How To Prepare Your Child And Yourself For Your Child’s Tooth Extraction

September 19, 2024September 18, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

My Dentist Wiggled 2 Teeth And I Was A Great Helper

Your day is going along as usual, then you get a call from your child’s school telling you to come pick them up.

When you get to school the nurse tells you that your child has been complaining their tooth hurts and there’s a pimple on their gums.

You remember the last time they had a pimple it went away. Now it’s back and you know the tooth needs to come out.

But you thought you had more time, because you’re both not ready.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on how to prepare both you and your child for a tooth extraction.

Why Do Children Need To Have Teeth Taken Out?

Children’s teeth may need to be taken out (aka extraction) for a few reasons.

Sometimes teeth develop an infection (aka abscess) when cavities grow bigger allowing bacteria to keep growing through the tooth.

In some cases a broken tooth can lead to an infection. When a tooth is broken bacteria spreads into and through the unprotected tooth layers to the nerve (aka pulp) of a tooth. The pulp becomes inflamed, starts to die, and an infection begins.

There are other times when there is an accident and a tooth is moved out of place, which disturbs or breaks the nerve and leads to an infection.

Sometimes teeth may need to be removed for Orthodontic reasons, such as to relieve excessive crowding.

There are sometimes when a baby tooth is taking its time in falling out and the adult tooth is growing into the mouth.

My Dentist Is Checking Out My Tooth That Hurts

Prepare Yourself

The first step is to prepare yourself. The more you know the better you can help your child.

Your child needing to have a tooth extracted is scary, for them and for you. So you’ll want to know as much as you can to make this as easy as possible for both of you.

So what do you ask?

First, find out why their tooth needs to be removed,
Second, ask what are the benefits of the procedure,
Third, ask about the procedure itself; what happens and how is it done,
Fourth, ask what your child will feel during the procedure,
Fifth, ask if you can be present during the procedure,
Sixth, ask how you can explain this to your child,
Seven, ask as a pediatric dentist how they explain this to your child,
Eight, ask how you take care of your child afterwards.

Preparing Your Child

You know your child best.

Maybe they do better when you bring things up in advance and they have time to think about it, get used to it and ask you questions.

Perhaps they’ll do better with you bringing this up as you’re going to the appointment with less time to stress.

Or maybe your child is somewhere in the middle.

Also, in addition to timing, the conversation is important.

Let your child ask their questions. Be honest that this is something they need to have done. Bring this up gently and use words that are easy and age appropriate for your child to understand.

Staying Positive And How To Respond To Your Child’s Questions About Why Their Tooth Needs To Be Extracted

When talking with your child stay positive, upbeat, and be confident. They feel confident when they see you being positive, confident and upbeat.

Let them know the tooth fairy will be making a visit. Their tooth won’t be hurting any more and they can get back to their pleasant dreams. When their new adult tooth grows in, it will be happy and healthy. They’ll have their smile back again.

Your Child’s Treatment Day

The night before is not the time to worry. Everyone needs to have a good night’s sleep.

Depending on the time of your appointment maybe you can do something fun before hand, like go to the park or the mall.

Does your child have a comfort toy or blanket? You may want to bring them to the appointment for your child to hold. Or you may want to have them on you for afterwards.

Very important, lots of hugs and hi-fives from you.

Preparing For Your Child’s Recovery

Be sure to follow your pediatric dentist’s instructions about antibiotics and pain medication.

Soft, cold foods are a good idea to have on hand. Pudding, ices, ice cream are good for right afterwards.

Tips For An Uneventful Recovery

Eat only soft, cool, easy foods for the first 24 hours.
No rinsing, no spitting, no drinking through straws or sippy cups for the first 3 days.
No hot, spicy, or acidic foods for the first 24 hours.
No eating seeds, nuts, chips, popcorn, pretzels, dry crumbly, chewy foods for the first week,
The area will be numb from the local anesthetic. Watch your child does not bite or suck on their lip, cheek, or tongue.
Instead of a toothbrush, use a soft wet washcloth with toothpaste to clean your child’s mouth for the first 2 days.
Minimize swelling by applying a cold pack wrapped in a towel to the cheek for periods of 10 minutes on/10 minutes off at a time for the rest of the day after the extraction.
Keep fingers out of their mouth and keep their tongue away from the extraction site.
No soda.
No sports, bicycle riding, swimming for the first 2 days.
Follow all additional after treatment instructions given to you by your pediatric dentist.
If your child has any complaints, there’s bleeding from the site, your child starts to run a fever, or something doesn’t look right to you call your pediatric dentist.

What To Eat After A Tooth Extraction

Eat soft, cool, and easy foods that protect the newly healing extraction site like ~

Apple sauce,
Yogurt,
Mashed Bananas,
Mashed Avocado, Mashed veggies,
Mashed Potatoes,
Scrambled eggs,
Oatmeal, pastina,
Mac and Cheese, pasta,
Soup.

Taking It Easy After A Tooth Extraction

After the tooth has been removed, a blood clot forms in the site (aka tooth socket). The clot needs to take hold and become firm inside the socket. This blood clot plays an important part in the healing process.

A clot that doesn’t become firm will continue to bleed and disrupt the healing process. If this happens you need to go back and have the non-healing clot removed and start all over again. This is why the after care instructions are important.

Activities After A Tooth Extraction

Plan some fun activities your child will like for after their tooth extraction and those you know will help with their healing~

Choose a favorite book to read,
Watch a movie,
Go out for ice cream,
Visit Grandma or Auntie,
Crafts, painting, coloring,
Go to the mall,
Screen time,
Rest, maybe take a nap.

What To Remember

Having a tooth extracted can be an intimidating experience for both you and your child. This procedure can be made less frightening if you have a plan in place from the start.

My Tooth Was Sick So My Dentist Sent It To The Tooth Fairy Early

Has your child had a tooth extracted? Do you think you were prepared for their extraction? How did you prepare your child to have a tooth removed? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook

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

Geographic Tongue in Children: What Parents Should Know

September 12, 2024September 11, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

I Have My Mom's Tongue, Like Mother Like Daughter — I Have My Mom’s Tongue, Like Mother Like Daughter

You’re having a regular day and while talking with your child you notice their tongue looks strange.

As you look closer you ask them if anything is bothering them. Your child says no but you’re starring at their tongue.

When they stick out their tongue it looks like there’s a map stamped on their tongue. Now you’re thinking, what’s this?

Today, we’re breaking down the basics on a tongue appearance variation called geographic tongue.

What Is Geographic Tongue?

Geographic tongue goes by a few other very technical and official sounding names like benign migratory glossitis and erythema migrans.

Our tongues are not smooth. Feel your own tongue. They are bumpy, and these bumps are due to our tastebuds. We have 3 different types of tastebuds that cover all the surfaces of our tongue in different arrangements.

Depending on the set-up of certain tastebuds on the top and/or sides of the tongue you will see different patterns.

These patterns are called geographic tongue, and make the tongue look like a map.

How Many Tastebuds Do We Have?

On average 10,000 tastebuds. That’s a lot of tastebuds! and children can have more.

What Does Geographic Tongue Look Like?

Geographic tongue can be seen on the top and/or on the sides of the tongue. This appears as smooth tongue colored (or reddish looking) areas surrounded by a white (or off white) border.

Does Geographic Tongue Always Look The Same?

It doesn’t. The pattern on the tongue is random. How and when the appearance changes is based on the tastebuds.

How Long Does Geographic Tongue Last?

Geographic tongue can last a few days to weeks to months. It can last years without changing. These patterns don’t cause tongue scarring.

My Roadmap Tongue Doesn't Look Like A Roadmap Anymore — I Like To Show Off My Tongue

What Causes Geographic Tongue?

While there is no known exact cause for geographic tongue, it is known to run in families.

Is Geographic Tongue Painful?

No. Geographic tongue generally doesn’t cause any pain or discomfort.

How Do You Treat Geographic Tongue?

Since there is no pain or discomfort there is no recommended treatment.

I Have My Daddy's Tongue — I Have My Daddy’s Tongue

My Tongue Doesn't Look Like A Map Anymore — I Have My Daddy’s Tongue

How Did My Child Get Geographic Tongue?

Anyone can develop geographic tongue, from babies to toddlers to school age children to adolescents to adults; and it can also run in families.

A Pediatric Dentist’s Experience With Geographic Tongue

I recently had a new family join my practice family. This was their first visit to my office. While the parents and I were going over their children’s medical, dental and family histories, Dad said “I dare you to find what’s unique about my child’s mouth.”

After ensuring there wasn’t anything of concern or urgent, the Dad said “tell me what you see.”

Well, can you guess what I saw? Yes, you guessed it! One of the children has geographic tongue.

Then before I could ask, Mom asked if I had any questions. Sure I had questions, and the first one I asked was “Did Mom or did Dad have geographic tongue?”

Can you guess which parent has geographic tongue? It’s Mom, Mom has geographic tongue, and so does Mom’s Mom.

What To Remember

As a parent, it can be surprising to see unusual patterns on your child’s tongue. However, it’s important to know that while geographic tongue may look different it is not serious or contagious, and does not pose any health risks. In most cases, no treatment is necessary.

Taking A Selfie To Show Off My Special Tongue

Have you seen geographic tongue? Have you been told your child has geographic tongue? Does geographic tongue run in your family? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@kidstoothhotline Chat with Us and Like Us on Facebook

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

Create a Stress-Free Bedtime Routine for Your Child The 4B’s Method

September 5, 2024September 5, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Our Teacher Is Reading Us A Story About Brushing Our Teeth

Brushing Teeth Like Daddy — Our Teacher Is Reading Us A Story About Brushing Our Teeth

An exciting new school year is here and now is the time for your child’s big, healthy smile to shine.

Making your nightly routine enjoyable for your child so they’ll want to take care of their teeth is a good way to start!

Be creative with your own pre-brushing toothbrushing dance, sing some favorite tunes together to help brushing time fly by, buy yummy flavored colorful flossers and have your child choose their color and flavor of the night, and set aside reading time with their best book.

Today we’re talking about tips to setup your routine for motivating your child to take care of their teeth.

The 4B’s For Your Nightly Bedtime Routine

The new school year has started and you’re putting together everyone’s new routine making sure your child starts and ends their day in a healthy way.

Where do you start? Easy, with the 4B’s.

The 4B’s are the key to a consistent bedtime routine for both of you to enjoy together. This helps you to turn challenges into an easy routine and protecting those precious teeth in a big way.

So What Are The 4B’s?

The 4B’s are ~

Bath,
Brush,
Book,
Bed.

Suggestions To Include The 4B’s Into Your Routine

Bath

Low key bath time along with comfy and cozy pjs helps your child to start to relax and wind down from their day.

Depending on how long you both like bath time to linger build that time into your schedule and start earlier before they start rubbing their eyes and you feel rushed.

Brush

Brushing for 2 minutes with a soft wet cloth or favorite soft tooth brush while singing your favorite brushing song puts brushing in a whole new stress free light.

Once their teeth touch each other it’s time to floss.

Remember, nothing to eat or drink after brushing keeps the sugar bugs away.

Book

Children love the sound of their parent’s voice.

Spend together time reading their favorite good night book in your special place, make up your own stories, or use silly voices to tell the story. Your child can follow along as you read to them, they can read to you, or you can make up fun stories together.

Sharing books and being together at the end of the day, even for 15 minutes builds memories and skills you’ll both cherish forever.

As your child gets sleepy it’s book away and into bed.

We Love To Read With Our Mom and Dad After We Brush And Floss

Yes I Still Love It When My Mom and Dad Tuck Me In — We Love To Read With Our Mom and Dad After We Brush And Floss

Bed

Setting a regular bed time and tucking your child in with hugs and kisses for sweet dreams and a restful night’s sleep with clean sparkling teeth helps the whole family have a relaxing night and stress free morning.

The Benefits Of The 4B Routine

These 4B’s will help you create a consistent healthy sleep routine for bed time success allowing your child to settle down for a good night’s sleep, good learning in school, and the added benefit of regular toothbrushing time.

What To Remember

YOU have the power. You can do this!

Set a consistent bath and bed time and stick to it,
Let your child choose their favorite color for their toothbrush, so they feel they’ve made a decision in the process!
Don’t forget to Floss,
Encourage your child to pick out their favorite book or two to read with you before lights out.

From each of us at Kidstoothhotline to you, our Best Wishes for Happy and Healthy Smiles this School Year!

What color is your child’s toothbrush? Which cartoon characters talk about the importance of a healthy mouth? Who’s your superstar brusher? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Chat with Us and Like Us on Facebook

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

Are Your Child’s Teeth Ready For The Tooth Fairy?

August 22, 2024August 21, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You To Know

The Tooth Fairy Came For My Tooth Last Night

The sheer mention of the Tooth Fairy brings out such joy and excitement in all of us. No matter if your child is about to lose their first tooth or you’re a pro the thought of a visit sparks amazing anticipation.

The slightest suggestion the Tooth Fairy will visit causes such happiness and wonder that a special day has been set aside to honor our tooth loving friend. And that day is today!

Yes today, August 22 is Tooth Fairy Day!

Who Is The Tooth Fairy?

The Tooth Fairy is a magical fairy who visits children when they lose a tooth and leaves them a gift if their tooth is healthy and clean.

The Tooth Fairy Always Has Her Basket Of Teeth

A Poem From The Tooth Fairy To You

As pediatric dentists we are very close friends with the Tooth Fairy. So close in fact that she’s written a poem for us to share with you in honor of her special day.

My Dearest Friend,
I saw you wiggling in your mouth and knew a tooth would soon be mine
You kept it close thinking you'd stay up all night long
Then you drifted off to sleep and I began my fairy flight
So into your bedroom I did come upon my fairy wings
When I took a peek I found my favorite thing
Now off I go, I have to dash
I hope you'll send me other teeth but there is no rush
And remember my dearest friend, every time you lose a tooth 
another takes its place for you to floss and brush
Most Sincerely,
Your friend in teeth,
The Tooth Fairy

When To Anticipate Your Child’s First Tooth Fairy Visit

Losing baby teeth is an exciting time for children. Their baby teeth will begin to get looser and looser, eventually falling out, and be replaced by their adult teeth.

This usually begins around 6-7 years old for most children. However, some parents may start seeing loose baby teeth when their child is 4 1/2 years old.

There are 2 things we often see that are helpful for you as a parent to know ~

The earlier baby teeth come in, the earlier the Tooth Fairy visits.
Girls teeth may come in a little earlier than boy’s teeth.

Celebrating A Tooth Fairy Visit

Some fun tips to prepare for your child’s tooth fairy visit ~

Have a Tooth Fairy pillow or door hanger with a pocket to hold their tooth ready for Tooth Fairy pickup.
Your child can write a letter to the Tooth Fairy, and sometimes she answers that letter and includes some of her magical fairy glitter.
Money may be expected, sometimes though the Tooth Fairy leaves a tooth friendly gift that she would really like your child to use. Since this gift is from the Tooth Fairy it gives your child more encouragement to use this.
You may feel that you want to give your child a money gift. Sparkles and money may be the way to go. Place your gift in a home made decorated envelop and add in some magical tooth fairy glitter.
The Tooth Fairy always has her trusty wand to help scoop up those precious teeth. Sometimes a tired Tooth Fairy may leave behind her wand which gets found in their bedroom the next day.
Keep a tooth Fairy journal for you and your child to write about how they lost their teeth, how old they were, the present they received, and what they did with their prize, and any other special notes or pictures you may want to add.
Reinforce positive oral hygiene habits with the Tooth Fairy as a way to achieve this; because the Tooth Fairy (like Santa) always knows.
Think about creating your own family traditions and customs knowing the magic and excitement of the tradition will likely be more important to your child than any monetary amount!

The Tooth Fairy Is Always Welcome To Visit Our Home

What To Remember

Today you can remember your own joyful memories of your Tooth Fairy visits, when your newly lost tooth was exchanged for a surprise when you looked under your pillow the next morning. Sharing and passing along these memories with your children is a priceless way to create new and endearing memories for both of you. Happy Tooth Fairy Day!

What are your favorite Tooth Fairy memories? How do you prepare for your child’s Tooth Fairy visit? What treasure does your Tooth Fairy leave? What do you think the Tooth Fairy does with the teeth she gathers up each night? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook

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

My Dearest Friend,
I saw you wiggling in your mouth and knew a tooth would soon be mine
You kept it close thinking you’d stay up all night long
Then you drifted off to sleep and I began my fairy flight
So into your bedroom I did come upon my fairy wings
When I took a peek I found my favorite thing
Now off I go, I have to dash
I hope you’ll send me other teeth but there is no big rush
And remember my dearest friend, every time you lose a tooth another takes its place for you to floss and brush
Most Sincerely,
Your friend in teeth,
The Tooth Fairy

My Child Has A Pimple On Their Gums, Why Does Their Tooth Have An Abscess?

August 1, 2024July 31, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Everything is going according to plan with your at home toothbrushing and flossing routine.

Then your child comes to you and says their tooth and/or their gums hurt, or they’ve been up at night crying needing pain medicine, or when you look inside their mouth you see a pimple on their gums, or you notice their face is swollen.

You’re thinking, what is this?, why did this happen?, and what do I do?

These are some signs of children’s tooth infections, also known as an abscess, and need to be taken seriously.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on abscesses involving children’s teeth.

What Is A Tooth Abscess?

A tooth abscess is an infection. The abscess is buildup of pus that looks like a red, swollen bump or pimple on the gums.

The most common type of abscess involving children’s teeth is a periapical abscess, which is a bacterial infection.

This type of infection forms when the bacteria from a cavity or fractured tooth spread from the outermost layer of tooth enamel through the to the nerve (aka pulp) of the tooth and out of the tooth to the area around the tooth that is in the bone.

There are 2 other types of abscesses which are ~

A gingival abscess starts in the gum tissue and does not touch nearby teeth. There are some medical conditions which cause this type of abscess to occur. A popcorn kernel stuck in the gums is also a likely cause of this type of abscess
A periodontal abscess is located in the gum tissue and alongside the root of a tooth. This is less often seen in children and is most commonly seen in adults.

Why Do Children’s Teeth Abscess?

Cavities are caused by bacteria. When cavities go untreated they grow bigger which allows more bacteria to grow through a tooth.

In some cases a broken tooth can lead to an infection. When a tooth is broken the inner parts of a tooth are exposed and bacteria grows into and through these unprotected tooth layers.

When the bacteria reach the pulp of a tooth, the pulp becomes inflamed, starts to die, and the infection begins.

In addition, there are other instances when there is an accident (aka tooth trauma) and a tooth is hit and/or moved out of place, which can disturb or break the nerve and lead to an infection.

What Are The Signs Of A Tooth Abcess To Look For?

A child’s symptoms depends on several factors including how long the pain has been bothering them and how far the infection has spread.

Also be on the look out for ~

Pain in the affected tooth may come on suddenly and increase quickly to severe pain (and possibly in other teeth, their ear, their jaw, their neck, their temples, and/or their eyes),
Pain mostly at night when they are lying down,
Decrease in eating and drinking,
Temperature sensitivity,
Sensitivity to pressure placed on the affected tooth,
Tooth mobility,
Color change in the affected tooth (e.g., the tooth turning brown or black),
Swelling and/or redness in the gums around the tooth,
Facial swelling,
Their tongue feeling like it doesn’t fit in the bottom of their mouth,
Swollen lymph nodes under the child’s jaw or in their neck,
Bad breath,
Bad taste in their mouth,
Fever,
Feeling sick.

Mommy And Daddy Please Make My Tooth Stop Hurting — Daddy, Why Is My Face Swollen?

Can An Abscess In A Baby Tooth Affect The Permanent Tooth?

Yes.

Abscesses in baby teeth can affect the development of permanent teeth growing underneath the baby tooth and lead to discoloration, weakened enamel, malformed or mottling of the adult tooth.

Do Children’s Tooth Abscesses Go Away On Their Own?

No.

An abscess in a child’s tooth will not go away on its own.

The pus bubble may pop BUT that does NOT mean that the infection has gone away.

Even if your child’s symptoms appear to be improving, this does not mean that the abscess is healing, an abscessed tooth still requires dental treatment.

In fact the infection will come back worse (and it does) because the bacteria continue to grow causing more pain and swelling.

At the first sign of pain and/or swelling you need to contact your pediatric dentist or pediatrician right away.

When left untreated the infection will not only affect other teeth, it will become a medical emergency.

Daddy's Taking You To The Dentist To Check Your Gums — Daddy’s Taking You To The Dentist To Check Your Gums

Mommy And Daddy Are Taking You To The Dentist To Make Your Tooth Stop Hurting — Daddy’s Taking You To The Dentist To Check Your Gums

Are Antibiotics Needed For A Child’s Tooth Abscess?

In most cases a child will first be prescribed antibiotics to control the infection and reduce swelling so that treatment can be performed.

Contact your pediatric dentist or pediatrician to have your child examined for them to determine the best course of antibiotic treatment for your child.

Can A Child’s Tooth Abscess Turn Into An Emergency?

Yes.

If you suspect your child may have a tooth abscess, call your child’s dentist’s office right away and tell them your child’s symptoms.

If left untreated, a tooth abscess can spread to other parts of the body, potentially leading to serious medical complications.

There are times when a tooth abscess can lead to life-threatening conditions.

If your child is experiencing difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, swelling in their neck, facial swelling or other potentially life-threatening conditions, you should first seek immediate treatment at your closest hospital’s emergency room.

What To Remember

Abscesses occur as a result of prior injury to a tooth or untreated cavities.

They can affect the development of your child’s permanent teeth.

These infections do not heal on their own and become serious very quickly.

A child’s symptoms depends on a several things in addition to how long the pain has been bothering them and how far the infection has spread.

It’s important to watch for any of the symptoms I’ve described above, and to contact your pediatric dentist or pediatrician immediately with your child’s first complaint.

I Don't Want To Play Because My Tooth Hurts — I Don’t Want To Play Because My Tooth Hurts

Do you know a child who has had a tooth abscess? or a dental infection? We hope that everyone is okay, what needed to be done to take care of the infection? Have you ever had an infected tooth? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook

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

Summer Vacation Tips for Healthy Teeth: Keep Your Child’s Smile Bright

July 11, 2024July 10, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Mommy And Daddy, Did You Remember To Pack Our Toothbrushes And Flossers?

Summer is here and it’s time for long lazy days and fun foods. Whether your plans include traveling, a staycation, or sending your child to camp, it’s even more important to keep up your brushing and flossing routine.

Why? Ice cream, popsicles, summer foods and snacks always taste better with clean healthy teeth.

Today we’re breaking down the basics with summer vacation tips for healthy summer teeth.

Summer Vacation Tips

Brushing and flossing is important even in the summer, especially since children like sugary treats to keep cool.

Stay With A Routine

Stay with your consistent daily routine and add a twist. Do something fun while brushing to keep your child’s attention long enough for you to brush all their teeth. Brush and floss together and have a brush-a-thon to your child’s favorite tunes. Pack a sticker chart for a fun daily tooth brushing reminder. and look for your child’s favorite flavor toothpaste or toothbrush and flossers with their favorite character for camp.

During your travels bottles and sippy cups may be good for comforting your child, however falling asleep with one in their mouth increases your little one’s risk for cavities.

Raise Your Hands If You Brushed Your Teeth This Morning

Showing Daddy How Beautiful My Teeth Are After Mommy Brushed Them — Raise Your Hands If You Brushed Your Teeth This Morning

Keep Your Traveling Dental Kit Handy

Put together a dental kit for your travels whether you’re taking a car trip, a plane trip, or sending your child to summer camp.

Pack a kit and a spare (or 2) with floss, toothbrush, toothpaste, and fluoride rinse for everyone. Remember to keep it on you in a carry-on bag so it’s easily accessible for you.

Mommy Packed My Dental Kit For Me To Use At My Camp — Road Trip, Dental Kit in Red Suitcase

Have A Choice? Choose Water

Juice boxes and cans of soda may be convenient, but the soda and fruit juices don’t quench thirst for long and even make children thirstier. Then there’s the sugars in those beverages which weaken the outermost tooth layer (aka enamel) causing teeth to look dingy and increase the risk of cavities.

Why water? Water is refreshing, it’s best for keeping your child hydrated and for helping to keep their teeth healthy. Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, and keeps saliva flowing which is essential for helping prevent cavities.

Daddy Says Water Is The Best To Drink — Thirst Quencher Refresher

Healthy Summer Snacks

Special foods are more fun when eaten along with tooth friendly options like fresh fruit, veggies, whole grains, and dairy.

Choose fresh fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, and celery which provide essential vitamins and also help clean teeth. Same for cheese and yogurt (without added jellies, jams or crunchies). These snacks are high in calcium and phosphate, which can help strengthen tooth enamel.

Lunching With My Favorite Summer Foods Poolside

Watermelon Is My Favorite Summer Snack — Lunching With My Favorite Summer Foods Poolside

Pool’s Rules Rule

Everyone loves to be at the pool. With so much excitement, so many people, and water splashing everywhere there’s always a chance for a slip, a fall, and potential tooth injury. It’s important to follow the pool’s rules about diving, diving boards, jumping into the pool and running poolside.

No one wants to leave the pool because of a tooth accident. Stay safe and follow the rules.

Cruising Along With Our Healthy Teeth — Pool Time After Toothbrushing Time

Smile Protector

Summer means being outside and having fun swimming, biking, skate boarding, riding the scooter, and playing sports. This fun can sometimes lead to a dental accident.

It’s important to make sure your child wears a mouthguard when playing sports and other physical activities. This preventive step can help protect their teeth from potential injuries.

Protecting Teeth While Having Fun At The Beach

What To Remember

While your child is on vacation their teeth are not, this is why it’s so important to stay on track with their dental health.

Time To Go In For Our Night-Time Flossing And Brushing Before Bed

Showing Off My Pearly White Teeth — Time To Go In For Our Night-Time Flossing And Brushing Before Bed

Have a wonderful summer and enjoy your child’s healthy summer smile!

What is your child looking forward to doing most this summer? What is their most favorite, must have snack, drink and summer food? Do you have any summer family traditions? Tell us, 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!

Creating a Fun and Positive Dental Experience with Child Friendly Language

June 27, 2024June 26, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You To Know

Open Big And Say Cheese Just Like Counting My Teeth At My Pediatric Dentist's Office — Open Big And Say Cheese Just Like Counting My Teeth At My Pediatric Dentist’s Office

As parents you want to soothe any dental anxiety and remove fears of the dentist for your children, and one of the best tools at your disposal is knowledge.

Keeping descriptions simple, easy going, and relatable is always important no matter what your child’s age. Using child friendly words when explaining the people they will meet, the sites, sounds and instruments (aka tools) go a long way to easing your child into their dental visits.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on how to keep things simple, honest and understandable when preparing your child for their visit with the pediatric dentist.

Child Friendly Language Is The Key To Creating A Fun And Positive Dental Experience

Each visit is an opportunity for you and your pediatric dentist to create a positive dental experience for your child. Fun and self-explanatory word exchanges allow for understanding and encourage confidence toward dental appointments.

Child Friendly Dental Words

Adult Dental Words	Child Friendly Dental Words
Dental Chair	Recliner
Dental Chair Light	Flashlight
Saliva Ejector	Mr. Thirsty or Straw
Dental Mirror	Looking Glass
Explorer	Tooth Counter
College Pliers	Picker Uppers
Air Water Syringe	Water Squirter or Super Soaker or Wind & Water
Examine Teeth	Counting Teeth
Cleaning	Tickle Teeth
Prophy Brush	Tooth Tickler or Electric Toothbrush
Prophy Paste	Yummy Flavored Toothpaste
Floss	Tooth String
Fluoride	Tooth Muscles or Tooth Vitamins
X-ray Machine	Camera
Intra-oral Sensor	Tooth Selfie or Photo
Lead Apron	Emoji Cape or Superhero Cape or Blanket
Cavity	Sugar Bugs
High Speed Handpiece (aka fast drill)	Mr. Whistle or Airplane
Slow Speed Handpiece (aka slow drill)	Mr. Bumpitty Bump or Motorcycle
Bur	Shower Head
Injection	Sleepy Juice For Teeth
Topical Anesthetic	Jelly or Spicy Jelly
Remove A Tooth	Tooth Dance or Tooth Wiggle
Infection	Bubble
Rubber Dam	Raincoat
Rubber Dam Clamp	Tooth Ring
Isodry or Isolite	Mr. Fish or Tooth Pillow
Nitrous-Oxide Oxygen	Magic Air
Nitrous Oxide-Oxygen Nose	Ice Cream Nose
Curing Light	Tooth Dryer or Magic Light
Crown	Chapeau or Fancy Hat or Baseball/Football Helmet
Space Maintainer	Tooth Jewelery
Sealant	Tooth Polish

Child Friendly Dental Words

A Big Thumbs Up To My Pediatric Dentist For Being Creative In Helping Me Understand Everything Today

Today Is My Dentist's Appointment And I Can't Wait To Go — A Big Thumbs Up To My Pediatric Dentist For Being Creative In Helping Me Understand Everything Today

What To Remember

It’s not what we say but how we say things that make all the difference. Effective language is key to having a positive experience. As children grow and mature pediatric dentists tailor their explanations to be age appropriate.

No matter what their age, children remember the fun words at the dentist as they grow which helps them have a positive experience and attitude for their dental visits.

Before you know it they’ll be saying to you “I remember when you explained to me about Mr. Whistle and the sugar bugs, by doing that you made it so easy for me at the dentist.” Now that’s empowerment.

I'm Giving My Pediatric Dentist A Thumbs Up For Explaining Everything So I Wasn't Nervous Today — I’m Giving My Pediatric Dentist A Thumbs Up For Explaining Everything So I Wasn’t Nervous Today

My Children Just Had The Best Pediatric Dental Appointment — I’m Giving My Pediatric Dentist A Thumbs Up For Explaining Everything So I Wasn’t Nervous Today

How do you prepare your child for their dental visit? Have you come up with any fun words to explain to your child their upcoming appointment? Which are your favorite children’s dental terms? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or chat with us on Facebook

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

Zirconia Crowns: Aesthetic and Durable Choice for Children

June 20, 2024June 19, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

My Zirconia Crowns Are As Pretty As My New Teddy Bear

You’re at your child’s dental check-up and you find out that the tooth you thought has a cavity does have one and that a filling just won’t do.

In my last post about crowns, we discussed stainless steel crowns. Stainless steel crowns are the classic reliable standard for taking care of baby (aka primary) teeth when placing a regular filling puts a tooth at risk for breaking. But let’s face it, they are not very esthetic.

When esthetics is a concern, there is another option and that is the zirconia crown.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on an esthetic children’s tooth crown alternative, the zirconia crown.

What Is Zirconia?

Zirconia is a high quality ceramic material which closely resembles natural teeth, providing durability and a natural appearance.

What Is A Zirconia Crown?

White zirconia dental crowns are an esthetic alternative to stainless steel crowns for children.

In addition to being metal free, strong and biocompatible, they are esthetically pleasing since they can blend in with your child’s natural teeth; whether back teeth or front teeth.

These crowns are for restoring primary teeth that are chipped, damaged, broken, not developing properly, have had a pulpotomy, or have areas of tooth decay (aka cavity) which are too large for a filling because of the risk of breaking the tooth.

Smiling Pretty With My Mommy After Getting My New Zirconia Crown

Mommy And Me Reading Up On Zirconia Crowns — Smiling Pretty With My Mommy After Getting My New Zirconia Crown

How Long Does A Zirconia Crown Last?

Zirconia is very strong and well suited for children who need their crowns to last for several years until they naturally lose their baby teeth.

How Do We Take Care Of A Zirconia Crown?

Your child’s daily brushing and flossing routine has the same importance now as it always has, and with increased emphasis now that your child has a crown.

It’s best to avoid biting anything hard, sticky, chewy and gooey since they can dislodge the crown or pull it off completely.

Are The Reasons For A Zirconia Crown Different From A Stainless Steel Crown?

The reason for a children’s tooth crown, whether it is a zirconia crown or a stainless steel crown are the same.

I'm Showing Off My Zirconia Tooth Crown — I’m Showing Off My Zirconia Tooth Crown

Can You Guess Which Are My 2 Zirconium Crowns? — I’m Showing Off My Zirconia Tooth Crown

5 Indications For A Children’s Zirconia Crown

Tooth decay has caused so much loss of tooth structure that a filling will break, break the tooth even more, or both,
After a pulpotomy,
A fractured tooth,
A tooth that grew in with weak structure (not due to a cavity),
Esthetics are a concern.

When Isn’t A Zirconia Crown Recommended?

There are 4 specific times when a Zirconia crown isn’t advised~

When a child grinds their teeth,
When there is space loss between the tooth needing the crown and the adjacent teeth,
When there is too little tooth structure remaining to retain the crown on the tooth,
When there is substantial crowding between the teeth.

What To Remember

Baby teeth may be small but their need is great.

This is because children’s primary teeth are essential for chewing, speaking, and maintaining space for the development and correct positioning of their adult teeth.

Zirconia crowns are a good treatment choice for these important teeth for 4 reasons ~

They have good retention,
They are fracture resistant,
They are oral hygiene friendly,
They have parent’s satisfaction and increase children’s self-confidence.

I Really Like How My Zirconia Crown Looks

Have you been told your child needs a crown? Are you concerned about the crown’s esthetics? What do you think about zirconia crowns? Do you feel comfortable discussing zirconia crowns with your child’s dentist? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or chat with us on Facebook

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

The Importance of Stainless Steel Crowns for Child Tooth Care

June 6, 2024June 5, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

Why Am I Going To The Dentsit For A Crown? I'm Already Wearing One — Why Am I Going To The Dentsit For A Crown? I’m Already Wearing One

You take your child for their regular dental check-up appointment and you’re feeling good this time but you still have this feeling they may have a cavity or two.

The hygienist asks you to come over and the pediatric dentist begins to discuss the best way to take care of the tooth with the big cavity. Yes, that tooth. The tooth all the way in the back that has been a challenge to floss and brush.

As the dentist is talking with you, you’re thinking “maybe a filling, a smallish filling, after all it’s a baby tooth and not very big.”

Then you hear the words “cap” and “crown.” You’re surprised and thinking “oh no, what?, how?, you’ve got to be kidding.”

This isn’t a ploy. There are times when a child’s tooth may have a cavity, a developmental defect, or a fracture and the best way to restore the tooth is with a dental crown.

Today we’re breaking down the basics on a commonly used dental crown for children, the stainless steel crown.

What Is A Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a tooth shaped cap that restores a decayed or broken tooth.

The crown fits over the entire tooth (like a hat covers your child’s head) and is contoured to ensure a proper fit.

Why Does A Baby Tooth Need A Crown?

Baby Teeth (aka primary teeth) are important to take care of because they help with proper speech development, chewing, and maintaining space for adult teeth to come in correctly.

When a baby tooth has a cavity, or defect, or is fractured the structure of the tooth is weakened and can easily break; which causes another set of issues.

Covering the tooth with a crown gives support and structure while preserving the tooth’s form and function.

What Are The Reasons For A Dental Crown?

Tooth decay (aka cavities) is very prevalent among children, and the extent of the cavity is the most common reason for a crown.

There are several additional indications for why a child needs a dental crown —

After a pulpotomy,
The decay has caused so much loss of tooth structure that a filling will break, break the tooth even more, or both,
The tooth has developmental defects that compromise the structure of the tooth,
A fractured tooth

Mommy And Daddy Say This Is Why I Need Silver Caps On My Molars — I Had To Have 2 Silver Caps

What Is A Stainless Steel Crown?

Stainless steel crowns are a metal crown which are pre-formed, resemble the anatomy of the tooth and can be contoured to the tooth. The crown is then affixed onto the tooth with a special dental cement.

A stainless steel crown is the most traditional type of crown for baby molars. The reason is that they are designed to last for several years until the baby tooth falls out. They are very durable, and adapt very well to the tooth.

What Is A Stainless Steel Crown Made Of?

Stainless steel crowns are manufactured using a stainless steel alloy which contains nickel and chromium.

If your child has any sensitivity or allergy to any of these materials it’s important for you to speak with your pediatrician and pediatric dentist before your child’s crown appointment.

How Long Does A Stainless Steel Crown Last?

A stainless steel crown is placed to help restore form and function to a baby tooth (most typically a baby molar), and lasts as long as the baby tooth.

The tooth and the crown usually come out together, which can be around the time your child is 10 to 14 years old.

Grandma Do You Remember When I Had All Those Silver Crowns In My Mouth? I Learned My Lesson

How Do We Take Care Of A Stainless Steel Crown?

Floss and brush around the tooth with the crown just like all your child’s other teeth.

It’s best to avoid sticky, chewy and gooey candies since they can dislodge the crown or pull it off completely.

Daddy's Helping Me Brush My Teeth So I Won't Have To Get Any More Silver Crowns — Daddy’s Helping Me Brush My Teeth So I Won’t Have To Get Any More Silver Crowns

Is There An Alternative To A Stainless Steel Crown?

While stainless steel crowns are the gold standard for children’s molar teeth, there are other options available, such as stainless steel crowns with a pre-veneered tooth colored white facing and zirconium crowns.

Stainless Steel Crown With Pre-Veneered White Facing

Stainless steel crowns can be made to look more esthetically pleasing with a pre-veneered tooth colored plastic face.

These crowns appear more cosmetic because from the front they look “tooth colored” but the area around the facing, the biting surface, the sides and back of the crown are all the traditional silver color.

For the tooth colored facing to adhere to the metal crown extra bulk is added, so these crowns look thick and round.

The facing also has an increased tendency to easily break off exposing the silver underneath.

Zirconium Crowns

Stay tuned for my upcoming post on these new for children highly esthetic crowns.

What To Remember

The care of baby teeth is essential due to their role in chewing, speaking, and maintaining space for the development and correct positioning of adult teeth.

While baby teeth may be smaller in size than adult teeth, tooth decay, structural defects and fractures loom larger for them.

Stainless Steel Crown’s are the treatment of choice for primary teeth for 3 important reasons —

Durability,
Longevity,
Reliability.

Mommy Had Silver Caps in Her Mouth When She Was Little, I'm Making Sure My Precious Angel Never Does — Mommy Had Silver Caps in Her Mouth When She Was Little, I’m Making Sure My Precious Angel Never Does

I Got A Tooth Crown And Princess Crown Today — Mommy Had Silver Caps in Her Mouth When She Was Little, I’m Making Sure My Precious Angel Never Does

Does your child have a stainless steel crown? What were your thoughts when you heard your child needed a stainless steel crown? Did you have a stainless steel crown as a child? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothotline@proton.me Like Us or chat with us on Facebook

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

Why Does My Child’s Baby Tooth Need A Pulpotomy?

May 30, 2024May 29, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 2 Comments

In the Know for You to Know

My Dentist Told My Mom That I Need A Pulpotomy — My Dentist Told My Mommy And Daddy That I Need A Pulpotomy

Your child may have woken up with a toothache or hurt their tooth playing sports. Maybe your neighbor or sister-in-law called you because your child is at a sleepover and has tooth pain. Before you know it you’re being told the nerve in their tooth is inflamed and they need a pulpotomy.

Then you’re thinking, what does all this mean, what is a pulpotomy, and why does my child need a pulpotomy?

I’ve had a lot of questions recently about pulpotomies. Today I’m answering your questions and breaking down the basics on a frequently performed procedure but one you’re not familiar with, a pulpotomy.

Do Baby Teeth Have Nerves?

Yes, Baby teeth have nerves. The nerve is the inner most part of the tooth.

The Nerve Of The Tooth Is Also Known As The Dental Pulp

The nerve, or dental pulp of a tooth is the inner most part of the tooth. The pulp is a jelly-like structure in the center of every tooth, which contains nerves, blood vessels, connective tissue and specialized cells. The purpose of the pulp is to keep the tooth alive.

Why Does A Baby Tooth Need A Pulpotomy?

Cavities and a traumatic injury to a child’s tooth are the main reasons the tooth’s pulp is wounded.

A pulpotomy is performed in order to remove the damaged portion of the nerve and keep the remaining part of the pulp intact and alive.

This way the tooth feels normal and your child can keep their baby tooth until it falls out naturally and is replaced by an adult tooth.

What Is A Pulpotomy?

A pulpotomy is a procedure in which a dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth’s pulp to help prevent the formation of an infection, so your child can keep their baby tooth until it falls out naturally.

This procedure is only performed on baby teeth, and when there are no signs or symptoms of infection, such as pain, sensitivity, or swelling.

Is A Pulpotomy Like A Root Canal?

A baby tooth pulpotomy is sometimes referred to as a “baby root canal” or a “baby nerve treatment,” but this is not the same as an adult tooth root canal.

In a traditional root canal, all of the dental pulp is removed. In contrast a pulpotomy only removes the diseased pulp and is intended to preserve the remaining healthy pulp. This helps to keep the tooth healthy and strong.

It’s Only A Baby Tooth, Why Save It?

Children with strong healthy baby teeth grow up to have strong healthy adult teeth.

It’s i mportant to take care of baby teeth because infections in baby teeth cause pain and can damage developing adult teeth.

Healthy baby teeth are also important because they help with proper speech development, chewing, good nutrition, and maintaining space for the adult teeth to come in correctly.

What Should We Be Doing At Home To Prevent Needing A Pulpotomy In The Future?

ToothBrushing And Flossing Routine

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

Mouthguards Matter

As a parent you are always saying “Wear your helmet!” when our children want to go out to ride their bike, skateboard or scooter. Mouthguards offer the same protection.

While a helmet protects a child’s head, a mouthguard helps 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.

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.

What To Remember

A pulpotomy is often recommended as a way for your child to be able to keep their baby tooth and is performed on a tooth for a few reasons —

when the bacteria from a cavity penetrate into the nerve of a tooth,
a tooth is broken and the crack is extends into the nerve of the tooth.

This procedure is done because they are too young to lose their baby tooth, and their adult tooth is not developed enough to grow in.

Has your child had a toothache and needed a pulpotomy? Has your child suffered a hit to their mouth which cracked their tooth and they needed a pulpotomy? Have you ever had a root canal? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us of Chat with us on Facebook

I'm Having Fun Playing With My Dad and Brother After Brushing and Flossing So I Don't Need Another Pulpotomy — I’m Having Fun Playing With My Dad and Brother After Brushing and Flossing So I Don’t Need Another Pulpotomy

My Mom Says My Baby Molar Needs A Pulpotomy — I’m Having Fun Playing With My Dad and Brother After Brushing and Flossing So I Don’t Need Another Pulpotomy

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

Why Do Children Need To Have Teeth Taken Out?

Prepare Yourself

Preparing Your Child

Staying Positive And How To Respond To Your Child’s Questions About Why Their Tooth Needs To Be Extracted

Your Child’s Treatment Day

Preparing For Your Child’s Recovery

Tips For An Uneventful Recovery

What To Eat After A Tooth Extraction

Taking It Easy After A Tooth Extraction

Activities After A Tooth Extraction

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Is Geographic Tongue?

How Many Tastebuds Do We Have?

What Does Geographic Tongue Look Like?

Does Geographic Tongue Always Look The Same?

How Long Does Geographic Tongue Last?

What Causes Geographic Tongue?

Is Geographic Tongue Painful?

How Do You Treat Geographic Tongue?

How Did My Child Get Geographic Tongue?

A Pediatric Dentist’s Experience With Geographic Tongue

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

The 4B’s For Your Nightly Bedtime Routine

So What Are The 4B’s?

Suggestions To Include The 4B’s Into Your Routine

Bath

Brush

Book

Bed

The Benefits Of The 4B Routine

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Who Is The Tooth Fairy?

A Poem From The Tooth Fairy To You

When To Anticipate Your Child’s First Tooth Fairy Visit

Celebrating A Tooth Fairy Visit

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Is A Tooth Abscess?

Why Do Children’s Teeth Abscess?

What Are The Signs Of A Tooth Abcess To Look For?

Can An Abscess In A Baby Tooth Affect The Permanent Tooth?

Do Children’s Tooth Abscesses Go Away On Their Own?

Are Antibiotics Needed For A Child’s Tooth Abscess?

Can A Child’s Tooth Abscess Turn Into An Emergency?

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Summer Vacation Tips

Stay With A Routine

Keep Your Traveling Dental Kit Handy

Have A Choice? Choose Water

Healthy Summer Snacks

Pool’s Rules Rule

Smile Protector

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Child Friendly Language Is The Key To Creating A Fun And Positive Dental Experience

Child Friendly Dental Words

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Is Zirconia?

What Is A Zirconia Crown?

How Long Does A Zirconia Crown Last?

How Do We Take Care Of A Zirconia Crown?

Are The Reasons For A Zirconia Crown Different From A Stainless Steel Crown?

5 Indications For A Children’s Zirconia Crown

When Isn’t A Zirconia Crown Recommended?

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Is A Dental Crown?

Why Does A Baby Tooth Need A Crown?

What Are The Reasons For A Dental Crown?

What Is A Stainless Steel Crown?

What Is A Stainless Steel Crown Made Of?

How Long Does A Stainless Steel Crown Last?

How Do We Take Care Of A Stainless Steel Crown?

Is There An Alternative To A Stainless Steel Crown?

Stainless Steel Crown With Pre-Veneered White Facing