September 10th is National Grandparent’s Day. Grandparent’s Day is a very special day set aside to honor all grandparents and the extraordinarily memorable relationship they have with their grandchildren.
My Duet With Grandma
Cherish Your Grandparents
This is a day to honor grandparents, to give grandchildren an extra reason to show love for their grandparents, and to allow children to become more aware of the strength, knowledge, and guidance grandparents can share with them.
A grandparents relationship with their grandchild is so precious and influential. The love, honor, respect, and admiration is easy to see with the feelings being totally mutual.
These cherished gifts from a grandparent to their grandchild are something they will hold dear and carry with them every day of their lives.
Spending Time With Your Grandparents
Your family may have your own traditions or you may be starting new ones.
Maybe you’ll be taking out your family’s photo albums reminiscing and telling stories, or asking grandma if you can cook together a favorite meal. Think about having a grandparent sleepover, spending time with your grandparents at the park or zoo, fixing the car with grandpa or asking grandpa to teach you how to ride a 2 wheeler.
Remember to take photos, start a memory book, or record their stories on your phone because what you’re doing together is making beautiful memories for a life time and to pass on.
3 Reasons Grandparents Are The BEST
Without them we wouldn’t be here,
We love each other totally and unconditionally,
They have a lot of knowledge to pass along.
From each of us at kidstoothhotline to each of you Happy Grandparent’s Day!
You’ve decided, the time is now to say bye bye to your child’s pacifier.
Now you’re asking yourself, So how do I do this?
I’m glad you asked, here are some tips to help you say bye bye to the pacifier—
Giving Away My Pacifier
Younger Is Better
Children should stop using the pacifier around the age of 2 years old.
Some parents like to stretch it out until 3 or 4 years old. However the older your child is when you take the pacifier away, the harder it will be for both of you.
Why? They have memories and routine with their pacifier. So younger is better.
Why Does It Matter?
Pacifiers can result in early dental problems for your child, which can really be seen when their adult teeth begin to come into their mouth.
Dental problems may develop depending on how long, how often, and how strongly your child sucks on their pacifier.
Continued sucking can cause changes in the proper growth of their mouth, the roof of their mouth, and the position of their teeth.
What Do I Do If My Child Won’t Give Up Their Pacifier?
Gradually have your child wean off the pacifier, try limiting use to nap time and bed time at first. Then let your child use the pacifier for short periods of time if you feel they particularly need it, and then continue to gradually shorten the frequency and amount of time the pacifier is used.
On the other hand there are some parents who say the only way to go is cold turkey. This may entail crying for a night or two until your child gets used to self soothing their way to sleep.
No matter how you approach this, if it makes your child afraid or tense, stop it at once and re-evaluate for a better time.
Offer An Alternative To Their Pacifier
Offer your child an alternative to hold as they fall asleep, like a cuddly toy or soft doll.
If they’re used to having the pacifier during the day while they’re awake, try distracting them with a fun activity or favorite toy.
Time To Be Creative
Cut the pacifier’s nipple little by little
Continue to do this over 1 week until nothing is left. Once it is cut the pacifier loses the sucking appeal. You can tell your child a story about how pacifiers will naturally shrink as they become a big kid.
Every child loves a superhero, so turn the Pacifier Fairy or Binky Fairy into one
Tell your child a story about how the Pacifier Fairy is coming and will leave them a surprise in exchange for their pacifier.
You can set a specific day for the Pacifier Fairy to visit, decorate for the event and during the party when no one is looking the pacifier magically disappears.
Or you can leave out the pacifier on a special plate or in pretty tissue paper in a box and magically it’s taken away by the Pacifier Fairy leaving her trail of glitter.
Tell your child there’s a baby who really needs their pacifier
Whether the pacifier is to be for a new baby in your immediate family, extended family, family friend, or a baby in a far away place, story telling is a great way to explain that now since your child is a big girl or big boy they can help other little babies by giving them their pacifiers.
Make a special occasion of packing the pacifiers in tissue paper in a gift box with a big bow and tell your child you’re going to take the box to the baby’s mommy or daddy. Or you’re going to take the box to the post office to mail it to the baby’s mommy or daddy.
You can put the pacifiers into a balloon (or a few balloons depending on the number of pacifiers you have) and send off the pacifiers by balloon express.
Take your child to the store to pick out a new toy to replace their pacifier
Before you leave home wrap the pacifiers in tissue paper and place it in a box so it can be mailed or donated to a child or baby who needs pacifiers.
Fun stuff to do
If your child uses sucking on the pacifier to relieve boredom, keep their hands busy or distract them with things they like and are fun.
Rewards and Reminders
Sticker charts, small daily rewards, and gentle reminders are also very helpful.
Whether you chose one way or a combination, it’s important be sure to collect all the pacifiers around the house and everyone’s house. The last thing you want is for your little one finding a pacifier a week or two after they gave it up and having to go back to square one again.
Timing Is Important
Try not to take away the pacifier during life changes (like potty training), major transitions (like a new baby) or traveling so not to put additional stress on the process.
Once you’ve made the plan to wean your child off the pacifier, make sure everyone is on board and everyone sticks with it.
What’s important is encourage your child with positive reinforcement, lots of love and plenty of hugs.
Giving up the pacifier is a tremendous accomplishment for your child and for you. Congratulations!
Charcoal toothpaste is the latest fad on the toothpaste scene. When something is new and in style we know our tweens and teens will be interested to try it out.
When we brush our teeth we’re used to seeing the usual white foam our toothpaste produces, however, charcoal toothpaste covers the teeth with a dark black slurry.
Charcoal Toothpaste Really Looks Like Charcoal
What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?
Charcoal toothpaste is made with activated charcoal. This is similar to regular charcoal used for the bbq, but it is heat treated to make it more porous. Being more porous makes it highly absorbent and able to trap different types of particles.
Because of its coarse texture charcoal has a history of being used to clean teeth. In 2019 The British Dental Journal looked into this and found that some current toothpastes claim that the absorbent charcoal works by binding to the plaque and stains on teeth, which is then brushed away.
Can Charcoal Toothpaste Benefit My Child’s Oral Health?
Charcoal toothpaste benefits from the perception that it works because it is natural.
However there isn’t any evidence to show any advantages for charcoal toothpaste.
Many toothpastes made with charcoal do not contain fluoride, and it’s the fluoride which has all the benefits in helping protect teeth from cavities.
Even if the label on the charcoal toothpaste tube says it has fluoride, the activated charcoal can bind up the fluoride and make it less available and able to protect and strengthen teeth.
In the 2019 British Dental Journal study, they found another concern – charcoal can get caught in the gums and cause irritation.
Will Charcoal Toothpaste Whiten My Teenager’s Teeth?
Charcoal toothpastes claim that they will bring a shine back to your child’s smile. However these toothpastes are abrasive, so they have the potential to scrape off stains from teeth.
Using toothpastes that are abrasive on your teen’s teeth can actually make them look more yellow. This is because it’s the enamel that you and your child are looking to whiten and by using a toothpaste that is too rough you can actually wear the enamel away.
When the enamel wears away it can never grow back, and the next layer of your child’s tooth will become exposed. This next layer is a softer, yellow tissue called dentin.
Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe For My Child?
The 2 main risks of charcoal toothpaste are its abrasiveness and lack of fluoride.
The abrasiveness by wearing away the protective enamel layer on the teeth uncovers the soft yellow dentin which causes teeth to become sensitive.
Besides causing sensitivity, stripping away the enamel can also make teeth more prone to chipping.
Fluoride is the most well known ingredient in toothpaste. Safe amounts of fluoride in your toothpaste help strengthen the teeth’s enamel. The ADA has labeled fluoride safe and effective for regular use to help prevent cavities and maintain good oral health.
Charcoal Toothpaste, Just A Trend?
There really aren’t any tangible benefits to charcoal toothpaste.
The Journal of The American Dental Association (September,2017) showed there is no evidence that dental products with charcoal are safe or effective for your teeth.
What To Do?
Today’s toothpaste and toothbrushes are designed to clean the teeth surfaces gently.
It’s best to choose a whitening toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This Seal lets you know the toothpaste you choose is safe, effective and won’t damage your teen’s teeth.
Did you know there is a day dedicated to watermelon? Turns out today is the day to celebrate watermelon.
Watermelon Says Summer
Watermelon means summer. Summer weekends, bbq’s, picnics, enjoying fun times with friends and family. We love biting into a juicy piece of watermelon, then wiping the sweet juices off our children’s smiling faces.
Watermelon Is Healthy
Watermelon is 92% water and full of Vitamins A, C, and antioxidants. In addition to being a thirst quencher, watermelon is also a superfood.
Fun Trivia About Watermelon
*Watermelon is both a fruit and a vegetable. *It takes 90 days to grow a watermelon from planting seeds to harvest. *The most common watermelon varieties and colors are seeded, seedless, mini, yellow, orange, red and white. *Watermelon is the official state vegetable of Oklahoma. *According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest watermelon on record weighed in at 350.5 pounds (159 kg) and was grown by Chris Kent of Sevierville, Tennessee (USA) in 2013.
Tips For Celebrating Watermelon
There’s nothing that says summer like biting into a perfect slice of watermelon. Some other ways to enjoy this delightfully tasty treat are grilling it, drinking it as a juice or smoothie, eating it as ices or sherbet, and enjoying it in a salad or salsa.
There’s nothing like beating the heat with summertime’s most refreshing fruit. How does your family like to enjoy watermelon? What will your family do celebrate watermelon day? Which watermelon color is your family’s favorite? Tells us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Summertime is here and it’s time for those thirst quenching icy cold drinks. However sometimes you find that your child is chewing on the ice after they finished their drink, or they’re munching on ice cubes straight out of the freezer. You’re thinking okay there’s nothing bad about that. Did you know that chewing ice can cause pain and damage to their teeth?
Ice Is Harder Than Teeth
Teeth are strong but they are no match for ice. Chewing on ice causes the thin protective outer enamel layer of teeth to weaken, chip and crack.
Enamel can’t grow back. Once the enamel is weakened the inner layers of their teeth are exposed to the mouth and that’s when teeth become sensitive.
Think about how painful it would be for your child not to be able to have ice cream and ices.
Ice Isn’t For Teeth
Ice Can Break Teeth And More
We’re always talking about how to make teeth stronger. But ice is not kind to teeth and one wrong bite can break, chip, or crack a tooth or two.
When a tooth breaks it may not only be the enamel that fractures. There are several layers under the enamel and under the gums that makeup a tooth which can also shatter.
Keep in mind this also goes for fillings. If your child has any tooth colored fillings or silver caps they can also split from the pressure of chewing on ice.
If your child has braces and they say that chewing on ice makes their mouth feel better, it’s still not a good idea because the ice can twist or move their arch wires, cause the wires to come loose and poke their cheeks, or break off their brackets.
Ice chewing also affects their gums. The icy temperature freezes their gums which makes it harder to feel if the ice slips and cuts the gums.
Broken Teeth Can Get Cavities
Not only is their tooth enamel harmed but there is also increased risk for cavities. The chips and cracks in the enamel provide direct access for sugary foods and plaque into the body of the tooth and soften the tooth which leads to cavities.
How To Stop Chewing On Ice
Chewing ice isn’t a harmless habit.
Some children who chew ice say the cold sensation is soothing. So, instead of chewing ice let it melt in their mouth or blend crushed ice into slushies or snow cones. Consider trying alternatives such as cool drinks or popsicles. Always keep in mind that sugar free choices are recommended.
If your child chews ice for the crunch, replace the ice with apple slices or baby carrots.
Gummy vitamins are very popular with children and parents for getting essential vitamins and nutrients in a tasty gummy treat. While this can be a great way for your children to want to take their vitamins, gummy vitamins can also harm their teeth.
BUT THEY’RE VITAMINS
Yes, they’re vitamins that are chewy, really tasty, and come in an endless variety of colors, shapes and flavors.
THE STICKY TRUTH
It’s really 3 things to keep in mind, Gummy vitamins are high in sugars in comparison to other vitamins. It’s the sticky consistency that makes them stick to the tops and in-between the teeth that’s the concern because it eats away at the tooth’s outer protective enamel layer.
Chewing My Gummy VitaminWhat’s Your Favorite Flavor Of Gummy Vitamins?
Gummy Vitamins Can Also Come Sugar-Free, But…
Xylitol is the only 1 sugar substitute known to help reduce cavities, and that is in very specific amounts.
Manufacturers of gummy vitamins may not use xylitol or use it in different amounts. Some manufacturers may say their vitamin is sugar-free only to find out that they add other sugar substitutes (which doesn’t reduce cavities) and other sweeteners. They may also coat the vitamin with sugar or a sugar substitute (again which doesn’t reduce cavities).
Our Recommendation
It is your and your pediatrician’s decision regarding which vitamin supplement is best for your child. Our suggestion is to please make sure your child takes their gummy vitamin before your nightly tooth brushing routine. This way everyone goes to bed with nice clean teeth.
If your pediatrician wants your child to take their gummy vitamin in the morning, have them take it with their breakfast and when they’ve finished eating then brush their teeth. This way everyone starts the day with nice clean sparkling teeth.
Summer is here and your family wants to have fun, fun, and more fun. Lazy days and yummy foods have been on your children’s minds since the count down to vacation began.
This is also a stressful time for you because you know what they want and you want to keep up their balanced diet and keep going with those good habits you’ve worked hard on.
So how do you indulge those eagerly awaited extra special delights and stay on track?
4 Bite Sized Tips For Healthy Summer Teeth
Keep up with your child’s routine
Whether you’re traveling, day tripping, planing a staycation or a trip to Grandma’s, put together a traveling dental kit. This way if schedule changes disrupt your good habits you can start up where you left off. Also remember that while bottles and sippy cups are good for comforting your child, don’t let them fall asleep with one in their mouth as it increases their risk for cavities.
Stick to your child’s healthy diet
Make those special foods and beverages more delicious when eaten with a healthy and balanced meal full of fresh fruit, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, water, and plain milk.
Indulge with care
Gooey, sticky and chewy are fun to eat, not so much to brush off teeth. Choose treats that are super smooth and slide off the teeth like chocolate bars without crunchies, italian water ices, and ice cream.
Make it fun
Vacation time is happy and new every year. This year tweak your consistent daily routines in a fun way. Try doing something to keep your child’s attention long enough for you to brush all their teeth, like – brushing and flossing together or have a brush-a-thon to your child’s favorite tunes. Children love stickers, so use a sticker chart and remember to be on the look out for their fun flavor toothpaste or a toothbrush with their favorite character.
Summer time is always a busy time for families. Being out of school with a steady stream of activities puts every day life on hold, including good tooth routines and habits.
If your good habits go haywire, pick up where you left off and help your child get back on track with their good brushing, flossing and healthy eating habits.
Enjoy your summer and make those amazing memories while at the same time protecting those beautiful smiles!
How do you keep up with your children’s brushing and flossing over the summer? What are your families favorite summer foods? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me or Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
As parents we all know to say “Wear your helmet!” when our children want to go out to ride their bike, skateboard or scooter. We also say this when our older children play baseball, football, hockey or lacrosse. You may have already seen them used in contact sports, such as football, boxing, and ice hockey.
Mouthguards offer the same protection. While a helmet protects a child’s head, a mouthguard protects their teeth and their head.
How does a mouthguard protect a child’s head? As parents we’ve heard about concussions, and a lot of times we think about concussions as occurring from a blow to the head. What’s important to note is that contact to any portion of the mouth or jaw can cause a concussion.
My Balance Beam Is Really High And The Mat Is Far Away, I’m Happy I’m Wearing My Mouthguard
How can a mouthguard help?
What Is The Benefit Of Wearing A Mouthguard?
Mouthguards are mouth protectors which help cushion a blow to the mouth and face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your child’s lips, tongue, face or jaws.
While collisions in contact sports, such as basketball and boxing are higher-risk sports for the mouth, children can experience a dental injury in non-contact activities too, such as gymnastics and skating.
Findings in Sports Dentistry show that even in non-contact sports such as gymnastics, rollerblading, and field hockey, mouthguards help protect teeth. Many of these experts recommend that a mouthguard be worn for any recreational activity that poses a risk of injury to the mouth.
Most Important Mouthguard Features
To be most effective a mouthguard should have these features:
Be resilient, tear-resistant and comfortable,
Fit properly and stay in place during sports activities,
Be durable and easy to clean,
Not restrict your child’s speech or breathing.
There Are 3 Types Of Mouthguards
Stock These are found in sporting goods stores and come pre-formed, ready to wear. One size fits most and may not fit very well. They are made of hard plastic, can be bulky and which can make it uncomfortable to wear and talk.
Boil and bite These mouth protectors can also be bought at many sporting goods stores and may have a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They are first softened in hot boiling water, then placed in the mouth and with your child moving their lips, tongue and cheeks around and closing their teeth together, they plastic is adapted to the shape of their mouth. Remember to be very careful because this is very hot water and very hot plastic.
Custom-fit These are made by your dentist for your child specifically and because they are customized, usually offer the best fit. They fit snugly, allowing your athlete to run and talk more easily while playing sports. Custom mouth guards are comfortable, and offer excellent protection. They can be made in a wide variety of colors and designs.
How Many Mouthguards Does My Child Have To Wear?
One.
Mouthguards typically cover the top teeth, and are a great way to protect the soft tissues of their tongue, lips and cheek lining.
There are certain times when depending on specific needs your dentist or orthodontist may suggest for your child to instead use a mouthguard to cover their lower teeth.
Mouthguards And Braces
A properly fitted mouthguard is especially important for children who have braces. A blow to the face could damage the wires and brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. The mouthguard provides a barrier between the braces and their cheeks and lips, limiting the risk of gum and soft tissue injuries.
If your child has an orthodontic retainer or wears any removable appliance, never wear it during any type of sports activities.
Tips for Caring for Your Child’s Mouthguard
4 tips for keeping your child’s mouthguard sports ready:
Rinse with cool water before each use and afterwards brush with toothpaste, rinse, dry.
Keep the mouthguard in a sturdy container that has vents and in a safe place. This permits air circulation and helps prevent damage to the mouthguard.
Don’t take the mouthguard out and leave it in the sun. Avoid high temperatures, such as hot water, hot surfaces or direct sunlight, which can distort the mouth guard.
Check for wear and tear to see if it needs replacing. A mouthguard that’s torn, in bad shape, or doesn’t fit any more can irritate your child’s mouth and lessen the amount of protection it provides.
When it comes to protecting your child’s mouth, a mouthguard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of their standard equipment from an early age.
As children get older they achieve many new milestones. With each new life change they embark on their mouth also goes through changes. One dental milestone, or right of passage is getting their wisdom teeth.
For parents there are lots of questions about wisdom teeth — What are wisdom teeth? Does everyone have wisdom teeth? Is it painful when wisdom teeth come in? Do you have to have wisdom teeth taken out? Is there a best time for wisdom teeth to be removed?
Doing Our research On Wisdom Teeth
These are some tips to help you be wise about wisdom teeth.
What Are Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to develop and are called wisdom teeth because they appear when children are in their older adolescent years (late teens to early twenties) and are “wiser” than when their other teeth came into their mouths.
Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?
Actually not everyone has wisdom teeth. Approximately 25% to 33% of individuals are born without any wisdom teeth.
When we think about wisdom teeth we usually think about there being 4 teeth. However not everyone has the same number and it is possible to be born having only 1, or only 2, or only 3 wisdom teeth.
Is It Painful When Wisdom Teeth Come In?
As wisdom teeth start coming in they can cause pressure. The top teeth can cause headaches and the bottom teeth can cause ear pain.
Do You Have To Have Wisdom Teeth Taken Out?
Sometimes wisdom teeth can come in aligned with the other teeth as long as the top and bottom jaws have enough room for these teeth to come in. Sometimes wisdom teeth come right in and you’d never know, other times it’s not so easy.
This means that when wisdom teeth come in, they’re usually mis-aligned because the jaw doesn’t have enough space for them, and this can also cause problems for neighboring teeth.
Sometimes wisdom teeth can be “impacted” which means that either they are only partially able to come into the mouth through the gums which creates a risk for infections.
Other times wisdom teeth are “impacted” because there is no room at all for them to come into the mouth and they will continue to grow in the jaws.
Oral Surgeons are the Dentists who remove wisdom teeth due to impaction, mis-alignment and infection issues.
Is There A Best Time For Wisdom Teeth To Be Removed?
Many parents opt to have their child’s wisdom teeth removed during their mid to late teenage years, while others wait to have them taken out in their early twenties. There may be certain situations which may arise during braces or with early detected impacted teeth that may alter how soon wisdom teeth need to be removed.
Everyone who was born without wisdom teeth or whose child was born without wisdom teeth give us a shout out! Everyone who had their wisdom teeth out or whose child had their wisdom teeth removed give us a shout out! Tell us your experience. We’d really like to know. Email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ kidstoothhotline
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
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