The Dentist Told Mommy What To Do For Your Lip

A Pediatric Dentist’s Lip Bite Story

A dad brought his 4 year old child to my office for a filling on a bottom back tooth (aka molar). This child did great. They even got an extra prize for being so awesome.

As I was sitting this child up in the chair I could see they felt the one side of their mouth was “feeling funny.”

I reviewed the after care instructions with Dad, and explained to the child (in age appropriate words) about the “funny feeling.”

Everything went well. I checked in on the family that evening and Mom was so happy and pleased. I reviewed instructions for overnight (as I always do).

The next morning Mom brought her child to the office. She was (understandably) livid. When this child woke up their lip and cheek was visibly swollen, there was some blood crusting and had a white-ish yellow covering.

After making sure there wasn’t any infection, this turned out to be a lip bite.

I cleaned the area and instructed mom on how to take care of the bite area. We talked about diet and oral hygiene. I sensed mom’s concern and encouraged mom to speak with her pediatrician.

I also called the pediatrician (which is my usual when there are concerns). The pediatrician encouraged mom to follow my recommendations and would also follow up.

We made appointments and I saw this child everyday in the office to monitor their healing. At the 5 day mark the swelling was resolved and by day 7 the bite was healed. When I saw them on day 10, you wouldn’t have known there was a lip bite.

Mom took a picture on day 10 and compared it with a picture taken prior to the filling. She said that no one could tell any difference.

Are you wondering? Yes, this family still brings their children to my office along with cousins and a few neighbors.

What To Remember

If your child received local anesthesia for their dental treatment their lips, cheek, and tongue will be “numb” for a few hours after their appointment.

Since they can’t feel these areas, sometimes children may accidentally bite them. This causes them to swell.

It’s very important to watch your child closely after their dental appointment. You’ll need to remind them not to suck, bite or chew on their lip, cheek or tongue.

Cold drinks, frozen treats (like popsicles), and cool compresses can help them feel comfortable.

If your child has any swelling or something doesn’t look right to you contact your dentist’s office immediately so they can be evaluated.

Has your child had local anesthetic for a filling or tooth extraction? How did they do afterwards? Did your child bite their lip or cheek or tongue? What did you do? Do you know a child who bit their lip? How did it go? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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

Talking Mom To Mom, Why Soda Is Bad For Your Children’s Teeth

~ kidstoothhotline
Daddy Says 1 Sip, I Say It's All Mine
Daddy Says 1 Sip, I Say It’s All Mine

In the Know for You to Know

As a parent we’ve all been there. Whether we’re out and about or at the grocery store with our children, when they get thirsty they want something sweet. That sugary drink is soda.

It may seem to be okay to occasionally give in and let them have that soda. However, there are things for you to know and consider before saying yes to a soda.

What Is In Soda?

Soda is made from sugar and acids. Over time these 2 things lead to tooth decay (aka cavities).

This is why:

  1. High sugar content – feeds the bad bacteria in the mouth causing them to over grow which leads to cavities.
  2. Acids – the acids in soda make them fizzy, but also breaks down the tooth enamel. This leads to sensitivity and cavities.
You Mean All This Sugar Is In That One Bottle Of Soda?
You Mean All This Sugar Is In That One Bottle Of Soda?

Acids In Soda

Citric acid and phosphoric acid are 2 acids commonly found in soda, and they directly attack tooth enamel. Which leads to enamel break down and ultimately tooth decay.

How Soda Affects Teeth

Soda affects teeth in 1 significant way that leads to long term troubles.

Tooth Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel is the hard outer layer of teeth that is there to protect teeth. Soda weakens and breaks down this protective layer causing:

  1. increased risk of generalized tooth damage,
  2. sensitivity to hot, cold and sweet foods and beverages,
  3. increased plaque buildup,
  4. developing generalized cavities.

Tooth Enamel Doesn’t Grow Back

What’s important to know is that tooth enamel doesn’t regenerate or grow back. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.

The issue is that this does not only affect 1 tooth. The sugar and acids melt away the tooth’s enamel by dissolving it until it isn’t there any more.

Remember the science experiment when you put a tooth in a plastic cup and poured soda over it? What you saw on day 1 was very different from what the tooth looked like at the end of the experiment.

What did you see at the end? A gnarly brown tooth with holes in it.

What The Science Says

Dental experts, including those at the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry have found that:

  • Soda begins to wear down tooth enamel within 20 minutes of that first sip,
  • Children who routinely drink soda have a higher rate of cavities.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Heart Association (AHA) agree. Together they put out a joint statement endorsing policies to reduce children’s consumption of sugar.

Cavities and tooth pain are the tip of the iceberg. The effects of drinking soda on a regular basis also set children up for other health problems as they get older.

We Always Have Soda With Lunch
We Always Have Soda With Lunch
This Is Why Mommy And Daddy Don't Let Me Drink Soda
This Is Why Mommy And Daddy Don’t Let Me Drink Soda

Regular Or Diet Soda

Regular or diet soda doesn’t matter. They both do the same harm when it comes to teeth.

What To Remember

Knowing the consequences of why soda is bad for your children’s teeth helps you to make informed choices for your entire family.

Realistically your child is going to have a soda at a birthday party or holiday get together. After wards, it’s important to make sure you’re keeping up with their flossing and brushing.

Remember, preventing dental problems is easier than treating them.

Yes, We're Having A Soda
Yes, We’re Having A Soda
All This Sugar Is In One Glass Of Soda
All This Sugar Is In One Glass Of Soda
I'm Drinking All This Soda By Myself
I’m Drinking All This Soda By Myself

Does your child have a favorite soda? How much sugar do you think there is in soda? Do you think soda is good to drink? How much soda do you think is okay for your child to drink? Do you think soda is bad for your children’s teeth? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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