Understanding Canker Sores in Children: Causes and Treatment

May 16, 2024May 15, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Mommy Knows Canker Sores Aren't Any Fun — Mommy Knows Canker Sores Aren’t Any Fun

Your child is crying and complaining to you because their mouth hurts and burns when they eat and when you brush their teeth. You check that they’re not getting sick, and when you have them open their mouth wide you see these small yellowish sores on the inside of their mouth.

You think to yourself, what can this be? Then you remember you’ve heard about canker sores and wonder if these are canker sores.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on what you should know about canker sores.

What Are Canker Sores?

Canker sores, also called aphthous ulcers, are a common condition that 20-30% of children and adolescents experience.

There are 2 types of canker sores. The most common type of canker sores occurring 80% of the time is called Minor aphthous ulcer and the second type is called Major aphthous ulcer.

Minor Aphthous Ulcer

Minor aphthous ulcers have a yellowish-white color and are surrounded by a red inflamed looking border. These sores measure 3-10 millimeters (pinpoint to 1/3 of an inch) in diameter; and are found on the soft tissues in the mouth, such as the inside surfaces of the lips, cheeks and the area where the gums and soft tissues meet. In a single outbreak you can expect to find 1-5 ulcers, and they heal in 7-14 days without scarring.

Depending on where the sore is located, your child may experience difficulty talking or eating, and pain when touching or brushing around the area.

Major Aphthous Ulcer

These ulcers are larger, deeper and take longer to heal than the minor aphthous ulcer. They occur on the lips, soft palate, the tonsillar arches, and can take up to 6 weeks to heal with the potential to cause scarring.

What Causes Canker Sores In Children?

It’s not exactly known what causes children, adolescents, and even adults to get canker sores.

There are some factors that can trigger the development of canker sores:

Stress,
Injury to the inside of your mouth,
Acidic foods, such as citrus fruits,
Food allergies or Vitamin deficiencies,
Irritation from orthodontic appliances, such as braces.

What Are The Symptoms Of Canker Sores In Children?

Canker sores are diagnosed on visual examination by their appearance and symptoms.

Common canker sore symptoms include:

One or more painful sores inside of the mouth. These ulcers may form on the inside of their lips, the inside of their cheeks or above their gums where the gums meet the cheeks,
Burning or tingling sensations.
Small, round ulcers that are yellowish-white with a red border.

Are Canker Sores And Cold Sores The Same?

Canker sores and cold sores are not the same thing. They are very different for several reasons.

What Is The Difference Between Canker Sores And Cold Sores?

Canker sores are only found inside the mouth. They are flat and look like an ulceration with a light center and red edge. These sores can appear as a single round sore or up to 5 sores. Canker sores are not contagious.

Cold sores, or fever blisters are caused by a virus, are highly contagious and easily spread from person to person. They are fluid filled and can appear as a blister or cluster of blisters usually outside of or around the mouth.

How Are Canker Sores Treated In Children?

Treatment usually isn’t necessary for minor canker sores, since they tend to heal on their own in 7-14 days.

However, if you’d like to do something more than wait it out, these are some ways to reduce your child’s discomfort:

Keep your child hydrated with water, hydration helps with healing;
Encourage your child with soft, cold, cool and easy to eat foods;
Avoid spicy, acidic, salty foods and drinks since they irritate the canker sores and make their mouths more painful. Think bland food;
Good sleep habits and sleep times encourage healing;
Keep up with your oral hygiene routine gently, take it slow, keeping up with their brushing and flossing helps with healing.

How Long Do Canker Sores Take To Heal?

Canker sores take 7-14 days to go away, and there isn’t anything that will make them go away faster. However, there is a tendency for the sores to re-occur.

Grandma And Grandpa Are So Happy My Canker Sore Is All Healed And So Are Mommy And I

Is There A Way To Prevent Canker Sores?

There’s no way to prevent canker sores.

However, there are several things you can do to have your child be more comfortable while the sores are healing:

Try stress reduction techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation, giving your child a warm bath before bed, having them take a warm shower, or enjoyable family time;
Stay away from acidic, salty and spicy foods;
Keep up with your good oral hygiene routine;
Encourage good sleeping habits;
Talk with your pediatrician for nutritional guidance.

When To Call Your Pediatrician

Call your pediatrician’s office for an appointment if your child begins to experience:

Recurring sores with new break outs before the existing sores heal,
Frequent episodes of canker sores,
Large canker sores,
Non-healing sores, or sores not healing within 14 days,
Sores outside their mouth,
Increasing pain,
Increasing difficulty eating and drinking,
It hurts to swallow,
Fever of any kind.

What To Remember

Canker sores are small, shallow yellowish-white ulcers that are found on the soft tissues in your child’s mouth like the inside of their lips, cheeks, or below the base of their gums. They can be found as a single ulcer or as several together, and can be painful initially which can make eating difficult.

Unlike canker sores, cold sores are found outside the mouth, such as on the outside surface of their lips, at the corners of their mouth and they are very contagious.

Most canker sores go away in 7-14 days on their own. Call your pediatrician or pediatric dentist’s office if something doesn’t seem right, your child develops a fever, your child looks and/or feels sick, eating and drinking is becoming an issue, the canker sore isn’t healing, or you have any concerns.

Has your child ever experienced a canker sore? Have you had a canker sore? Do canker sores run in your family? 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!

How To Make It Easier To Take Care Of Your Children’s Teeth – Strategies For Making Your Social Story When Your Child Has Autism Spectrum Disorder

April 25, 2024April 21, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

As a parent, you know that preventing dental related issues is important, and you also know that this is not so simple to do when your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Some children may be fearful of new surroundings or sensitive to light and sounds or smells and tastes and do not know how to express these feelings. You may or may not have already established a consistent way that comforts your child when introducing them to new experiences.

These last 3 weeks we’ve discussed the challenges and strategies to help you help your child achieve successful dental care in the office, as well as strategies for your at home toothbrushing routine, and strategies for your at home flossing routine.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on how to create your own dental social story.

Helping Your Child To Learn And Prepare For Going To The Dentist

Your approach needs to be tailored to your child’s individual needs.

For some children with ASD, it’s your calm reassuring voice talking with them about the Pediatric Dentist’s office, the people they’ll meet, the chair they’ll sit in, the toothpaste that’s used to brush their teeth.

While other children may like to read or look at books, some like to look at actual photos on your phone, or role play, and for some it’s your social story.

Which ever works best for your child, always stay positive and portray their dental care (whether in the office or at home) in small, repeatable steps.

Read A Social Story With Your Child About Taking Care Of Their Teeth

Social stories use simple, straight forward language to describe the sequence of events a child will experience. The stories usually have photos or pictures to help show the things they will see, hear, and do.

Before creating your own social story, a good resource for you to see examples of social stories is the website for the Pennsylvania Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative.

You’ll find social stories about going to the Dentist, having their teeth cleaned, having dental x-rays taken, and having a cavity filled.

Create Your Own Social Story About Going To The Dentist

Once you’ve made your child’s appointment it’s best to introduce this early on.

Before you do, consider taking pictures of the street the office is on, the parking lot, the outside of the building, the office’s front door with the Dentist’s name.

You might want to stop by and ask if you can take some pictures of the office to include in your social story.

This way you’re establishing what your child will be expecting step by step.

To go along next to the pictures you can include a description—

We’re going to the Dentist and we’ll be driving down this street,
Then we’ll park the car near the Dentist’s office,
After we park the car we’ll walk to the Dentist’s office,
The office is upstairs/downstairs/on the walk-in level so we may/may not need to take an elevator ride; or we may or may not take the stairs,
When we get to the Dentist’s office we’ll open the door and walk in,
There is a lady sitting behind a desk to say hello to us when we walk in,
After we say hello, we’ll tell her my name,
The lady behind the desk may ask us to sit down and watch a movie, or play one of the games until it’s my turn,
When it’s my turn the hygienist will call my name,
We’ll all walk together to a room with a few special chairs that look like Daddy’s recliner chair,
The hygienist will ask me to sit down in the chair,
The hygienist will tell me that this chair is special because it moves up and down and reclines back almost like a bed, but I don’t have to take a nap,
The hygienist will tell me that the chair moves back so she and the Dentist can look at all my teeth even my teeth all the way in the back,
The hygienist will also tell me that when I’m lying back on the chair I can hold my Mom’s hand and put my legs straight out in front of me,
The hygienist will ask me how big I can open my mouth, and we will count how long I can stay open wide,
The hygienist will show me the big light she and the Dentist use so they can see all my teeth,
Before she turns the light on, the hygienist will ask me if I want to wear sunglasses because the light is bright or if I want to close my eyes,
The hygienist will show my the special mirror she and the Dentist use to look at my teeth. She’ll let me touch the mirror will also show me what the mirror feels like on my lips and tongue and cheeks,
Then the hygienist will show me the tooth counter she and the Dentist use to count and check my teeth,
The hygienist will show me the special floss string she uses to clean in-between my teeth, she’ll let me touch the floss and she’ll show me how it feels in-between my fingers and then she’ll floss my teeth,
The hygienist will show me the special power toothbrush and special toothpaste she uses to clean my teeth, then she will let me touch this special toothbrush and she’ll show me what the brush feels like on my finger and then on my teeth; the best part is that the hygienist says I will get to pick the flavor of the toothpaste,
The Dentist may want to take special photos of my teeth, the hygienist explains that these photos are called x-rays and I get to wear a super special emoji apron to take the x-rays, and my Mom gets to watch me,
When I’m all finished the hygienist will give me a fun bag filled with a brand new toothbrush and toothpaste, and I’ll get to choose a super special prize.

What To Remember

Preparing your children with ASD for their Dentist’s appointment and dental care in advance can be helpful for having a calm and successful visit.

Ask your child’s Pediatric Dentist about scheduling a pre-visit introductory walk about, or if you can take pictures of the office to help you put together your own social story.

Your child’s needs always come first, so if you feel doing everything at one appointment is too much, ask about breaking up the visit into smaller steps and introduce the appointment more gradually. This way your child will become more familiar and feel more comfortable.

Most important, praise and reward your child and you for a job well done!

How did you prepare your child for their first dental appointment? How did it go? How have your subsequent dental visits been? Have you heard of social stories? Have your read social stories or created your own? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

How To Make It Easier To Take Care Of Your Children’s Teeth – Strategies For Your At Home Dental Care Flossing Routine When Your Child Has Autism Spectrum Disorder

April 18, 2024April 17, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

Children’s oral health (aka dental health) is essential for their overall health and well-being. As a parent, you understand that preventing dental issues are important.

You also know that this is not so simple to do when your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), since establishing and following a daily brushing and flossing routine can be quite challenging.

For some children this may be due to sensory sensitivities, for some it’s due to taste and texture sensitivities, and for some it’s tactile sensitivities which leads to everyone’s frustration.

These last 2 weeks we’ve discussed the challenges and strategies to help you help your child achieve successful dental care in the office , as well as strategies for your at home toothbrushing routine.

Today we’re continuing to break down the basics on challenges and strategies for your at home flossing routine.

Strategies For Your At Home Flossing Routine

Almost everyone thinks you need to brush teeth first and then floss. Brush and floss, right?

It’s actually a good idea to floss first and then brush, so this way you brush away everything that was caught in-between the teeth.

Dental Floss Choices To Help Get You Started

Hand held flossers in fun colors and fun shaped handles
String floss (aka regular floss) waxed or unwaxed
String floss in plain (no flavor) or fun flavors (like grape or bubblegum)

Flossing Steps

Start by showing your child the floss and have them touch the floss. You can touch the floss to the back of their hand and then slide it gently up and down along the side of one of their fingers.

You can then gently touch the floss to their lips. Ask them to open their mouth (as big as they can) and touch the floss up to one or two of their front teeth. Count together how long they can keep their mouth open.

Next Comes Flossing

Whether you’re using a hand held flosser or string floss always remember to gently slide the floss between your child’s tooth and their gums.

The gums between the teeth are triangle shaped and you want to gently slide the floss to the side of the gums next to the tooth, never straight up onto the gums.

If you decide to use a hand held flosser keep a tissue or two close by so you can clean off the floss as you go from tooth to tooth. You don’t want to transfer the stuff in-between teeth from one tooth to the next.

If you’re using string floss, here are 5 steps to help stream line your flossing technique—

Wrap about18 inches of floss around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of your opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as you move along.
Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
Guide the floss between your child’s tooth and gums using a gentle, rubbing motion.
When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it around the tooth into a C shape against the tooth. Always gently slide floss into the space between the gums and each tooth.
Hold the floss against the tooth away from the gums. Gently rub the side of the tooth with an up-and-down motion, following the shape of each tooth. Don’t forget the back of their last teeth.

What’s The Order To Floss Teeth?

Most of the time the order you’ll floss is the same as toothbrushing. Since you’re going slowly and introducing flossing, it may be helpful to try this tooth flossing order—

Top front teeth
Bottom front teeth
Top right back teeth
Top left back teeth
Bottom left back teeth
Bottom right back teeth

4 Important Tips To Remember

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

A Parent’s Experience Establishing A Daily Oral Hygiene Routine For Their Child With ASD

Remember the child we’ve been discussing the last couple of weeks? The child who took 4+ years to be able to become the ideal child and accept dental care.

This family’s schedule and calendar for their AM and PM routine included separate check boxes for AM brushing as well as for PM flossing and PM brushing.

Then after each part was completed they helped their child check off that box. If it was partially completed, that box got a partial check mark, and if it wasn’t going to happen they left that box blank.

At the end of the week they counted up the number of checked boxes, the number of partially check boxes, and the number of no checked boxes. Then they determined a prize for the checked boxes, and kept moving forward in a positive way.

What To Remember

Flossing is hard and can be a struggle, but it is important because it is the only real way to clean in-between teeth.

Introducing flossing and incorporating it into your child’s daily oral routine takes time and may take multiple revisions and repeats.

1 of the most important things to remember, praise and reward your child and yourself for a job well done!

Stay Tuned — We’re looking forward to seeing you next week when we discuss tips for creating your own story.

Does your child have ASD? Have you attempted flossing? What are your at home care challenges? How is your routine going? What are your successes? What have you learned works for your child? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

How To Make It Easier To Take Care Of Your Children’s Teeth – Strategies For Your At Home Care When Your Child Has Autism Spectrum Disorder

April 11, 2024April 10, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 2 Comments

In the Know for You to Know

Children’s oral health (aka dental health) is an extremely important part of healthy everyday life. As a parent, one of your first goals is to focus on prevention and at home oral hygiene routines.

However, for some children who have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) following a brushing and flossing routine can be quite difficult. This makes establishing and maintaining these daily routines challenging.

For some children this may be due to sensory sensitivities, for some it’s due to taste and texture sensitivities, and for some it’s their inability to communicate which leads to everyone’s frustration.

Last week we discussed the challenges and strategies to help you help your child achieve successful dental care in the office.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on challenges and strategies for your at home tooth care routine.

Strategies For Your At Home Tooth Care Routine

Almost everyone thinks you need to brush teeth in the bathroom, it is not always the case.

A Few Ways For You To More Easily Brush Your Child’s Teeth

Try brushing your child’s teeth with your child lying down on your bed, or
With you sitting on a chair have your child sit down on the floor in front of you and lean back against your legs. Have them tip their head up so you can see inside their mouth, or
Have your child lie down on the floor. You can either sit beside your child, or put a pillow on your lap and place your child’s head on the pillow, or
Standing in the bathroom with your child standing in front of you, have them face the bathroom mirror with their head slightly tilted against your body. Place your hand gently over their hand so that you can help guide the toothbrush around their mouth.

What You Need To Get Started Brushing Your Child’s Teeth

Soft-bristled toothbrush-choose your child’s favorite color or cartoon character
Electric toothbrush
Bubble gum or fruity flavored toothpaste
Hand held Flossers in fun colors
2 Minute Timer-a traditional fun colored plastic timer and watch the sand as you brush teeth, play a favorite song, or sign up for the 2 Minute 2X A Day App
Fluoride Rinse- which is available in several flavors

Parent Choices

Electric toothbrush-some children like the feeling of the moving bristles in their mouth and some children do not
Toothpaste- if you’re concerned about sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in your child’s toothpaste, there are toothpastes without SLS, you may want to consider the Hello brand or Tanner’s Tasty Paste (Disclaimer: I do not receive any endorsements and do not have any affiliations with any of the mentioned products).

Toothbrushing Steps

Start by showing your child their toothbrush and have them touch the brush handle and then the bristles with their fingers, then rub the bristles gently in small circles on the back of their hand.

You can then touch the toothbrush bristles to their lips. Ask them to open their mouth (as big as they can) and touch the bristles to one or two of their front teeth. Count together to see how long they can keep their mouth open.

Place a rice grain size (if your child is younger than 3 years old) or a small green pea size (if your child is older than 3 years old) amount of toothpaste on their toothbrush.

Next Comes Toothbrushing—

Brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of the top right back teeth five times,
Brush the outside, inside and biting edges of the top front teeth five times,
Brush the outside, inside and chewing surfaces of the top left back teeth five times,
Brush the inside, outside and chewing surfaces of the bottom left back teeth five times,
Brush the outside, inside and biting edges of the bottom front teeth five times,
Brush the bottom right back teeth outside, inside and chewing surfaces five times.

4 Important Tips To Remember When Brushing Your Child’s Teeth

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

A Parent’s Experience Establishing A Daily Oral Hygiene Routine For Their Child With ASD

Remember the child we discussed last week? The child who took 4+ years to be able to accept dental care.

You know that agonizing, tearful, disappointing, painful and frustrating dental appointments are compounded at home when you try to brush your child’s teeth, let alone try to floss.

They read social stories and made step by step story boards. They coordinated their oral hygiene schedule with other parts of their daily AM and PM routines.

They involved anyone in the family they could. They tried distraction and demonstrated through role playing.

They came up with a calendar for their AM and PM routines, made this something fun to look forward to, and they included a rewards calendar.

The hardest part was staying positive and motivated no matter how frustrated or defeated they felt.

Then one day out of the blue it came together after more than 4 years in the making. Yes this may seem amazing, but it can happen because each child is on their own time line.

I Always Brush My Teeth Twice A Day — I Just Want To Do My Puzzle

What To Remember

It takes time to establish a routine, and it may take multiple revisions and repeats. Try incorporating oral care into your daily life to become part of what you do everyday.

Consider talking with your child’s teacher, principal or the school district about adding daily oral hygiene to to your child’s Individualized Education  Plan (IEP).

It’s important to take this one step at a time, reward your child’s successes and acknowledge that somethings may need to be tweaked.

2 of the most important things to remember—
When you get to where you want your child’s oral hygiene routine to be it will be so worth it!
Reward yourself for a job well done!!

Stay Tuned — We’re looking forward to seeing you next week when we continue discussing Strategies For Your At Home Care Routine with tips for creating your own storyboard.

Does your child have ASD? What are your at home care challenges? How is your routine going? What are your successes? What have you learned works for your child? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

How To Make It Easier To Go To The Dentist When Your Child Has Autism Spectrum Disorder

April 4, 2024April 3, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 3 Comments

In the Know for You to Know

Going to the Dentist is hard. For parents whose child has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) it is especially difficult.

What is important to know is that dental care and oral hygiene routines may go very slowly at first. Over time, and with compassion, patience and determination at home and in the pediatric dental office achieving positive results is possible and can bring invaluable rewards for your child and you.

ASD is complex and individual. There can also be associated medical issues that your family is dealing with and need to be taken into consideration.

Some children are distant and detached from people and their surroundings, and may or may not be verbal. Other children may have repetitive routines and behaviors, unpredictable body movements, or self-injurious behaviors. There are some children who have sensory, taste and/or texture sensitivities. Any of these behaviors can complicate dental care and establishing oral hygiene routines.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on challenges and strategies to help you help your child achieve successful dental care in the office.

Challenges And Strategies For Dental Care

Pediatric dental offices have all the bells and whistles for making going to the dentist fun. However they still have bright lights, loud noises and unfamiliar sights, smells and tastes.

Dental visits and procedures can be difficult for children with ASD who are sensitive to strong smells, tastes, and textures, or can not tolerate people or objects near their ears, face and mouth.

Strategies For Making Dental Visits Successful

Call the office ahead of your visit to discuss your child’s medical history, needs and preferences. Ask if you can tour the office with your child before their appointment.
While you’re on the phone or during the tour, ask if the office has or if you can bring noise-canceling headphones, a weighted blanket, or sunglasses, You can also ask if your child can listen to music or watch a movie. It’s okay to ask if it would be possible to turn off the fluorescent ceiling lights in the treatment room, and/or have limited talking during the dental procedure. If your child has self-soothing or a repetitive routine when they’re in a new environment remember to let the office know.
Some children with ASD may benefit from a gradual introduction to each step over multiple successive visits, rather than trying to accomplish everything at once. You can also ask the office if they offer introduction or “desensitization” visits to help prepare for your child for their first visit, their cleaning appointment or their dental procedure.
Tell your child ahead of time they are going to the dentist.
Read a social story about going to the dentist or create a story board about going to the dentist.
Read a book about going to the dentist. Some of our favorites are —Just Going To The Dentist by Mercer Mayer, The Berenstain Bears Visit The Dentist, Dentist Trip (Peppa Pig), Dora Goes To The Dentist.
Role play a dentist visit at home – You can put on disposable gloves, let your child touch them when they’re on your hands so they get the feel of the gloves’ texture, and practice looking in their mouth and counting their teeth. You can also do this with their toys.
Encourage your child and and do something fun as a reward for success at the end of the visit. (just not sweets or candy). This gives them positive reinforcement and associates the visit with something happy and something to look forward to.
Always be positive when talking about the dentist and their upcoming appointments.

A Pediatric Dentist’s Experience Treating A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder

As a pediatric dentist it is a pleasure and privilege to treat all children. The greatest compliment I can receive is when a parent entrusts me with the dental care and treatment for their child.

I would like to tell you about a patient of mine who has ASD. This child is amazing in the office now but our dental journey did not start out that way 4+ years ago. For this child’s parents it was agonizing, hair pulling, tearful, disappointing, painful and frustrating. What worked once didn’t always work twice. Each time we regrouped and eked forward. Today I’m happy to say that this child is incredible for their dental appointments, and I am so proud for this family.

What To Remember

Pack your patience. It may take a while to get to where you want to be. When you get there it will be so worth it!

Stay Tuned — We’re looking forward to seeing you next week when we discuss Challenges And Strategies For Your At Home Care.

Does your child have ASD? What are your dental visit challenges? What are your tips for dental visits? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Teeth Talk – What Happens When Your Child’s Cavity Is Too Deep?

March 21, 2024March 20, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

As pediatric dentists we are always emphasizing good oral habits like brushing and flossing. You’ve heard it so often you can recite it in your sleep.

The reason we talk about this so much is because often times when a cavity forms it doesn’t stay small for very long. It grows and its continuing growth is what makes it concerning.

You see, a tooth is made up of several layers, actually 3 distinct layers. The 1st is the outside layer, the enamel which is the hardest layer. Once a cavity (aka decay) penetrates through the enamel it moves into the 2nd layer which is the dentin.

The dentin is the middle layer and is softer than enamel so the cavity readily moves through this part. Once the cavity expands past the dentin it invades into the 3rd layer which is the nerve (aka pulp) of the tooth.

The pulp is the deepest layer of the tooth and has the blood supply and nutrients that the tooth needs but the cavity bacteria thrive on and want.

When a cavity invades into the pulp it causes the pulp to become inflamed, which can lead to a toothache and sometimes an infection.

There is a specialized procedure that is done specifically for when the cavity has reached the pulp in order to save the tooth, and this is called a Pulpotomy.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on when your child’s cavity has gotten so deep that a Pulpotomy is indicated.

What Is A Pulpotomy?

A lot of pediatric dentists refer to a pulpotomy as a “baby root canal.” While a root canal for adult teeth is a much different procedure, the basic reason is the same.

In a pulpotomy the inflamed portion of the pulp is removed and a specific medicated solution is used to treat any remaining bacteria in the pulp area.

The overall purpose of a pulpotomy is to preserve your child’s dental health.

Why Does My Child Need A Pulpotomy?

As a parent recognizing the signs at home indicating the need for a pulpotomy for your child is crucial.

Symptoms and complaints of a severe or ongoing toothache, tooth sensitivity especially when eating, tooth discoloration, waking up in pain during the night, or difficulty chewing indicate you need to contact your pediatric dentist.

By addressing these issues early on, you can help prevent the spread of infection and preserve the overall health of your child’s teeth and gums.

In contrast, hoping these red flags will go away can lead to more serious sequela.

New Front Teeth With Cavities On Back Teeth

Why A Pulpotomy And Not A Regular Filling?

A pulpotomy is the treatment of choice for a tooth when the cavity is so deep that it has infiltrated into the pulp of the tooth.

Once the cavity has gotten to the point when it extends into the pulp it is quite large. Since the cavity is extremely large and deep a traditional filling doesn’t address the nerve involvement, and can make things worse.

How Is A Pulpotomy Performed?

A pulpotomy is typically performed by removing the inflamed tooth pulp, with local dental anesthesia (aka numbing the tooth).

Once the tooth is numb, the dentist carefully accesses the pulp chamber and removes the inflamed or infected pulp tissue. This aims to eliminate the source of the infection and prevent it from spreading further.

After the pulp is removed, a medicated solution and dressing is placed into the pulp chamber to promote healing and help prevent bacterial growth.

What Do You Need To Know For After A Pulpotomy?

After treatment, the pain of your child’s toothache will go away.

Once the numbness wears off, their tooth may feel a sore for a day or two, but not like the pain they had before the pulpotomy.

The best part is you and your child can get back to your normal routine.

What To Remember

There are 2 goals for why a pulpotomy is performed —
The 1st is to take your child out of pain and preserve your child’s dental health,
The 2nd is to restore their tooth’s function and maintain its structural integrity.
Both are important for preserving your child’s tooth for the long term.

Has your child ever had a toothache? One that kept them up at night? and painful enough they didn’t want ice cream or candy? What did you do? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Talking Teeth – Why Does My Child Have Morning Breath All Day Long?

March 14, 2024March 13, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

I Love My Mommy And Daddy, And They Love My Fresh Breath

When it’s snuggle time with your child you expect your child’s breath to smell as sweet as they are. While children’s breath can be very sweet, there are times when your toddler to teen’s breath is plain stinky.

Bad breath (aka Halitosis) while not uncommon in children also does not necessarily mean your child is sick.

We’re breaking down the basics for you, so keep reading to find out about potential causes and solutions for bad breath in children.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Halitosis can be caused by several factors, such as —

Mouth Breathing

Everyone breathes through their mouths once in a while, especially when it’s cold and flu season. Even then you’ll notice that your mouth feels dry and chapped.

This is because breathing through the mouth, and especially for children who breathe through their mouths every night when they sleep do dry out their mouth. The drying effect is due to a decrease in saliva production. Less saliva means more dry mouth.

What else can cause mouth breathing? Something stuck in their nose, congestion from a sinus infection, seasonal allergies, or certain medicines like an asthma inhaler. When any of these issues show no signs of resolving anytime soon, it’s time to see your pediatrician.

Large Tonsils

Enlarged tonsils and adenoids can cause bad breath when they trap nasal secretions, food particles, and bacteria.

On the other hand, tonsillitis is an infection that makes the tonsils appear red and swollen. It occurs due to viruses or bacteria.

Dehydration and Dry Mouth

Drinking the right amount of water is important to keep your child’s body hydrated. Being well hydrated means that their salivary glands are producing the correct amount of saliva which in turn helps to cleanse their mouth and teeth, helping them to have fresh breath.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research states that saliva helps clean the mouth. When children don’t drink enough water, the amount of saliva in their mouth’s decreases. Less saliva leads a decrease the natural ability to clean their mouths. and an increase in the odor causing bacteria in their mouths.

Oral Hygiene

Poor oral hygiene can cause smelly breath even in children as young as toddlers. The most common places for food debris to hang out is in between teeth, on the gums, and also on the tongue.

Food debris is more than left over particles of food, it is also the mouth bacteria that attaches onto the food, and all of this together make up what we call dental plaque (or plaque for short).

Ever notice that white coating on your child’s tongue? That’s the plaque that attaches to the natural crevices on their tongue. You know that if the plaque is on the tongue, it’s for sure on the teeth and gums.

You Mean Stuff Caught In My Braces Can Give Me Stinky Breath

Cavities, Loose Fillings, Dental Infection

Did you know that bacteria causes cavities? Yes they do. The natural bacteria in the mouth latch onto the plaque. The longer plaque sits on teeth and in between the teeth, the more the tooth enamel is broken down, which is how cavities start and grow.

Cavities keep growing and the larger it gets the more likely it is to cause an infection. When the infection forms more types of bacteria come to the site and since these bacteria have their own smell the mouth gets even smellier.

Sometimes it could happen that your child has a loose cap or filling. If this occurs, food and bacteria can get trapped underneath, which can also cause bad breath.

Gum Disease

The same plaque that sits on the teeth, in between teeth and on the tongue also sits on the gums and causes their breath to smell like sulfur or rotten eggs. Also known as gingivitis, this causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed during toothbrushing.

Eating Smelly Foods

Some of the foods we really like, are good for us, and are happy our children want to eat can cause smelly breath. The most talked about are onions and garlic.

So what to do? After enjoying your oniony-garlicky delights, have your child rinse their mouth with water, brush their teeth, or chew sugar-free gum to freshen up their breath. The sugar free gum helps to stimulate saliva production to naturally help cleanse their mouths.

Medical Conditions

Your child may have bad breath if they have certain medical conditions, such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, bronchitis, or other respiratory infections.

If your child has a serious medical condition such as uncontrolled diabetes, kidney disease, gastrointestinal issues, liver disease they may also experience chronic bad breath.

An Object In The Nose

Some children, especially toddlers like to put things into their nose, whether it’s a tiny toy, something they find or bits of food.

When something gets put into the nose, it causes an increase in nasal secretions like a runny nose, inflammation and a bad smell that can be mistaken for bad breath. This is the time to seek medical attention.

What Can I Do To Keep Bad Breath Away?

Children can have halitosis for several reasons, and the approach to treatment depends on the cause.

Sometimes it’s a trip to your pediatrician to make sure everything is okay; or sometimes it’s your pediatric dentist you contact.

Sometimes what you’re doing at home is the solution to taking care of your child’s bad breath —

Good daily oral hygiene – Toothbrushing twice a day in the morning before going to school and at night after flossing. Use a fluoride toothpaste to help reduce the risk of cavities and infection;
Change their toothbrush – Toothbrush bristles wear down with regular twice daily use and should be changed every 3-4 months to make sure your child’s teeth are properly cleaned so their breath can stay fresh;
Brush to their favorite tunes or use a 2 minute brushing timer;
Be rock stars of the toothbrushing world together by brushing together and establishing your daily routine.

Mommy And Daddy Love Your Sweet Smelling Breath

Fresh Food For Fresh Breath — Mommy And Daddy Love Your Sweet Smelling Breath

What To Remember

Most children and teenagers have bad breath when they wake up. This usually goes away after they have something to eat and drink and brush their teeth.

Key ways to prevent bad breath for your child is to —

maintain good oral hygiene including toothbrushing, flossing, tongue brushing,
decreasing the habit of mouth breathing and learning how to breathe through their nose,
staying well hydrated by drinking healthy amounts of water which also helps maintain adequate flow of saliva.

However, there are times when you’re concerned because your child’s bad breath isn’t going away no matter what you do, this is the time for you to talk with your pediatric dentist or pediatrician.

Have you noticed your child’s breath lately? Are you worried your child may have bad breath? Has your child had bad breath for a while?, What did you do? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat
with us at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Talking Teeth — What’s All The Hype About Dental Sealants?

March 7, 2024March 6, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for you to Know

Clap If You've Had Sealants Placed On Your Teeth — Clap If You’ve Had Sealants Placed On Your Teeth

As parents we know the best way to prevent cavities is to brush every morning and night and floss each night. We also know that even with the most diligent brushing and flossing habits, sometimes your child’s back teeth need some extra help. This help comes from dental sealants.

Sealants are and have been a game changer for children’s teeth. As parents you have a lot of questions about what sealants are, how they can help, are they safe, and how long they last.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on some important details for you about dental sealants so you can confidently navigate your child’s oral health.

What Are Sealants?

Sealants protect the grooved chewing surfaces of back teeth where most children’s cavities are found.

They are made of clear or tooth colored plastic which is placed on specific surfaces of the tooth to help keep them cavity-free.

Can You Believe My Sealants Are The Same Color As My Teeth?

How Do Sealants Work?

Even when your child brushes and flosses carefully it is difficult to clean the tiny grooves and pits on certain teeth. Food and bacteria build up in these crevices placing your child at risk for tooth decay (aka cavities).

Sealants work by “sealing out” food and plaque, reducing the risk of cavities.

Are Sealants Safe?

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), Sealants are very safe.

The flowable material has an extremely small and safe amount of BPA (0.001%), and the light that is used to dry the sealant is a special wavelength of regular light. The light is not an x-ray or a laser.

Which Teeth Need To Be Sealed?

The natural flow of saliva is meant to help keep the smooth surfaces of teeth clean but can’t clean out the nooks and crannies in the back molars.

All molars, whether baby teeth or adult teeth have groovy chewing surfaces. It is in these deep grooves, pits and fissures where what your child eats and drinks gets caught. Since these areas are difficult to reach into with a toothbrush, placing a sealant over them makes brushing easier and decreases the risk for cavities.

How Are Sealants Applied To Teeth?

Placing a sealant is quick, comfortable and takes only one visit.

The tooth is cleaned, conditioned and dried. The sealant is then flowed onto the grooves of the tooth and dried with a special light.

Your child will be able to eat right after the appointment.

Having Sealants Placed Is As Easy As Cake

Having My Sealants Placed Is Super Easy — Having Sealants Placed Is As Easy As Cake

How Long Do Sealants Last?

Research from the ADA shows that sealants can last for several years. With good oral hygiene sealants can last longer.

If My Child Has Sealants, Are Brushing, Flossing And Fluoride Still Important?

Absolutely! Sealants are only one step in the plan to keep your child cavity free.

Brushing, flossing, fluoride, balanced nutrition, limited snacking with good choices, and regular dental visits are all still essential for a bright, healthy smile.

What To Remember

Toothbrushing can’t reach everything since the bristles can’t reach into the deep nooks and crannies.

The likelihood of developing cavities in these teeth starts early, making this an important consideration for children and teenagers.

Sealants protect these vulnerable areas of the back teeth by acting as a barrier to food, beverages and plaque.

What are your thoughts about sealants? Do you have sealants? Does your child have sealants? Are you thinking about having sealants placed for your child? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Talking Teeth During National Children’s Dental Health Month-Taking Care Of Growing Teeth With Fluoride

February 29, 2024February 28, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

We're 2 Sisters Sharing Healthy Happy Smiles — We’re 2 Sisters Sharing Healthy Happy Smiles

February is dedicated as National Children’s Dental Health Month, but good dental care (aka oral health care) is important every month and every day.

Tooth brushing and flossing are essential to prevent cavities, but there is more you can do to protect your child from tooth decay.

Today on the last day of National Children’s Dental Health Month, we’re breaking down the basics on an important topic so you can confidently navigate your child’s dental care journey.

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral, when used in small amounts on a routine basis helps to prevent tooth decay (aka cavities).

How Does Fluoride Work?

Fluoride encourages “remineralization” or strengthening of the tooth enamel.

It occurs naturally in water, and is an ingredient in many dental products such as tooth paste, mouth rinses, gels, varnish and supplements. Fluoride is most effective when combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene.

How Safe Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is shown to be safe and highly effective. It’s important for you to know that only small amounts of fluoride are necessary for the maximum benefit.

What Is Topical Fluoride?

Topical fluoride comes in a number of different forms, such as gels, foams, and varnish. Fluoride varnish is the most used form, and is applied onto the teeth with a small brush-like applicator.

There are 2 advantages to have a fluoride treatment:

Easily and quickly applied to the teeth, it takes 1 minute,
Fluoride continues to be absorbed into the tooth enamel for approximately 24 hours after the application.

Who Benefits From Receiving Topical Fluoride?

All children. This benefit exists whether they have no cavities, a few cavities, a lot of cavities, or braces.

We Love Our Teeth Thanks To Our Mom and Dad — Healthy Teeth Just Like My Daddy

My Water Doesn’t Have Fluoride, Will My Child Need Supplements?

There are several important factors to consider before recommending a fluoride supplement, including your child’s age and the amount of naturally occurring fluoride in your water supply.

Bottled, filtered, spring, and well waters all vary in their fluoride amount, so a water analysis is necessary to ensure your child is receiving the proper amount.

If it is determined after testing that your drinking water does not have an acceptable fluoride level and your child is between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old, you should speak with their pediatric dentist about fluoride supplements.

How Much Fluoride Does My Child Need?

Unlike most medicines, fluoride dosage corresponds to a child’s age, not their weight. It also depends on the amount of fluoride present in your drinking water.

When Is The Best Time For My Child To Take Their Fluoride Supplement?

Fluoride supplements are most effective when there is a 2 hour window before and after eating or drinking any dairy and high calcium juices. This is so that the fluoride doesn’t get absorbed by the calcium and dairy and become inactive.

4 Tips To Remember

Children need fluoride for strong teeth.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral which also strengthens tooth enamel, helps prevent cavities, and can help remineralize enamel.
The American Dental Association (https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/fluoride), American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (https://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/BP_FluorideTherapy.pdf) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Fluoride.aspx) recommend parents use a fluoride containing dental product everyday for their children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years old.
The CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/fast-facts/community-water-fluoridation) reports that cavities are 25% less in areas with fluoridated tap water than in areas without fluoride in their water.

I Love To Laugh — Mommy, My Teeth are So Beautiful

What are your family’s healthy dental care habits? Is your child using a fluoride mouth rinse? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Talking Teeth During National Children’s Dental Health Month — Taking Care Of Growing Teeth For Your School Age Child

February 15, 2024February 14, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

The Better Our Teeth Get Brushed The More Time We Have To Play

Dental health (aka oral health) is an important and integral part of your child’s overall health and well-being. Oral health in childhood also has a significant impact on their lives as they grow up.

This month may officially be National Children’s Dental Health Month, however, children’s dental care is important every day.

Brushing is the first essential part to prevent cavities, however there is more you can do to protect your child from cavities while taking good care of their growing teeth. We’re breaking down the basics on some important details for you to confidently navigate your child’s oral health journey.

What Do You Mean Teething Isn’t Over?

Between the ages of 5 and 7 years old, children begin to lose their top and bottom front teeth, and their first set of adult molars start to come in.

By the time your child has grown from kindergarten to the 5th grade they will go from having 20 teeth to having 24 teeth.

Those 24 teeth are a combination of new adult teeth and baby teeth, that’s why this is called the “mixed dentition.”

What Should We Be Doing At Home?

Tooth brushing and flossing are simple but crucial to keep your child’s mouth healthy. Make sure to brush for 2 Minutes 2X’s a day and floss every night with your child to establish a healthy brushing routine.

Not sure how much toothpaste to use or what brand?

For elementary school children, for each brushing it’s best to use a small green pea size amount of toothpaste on their brush. The toothpaste brand is really a personal preference, however, what’s most important is to use a fluoride containing toothpaste (with the ADA Seal of Acceptance).

How long will you need to brush and floss your child’s teeth?

Your child may want to brush their own teeth, but they need help until they have good coordination with their hand skills. Expect to brush and floss your child’s teeth or help them brush their teeth until they are at least 10 years old. A good way to gauge this is when they can wash, rinse, and style their hair totally on their own.

How do meals and snacks affect children’s teeth?

Serve healthy meals and snacks like fruits, vegetables, low-fat milk and dairy products, whole-grains, lean meat, fish, chicken, eggs, and beans. It’s also important to limit the number of snacks your child has in a day.

The more often children snack or are offered unhealthy food and beverage choices, the more likely they are to have cavities.

Be your child’s HERO

Be your child’s role model for oral health. Brush your own teeth 2Min 2X’s a day with fluoride toothpaste (in the morning and at bedtime) and floss once a day (before bedtime brushing).

How To Brush Your Children’s Teeth

4 Steps make it easy, BUT 5 make it fun

Place a small green pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste on their brush and place their toothbrush against their gum line,
Hold their toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to their gum line to make sure you’ll be reaching the gum line and each tooth,
Move their toothbrush gently in circles as you move along the gum line and over each tooth surface,
Before your bedtime brushing, floss between their teeth to remove what the brush won’t reach,
Make it fun by playing their favorite song and brush to the tune!

Brushing Teeth Is Like Learning Ballet, It's All About Technique — Did We Brush My Teeth This Morning?

6 Reasons Your Child’s Teeth Are Important To Keep Healthy

Eating – Eating healthy foods promotes good nutrition and a healthy weight. Children who have cavities are less likely to want to eat because their teeth hurt.
Speaking clearly – Teeth, tongue and mouth muscles help make speech sounds like f, s, sp, v, t, and th.
Keeping space for their adult teeth to grow in – If a tooth (or teeth) is lost early the surrounding teeth move into that space and block the incoming tooth out. This causes issues later on as the adult tooth tries to come into their mouth.
Staying healthy – Sometimes children don’t know how to tell their parents that their teeth hurt. That doesn’t mean that the pain isn’t real. As cavities grow they can cause pain, swelling and significant infections which can affect other parts of the body.
Being able to focus and learn – When teeth hurt performance in school suffers. Keeping teeth healthy allows children to pay attention in school.
Self-confidence – Have you seen a child that doesn’t smile? Keeps their hand over their mouth when they’re talking? Doesn’t want to play or raise their hand in class? They’re probably hiding the cavities on their teeth that they don’t want anyone to see.

My Dad Is Teaching Me Guitar and How To Brush My Teeth

Mom's Helping Me With My Homework Like She Helps Me Brush My Teeth — My Dad Is Teaching Me Guitar and How To Brush My Teeth

What To Remember

Oral health is an important part of your child’s overall health and well-being. Children who have good oral health tend to eat well, sleep well, grow well, and learn well. By introducing and establishing a daily brushing and flossing routine in childhood, you are laying the foundation of good oral health for your child’s lifetime.

Daddy's Helping And Watching Us Brush Our Teeth — Daddy’s Helping And Watching Us Brush Our Teeth

What’s your toothbrushing routine? How do you stay on track? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

What Are Canker Sores?

Minor Aphthous Ulcer

Major Aphthous Ulcer

What Causes Canker Sores In Children?

What Are The Symptoms Of Canker Sores In Children?

Are Canker Sores And Cold Sores The Same?

What Is The Difference Between Canker Sores And Cold Sores?

How Are Canker Sores Treated In Children?

How Long Do Canker Sores Take To Heal?

Is There A Way To Prevent Canker Sores?

When To Call Your Pediatrician

What To Remember

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Helping Your Child To Learn And Prepare For Going To The Dentist

Read A Social Story With Your Child About Taking Care Of Their Teeth

Create Your Own Social Story About Going To The Dentist

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Strategies For Your At Home Flossing Routine

Dental Floss Choices To Help Get You Started

Flossing Steps

Next Comes Flossing

What’s The Order To Floss Teeth?

4 Important Tips To Remember

A Parent’s Experience Establishing A Daily Oral Hygiene Routine For Their Child With ASD

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Strategies For Your At Home Tooth Care Routine

A Few Ways For You To More Easily Brush Your Child’s Teeth

What You Need To Get Started Brushing Your Child’s Teeth

Parent Choices

Toothbrushing Steps

4 Important Tips To Remember When Brushing Your Child’s Teeth

A Parent’s Experience Establishing A Daily Oral Hygiene Routine For Their Child With ASD

What To Remember

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Challenges And Strategies For Dental Care

Strategies For Making Dental Visits Successful

A Pediatric Dentist’s Experience Treating A Child With Autism Spectrum Disorder

What To Remember

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What Is A Pulpotomy?

Why Does My Child Need A Pulpotomy?

Why A Pulpotomy And Not A Regular Filling?

How Is A Pulpotomy Performed?

What Do You Need To Know For After A Pulpotomy?

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Causes Bad Breath?

Mouth Breathing

Large Tonsils

Dehydration and Dry Mouth

Oral Hygiene

Cavities, Loose Fillings, Dental Infection

Gum Disease

Eating Smelly Foods

Medical Conditions

An Object In The Nose

What Can I Do To Keep Bad Breath Away?

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Are Sealants?

How Do Sealants Work?

Are Sealants Safe?

Which Teeth Need To Be Sealed?

How Are Sealants Applied To Teeth?

How Long Do Sealants Last?

If My Child Has Sealants, Are Brushing, Flossing And Fluoride Still Important?

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Is Fluoride?

How Does Fluoride Work?

How Safe Is Fluoride?

What Is Topical Fluoride?

Who Benefits From Receiving Topical Fluoride?

My Water Doesn’t Have Fluoride, Will My Child Need Supplements?

How Much Fluoride Does My Child Need?

When Is The Best Time For My Child To Take Their Fluoride Supplement?

4 Tips To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share: