✦ If it’s sticky, it gets stucky and that’s so yucky! Stay away from fruit rollups, caramels, and other chewy, sticky candy.
✦ Drink lots of water to help wash away the sticky chewies. Water is really good for you and your teeth. Have you ever seen a vampire with a cavity?
✦ Brush your teeth in the morning and at night, and remember to floss before you brush. It takes 2 minutes of brushing to clean away all the candy that’s on your teeth and flossing to remove whats gotten in between.
✦ Smooth chocolate is the best. It sliddddes off your teeth.
✦ Choose your top 5 favorites, eat them, and you’re done.
Follow these tips and your teeth will be spooktacularrr
Have A Fun, Happy And Safe Halloween!
What are your children looking forward to most this Halloween? 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!
Halloween is almost here! It’s time for children to dress up in their favorite costume, then go out trick-or-treating and collect candy and treats from friends and neighbors.
Every where you go there’s chocolates and sugary treats to tempt eager trick-or-treaters.
How do you incorporate tooth friendly snacks into your Halloween festivities? Is it possible for your child to enjoy their spooky snacks and for you to keep their teeth healthy?
Here’s what I want you to know.
6 Ghoulishly Delicious Party Treats
Is it your turn to host this year’s Halloween monster mash?, Are you having a gathering of your ghosts and goblins? No Halloween bash is complete without some scary good snacks.
In addition to bobbing for apples, set your table with Halloween snacks that are big on taste and good for teeth.
1. Banana Ghosts
Try this 2 ingredient treat. Bananas and mini bittersweet chocolate chips are all you need. Cut a banana in half, and add the chocolate chips for the eyes and mouth. Arrange on your favorite Halloween platter.
2. Mandarin Orange Pumpkins
Easy to make and fun to eat. Peel the oranges and add a small pretzel stick or piece of celery into the top as the stem. Arrange in a group to look like a large pumpkin.
3. Veggie Skeleton
Who says veggies need to be boring? On a platter arrange sliced peppers (for the ribs), cucumbers (spine), carrot sticks (arms) and broccoli florets (elbow and hand). For the head, in a bowl place your favorite dip (did I hear Blue Cheese?) and use extra broccoli florets as the hair and eyes. Everyone will be impressed!
4. Witches Broomsticks
For something 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.
5. Apple Monster Mouth
Between 2 slices of apple spread 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 almond slices into the nut butter.
6. Mummy Pizza
Choose pizza dough, english muffin, 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. Enjoy!
Sharing Our Halloween Treats With YouMaking Our Halloween Pizza Our WayReady To Transform Oranges Into PumpkinsWe Helped Our Mom Pick These Vegetables For Our Veggie SkeletonHaving Fun Making My Children’s Halloween Snacks
What To Look For In Tooth Friendly Halloween Treats
There’s a few things to look out for in the ingredient list to help you make informed choices –
Xylitol, xylitol is a sugar just not like glucose or sucrose. This is what makes candies “sugar free.”
Artificial sweeteners, artificial sweeteners are high intensity sugary sweeteners.
Natural sweeteners, natural sweeteners are also high intensity sugary sweeteners and are considered to have “zero calories.”
Candy Free Choices For Trick-or-Treaters
Halloween is also about fun. Instead of candy, include a small favorite (or nostalgic) toy as a Halloween treat –
Glow sticks
Vampire fangs
Bubbles
Bouncy balls
Finger puppets
Stickers
Yo-yo’s
Halloween is every child’s dream. It’s the season of costumes and candy and candy and more candy. So be the cool parent and their Halloween Hero, and wonder no more about which Halloween treats are best for your child’s teeth.
What’s your family’s most fun Halloween memory? What’s everyone’s favorite Halloween treat? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.meLike Us and Chat with us on Facebook
Happy Halloween!
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Think about it. You smile at your child and they smile back. You both giggle and feel great.
This may be a simple expression, but it goes beyond simply making us look happier.
Smiling releases natural hormones called endorphins. These hormones make you feel happier, more positive, and less stressed.
Why smile on World Smile Day? This is what I want you to know.
What Is World Smile Day?
World Smile Day started in 1999 by Harvey Ball, the creator of the Smiley Face emoji.
This day celebrates the meaning of the Smiley icon, bringing a smile of the faces of people around the world.
Who doesn’t smile when they see the Smiley Face?
When Is World Smile Day?
World Smile Day is celebrated around the world every year on the 1st Friday of October. For this year, that’s tomorrow.
Why Is The Smiley Face Yellow?
Yellow was chosen because it’s a symbol of cheerfulness!
Sharing My Smile
The Power Of A Child’s Smile
Fun fact – Did you know it takes 17 muscles to smile?
Smiling Increases A Child’s Self Confidence
A smile is about feeling good on the inside and out. Their smile plays a major role in how they feel about themselves, and how they present themselves to others.
A Healthy Smile Makes Me SmileA New Tooth Brush Makes Me Smile
Children Are The Biggest Smilers
Children smile about 400 times a day. When a child smiles they naturally feel happier. This in turn helps them face challenges and new situations with a positive spirit.
Being With Our Friends Makes Us Smile I Love To Smile
Smiling Creates Positive Social Experiences
When a child smiles big and often, it demonstrates their confidence. Other children want to be around them. This helps a child to build friendships and lifelong relationships.
A smile helps children build connections and have positive social experiences with their peers.
Telling Jokes Makes Us SmileMy Birthday Makes Me SmileFun Times Makes Us SmileLaying On The Grass Makes Us Smile
The Science Behind The Smile
Smiling is important for a child’s health. It’s a natural mood booster by reducing stress and anxiety.
Each time they smile, their body releases natural stress releasing compounds, called endorphins and neuropeptides. These hormones relax their body and lower their heart rate and blood pressure.
Don’t feel like smiling? Even laughing can improve a child’s mood. Plus it’s hard not to smile when you’re laughing.
There’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s smile to make everyone feel better. It really creates a positive atmosphere for the whole family.
Friends Makes Us SmileHaving Fun Makes Us Smile
Smiling Positively Impacts School Performance
A smile can also directly impact a child’s school performance. Children who have healthy smiles are less likely to be absent from school.
This is why good oral hygiene routines are important for supporting children’s overall well-being and success in school.
The End Of The School Day Makes Us Smile
The Family That Smiles Together Supports And Encourages Each Other
While a smile can go a long way for a child, there is nothing like a parent’s support and encouragement to help them feel great about themselves. Creating this loving and supportive environment makes everyone feel more secure and accepted.
This is why talking with them about their oral health is so important. Good oral health, a healthy smile, and good communication go a long way to forming a positive self-image.
Being Together Makes Us SmileI Make Mommy And Daddy SmileHappy World Smile DayBlowing Bubbles Makes Us SmileI Know How To Make Mommy SmileHappy Smiles From Us To You
Celebrate World Smile Day
6 fun and easy ways to celebrate:
Encourage 1 person to smile, smile at them and see if they smile back to you
Hand out Smiley Face stickers
Tell a funny joke and see who laughs and smiles
Take a family picture of everyone smiling
Appreciate the happiness a smile can bring
Sing your favorite smile song
Make Your Child’s Smile Their Super Power
A simple smile has the power to bring people together, spread kindness, and brighten someone’s day.
Keep Smiling!
Being With Our Friends Makes Us Smile
How will your family celebrate World Smile Day? What makes your child smile? How many times do you think they smile in a day? Is the Smiley Face emoji your favorite? Which Smiley Face do you use most in your texts? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
It can feel like achieving good dental health for children takes tremendous effort. Sometimes parents wonder that no matter what they do, it is really working and worth the effort?
As a Mom and pediatric dentist, I can tell you it’s worth the effort.
How do I know? This is what I want you to know.
Molars Do A Lot Of Work
All that chewing power takes a lot of work. But molars, those teeth all the way in the back, are up to the challenge.
Even though they’re designed to be powerful, their shape also makes them more vulnerable to cavities.
How? 2 reasons – Not only do the pits and grooves on their chewing surfaces trap food and plaque, but those back teeth can be really tricky for kids to reach with a toothbrush.
So taking some extra time to brush those molars helps keep them clean and healthy.
Mommy Says We Have To Brush All The Way Back To Get To My MolarsCheck Out My Molars
Brush And Floss But Still Get Cavities, Why?
Even with regular brushing and flossing, there are children who still experience dental problems.
This comes from several different reasons:
Tooth Anatomy: This arises especially in molars which have deep pits and grooves where food and plaque become trapped. These are very narrow spaces that toothbrush bristles have a difficult time reaching.
Diet and Snacking Frequency: How often (and how long) a child snacks also plays a role. Crackers, chips, and fruit snacks (to name a few) provide a continual source of food acid to the bacteria in the mouth; which lowers the pH of saliva. The more often this occurs, the less often teeth are protected and the higher the risk of cavities.
Underdeveloped Motor Skills: Think about how much dexterity goes into toothbrushing and flossing. Children are still learning and developing these skills. This is why it’s so important for parents to brush and floss their children’s teeth.
Mouth Breathing: When children can’t breathe through their nose they breathe through their mouth. Whether it’s allergies or nasal congestion, this leads to dry mouth. Dry mouth means there’s less saliva in the mouth which raises the chance of cavities.
Genetics: Genetics determines everything about us, even our teeth. The size and shape of teeth, the bacteria that’s in the mouth, and the strength of teeth enamel are all genetically decided.
Take heart, if dental issues occur despite good habits, parents shouldn’t take this as a sign they’ve done something wrong. Rather, look at it as the family simply needing more focused help.
Look At All My TeethMommy And Daddy Work Hard On My Teeth
Children usually stop sucking between the ages of 2 and 4 years old, or by the time the permanent front teeth are ready to come into their mouth.
As permanent teeth come in, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It can also cause changes to the shape of the roof of the mouth.
The intensity and duration of the sucking also determines whether or not dental problems may result. If children rest their thumbs passively in their mouths, they are less likely to have the same difficulty as those who vigorously suck their thumbs. Some aggressive thumbsuckers may even develop problems with their baby teeth.
I’m So Happy I Stopped Sucking My ThumbI Still Suck My Thumb, So There’s No Way I’m Showing My TeethI Really Like My PacifierDaddy’s Holding My Hand So I Don’t Suck On My FingersI’m Trying Hard Not To Suck My ThumbDaddy Said To Throw Away My PacifierThis Is The Thumb I Used To Suck On
Why Take X-rays Of Baby Teeth?
Why take x-rays of baby teeth if they fall out? That’s a question a lot of parents think about and ask. Yes, they’re baby teeth, but they’re also important placeholders for the adult teeth which replace them.
Dental X-rays give pediatric dentists a closer look at areas which can’t be seen, such as in between the teeth and below the gum line. They can help spot hidden and developing cavities, monitor developing permanent teeth, and follow how a child’s smile is growing and changing.
Concerned about the radiation exposure? Modern digital X-rays are safer, with 80% less radiation than the older methods.
Look At All Those Teeth
Every Tooth Has A Job
Not every tooth in your child’s smile looks the same. There’s a reason why.
Front teeth are shaped for biting into food, while the larger teeth in the back are designed for crushing and chewing.
Every tooth has its own job to do, and together they are quite the team.
All My Teeth Are Shiny But They Don’t All Look The Same
Sweet Dreams Start With A Regular Tooth Brush Routine
Most children aren’t getting enough sleep, and settling down for bedtime can turn into a whole event.
For children who have trouble winding down at night, parents can try turning off screens a little earlier and keeping to the same simple routine every night. The more consistent it is, the easier bedtime gets.
And making toothbrushing and flossing part of their routine gets their smile ready for sweet dreams tonight and easier mornings tomorrow.
Daddy’s And My Toothbrushing RoutineI Floss And Brush Every Morning And Every NightWe Brush Teeth With Daddy Every Night And With Mommy Every Morning
How is it going? Are you ready to stay the course? What are your experiences, best and not so good? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.meLike Us on Facebook
Happy Teeth Happy Family
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
There’s so much to know, so many new things to know and do. How we take care of their teeth also changes.
Toddler’s teeth are so important. That’s because the way we take care of their teeth now affects how they will take care of their own teeth in the future.
Here’s what I want you to know about your toddler’s teeth.
#1. It’s Not Only What They Drink, But How Long They Sip That Matters
Milk, juice, and yes even smoothies can leave sugar sitting on your child’s teeth, especially when they sip over time. For a healthy swap, offer these drinks during mealtimes and have them drink water in between. This small change can help protect your child’s smile all day long.
Sipping Our Juice While We’re Watching The OceanI’m Sipping From My Sippy Cup While Mommy Works
#2. Keeping Your Child’s Gums Healthy Is Just As Important As Protecting Their Teeth Against Cavities
Healthy pink gums provide the essential foundation for developing teeth and preventing infections. By introducing simple habits early on, like gentle twice daily brushing and nightly flossing, you set your child up for a lifetime of excellent oral health.
I Get My Healthy Teeth And Gums From Daddy
#3. One Simple Habit Change Can Make A Big Difference In Your Child’s Oral Health
If your child asks for something to drink at night after flossing and toothbrushing make sure they only drink water. Even tiny sips of milk or juice after toothbrushing allows sugar to sit on their teeth overnight when they’re vulnerable. Starting this routine early helps protect your child’s teeth while they sleep. It’s a small change with big long term benefits.
Mommy Only Lets Me Have Water After She Brushes My Teeth
#4. The Not So Sweet On Candy And Cavities
Candy doesn’t directly cause cavities. The real problem is the sugar that feeds the cavity causing bacteria. Sticky and hard candies are tough on teeth because they stay around longer and hide in hard to clean spots. Treats are okay in moderation. And, remember to keep brushing two times a day for a full two minutes.
I Was So Good I Got Cotton CandyGuess Who Gave Me My Lollipop?
#5. Keeping Baby Teeth Healthy Is Vital
Yes, baby teeth eventually fall out. But they still play a huge role in your child’s overall development. Just because the Tooth Fairy will visit one day, doesn’t mean that things like cavities in baby teeth don’t matter. Baby teeth matter.
Why do baby teeth matter so much? They’re the placeholders for permanent teeth and help your child chew and speak properly.
Don’t let a cavity get in the way of a happy smile!
Mommy Brushed My Teeth So We’re Both SmilingHappy Teeth Happy Me
How do you take care of your toddler’s teeth? What are your biggest challenges? What are your best strategies? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
Healthy Teeth Happy Us
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
What makes teeth so exciting? After all they’re just teeth, right? Well, not so much.
There are lots of cool and surprising facts about how teeth function and develop that can make children excited to learn more. And we all know good things happen when children are excited to learn.
When children understand more about their teeth they become more confident and ready to show off their smile.
Here are some cool facts about teeth that you and your children might not know.
#1. YOUR TEETH ARE AS UNIQUE AS YOUR FINGERPRINT
Our fingerprints are entirely unique to us. The same is true about your teeth. No 2 people in the world have the same shape, size, and alignment, not even identical twins.
Your teeth are special to you. This is part of what makes your smile so unique and wonderful.
Your teeth are special and they are yours, so take good care of them.
#2. Tooth Enamel Is The Hardest Part Of Your Body
Yes it is. The enamel on your teeth is stronger than your muscles or bones.
Like your bones, tooth enamel is made up of calcium and phosphorous. But it also has specific proteins and a crystalline structure that makes it even stronger.
Enamel is the outer most layer of your teeth. Think of enamel like a shell that’s there to protect teeth from break down and decay.
This is why brushing and flossing are so important!
#3. TEETH START TO FORM EVEN BEFORE A CHILD IS BORN
Baby teeth start forming under the gums before you are born. That’s why most babies have their first tooth by 6 to 12 months old.
Isn’t it amazing how early children’s smiles start developing?
#4. 1/3 OF A TOOTH IS UNDERNEATH THE GUMS
Teeth are sort of like icebergs, the whole tooth isn’t visible to the eye. 1/3 of a tooth is hidden underneath your gums.
Which means it’s just as important to take care of your gums as the part of your teeth you can see.
#5. YOUR SALIVA CAN FILL 2 BATHTUBS
You produce about a quart of saliva a day. Over a year that’s enough saliva to fill 2 medium size bathtubs.
Saliva is extremely important. It helps protect teeth and gums, lubricates the mouth, helps digest our food, fights germs, and protects our teeth from bacteria.
#6. TEETH BY NUMBERS AND LETTERS
We have 2 chances to grow teeth. 1st are our baby teeth and 2nd come our adult teeth.
Children have 20 baby teeth. We count them by singing the ABC’s. Baby teeth start falling out around age 6 and are replaced by their adult teeth. We count them by singing our 1,2,3’s.
Since we don’t get a 3rd set of teeth, it’s important to take good care of the ones we have.
#7. ON AVERAGE YOU’LL SPEND 38 DAYS BRUSHING YOUR TEETH OVER YOUR LIFETIME
If you brush your teeth for 2 minutes 2X’s a day, you’ll spend more than 1 month of your life brushing.
It’s a small amount of time for something so important that keeps your smile healthy.
#8. THE 1 THING YOUR TEETH CAN’T DO
Unlike your skin or bones, teeth can’t heal or regenerate if they’re damaged. Tooth enamel isn’t a living tissue, so a tooth can’t regrow the lost enamel.
This is why it’s so important to protect your teeth from cavities and injuries.
#9. MORE PRESSURE DOESN’T MEAN MORE CLEAN
Be gentle when brushing your teeth. Vigorous scrubbing can actually wear down your enamel and damage your gums.
Use a soft bristle toothbrush in light, circular motions. You want to remove the soft plaque. Please don’t scrub your teeth.
#10. TYRANNOSAURUS TEETH
Tyrannosaurus Rex had some of the most fearsome teeth in history. A single T. Rex tooth could be up to 12 inches long. They were shaped like bananas and had serrated edges to help them eat through their prehistoric meals.
Can you imagine trying to brush a tooth that large?
Our Family’s Coming Up With Our Own Dental Cool Facts
The more we know about our teeth, the more we appreciate how much work they do for us every single day.
What fun and cool dental facts have you heard? Have you played dental trivial pursuit? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
Your Turn, What Is Your Dental Cool Fact?
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Is it your child’s healthy smile? Is it your child laughing with friends at camp, at the park, or on play dates? Is it their fresh breath when you’re snuggling and cuddling?
Did you know that learning good oral hygiene habits early can help them develop healthy dental habits for life?
And that leading by example and practicing good daily habits for yourself has an important impact on your child?
So what does oral hygiene have to do with fresh breath? The answer is, Everything.
Here’s what I want you to know.
What Is National Fresh Breath Day?
National Fresh Breath Day is celebrated every year on August 6th.
This day highlights the significance of maintaining good oral hygiene to achieve fresh breath and its relationship with overall well-being.
It’s a reminder of the value of good daily oral hygiene and the broader health implications linked to it.
When Did National Fresh Breath Day Start?
The history of this day dates back to Dr. Harold Katz in 1994. Dr. Katz founded this day to promote regular brushing, routine flossing, and dental check ups.
The Family That Brushes And Flosses Together Smiles Together
Why Is Oral Hygiene Important?
Good oral hygiene is a twofold process, involving professional preventive care and personal daily practices like proper brushing and flossing.
This is about your child’s dental health and how it affects them having fresh breath.
6 Reasons Why It’s Important For Children To Learn Good Oral Hygiene Early
Teaching children proper oral hygiene habits at an early age lays the foundation for life long dental health;
Young children who develop daily consistent brushing and flossing habits are more likely to maintain healthy teeth and gums into adulthood;
National Fresh Breath Day provides an excellent opportunity for parents to explain why brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits matter. As children grow they begin to understand the reasons behind these habits and become more motivated to practice them consistently;
Good oral care also reduces the risk of cavities, gum problems, and school absences caused by tooth pain;
As children grow older, they come to understand that maintaining good oral hygiene insures fresh breath, is a confidence booster and contributes to their long term wellness;
Positive reinforcement, fun educational activities, colorful toothbrushes, and family brushing routines encourage children to view oral care as part of daily life.
This Is Why I Brush And Floss EverydayTaking Care Of Their Teeth Early
Even for children, the health of their mouth is a mirror to the overall well being of their body. Their mouth reflects systemic conditions that may be developing but otherwise remain invisible.
Examples Of Oral Health’s Systemic Effect
Studies suggest that poor dental hygiene, gum disease and tooth decay can be a significant risk factor for heart disease;
Diabetes: Poor oral health can exacerbate diabetes by increasing blood sugar levels;
Gum Disease and Respiratory Infections: Bacteria from the mouth can be inhaled, leading to lung infections;
Oral Inflammation and Kidney Disease: Chronic oral inflammation can weaken kidneys, potentially leading to disease;
Self-esteem: Poor oral health can lead to low self-esteem;
Chronic Pain: Conditions like gum disease and infections can cause persistent pain, contributing to stress and anxiety.
Did you know your child’s mouth is home to billions of bacteria? While many of them are perfectly normal, here’s how to help keep the harmful bacteria under control so your child’s smile stays healthy and strong:
Twice daily tooth brushing with a fluoride toothpaste: 2 minutes 2x’s a day,
Nightly flossing: Floss removes food particles and plaque between teeth that toothbrushes can’t reach. Floss before brushing and then brush all the “stuff” away,
Brush their Tongue: Brush away the food and plaque off their tongue to enhance oral hygiene and breath freshness,
Toothbrush: Choose a soft bristled, age appropriate sized brush. Replace it every 3 months or when bristles fray,
Eating a balanced diet and avoiding foods with strong odors can also help maintain fresh breath,
Crunchy vegetables like celery, apples, cucumbers and carrots aren’t just nutritious but also helpful in maintaining fresh breath. Their high water content stimulates saliva, and crunchy texture helps scrub away bacteria which leads to better hygiene between meals and fresh breath,
Drink water: Drinking water throughout the day aids in maintaining fresh breath. Staying hydrated increases saliva production, which naturally cleanses the mouth and helps reduce bacteria that can cause bad breath,
No smoking or vaping: Smoking in any form is bad, it’s detrimental to everyone’s health. It adversely impacts oral hygiene, causing issues such as gum disease and oral cancer. It also leads to bad breath due to the accumulation of toxins and drying of the mouth,
Schedule and keep up with regular dental check ups.
Happy Healthy Teeth Is Important For Our FamilyYour Teeth And Your Health Are So Important To Us
What I Want You To Know
National Fresh Breath Day is a reminder that small daily habits produce the greatest long term health benefits. This is what makes us smile!
A+ For Our Children’s Oral Health
How will your family celebrate National Fresh Breath Day? What new habits will you begin? Any habits you want to update? Give us a shout out, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Doesn’t every child bite their nails? Did you? I definitely did.
Nail biting may seem like a harmless habit, but it can take a toll on a child’s teeth. Frequent nail biting can increase the risk of chipped teeth, irritated gums, and even introduce extra bacteria into their mouth.
If you’re working on breaking the habit, there are a few things you can do to help combat the nail biting.
Here’s what I want you to know.
When Does Nail Biting Start?
Nail biting begins during childhood, increases during adolescence, and declines as children get older. Although for some this may continue into adulthood.
This Is My Favorite Nail To BiteI’ve Bitten My Nails For Forever
Why Do Children Bite Their Nails?
It’s important to understand their Why!
Nail biting can be a sign of:
Stress relief,
Nervous about difficult situations or tasks,
Need to put something in their mouth,
Boredom.
Hiding My NailsTrying To Hide Biting My Nails
How To Help Stop Nail Biting
Tips for you to help your child stop nail biting:
Keep hands busy with activities, fidget toys or games like puzzles;
Gently remind in a kind way,
Come up with a code word as a reminder so as not to draw attention to the child,
Try to identify the reason and in what situations the behavior occurs,
Take weekly pictures of their nail growth to show their progress,
Take care of their nails to keep them looking nice,
Look up videos about the germs under the nails,
Reward positive changes.
No More Nail Biting For MeGetting My Nails Done Like Mommy
What I Want You To Know
If you’ve noticed your child biting their nails, you’re not alone. Nail-biting is something so many children (and parents) deal with.
This isn’t something you have to fix overnight. This isn’t something you’ll change overnight. What’s most important is helping your child feel seen, heard, supported, empowered; and definitely not judged.
I’m Biting My Nails
Anyone in the family bite their nails? Have they stopped? How long did it take? What did they do to stop their nail biting? What do you wish you knew sooner? If you’ve found something that helped your child stop biting their nails, Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
I Feel So Much Better Knowing What To Do For Both Of Your Teeth
In the Know for You to Know
Whether you’re a new mom or a mom of a teen, there’s always something new to learn. This is especially true when navigating your child’s dental health.
Who knew teeth were so complicated?
Did you know? I for sure didn’t know this before dental school.
So I’ve put together some “Did you know?” tips to help guide you through your child’s dental milestones.
Did You Know you should lift your baby’s lips when you’re cleaning their front teeth?
Lifting your baby’s lips does 2 things:
You’re cleaning their teeth more effectively,
You can see changes in color, lines or spots on your child’s teeth; which can be signs of potential problems.
Did You Know that flossing is equally important as tooth brushing?
Honestly not many adults enjoy flossing. But it really is essential for healthy teeth and gums. Start flossing your child’s teeth when they’re young and you’ll create a life long healthy habit for them.
We Didn’t Know And Now We DoNow Grandma Knows Too
Did You Know sippy cups aren’t the best for your child’s teeth?
Why? 2 reasons:
Sippy cups allow teeth to constantly be in contact with sugars and acids in drinks, especially those found in fruit juices and milk. This prolonged exposure can lead to tooth decay.
They can cause oral development and speech pattern issues if the cup is used to long. Prolonged use of sippy cups can cause improper tongue tip development, which is crucial for speech development.
Did You Know I have a few favorite questions I’m always happy to have parents ask me?
My favorite is, “What should we be doing next?” I love being asked this so we can discuss for example their child’s dental milestones, or how teeth affect speech development.
Parenting is hard, so being present and helpful is extra important when a parent can actually find a little time to plan ahead.
Did You Know how much breakfast matters?
Toddler to teenager, start your child’s day off with a delicious healthy breakfast. Did you know this limits their cravings for sweets later in the day?
On Our Way To The Pediatric DentistI Want To Know Everything I Can To Protect Her Teeth
Did You Know there are 5 possible causes why a child’s teeth can be sensitive?
The most common causes of tooth sensitivity are:
Permanent tooth coming into their mouth,
Chipped or cracked tooth,
Brushing to hard which can lead to tooth enamel wearing away and the gums moving away,
Cavity,
Sinus concerns can cause their top teeth to be sensitive.
Did You Know that medicines can have added sugars and some medicines cause dry mouth?
Your child still needs to take their medicine. It’s important to know this puts them at risk for tooth decay.
This is because:
Sugar is added to some medicines to make them taste better,
Medicines used to treat cerebral palsy, seizures and mental health challenges and conditions can cause dry mouth by lowering the amount of saliva in the mouth,
Saliva plays an important role in preventing tooth decay,
Medicines given to children who have asthma or allergies can also cause dry mouth.
Did You Know not all adolescents and young adults have their wisdom teeth removed?
That’s right, some have the space in their mouth for these teeth to come in fully. These teeth still need to be monitored just like their other teeth. Tooth brushing and flossing around wisdom teeth is important because the potential for cavities still exists in the same way as for their other teeth.
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Did You Know about the Tell-Show-Do technique?
The Tell-Show-Do technique is a step by step approach in pediatric dentistry which helps alleviate anxiety, builds trust, and allows children to feel more involved and informed during their dental appointments.
How does this work? Before performing any procedure, your dentist explains the purpose of their visit to your child, shows them the instruments (and allows them to touch) , and then proceeds with the treatment.
This approach is a great way to make children of all ages, toddlers to teens to young adults feel more at ease and comfortable at the dentist.
So Many Stages, So Much To Know About Teeth
As a parent I understand, parenting is hard. What’s frustrating as a parent is that you don’t know until you know. So rest assured, no question is silly and no question is too small or too big. Did you know? It’s always okay to ask.
Learning About Teeth For 2
What pediatric dental question have you been wanting to ask? Has anyone explained to you what to expect for your child’s dental growth over the next 6 months? If you don’t have a pediatric dentist, do you know where to find one for your child? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
We Still Have A Lot To Learn About Our Teeth
More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
Baby teeth play a vital role in your child’s dental health. They allow them to eat the healthy foods that help their bodies to grow and thrive, they’re essential to speech development, and they hold space for their adult teeth to grow into.
However, there are times when baby teeth don’t last as long as we’d all like them to; which is why a space maintainer is needed.
The purpose of a space maintainer is to hold the space of the missing tooth. It helps to ensure that the permanent tooth has the necessary space to come into when it’s time and hopefully limits the need for orthodontic treatment in the future.
Understanding why a space maintainer is important for your child’s needs is one thing. Knowing what to do you do once your child’s space maintainer is placed in their mouth is entirely different.
So, What do you do? How will they adjust to their space maintainer? How do you properly maintain it everyday? Let’s get started together.
Adjusting To A Space Maintainer
Just like their new sneakers, adjusting to having a space maintainer in their mouth can be tough for children, and parents also.
I’ve put together these 5 tips to help your child get used to their new space maintainer:
Be encouraging and supportive – Now that your child has a space maintainer it becomes part of your normal everyday. And, if you had one yourself, explain to your child how normal it is, and how your smile benefitted from having a space maintainer.
Practice smiling and talking – At first, your child’s space maintainer can feel strange in their mouth. This can cause them to speak or smile a little differently until they get used to it. To help, we recommend they practice smiling and talking in front of a mirror. This way, they can see that their new space maintainer isn’t visible, and only shows if they want it to. You can also have your child get used to talking by reading a story out loud to you, to their younger siblings or cousins. The more they practice talking, the more their tongue will become accustomed to their new space maintainer.
Start with soft foods – The first few days after getting a space maintainer can be rough. Your child may feel their mouth is “different.” This is totally normal. To help make meals easier, start with soft and easy to chew foods for the first few days. Soup or broth, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, pasta, oatmeal, applesauce, yogurt, or smoothies gives them nourishment and provides comfort. As your child gets more used to and comfortable with their space maintainer, you can begin to add back in their regular favorite foods.
Keep their space maintainer clean – It is important to keep your child’s space maintainer clean. This is an absolute. While the appliance looks smooth, there are areas within and around it where food particles and plaque easily get trapped, which leads to irritated red gums and cavities. Use a soft bristle tooth brush to brush around the band and wire. It’s also important to floss for them and especially around the band and wire. It’s also a good idea to brush after every meal. There are also some things to avoid such as gooey and sticky foods and candies like taffy, caramel, hard candies, and chewing gum. These are best to avoid so that their space maintainer isn’t pulled off.
Schedule follow up visits – It’s important to have routine monitoring for their space maintainer with their dentist. Regular follow up allows your dentist to monitor the fit as well as the growth of their adult teeth into their mouth.
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How To Take Care Of Your Child’s Space Maintainer
Caring for your child’s dental space maintainer becomes part of their daily oral hygiene routine, with your help:
Remind your child not to touch or play with the band and wire of the space maintainer with their fingers or their tongue. You don’t want it to become loose, come out or break.
Sticky, chewy and crunchy foods and carbonated beverages can cause the space maintainer to become loose or break. It’s best to avoid fruit snacks, chewing gum, lollipops, taffy, caramel, hard candies, popcorn, ice, juice and soda.
The space maintainer needs to be cared for the same as your child’s teeth, with proper brushing twice per day and regular daily flossing. Their gums around a space maintainer can become red and irritated if it is not cleaned well. A sign that you’re doing a good job is that the metal sparkles and is shiny!
At your child’s regular dental visit your dentist will check the fit, stability and integrity of the space maintainer.
When the time is right, their dentist will remove the space maintainer to allow the permanent tooth to come into their mouth.
It’s extremely important that if at any time the space maintainer becomes loose, breaks, comes off or causes discomfort you need to call your child’s dentists office immediately so that they can check everything out.
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What To Remember
A dental space maintainer is used to preserve the space of a missing tooth. When a child premature loses a baby tooth it causes serious problems. With the space left open, the surrounding teeth move into that opening which leaves little or no room for the permanent tooth to come into their mouth.
To prevent this from happening, a space maintainer is placed in their mouth, to hold the space open until the permanent tooth comes in.
Yes, this takes time to get used to and to incorporate into your child’s daily oral hygiene routine. With patience and guidance the transition can be a smooth one.
Has your dentist told you that your child needs a space maintainer? Does your child have a space maintainer in their mouth now? How did they get used to it? Did you have a space maintainer when you were a child? What’s been your experience? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook
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More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!
