Talking Teeth, February Is National Children’s Dental Health Month

February 6, 2025February 5, 2025 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

**I Have So Much To Teach You About Teeth**

Happy National Children’s Dental Health Month!

While we are dedicated to children’s dental health every day, this month makes it extra special to celebrate strong healthy smiles.

When did this annual tribute to children’s dental health begin? The American Dental Association (ADA) first observed Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. In 1955, this 1-day event was extended to one week, and in 1981 it was transformed into a full month celebration acknowledging children’s dental health.

Today, National Children’s Dental Health Month is observed every February and is supported by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Did You Know?

4 facts for you to know:

More children have cavities than have asthma,
Children who have cavities when they are young struggle with cavities their whole life,
The right amount of fluoride makes teeth strong,
Cavities are preventable.

What To Know For Your Baby’s Teeth

Children need their baby teeth. Healthy baby teeth allow them to chew and to speak clearly. Baby teeth also keep space for the adult teeth.

It’s important for children to have their teeth brushed twice a day just like their mommy and daddy.

Taking Care Before Teeth Come In

Before your baby’s teeth come into their mouth, it’s important to clean their gums. Clean your baby’s gums after every feeding, before their naps, and before bed time with a clean damp washcloth.

Healthy habits start early.

**Mommy And Daddy Love You So Much We Never Want You To Have A Cavity**

Let Mommy See Your Nice Clean Mouth — **Mommy And Daddy Love You So Much We Never Want You To Have A Cavity**

Taking Care Of Teeth For Children, Tweens And Teens Is Important

Good oral health along with healthy meals and snacks go a long way to help prevent cavities in childhood and adolescence.

Young children want to brush their own teeth, but they really need your help.

As children get older they still need your help to brush and floss properly. They have new teeth coming in they don’t even know about.

Adolescents watch and see everything. By you taking care of your own teeth, you’re setting a good example which also helps your child’s teeth stay healthy.

Mommy And Daddy Take Care Of My Teeth So I Can Smile Pretty For The Camera

Showing Off Our Big Healthy Smiles — Mommy And Daddy Take Care Of My Teeth So I Can Smile Pretty For The Camera

Our Beautiful Teeth Are The Best Gift Our Parents Could Give Us

Fluoride Helps Prevent Cavities

Fluoride is nature’s cavity super-power.

There are 3 ways fluoride helps make teeth strong:

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes it stronger against cavities,
Fluoride repairs tiny weak spots in the enamel before bigger problems develop,
Fluoride fights against cavity causing bacteria in the mouth.

Fluoride Is Safe

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all agree that water fluoridation is safe, effective and works to prevent tooth decay (aka cavities).

Daddy And Me Brushing Time — Still No Cavities At My Age

Talking Tooth Care

Introducing brushing and flossing into your child’s routine can seem complicated.

A fun way to start introducing your at home toothbrushing and flossing routine can start with watching a video cartoon the ADA put together about a school age dinosaur named Dudley and his message about taking care of teeth.

What To Remember

Cavities are the #1 childhood disease. The good news is they are preventable.

Start early even before your infant gets their first tooth by cleaning their gums.

As your child grows your consistency helps establish their daily toothbrushing and flossing routine. By you taking care of your own teeth, you’re setting a good example will also help your child’s teeth stay healthy.

Cavities are preventable with a good at home oral hygiene routine, eating healthy foods, and drinking fluoridated water. As a parent you can help give your child their bright healthy smile.

I Always Brush My Teeth For 2 Minutes 2X's A Day — **Loving My College Smile**

What are your healthy toothbrushing habits? Do you have any tips and tricks for your child’s daily routine? What are your tips to prevent cavities? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us a email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

**Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles, Healthy Family**

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

Why Are My Child’s Baby Teeth Crooked?

January 30, 2025January 29, 2025 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

My Baby's Teeth Are Beautiful But Why Are They Crooked? — **My Baby’s Teeth Are Beautiful But Why Are They Crooked?**

You’ve been eagerly waiting for your baby’s teeth to come in. Now is the time. Their teeth are coming in. The color and shape are what you expected, but the position looks off.

Lots of parents expect, or at least hope to see their baby’s beautiful teeth lined up in a perfectly straight row.

That’s not always the case. There are times, and more often than not, that baby teeth do not come in straight. They come in misaligned, more commonly known as crooked.

Crooked teeth are one of the most common types of dental issues for children.

So what’s a parent to do?

What Causes Crooked Teeth?

There are several factors that contribute to the position of baby teeth, such as ~

Genetics

Misaligned teeth and jaws are often due to mismatched jaw growth. Jaw and facial growth are determined by genetics, and children inherit traits from both parents.

Prolonged Habits

Oral habits like thumb sucking and finger sucking are known as digit habits. These digit habits and/or pacifiers apply pressure on the roof of the mouth (aka palate) and top front teeth. This leads to a narrowing of the top jaw and protruding front teeth

Tongue Thrusting And Mouth Breathing

Tongue thrusting and mouth breathing are known as myofunctional (aka muscle) disorders. They may interfere with facial growth and lead to crooked teeth and/or bite problems.

Early Baby Tooth Loss

Early loss of a baby tooth may be due to tooth decay (aka cavities) or tooth trauma. When a tooth has a cavity which is large enough for the tooth enamel to break off, the tooth behind tips into the broken spot.

When a baby tooth is lost due to decay or injury from a trauma, the teeth on both sides of the gap move into the space. This causes crooked baby teeth and also blocks the adult tooth from coming in correctly.

**My Mom And Dad Are Wondering Why My Teeth Are Crooked**

Does It Matter If My Child’s Baby Teeth Grow In Crooked?

It doesn’t generally matter if your child’s baby teeth grow in crooked. Your child’s mouth, jaws and face will be doing a lot of growing and changing over the next several years. This growth can affect the position of teeth as they grow. So let growth take its course.

Should I Be Concerned About My Child’s Crooked Baby Teeth?

It’s okay to be concerned. You’re being extra observant and vigilant about your child’s teeth.

This is also something to discuss with your pediatric dentist, either at your child’s upcoming appointment or on the phone.

Depending on your child’s age, they may take a watch-wait-and-see approach. When your child has their regular 6 month check up appointment this is something pediatric dentists are trained to evaluate and discuss with you.

If you’re concerned and don’t want to wait, then call their office and talk with them.

Is There Anything I Can Do To Prevent My Child’s Teeth From Coming In Crooked?

As a parent this is something you really want to prevent. However this is something you can’t prevent.

What Can I Do If My Child’s Baby Teeth Come In Crooked?

There are things you can do to reduce the severity of the problem:

Stop Thumb Sucking, Finger Sucking And Pacifier Use

Digit habits (thumb sucking, finger sucking) and pacifiers can alter the position and alignment of teeth when the teeth erupt into their mouth.

For some children these effects can be seen when they are as young as 24 months of age.

This is why it’s best to encourage your child to stop sucking their thumb, or their finger, or their pacifier at or around the age of 18 to 24 months old.

While most children may naturally stop digit sucking or using a pacifier around 24 months old, there are those who don’t want to stop on their own.

Depending on your child’s age, your pediatric dentist may suggest a habit appliance, a certain type of nail polish, how to say good-bye to the pacifier or an orthodontic evaluation.

I'm A Big Girl, Why Do I Need A Pacifier? — **Giving Away My Pacifier**

Treatment For Myofunctional Habits

Tongue thrust and mouth breathing are 2 types of habits that affect tooth position and jaw growth.

Tongue thrust is also called reverse swallow or immature swallowing. This occurs when the tongue moves forward and pushes against the front teeth during swallowing.

The tongue is a strong muscle. This type of swallowing can change the position of teeth and move jaws out of alignment due to the constant pressure of the tongue.

It is important to talk with your pediatric dentist and pediatrician. They can talk with you about allergies, mouth exercises, myofunctional therapy, or habit appliances to address your child’s specific needs.

Take Care Of Baby Teeth To Prevent Tooth Loss

Baby teeth are very important for 4 reasons:

they are needed for the growth of your baby’s jaws, muscles and their face.
their teeth are also necessary for your child to be able to chew their food, eat well and grow healthy and strong.
their teeth help them to speak, their tongue and cheeks engage the surfaces of their teeth to help them form the sounds they need to talk.
baby teeth provide the space for their permanent teeth to develop and to guide them into the correct position.

What To Do If A Baby Tooth Comes Out Early

Everything is going along and then despite your best efforts your child loses a baby tooth earlier than they should be losing it.

Losing a baby tooth too early can change the position of the surrounding baby teeth and their adult tooth.

It’s important to talk with your pediatric dentist about something to help prevent this from happening. There is a dental appliance that is used for this purpose. It’s called a space maintainer.

What To Remember

Whether your child’s crooked teeth is genetic or caused by habits like digit sucking, there are ways to address the misalignment. Early intervention early, addressing habits, a healthy diet with good oral hygiene can help prevent tooth misalignment in children.

Are you happy with how your child’s teeth look? Does your child have crooked teeth? What are you doing to correct the position of their teeth? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me and Like Us on Facebook

**I Asked My Mom And Dad Why My Tooth Looks This Way**

I Hope My Crooked Teeth Get Straight — **I Asked My Mom And Dad Why My Tooth Looks This Way**

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

Good Night Sleep Tight Don’t Let The Sugar Bugs Bite

January 9, 2025January 8, 2025 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Good Night, Sleep Tight, Won't Let The Sugar Bugs Bite After Brushing My Teeth — **Good Night, Sleep Tight, Won’t Let The Sugar Bugs Bite After Brushing My Teeth**

Tooth enamel is super hard. In fact enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. That’s right it’s stronger than bones.

Enamel has 3 important purposes. It protects the teeth from cavities (aka tooth decay), from hot and cold (foods and drinks) and fends off constant acid attacks (when we sip, eat and snack).

What we eat and drink is broken down into carbohydrates (aka sugars). The more often we eat and drink the more sugars we have in our mouth.

The more sugars we have in our mouth the more the bacteria in our mouth goes on a food frenzy. When the bacteria go on their feeding frenzy they release acids into our saliva.

These acids in our saliva mix with food particles in our mouth and form plaque. Plaque is that sticky white stuff that sticks to tooth enamel and tongues.

What’s A Tooth To Do?

Plaque keeps on accumulating until it’s brushed away. It’s the acids in the plaque that gnaw away at the tooth enamel over time.

It’s like a tug of war with 2 things going on at the same time. There’s demineralization where the plaque acids are weakening the enamel. There’s remineralization when toothbrushing and fluoride toothpaste strengthen the enamel by replacing the lost minerals.

When Is All This Happening?

During sleep our body makes less saliva, and the bacteria sit in our mouth and on our teeth.

The mouth is a warm, moist place which the bacteria love, and produce more acids.

If we go to sleep without brushing our teeth, the bacteria have more sugars to eat and put our teeth at risk for more demineralization.

How to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Strong

For healthy teeth it’s about increasing remineralization and minimizing demineralization.

Boosting the remineralization process is about amazing oral hygiene habits and a healthy diet.

Tips To Keep The Sugar Bugs Away

6 Months – 2 Years Old

If your baby is given a bottle when going to sleep make sure Only Water is in their bottle.

Bottles that have any sugary liquids or carbohydrates – like milk, formula, fruit juice keep their teeth under bacterial acid attack all night long.

A Clean Mouth For A Good Night's Sleep — **A Clean Mouth For A Good Night’s Sleep**

Mommy Says Good Brushing Habits Start Early — **A Clean Mouth For A Good Night’s Sleep**

2 – 5 Years Old

When 2 teeth are touching it’s time to start Flossing.

When you’re toothbrushing and flossing their teeth make sure there aren’t any left overs. Sugar bugs love their late night snack!

**Mommy And Daddy Take Really Good Care Of My Teeth**

Getting Ready to Brush My Teeth with My Dad — **Mommy And Daddy Take Really Good Care Of My Teeth**

School Aged Children

Brush your child’s teeth Twice A Day. Once in the morning and Once at night.

Twice a day is better but if you need to pick one time, the most important time to brush your child’s teeth is Right Before Bedtime After you Floss their Teeth.

Remember, sugar bugs look forward to their nightly snack!

My Clean Teeth Make Me Sleep So Much Better — **I Brush My Teeth Then My Mom Checks**

Tweens And Teens

Remember to brush with a fluoride toothpaste Once in the morning and Once at night, and Floss (around every tooth) before their night time brushing.

The same way their appetite’s have increased, so have the sugar bug’s for their nightly snack!

**Healthy Teeth And Good Friends Keep Us Smiling**

I Have Red Hair, Freckles and Sparkling Healthy Teeth — **Healthy Teeth And Good Friends Keep Us Smiling**

What To Remember

There you have it! 5 reliable ways to healthy tooth enamel.

By toothbrushing twice a day and flossing every night, rinsing with water after every meal and snack, eating a well balanced diet, and seeing your pediatric dentist for regular checkups, you’re helping to keep those sugar bugs away from your child’s teeth.

How do you keep the sugar bugs away? What are your successful tips and tricks to win the remineralization game? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me and Like Us on Facebook

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

4 Children’s Dental Tips For Healthy Smiles In 2025

January 2, 2025January 1, 2025 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Wishing each of you a Happy New Year! To new beginnings, healthy habits, and lots and lots of laughter in this year ahead.

Here we are. On the 2nd day of this new year. Whether you feel eager or daunted, try picking one small change to your child’s oral hygiene routine.

You may choose to start with brushing twice a day or flossing every night. Because, remember, how we start the day is how we end it. With bright healthy smiles all day long!

Here are 4 simple ways to start 2025 on the right foot. Because a healthy smile is the best gift to give your child.

Embrace Sugar-Free Treats

Now-a-days the emphasis for many families are sugar-free snacks and gum as healthier alternatives to sugar-rich treats.

These options not only decrease sugar in children’s diets, they also protect their teeth from harmful sugar acid buildup.

While it’s a good idea to incorporate more sugar-free options into your child’s diet, it’s also important to always encourage rinsing with water after meals and snacks.

I Love My Fruit, Then Mommy Brushes My Teeth — **Healthy Snacks For My Healthy Teeth**

Prioritize Toothbrushing

Toothbrushing and fluoride are 2 of the best defenses against cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.

There are 2 ways to help make sure your child gets the right amount of fluoride. The first is by brushing with an American Dental Association (ADA) Seal Of Acceptance fluoride toothpaste. The second is by drinking fluoridated water whenever possible.

**Brushing My Teeth Just Like My Daddy**

I Like To Show Off My Smile — **Brushing My Teeth Just Like My Daddy**

Consider Sealants For Protection

Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection because they create a barrier over the grooves and crevices in teeth.

Sealants are a great preventive measure, especially for molars.

Replace Used Toothbrushes

The New Year is the perfect time replace worn toothbrushes with new ones.

A useful guide is that a toothbrush should be changed every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed or bent.

What To Remember

Set achievable oral health care goals for this year. Start with brushing twice a day, or flossing every night.

Celebrate milestones to keep both of you motivated.

Be consistent while also modeling good oral hygiene habits yourself. This helps instill in children their daily routine.

Setting small attainable goals makes tooth care more accomplishable and less overwhelming.

**Taking Good Care Of My Teeth Gives Me More Time For School**

As you reflect on the year that was and look forward to all that’s to come, cheers for a happy, bright and smile filled 2025!

Good Night, Sleep Tight, Won't Let The Tooth Bugs Bite After Brushing My Teeth — **Good Night, Sleep Tight, Won’t Let The Tooth Bugs Bite After Brushing My Teeth**

What is your tooth goal for your child in the first month of this new year? What will you choose? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

**Thanks Mom And Dad For My Great Teeth Habits**

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

Have A Children’s Dentistry Question?

December 12, 2024December 11, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

You have a question, I have the answer.

As a Mom I understand how down right frustrating it is to find answers to our questions.

As a pediatric dentist I get it. You want to learn more to take the best care you can of your children.

This is why I put together the most asked pediatric dental questions we have received along with their answers.

Browse through these FAQ’s to learn more about pediatric dental care.

What is baby bottle tooth decay and how did my child get it? Baby bottle tooth decay is a type of very rapid decay associated with prolonged nursing and/or bottle feeding. This happens when a child goes to sleep while breast feeding and/or bottle feeding. During sleep time and nap time, the milk or juice sits on the teeth because the saliva flow in the mouth is decreased. It’s best not to nurse children to sleep, and to avoid putting them to sleep with a bottle.
What causes tooth decay? There are 4 things necessary for cavities to form ~ teeth, bacteria, carbohydrates or starches or sugar and time. Dental plaque is the thin, sticky, colorless deposits of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone’s teeth everyday. When you eat, the sugars in food cause the bacteria in plaque to produce acids which attack the tooth enamel. Over time and with repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down and a cavity forms. This is why it’s important to brush your child’s teeth twice a day and to floss every night.
If my child gets a cavity in their baby tooth, why should it be filled? Baby teeth or “primary” teeth are important for several reasons ~ these teeth help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming the path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Some baby teeth stay in a child’s mouth until they are 12-14 years old or longer. A cavity (aka tooth decay) is really an infection caused by bacteria. Left untreated, cavities will continue to grow larger and can potentially spread outside the tooth and cause serious infections. Pain, infection, impairment of general health and premature loss of teeth are just a few of the problems that can happen when baby teeth are not taken care of. This is why proper care of baby teeth is instrumental in your child’s health.
How can I make my child’s diet safe for their teeth and appealing for them to want to eat? A balanced diet good for your child’s general health, growth and development doesn’t have to be boring. Make this fun and be creative. If your child is old enough include them. Keep this in mind when serving fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, fish and eggs. Limit the servings of sugars and starches, including sugar containing drinks. When you allow these “special treats,” serve them with a meal instead of as a stand-alone snack.
Are pacifiers and thumbsucking harmful to children’s teeth? Thumbsucking, fingersucking and pacifier habits will generally only become a problem if they go on past the age of 3 years old. Most children stop these habits on their own. There are individual treatments that can be discussed if a child is still using a pacifier or sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of 3.
Are dental sealants good for children’s teeth? Sealants help prevent cavities. The purpose of sealants is to cover the grooves and deep crevices on the surfaces of the back teeth (think molars) which are hard to clean, and keep out food that could get caught and cause cavities. You still need to brush and floss your child’s teeth everyday.

After Your Bottle Daddy And I Will Wipe Your Mouth And Then It's Off To Sleep — **After Your Bottle Daddy And I Will Wipe Your Mouth And Then It’s Off To Sleep**

Now Mommy Is Going To Brush Your Teeth — **After Your Bottle Daddy And I Will Wipe Your Mouth And Then It’s Off To Sleep**

Do you have any questions? Don’t be shy. I’m ready to provide you with informative and clear answers to your dental questions. Let me know. I’m more than happy to help you learn more for you to help your child. Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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

When Do Children’s Permanent Teeth Come In?

December 5, 2024December 4, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

**Can You Guess How Many Grown Up Teeth I Have?**

Now you’re a tooth pro for your child.

You know about their baby teeth and how to take care of them. You have this down!

Then your child is telling you their friends are getting new teeth. These new teeth go by a few names. They’re known as adult, grown up, and secondary teeth.

Your child is asking when they’ll be getting their grown up teeth.

You’re thinking when you got yours, but you’re not sure, and no one seems to remember.

Today we’re talking about the timing for adult teeth coming into the mouth (aka tooth eruption).

Losing Baby Teeth

When a child has all their baby teeth, they’ll have 20 teeth. As children grow they ultimately lose all their baby teeth.

Generally children start losing their baby teeth around 6 years of age (aka exfoliation). However, the earlier baby teeth come into the mouth, the earlier they fall out. Like wise, the later baby teeth come in the later they fall out.

By the time a child has reached their tween and teen years, they will have lost all their 20 baby teeth. Those baby teeth are replaced with adult teeth.

**Just Yesterday Baby Teeth, Today Adult Teeth**

I Finally Lost My Last Baby Tooth, Now I Have My Adult Teeth — **Just Yesterday Baby Teeth, Today Adult Teeth**

When Do Adult Teeth Come In?

Adult teeth typically begin to come in about the time the bottom front baby teeth (aka central incisors) start to become loose.

Like with baby teeth, there can be individual variation in permanent tooth eruption. However, also like baby teeth, adult teeth usually follow a pattern.

6 Year Molars Coming In

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

You will see these adult molars coming into your child’s mouth all the way in the back in the empty space behind their last baby molar.

So when your child has all 4 of their 6 year molars they will no longer only have 20 baby teeth, they will have 24 teeth.

Adult Tooth Time Line

As a child enters their mid-teen years, they’ll have on average 28 teeth.

The baby teeth have been replaced with new adult teeth, and 2 sets of adult molars (6 year and 12 year molars) which come in all the way in the back.

Late teen to early adult years is when wisdom teeth (aka third molars) usually start to come into the mouth.

Adult Tooth Growth Guide

While the age varies with each child, there is generally a pattern in which the adult teeth come in ~

Tooth	Average Age (In Years)
Lower 6 Year Molar	6-7
Upper 6 Year Molar	6-7
Lower Central Incisor	6-7
Upper Central Incisor	7-8
Lower Lateral Incisor	7-8
Upper Lateral Incisor	8-9
Lower Canine	9-10
Upper First Premolar	10-11
Lower First Premolar	10-12
Upper Second Premolar	10-12
Lower Second Premolar	11-12
Upper Canine	11-12
Lower 12 Year Molar	11-13
Upper 12 Year Molar	12-13
Upper Wisdom Teeth	17-21
Lower Wisdom Teeth	17-21

So the adult teeth count is made up of 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 8 molars make up their 28 teeth. Including the 4 wisdom teeth that’s 32 teeth.

**4 Grownup Teeth And 2 More On The Way**

Grown Up Teeth Growing In — **4 Grownup Teeth And 2 More On The Way**

Fun Tooth Facts

Girls get their teeth earlier than boys.
Between the ages of 6 and 12 years old, children are in the “mixed dentition” stage. This means they have both baby teeth and permanent teeth.
Not everyone is born with wisdom teeth. If a child doesn’t have wisdom teeth they’ll have 28 teeth instead of 32.

What To Remember

This doesn’t have to be a stressful time for you as a parent. Children grow at their own pace, and there is a wide range when it comes to permanent teeth coming into the mouth.

Typically permanent teeth begin erupting around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until approximately age 21.

When all the adult teeth have come in, children and young adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 which includes the wisdom teeth.

Getting My Grown Up Teeth Doesn't Mean I Stop Having Fun — **Getting My Grown Up Teeth Doesn’t Mean I Stop Having Fun**

I Love To Show Off My Adult Teeth — **Getting My Grown Up Teeth Doesn’t Mean I Stop Having Fun**

How old was your child when they go their first adult tooth? Which tooth was it? Were they the same age you were when you got your first adult tooth? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook

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

When Do Children Lose Their Baby Teeth?

November 21, 2024November 20, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

**My Tooth Is Loose, My Tooth Is Loose**

It seems like yesterday your baby got their first tooth. Now they’re coming to you saying “My tooth is loose.” Where did the time go?

This is an exciting time for you and your child as you embrace this new milestone.

Today we’re discussing this natural growth phase as your child begins to lose their baby teeth (aka primary teeth).

What Age Do Children Start To Lose Their Baby Teeth?

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

However, the earlier baby teeth come into the mouth, the earlier they fall out. There are some children who may start losing their baby teeth as young as 4 years old.

It’s important to also keep in mind, the later baby teeth come in the later they fall out. So there are some children who may start losing baby teeth at 7 or 8 years of age.

**My Bottom Front Teeth Are Really Loose**

Mom, My Teeth Are Wiggly! — **My Bottom Front Teeth Are Really Loose**

How Many Teeth Do Children Lose?

When toddlers have all their baby teeth they’ll have 20 teeth, 10 teeth on the top and 10 teeth on the bottom.

As they grow, children will lose all 20 of their baby teeth.

Which Teeth Do Children Lose First?

Teeth fall out in the order they came in to the mouth.

Around the time a child turns 6 years old the first teeth they start to lose are their bottom front teeth (aka lower central incisors).

While the age varies with each child, there is generally a pattern in which baby teeth are lost~

Tooth	Age
Lower Central Incisors	6-7 years
Upper Central Incisors	6-7 years
Upper Lateral Incisors	7-8 years
Lower Central Incisors	7-8 years
Upper First Molars	9-11 years
Lower First Molars	9-11 years
Lower Canines	9-12 years
Upper Canines	10-12 years
Lower Second Molars	10-12 years
Upper Second Molars	10-12 years

What Are The Signs Of A Loose Tooth?

Sometimes a child doesn’t realize their tooth is loose, so they won’t be able to tell you.

If your child is about the age you were when you lost your first tooth or in the age range, go ahead and check for wiggly teeth. You may find none, 1, or 2.

So what are the tell-tale signs of loose teeth?

Tooth movement or wiggling when eating, talking, touching the tooth, brushing teeth.
Gaps between teeth – as teeth get loose they can move out of their original position. So if teeth were touching before when they become loose they can move and create spaces between teeth.
Change in tooth position – in the same way loose teeth create spaces between teeth, as teeth get lose they can move to the left or the right of their original position and sometimes overlap the teeth next to them.

As A Parent, Is There Anything Special I Should Do?

Losing teeth is an exciting time for some children, but unsettling for others.

Children do well with guidance in new situations, and losing baby teeth is no exception.

When you know that a tooth is loose, it’s important to stay calm and explain to your child what is happening. They’re growing up. The feeling around their wiggly tooth is new and different and it will go away when their tooth comes out; which may mean a visit from the tooth fairy.

Also, keep in mind that while your child’s tooth is loose, it’s important to show them why you need to stay on your regular toothbrushing and flossing routine; even if they don’t want to.

I'm So Excited, I Lost My Top Tooth And The Other One Is Wiggly — **I’m So Excited, I Lost My Top Tooth And The Other One Is Wiggly**

Losing More Baby Teeth — **I’m So Excited, I Lost My Top Tooth And The Other One Is Wiggly**

Can I Wiggle Out My Child’s Loose Tooth?

Some children love to wiggle their loose teeth anticipating an earlier visit from the tooth fairy. Other children may not like the feeling of their tooth moving in their gums and want to let the tooth come out on its own.

It’s all right if your child wiggles their loose tooth with their tongue or a clean finger, as long as their gums aren’t inflamed or causing pain.

What To Remember

The earlier baby teeth come in, the earlier they fall out

The most common time children lose their baby teeth is when their permanent tooth is ready to grow in and pushes out the baby tooth.

The first baby teeth that fall out are most often the bottom 2 front teeth, the lower central incisors. The next to fall out are the two top front teeth, the upper central incisors. Followed by the lateral incisors, first molars, canines and second molars.

Embrace each time the tooth fairy makes a visit to your house. These special moments will be a memory in the blink of an eye.

**So Much To Know About Losing Our Teeth**

How old was your child when they lost their first baby tooth? Did the tooth come out on its own? Did you need to wiggle their tooth out? Have you saved their teeth? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook

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

Two Holidays In One Week ~ Celebrating Halloween and National Brush Day

October 31, 2024October 30, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Halloween is finally here!

For the children it’s all about the excitement. The thrill of dressing up in their costumes to go out trick-or-treating to collect candy and trinkets from friends and neighbors.

For you it’s how to manage the sweets while keeping your child’s teeth healthy. Part of you is saying for them to have fun and enjoy some candy. Then you’re also thinking about keeping their teeth healthy.

So how do you keep candy and toothbrushing realistic while allowing your child to have a delightful time?

5 Tooth Friendly Tips For A Happy Halloween And For The Days After

When you get home from trick or treating sit down at the table with your child and sort and check treats as you go through their treat bag with them. Help your child pick the healthiest choices. Allow them to eat these choices within a specific period of time in the kitchen rather than continually snacking throughout the day. By doing this you’re done and everyone is happy. Remember to keep candy out of their bedroom.
Water is your friend. Drink water to help wash away any gooey chewy candy that’s stuck in their teeth. Water is really good for you and your teeth.
Sticky and hard candies stay in their mouths for a long time. It’s a good idea to stay away from taffy, dried fruits, caramels, and other chewy, sticky candy. Select less sticky and less sour goodies like pretzels, sugar free gum and chocolate. Chocolate without any mix-ins is great because it slides off and there’s nothing to get stuck in their teeth.
Brush the candy away. After trick or treating it’s important to make sure to floss and brush your child’s teeth. It takes 2 minutes of brushing to clean away all the candy and flossing to remove what has gotten in between their teeth. Keeping up with your flossing and brushing routine is important every day and reinforces consistency.
Don’t allow the Halloween candy stash to be a substitute for healthy snacks. Cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, celery, carrot sticks, apple slices are great options.

Having Fun Making My Children's Halloween Snacks — **A Small Treat Gives A Big Smile**

What Is National Brush Day?

Each year we celebrate National Brush Day on November 1st.

The legend goes, that to make up for those extra sweet indulgences on Halloween we celebrate today to help your healthy toothbrushing routine.

How Do We Celebrate?

On this day it’s being mindful of how important brushing your child’s teeth for 2 minutes 2x’s a day is for everyone. Brushing is actually fun when you do it together and watching videos to make sure you get into all those tooth nooks and crannies.

Some ways to celebrate ~

Brushing and flossing #2min2x (www.2min2x.org)
Choose your family toothbrushing song or make up your own song
Have a family brushing contest
Select your favorite toothpaste flavor of the week
Smile and always make brushing fun

When Do We Brush?

Brushing for 2 minutes in the morning after breakfast and for 2 minutes before bed (and after flossing) is a great way to healthy teeth and gums.

How Often Do We Brush?

Twice a day every day. That’s 7days a week/365 days a year. Yes, even on school days, holidays, vacations and weekends.

What Do We Need?

You’ll need 3 things, a soft bristle toothbrush (age appropriate size), a dab will do ya size of toothpaste (fluoride preferred), and a flosser.

What Comes Next?

Remember to floss first. Flossing first allows you to take out all the yucky stuff that gets caught in-between your child’s teeth (there’s always stuff) and then you brush all that away at once.

If you floss second, then you’ll have to brush again to take the
in-between teeth stuff away.

When Should We Start?

National Brush Day is a great day to start. This way it will always be your anniversary for good oral health!

Daddy's Going To Brush My Teeth — **I Always Brush My Teeth Twice A Day**

What To Remember

Halloween is a thrilling time for parents and children. It’s a treat for parents to see their child’s enthusiasm about dressing up and for children to comb through scary decorations for their rewarding sweet treats.

Upon returning home with your child’s over flowing stash of goodies, take this opportunity to share lessons for making healthy choices and also to reinforce good dental habits.

You can continue all this enthusiasm on November 1st. November 1st is National Brush Day. Celebrate with brushing and flossing #2min2x, choose your family toothbrushing song, have a family brushing competition, select your favorite toothpaste flavor of the week; and always make brushing fun.

**Today Is The Day For A New Toothbrush And A New Toothpaste Flavor, Can You Guess The Flavor?**

Happy Halloween — **Today Is The Day For A New Toothbrush And A New Toothpaste Flavor, Can You Guess The Flavor?**

Have A Spooktacular Halloween! and remember to Lift Your Toothbrush For National Brush Day!

Tell us ~Are you having a Halloween Bash or going out Trick-or-Treating? What costume is your child looking forward to wearing? Which is your most memorable costume? Share your favorite toothbrushing song with us. What is your family’s toothpaste flavor this week? If you could create your own toothpaste flavor, what would it be? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me. Like us or Chat with us on Facebook.

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

Wondering Which Halloween Treats Are Best For Your Child’s Teeth?

October 24, 2024October 23, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Halloween is almost here. This is the sweet time of year when children enjoy dressing up in their favorite costume, going out trick-or-treating as they collect candy and treats from friends and neighbors.

Leading up to Halloween, everywhere you look there’s chocolates and sugary treats ready to tempt your eager trick or treaters.

So, how do you keep treats reasonable while enjoying your family’s fun Halloween trick-or treating?

Tasty And Fun Halloween Treats

Whether it’s your annual Halloween monster mash, a gathering of your ghosts and goblins, appetizers to go with a witch’s brew or a pre trick-or-treat treat, no Halloween bash is complete without some scary snacks.

Try our top treats you can prepare with your child and your child will love this Halloween~

Chocolate Dipped Orange Pumpkins

Peel mandarin oranges and separate the individual wedges. Dip the orange wedges into melted chocolate, place on a parchment lined sheet pan and chill in the refrigerator until firm. A bite sized black and orange treat just right for the season.

Spider Bites

Fun and easy to prepare. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a bowl then add pretzel sticks. Arrange the pretzel sticks in the shape of a spider on a parchment lined sheet pan, place in the refrigerator or freezer until firm.

Mummy Pizza

Whether you choose pizza dough, english muﬃns, pita, or a tortilla as your base, cover with your favorite tomato sauce and criss-cross slices of mozzarella cheese (or your child’s favorite cheese). Slice green or black olives to make the eyes. Bake until fully cooked.

Apple Monster Mouth

Quarter an apple (red or green is your choice) and remove the core from each quarter. On the side where you removed the core, slice the apple part way through and spread with your favorite nut butter. Place a slice of strawberry, peach, or red plum onto of the nut butter to create the “tongue”. For the teeth place any nut of your choice into the apple above the through the nut butter. Melt chocolate chips and place a dab of melted chocolate on the bottom of 2 chocolate chips to create the eyes.

Pumpkin Hummus With Broomsticks

Fill a festive bowl with your favorite hummus. Run the back of a spoon through the hummus to create the look of a pumpkin. Serve with carrot sticks, celery sticks, pepper slices or cucumber slices.

Jack-O-Lantern Peppers With Witch Dip And Vegetable Broomsticks

Remove the stem and seeds from a bell pepper. Make cut outs in the pepper for the eyes, nose and mouth. Fill one pepper with your family’s favorite dip or dressing. Fill another pepper with pepper slices, carrot sticks, broccoli pieces, cucumber slices, carrot sticks or pretzels. A colorful, festive, fun way to encourage your child to eat their veggies.

Witch’s Broomsticks

These are fun, yummy and festive. Choose 2 of your family’s favorite cheese sticks. Cut each cheese stick to resemble the bristles of a broom. Place two cheese sticks around a pretzel stick or pretzel rod and tie together with a chive or use a vegetable peeler to create thin carrot ribbons to tie the broom together.

**Sharing Our Halloween Treats With You**

Making Our Halloween Pizza Our Way — **Sharing Our Halloween Treats With You**

Better Candy Options

When it needs to be candy ~

Dark Chocolate

Choose dark chocolate treats like chocolate bars over sticky, gummy candy. Chocolate melts off the teeth and has anti-oxidants which are good for children.

Sugar-Free Gum

Sugar-free gum contains xylitol, stimulates saliva, neutralizes acids in the mouth, and helps wash away food particles all of which help keep teeth healthy.

Sugar-Free Candy

Sugar-free candy contains xylitol, helps increase the flow of saliva, neutralizes acids in the mouth, and helps wash away food particles which help teeth stay healthy.

Top 3 Candy No-No’s

Part of Halloween fun is indulging. However some candies should be on the no candy list~

Gummy And Sticky Candies

Gummy and sticky candies stay stuck to the teeth which is difficult to brush off.

Hard Candies

Hard candies are so hard that they can cause a child to chip or break a tooth by biting into or chewing on them. Since these candies stay in their mouth for such a long time there is more time for the sugar to stick to their teeth.

Sour Candies

Sour candies taste so sourly good because they are acidic which makes their saliva more acidic and weakens tooth enamel.

**Sticky Gummy Worms Look Great On A Plate Not So Much On My Teeth**

What's in Your Pumpkin? — **Sticky Gummy Worms Look Great On A Plate Not So Much On My Teeth**

Non-Food Goodies Are A Good Choice

When given a choice select children’s play favorites such as ~

Glow sticks
Spider rings
Vampire fangs
Pencils
Bubbles
Bouncy balls
Finger puppets
Whistles
Stickers
Stencils
Rubik’s cube
Yo-yo’s

Halloween is every child’s dream. It’s the holiday of costumes and candy and more candy and even more candy. With all the joy trick-or treating brings, we don’t want to crush their excitement. So be the cool parent and the Halloween Hero, and wonder no more about which Halloween treats are best for your child’s teeth.

Does your family like to trick or do you like the treats? Are you doing a family costume theme or does everyone choose their own? What are your children’s all time must have no way it will ever change favorite Halloween treats? Where does your child like to keep their candy stash and how did you find it? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook

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

How Many Teeth Does A Child Have?

October 17, 2024October 16, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

**I May Be 1 But, How Many Teeth Do You Think I Have?**

It’s an exciting time, your baby is getting their teeth. Their first pearly white teeth are so adorable.

You’re noticing that teeth are coming in, but how many teeth is a child supposed to have?

Is the number of baby teeth the same as the number of adult teeth? How many teeth is that?

Today we’re breaking down the basics on exactly how many baby teeth and how many adult teeth a child is supposed to have.

How Many Sets Of Teeth Do Children Have?

Children have 2 sets of teeth.

First Set Of Teeth

Their first set of teeth are their baby teeth. Baby teeth are also called primary or deciduous teeth.

Baby teeth begin developing in your baby’s jaws during your pregnancy and continue until just after they are born.

Second Set Of Teeth

A child’s second set of teeth is their adult teeth. Adult teeth are also called permanent teeth.

Adult teeth begin developing around birth. Wisdom teeth (aka third molars) are the last teeth to develop, which is around 8 to 12 years of age.

Baby Teeth

Baby teeth come into a child’s mouth when they are between 4 and 9 months of age, with the average being when a baby is 6 months old.

The timing and order of baby teeth coming into a child’s mouth (aka tooth eruption) is variable.

Most children by the time they are 3 years old have all of their 20 baby teeth.

20 baby teeth means that they have 10 top teeth and 10 bottom teeth.

What Are The Different Types Of Baby Teeth?

The front teeth are the incisors. These teeth help with biting into food and with speech. There are 4 top and 4 bottom incisors.
Next to the incisors are the canines. These are the pointy teeth. There are 2 top canines and 2 bottom canines.
The teeth behind the canines are the molars. Molars help with chewing. There are 4 top and 4 bottom molars.

So 8 incisors, 4 canines, and 8 molars make up the 20 baby teeth.

**Mommy, Do I have As Many Teeth As My Brother?**

Showing Off My 4 Front Teeth — **Mommy, Do I have As Many Teeth As My Brother?**

Adult Teeth

Around the time a child is 4 1/2 to 7 years old their baby incisors begin to get loose and they also have new teeth coming in behind their baby molars.

When their baby incisors are lost (aka exfoliate), they are replaced with their adult incisors.

Losing baby teeth and having new teeth come in typically continues until a child is 12 to 14 years old.

During this time the adult teeth are gradually replacing the baby canines and baby molars with adult canines and premolars.

School age children as well as tweens and teens also have adult teeth coming in behind their baby molars which are their new adult molars. These new molars do not replace baby teeth. The 6 year old molars come in first, and then the 12 year old molars.

So 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 8 molars make up their 28 teeth.

What Are The Different Types Of Adult Teeth?

Incisors Like with baby teeth, the front adult teeth are the incisors. There are the 4 top and 4 bottom incisors. These teeth are to help with biting into food and with speech.
Canines Behind the incisors are the canines. They are more pointy than baby canines. There are 2 top and 2 bottom canines. They also help with biting into food.
Premolars Premolars come into the mouth behind the canines and replace the baby molars. They are also called bicuspids. There are 4 top and 4 bottom premolars. These teeth help in chewing food.
Molars Molars are the teeth behind the premolars. Adult molars do not replace any baby teeth. They are the teeth that come in all the way in the back behind all the other teeth. Molars have flat and broad biting surfaces which help in grinding food while chewing.

What About Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth (aka third molars) usually develop when a child is between 8 and 12 years old.

Typically you think about having 4 wisdom teeth. But that isn’t always the case. While lots of children develop 4 wisdom teeth, sometimes 1, 2, 3 or even all 4 teeth don’t develop.

Loving My Teen Smile-26 Teeth And Counting — **Rocking My Tooth Chart**

How Many Teeth Does?

The number of teeth depends on the child. Each child’s tooth pattern is different. Every child loses teeth and gets teeth at their own rate.

A 1 year old can have? Most 1 year olds should have between 2 and 6 teeth. Some can have 8 teeth, while other babies have none.

A 4 year old can have? Most 4 years olds should have all 20 of their 20 baby teeth.

An 8 year old can have? Most 8 year olds should have about 16 to 20 teeth, a combination of baby teeth and adult teeth.

A 15 year old can have? Most 15 year olds should have about 24 to 28 teeth. Some may have all adult teeth, while other’s can have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth.

Tooth Count

Baby teeth total is 20

Adult teeth total is 28

Wisdom teeth—
All 4 wisdom teeth develop, tooth total is 32 teeth
3 wisdom teeth develop, tooth total is 31 teeth
2 wisdom teeth develop, tooth total is 30 teeth
1 wisdom tooth develops, tooth total is 29 teeth
0 wisdom teeth develop, tooth total is 28 teeth

What To Remember

When your toddler has all their baby teeth they’ll have 20 teeth. 10 teeth on the top and 10 teeth on the bottom. The front teeth are their incisors, next are the pointy teeth called the canines, and behind those are the large squarish-rectangular teeth called the molars. So in all they’ll have 8 incisors, 4 canines, and 8 molars.

When your tween and teen has their adult teeth (not counting wisdom teeth) they’ll have 28 teeth. The adult teeth count of 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars, and 8 molars make up their 28 teeth. Including wisdom teeth the tooth count is up to 32.

Why Don't I Have As Many Teeth As My Friends? — **Why Don’t I Have As Many Teeth As My Friends?**

Loving My New Teeth — **Why Don’t I Have As Many Teeth As My Friends?**

How many teeth does your child have? How many teeth do you have? Did you know that the number of teeth your child has changes as they grow? Which tooth do you think is the most important? Tell us, we’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook

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

Did You Know?

What To Know For Your Baby’s Teeth

Taking Care Before Teeth Come In

Taking Care Of Teeth For Children, Tweens And Teens Is Important

Fluoride Helps Prevent Cavities

Fluoride Is Safe

Talking Tooth Care

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Causes Crooked Teeth?

Genetics

Prolonged Habits

Tongue Thrusting And Mouth Breathing

Early Baby Tooth Loss

Does It Matter If My Child’s Baby Teeth Grow In Crooked?

Should I Be Concerned About My Child’s Crooked Baby Teeth?

Is There Anything I Can Do To Prevent My Child’s Teeth From Coming In Crooked?

What Can I Do If My Child’s Baby Teeth Come In Crooked?

Stop Thumb Sucking, Finger Sucking And Pacifier Use

Treatment For Myofunctional Habits

Take Care Of Baby Teeth To Prevent Tooth Loss

What To Do If A Baby Tooth Comes Out Early

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What’s A Tooth To Do?

When Is All This Happening?

How to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Strong

Tips To Keep The Sugar Bugs Away

6 Months – 2 Years Old

2 – 5 Years Old

School Aged Children

Tweens And Teens

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Embrace Sugar-Free Treats

Prioritize Toothbrushing

Consider Sealants For Protection

Replace Used Toothbrushes

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Losing Baby Teeth

When Do Adult Teeth Come In?

6 Year Molars Coming In

Adult Tooth Time Line

Adult Tooth Growth Guide

Fun Tooth Facts

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Age Do Children Start To Lose Their Baby Teeth?

How Many Teeth Do Children Lose?

Which Teeth Do Children Lose First?

What Are The Signs Of A Loose Tooth?

As A Parent, Is There Anything Special I Should Do?

Can I Wiggle Out My Child’s Loose Tooth?

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

5 Tooth Friendly Tips For A Happy Halloween And For The Days After

What Is National Brush Day?

How Do We Celebrate?

When Do We Brush?

How Often Do We Brush?

What Do We Need?

What Comes Next?

When Should We Start?

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Tasty And Fun Halloween Treats

Chocolate Dipped Orange Pumpkins

Spider Bites

Mummy Pizza

Apple Monster Mouth

Pumpkin Hummus With Broomsticks

Jack-O-Lantern Peppers With Witch Dip And Vegetable Broomsticks

Witch’s Broomsticks

Better Candy Options

Dark Chocolate

Sugar-Free Gum

Sugar-Free Candy

Top 3 Candy No-No’s