Why Does My Child Grind Their Teeth?

January 25, 2024January 24, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

My Mom and Dad Say I Grind My Teeth But I Don't Know Why — My Mom and Dad Say I Grind My Teeth But I Don’t Know Why

You walk into your child’s room to check on them after they’re asleep, you hear what sounds like fingernails on a chalkboard and you think “Oh no, they’re grinding their teeth. But do children grind their teeth?”

According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia about 3 out of 10 children grind their teeth, and that’s before they’re 5 years old. So yes, teeth grinding is fairly common for children.

What Is Tooth Grinding?

Tooth grinding, is also known as bruxism. Bruxism is when your child grinds or clenches their teeth together. This can occur unconsciously during the day or at night while they are sleeping.

What Are The Signs My Child Is Grinding Their Teeth?

There are usually 6 signs to look out for that your child is grinding their teeth —

The grinding, nails on a chalk board sound,
Their teeth are getting shorter because they are getting worn down and becoming more sensitive,
Their teeth look flatter especially the eye teeth (aka canines),
Their jaw joints (aka Temporomandibular joint or TMJ), jaws and/or cheeks are sore in the morning,
Their neck muscles are tight and painful in the morning,
They have a headache in the morning.

While children may let you know about most of these signs in the morning, they can also occur during school, after school, and in the evening.

Why Do Children Grind Their Teeth?

Young children such as toddlers and preschoolers usually grind their teeth as a way counteract teething discomfort or pain. They’re getting new teeth so this is also a way for them to learn how to place their teeth together.

Most school age children between the ages of 6 and 9 stop grinding on their own.

For the school age children, tween and teenagers who still constantly grind there could be a few reasons why —

It could be a sign that they are stressed. We don’t usually think that children have stress, but they do. There’s school work, home work, tests, sports, after school, in other words lots of reasons to be stressed,
Their teeth aren’t lining up in a way that’s comfortable for them to bite together and they’re searching for the right spot for all their teeth to fit together comfortably,
Some medications,
They may not be getting good sleep due to things like nightmares, night terrors, snoring, sleep apnea,
Ear infections cause a buildup of pressure in the middle ear and a child may grind to compensate and try to equalize what they’re feeling.

Can Bruxism Cause Problems?

Chronic bruxism can cause ongoing problems such as —

Worn off tooth enamel
Fractured and chipped teeth,
Tooth sensitivity,
Jaw pain,
Jaw joint issues,
Headaches.

How is Bruxism Treated?

Toddlers and preschoolers grind their teeth usually when they are teething. To help with the teething pressure you can try a clean cool wet washcloth, you hold the cloth while having them bite on it. The coolness of the washcloth helps soothe their gums.

For older children who haven’t stopped clenching and grinding their teeth, like school age, tweens and teenagers and you’re concerned that it’s damaging their teeth or causing jaw pain, your pediatric dentist can sometimes fabricate a custom night guard. A night guard helps cushion the impact from grinding, which can help prevent damage to the teeth and jaw joint.

If teeth clenching and grinding is part another sleep issue like snoring or sleep apnea, it’s important for you to speak with your pediatrician before your child’s next appointment.

As A Parent, What Can I Do To Help My Child?

Help your child, no matter their age, feel relaxed and comfortable before bed by establishing a calming bed time routine —

Set a regular bedtime and wakeup time every day,
Encourage beds are only for sleeping, no electronics or doing homework in the bed
Set up their room decor in a warm, welcoming, comfy and cozy way,
Have them take a warm bath or shower before bed,
Older children may want to listen to their favorite book on a podcast,
For younger children, reading their favorite stories or books together,
You may want to start the evening with their favorite music or some calming music and have some fun,
You may want to turn on an app with some calming water sounds, white noise, nature sounds,
As an after school activity you may want to consider children’s yoga,
Try to find out what’s causing the grinding. This may take some detective work and part of that is talking with your child to see how things are going, if anything has changed, anything new at school or with sports…

If you’ve tried and it’s not working, then it’s best to speak with your pediatrician and pediatric dentist to help you delve deeper and help you get the right treatment.

What To Remember

Often, the first indication that your child is grinding is the noise created by the clenching during sleep; or, you may notice their teeth getting shorter.

There are many thoughts as to why this occurs. Stress or inner ear infections are only 2 likely causes.

While the majority children may outgrow this or not require any treatment, there are children who need to see their pediatric dentist and pediatrician to address the cause of their bruxism and provide treatment.

If you suspect bruxism or have any concerns, always discuss this with your pediatrician and pediatric dentist.

Do you grind your teeth? Have you heard your child gnashing their teeth together? What have you done to help stop the grinding? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

New Years Resolution Tips On How To Keep Your Child’s Smile Healthy In 2024

January 4, 2024January 3, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Happy New Year 2024!

Can you believe we rang in 2024? Seems like yesterday that everyone was in awe of the new century starting, and now we’re almost at a quarter of the century. Time sure does fly.

In the spirit of this new year we’ve put together some helpful tips to make it easier for you to take care of your children’s teeth. This is because as we know, taking good care of your children’s teeth gives you the power to protect your child from cavities.

Floss And Brush That Smile

A handy tip is that the last thing that touches your child’s teeth at night is their toothbrush.

Brushing starts and ends your day
Make a game out of brushing your child’s teeth 2 Minutes 2X’s A Day – Once in the morning after breakfast and once at night right before their bedtime.
Floss every night
There are 2 rules of thumb for flossing —
1st is to begin flossing your child’s teeth once they have any two teeth touching,
2nd is that flossing is recommended with your every night brushing routine. The key is to floss first and brush second. This way all the yucky stuff that comes out from in-between their teeth is brushed away.
What type of toothbrush?
Choose a child size soft bristle toothbrush. Remember to replace it when the bristles start to wear down, which is usually every 3 to 4 months.
How much toothpaste?
For children under 3 years old a rice grain size (meaning a dab) of fluoridated toothpaste on a baby tooth brush or finger brush or wash cloth is the right amount. For children over 3 years old brush twice a day with a pea size amount o fluoride toothpaste. Be sure your child doesn’t swallow the toothpaste and spits it out instead. Can’t spit out? Have a wash cloth handy to wipe the toothpaste off their teeth, tongue and cheeks.

Sister's Showing Off Their Smiles Together

Fluoride Is Nature’s Cavity Superpower

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in most drinking water. It’s also in toothpaste and mouth rinses. There are some sources of drinking water like bottled, filtered, spring, and well waters that vary in their fluoride amount. If this is the case for you then it’s important to talk with your pediatric dentist or pediatrician about fluoride supplements. In the right amount and on a regular schedule fluoride is safe and helps prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.

Protect Your Child’s Teeth With Sealants

Sealants protect the grooved chewing surfaces of back teeth (molars) where most cavities are found. They are made of clear or tooth colored plastic which is brushed on to these surfaces of the tooth to help keep them cavity-free. Sealants can last for several years, and over time will need to be reapplied when necessary.

Healthy Diet Strong Teeth

It’s important to avoid all day snacking. Children should have 2-3 healthy snacks per day. These snacks are an opportunity to provide nutrients because children actually need more nutrients than they can get at meal time.

Good food can be fun food
Fresh fruit and veggies are always flavorful and appealing. To make eating them
more fun you can cut their fruit and veggies into different shapes with your
cookie cutters. Know what goes great with fruit and is good for teeth? Cheese! The calcium in cheese is healthy for growing teeth and growing bones. So it’s a win-win 2 for 1. When thinking about bread and crackers, whole grains are a great addition to
stay on that healthy track.
Juice is not a way to meet your child’s daily fruit and vegetable needs
Juice, soda, and sports drinks are sugar sweetened beverages with no real nutritional value and put you on the fast track to cavities. Drinking water and plain low fat milk are the healthiest choices. Water is the best choice in-between meals and for hydration.

Help Prevent Sports Related Dental Injuries

If your child plays sports, any kind of sports, it’s best to use a mouth guard to protect their teeth. Sporting goods stores sell hard and soft types, or your pediatric dentist can make a custom mouth guard. Your child only needs to wear 1 guard, and usually the top is more comfortable and easier to fit. When it’s more comfortable and a regular part of their sports equipment it’s so much easier to wear.

What are your News Years Resolutions for healthy teeth and gums? Your resolution doesn’t have to be for a whole year. Take small steps for the next week or for this month. Tell us what you’re doing and how you’re doing. We’d really like to know!

Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Keep Your Child’s Smile Sparkling During The Holidays

December 14, 2023December 13, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

The holidays spirit is in the air! Spending time enjoying family, friends and food is here. Chocolate, candy, cookies, and cake are everywhere.

Mostly everything our children eat this time of year is tied to tradition, especially the sweets. As parents we want to create new memories and enjoy family traditions.

This is also a great time to start new family traditions to help your children maintain healthy tooth habits even during your hectic holiday schedule.

Strive For Moderation

We’ve all heard this from our own parents. You can enjoy everything but everything in moderation.

But why is this especially true for sugary and starchy foods?

Holiday time with big family meals and lots of special foods and tons of deserts increase the number of times children are eating sweets.

The natural bacteria in their mouth also love all those sugary and starchy foods. As they do this, the bacteria release acids that eat away at tooth enamel. Eating away at the enamel causes cavities.

So what to do? When you’re planning your entertaining and festive meals, make sure your child’s other meals (like breakfast and lunch) and snacks are full of foods that help strengthen teeth, like fresh vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy and lean protein.

If you’ve been invited out for the holidays, stock your own refrigerator and kitchen cabinets with healthy food. This way you’ll know that when you’re at home, your child is enjoying foods with less sugar and important nutrients.

New Twists On The Classics

Family time together with home made cookies and hot chocolate is the best. With minor alterations in the recipe these special treats can be even better.

Instead of using all purpose flour, perhaps you can find a recipe that replaces some of the regular flour with whole wheat flour. Maybe you experiment to see how much frosting, icing, sprinkles, jimmies and sugar decorations you can remove from your baked goods and your children and guests will still absolutely love them.

There’s something so special about drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows when it’s cold outside. Maybe instead of mixing up the pre-packaged mixes (which are loaded with sugar), you make it from scratch. This way you can keep the hot chocolate on the yummy side but not the sugary sweet side. Or maybe you’ll add a dash of cinnamon. Remember, that peppermint stick candy is just for decoration.

Make Brushing And Flossing A Priority

Set aside a dedicated time each morning after breakfast and each night before bed devoted especially for you and your children as together time, and to and reinforce good brushing and flossing habits.

Making oral hygiene even more of a priority during the holidays can help go a long way in protecting your child’s teeth.

Remember to brush your child’s teeth with a fluoride toothpaste for 2 minutes in the morning and 2 minutes before bed, and floss before their bed time brushing. Use an age appropriate amount of fluoride toothpaste on their toothbrush — that’s a rice grain size or smear for children younger than 3 years old, and a pea size amount for children between 3 and 6 years old.

If you’re traveling for the holidays, pack all your children’s brushing supplies in your luggage before you head out on the road. Check List: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss.

Avoid Grazing While Enjoying Family Time

Spending time together in the kitchen enjoying all the cooking and baking, or at the table reminiscing after a luxurious meal is so heart warming.

But it’s actually not that great for teeth.

The first 30 minutes after eating are the most vulnerable time for teeth. This is when they are the most susceptible to those bacterial acids. So eating a cookie here, grabbing a candy there, actually restarts the clock each time. It’s really better to eat and drink all at once. If your child is having their one special juice or soda, it’s best for them to drink it with their meal so that it gets neutralized by their saliva.

How Much Powdered Sugar Do You Like On Your Jelly Donut?

Give Some Tooth-Friendly Holiday Gifts

Including a few tooth friendly gifts into your holiday gift mix is a good way towards keeping your child’s teeth healthy during the holidays and afterwards.

Gift Tips —
Cool character toothbrush, cool color toothbrush, tempting flavored toothpaste, travel-size dental kit, fun brushing timers, flavored floss, or an electric toothbrush for an older child.

Encourage Drinking Water

Drinking water helps to wash away the residual food that stays around in the mouth as we eat and after we eat. Water also helps to stimulate more saliva to be released into the mouth, both of which neutralize the pH in the mouth.

This is a good thing because there isn’t any sugar in water, so it then goes on to also help neutralize the acid caused by bacteria in the mouth.

Drinking water is always a good idea, whether it’s with a meal, after a meal, instead of juice and soda, or after a sugary drink. An added bonus is that water keeps everyone hydrated.

The holidays are hectic enough. Helping you child brush like a champ, and being watchful about the amount of sugary treats they eat and drink during the festivities and downtime at home, and keeping up with their regular dental check-ups goes a long way to happy mouths and bright smiles for all.

Cavity bugs love to eat sugar and teeth. When do you think is their most favorite time of the year? Tell us what you think. We’d really like to know. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook at facebook,com/kidstoothhotline

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

What Is The Blue-Purple Bump On My Baby’s Gums?

November 30, 2023November 29, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Feels like there's something in my mouth

Your baby is healthy and happy, and achieving their milestones. Next on the list is teething. Yes teething, but you’ve got this, you’re on it.

Then one day when you’re cleaning your baby’s mouth you notice a bump. Not just any bump, a bluish-purplish bump on their gums where a tooth is supposed to be.

You’re thinking what is this bump? It wasn’t there before, where did it come from?

While you’re used to the more common signs of teething like children drooling, putting their hands in their mouths, running a low grade temperature, diarrhea, or pulling on their ears. there is also a not so commonly talked a sign of teething.

There are some babies and toddlers who may have a bump on their gums around their developing tooth. This bump is called an eruption cyst.

What Is An Eruption Cyst?

An eruption cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms around a tooth that is developing before that tooth comes through the gums.

As the tooth moves closer to the gums the sac (or bump) appears through the gums and as the tooth continues to grow the bump becomes more apparent.

An eruption cyst does not affect the development of the tooth. The tooth develops as it normally would.

How Does An Eruption Cyst Form?

When fluid accumulates around the special dental tissue which surrounds the developing tooth the eruption cyst forms.

The normal pressure from the developing tooth on the fluid pushes on the gums and because the gums are thin the bump appears bluish-purple.

Sometimes blood can be in the bump around the tooth, which gives the bump a red-brown color.

There are some theories as to why this can occur, there aren’t any definitives as to what causes the fluid to accumulate around the developing tooth.

How Is An Eruption Cyst Treated?

Most of the time when the tooth has fully developed to the point it is ready to come through the gums the eruption cyst will pop on its own.

When the eruption cyst pops and the fluid is clear you’ll see a brand new tooth coming into your baby’s mouth with sore looking gums around the tooth. The sore looking gums are from the eruption cyst that popped and usually gets better on its own in about a week.

However when the cyst pops and there is blood in the bump you’ll see blood in the mouth and on the lips. The best thing to do if you see this is to wet some clean soft wash cloths and gently clean your baby’s mouth. This way you can see where the blood is coming from. When it comes from a new tooth the gums will look sore and get better on their own in about a week.

If you have any worries or concerns always contact your child’s dentist or pediatrician.

What To Know About An Eruption Cyst

Can be a bluish-purple or reddish-brown bump or bruise on the gums which forms over a developing tooth,
This bump may feel spongy or look like a small balloon on the gums,
They may look uncomfortable, but they usually are not painful,
An eruption cyst lasts until the tooth comes into the mouth,
There can be redness around the gums when the eruption cyst pops and the new tooth comes into the mouth.

What To Remember

Eruption cysts are the not so often talked about part of teething. It is formed by fluid accumulating around a developing tooth. These sacs can look like a bluish-purple or red-brown bump on the gums. They usually aren’t a cause for concern and pop on their own when the tooth comes into the mouth.

Have you seen an eruption cyst up close in person? What did you think when you saw it? Share your thoughts with us, we’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Dental X-Rays Are Safe For Children – As A Parent What You Need To Know

November 16, 2023November 15, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

My Dentist Always Goes Over My X-Rays With My Dad

As parents we know from our own dental experiences about cavity detecting x-rays. But x-rays detect so much more than cavities. X-rays allow Dentists to diagnose and treat conditions that can’t be detected during a clinical examination.

Pediatric Dentists recommend x-rays only when they are necessary and minimize radiation exposure by using lead aprons with thyroid collars, and following the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American College of Radiology and Image Gently.

But wait, there’s even more that is being done to minimize radiation exposure for your child.

Digital X-Rays

Digital x-rays significantly reduce the amount of radiation as compared to the older film based x-rays, and provides an opportunity to further reduce the radiation dose by 90 percent.

In addition, today’s modern digital dental x-ray machines are required by the FDA to have “child settings” that keep radiation exposure to a minimum.

Digital x-rays are instantaneous. Their improved diagnostic quality and the efficiency to view the x-rays directly on the computer screen enable you to better visualize and follow your child’s treatment.

Even though it takes less than a second to take a digital x-ray, your child will still be protected with a lead apron and thyroid collar shield to protect their body from unnecessary radiation exposure.

If you’re into green technology, you’ll be glad to know that digital x-rays are green.

X-Ray Procedure For Children

Pediatric Dentists have special ways to help children be comfortable taking an x-ray.

First, before taking any x-ray, we place a protective lead apron and thyroid collar on your child.

Then to make taking the x-ray easier we use child size digital x-ray computer sensors while engaging your child to “take a photo” or “take a tooth selfie” of their tooth. Children really like seeing their tooth selfie on the computer screen.

Types Of Dental X-Rays

There are several varieties of x-rays typically seen in a pediatric dental office, but the type that is used totally depends on your child’s needs.

Bitewing X-rays – Are to view cavities between the teeth, especially when then teeth are touching.
Periapical X-rays – Allow us to see several adjacent teeth and the supporting bone structure. This is also helpful to see the adult teeth growing underneath baby teeth. We also use this x-ray to check for any tooth infections.
Panoramic x-rays – We’re able to view of the entire mouth, upper and lower jaws, the jaw joint, sinus, nose, eyes and the wisdom teeth.
Occlusal X-rays – We take one for the top front baby teeth and another for the bottom front baby teeth. This allows us to check for cavities, infections, injuries, and developing adult teeth.
Orthodontic x-rays – Evaluate the relationship between the head, jaw, and teeth.

Important To Know

While dental x-rays are important to diagnose and treat oral health conditions which wouldn’t ordinarily be found during a clinical examination, this is not something Pediatric Dentists take lightly.

Pediatric Dentists respect your concerns for your child’s health especially about radiation exposure during x-rays and are mindful to minimize the amount of radiation.

We do this by following the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry for the type and frequency of x-ray examinations, in addition to adhering to the radiation protection standard of ALARA for a safe radiation protocol, as well as the Image Gently safety and effectiveness standards for pediatric radiation imaging safety best practices.

Also, in addition to following these 3 sets of guidelines, lead aprons and thyroid collars are used to help to protect your child. Modern equipment restricts the x-ray beam to the area of concern, while digital x-rays, and proper shielding assure that your child receives the minimal amount of radiation exposure.

We want to assure you that we respect everyone’s opinion regarding dental x-rays. We also hope that you found the information from last week’s post as well as today’s helpful and informative.

What are your feelings now about dental x-rays after seeing how diligent Pediatric Dentists are in making sure that when your child does need an x-ray it is taken with the least amount of radiation possible? Have they changed? Are they the same? Share your thoughts with us, we’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Dental X-rays For Children, What Parents Need To Know

November 9, 2023November 8, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

Dental x-rays (aka radiographs) are a valuable diagnostic tool to see places on teeth that are not visible to the eye. They help diagnose cavities and other developing problems that your Pediatric Dentist would not be able to see otherwise.

While dental x-rays are not like medical x-rays, the same question still comes to mind – What about the radiation?

This X-Ray Machine Takes X-Rays Of The Teeth Inside My Mouth

Why Dental X-rays Are Important

As parents we know from our own dental visits about cavity detecting x-rays. But x-rays detect so much more than cavities. Pediatric Dentists utilize x-rays to evaluate developing adult teeth, evaluate the results of an injury, diagnose bone problems, or plan orthodontic treatment.

X-rays allow Pediatric Dentists to diagnose and treat conditions that can’t be detected during a clinical examination. Dental problems that are found early and treated early allow dental care to be more comfortable.

Safety Features

X-rays are recommended only when necessary to evaluate and monitor your child’s oral health, and the frequency is determined by your child’s individual needs.

Pediatric Dentists are particularly mindful and careful to minimize radiation exposure.

3 Sets Of Gold Standards and Guidelines

As well as following the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (aapd.org) guidelines for the type and frequency of x-ray examinations, Pediatric Dentists also adhere to the principle of ALARA as set by the American College of Radiology (acr.org) and Image Gently (imagegently.org).

ALARA stands for “as low as reasonably achievable” and is a radiation protection standard set by the American College of Radiology (acr.org) for establishing and following a safe radiation program.

Image Gently (imagegently.org) is a coalition of health care organizations dedicated to providing safe, high quality pediatric x-ray imaging worldwide. The primary objective for Image Gently is to raise awareness in the imaging community of the need to adjust the radiation dose when imaging children.

Safety Equipment

In addition to following these 3 sets of guidelines, lead aprons and thyroid collars are used to help to protect your child. Today’s equipment restricts the x-ray beam to the area of interest. Digital x-rays, modern equipment and proper shielding assure that your child receives the minimal amount of radiation exposure.

Oral Health Conditions X-rays Diagnose

Dental x-rays are used to diagnose conditions that cannot be seen with the plain eye.

To this end, x-rays are used to assist in diagnosing:

Infection
Injuries
Monitor healing
Developing teeth
Impacted teeth
Growths, cysts, tumors of the jaws
Cavities
Gum disease
Growth and development of the face, teeth, and jaws

My Dentist Took This X-ray To Check For My Wisdom teeth

Important To Know

This is not something Pediatric Dentists take lightly. While dental x-rays are important to diagnose and treat oral health conditions that wouldn’t ordinarily be detected during a clinical examination, at the same time, Pediatric Dentists respect the importance of your child’s health and are careful to minimize their radiation exposure.

We respect everyone’s opinion regarding dental x-rays and hope you found this information on dental x-rays helpful.

In our post next week we will continue our conversation on x-rays and focus on digital x-rays, the x-ray procedure for children, the types of dental x-rays and when they are recommended.

What are your feelings about dental x-rays now that you’ve read about ALARA, Image Gently and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s standards for radiation safety? Would you feel comfortable discussing this with your child’s Dentist? Share your thoughts, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

How Much Does Your 2 Year Old Love To Brush Their Teeth?

November 2, 2023November 1, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

I'm So Happy To Brush My Teeth — Love To Brush My Teeth

As much as this 2 year old?

Have you seen this video on CNN? cnn.com/videos/entertainment/2023/10/31/cop-pull

A sweet 2 year old girl was pulled over by Okarche, Oklahoma Police Officer Ashley while driving her pink convertible.

Unfortunately she was to busy brushing her teeth to speak to the Officer. Luckily, everyone was so impressed by her toothbrushing skills that she was not given a ticket by the Police Officer.

Now everyone, remember this might not work for you, so please don’t BWD, aka “brush while driving.”

Thanks to CNN’s Jeanne Moos for this breaking story.

Thanks for the APB on the BWD from Officer Ashley and Chief Forest of the Okarche Police Department.

P.S. You go Rose Fern!

P.S.S. Next time please remember to brush at home in front of the mirror.

A really big HAPPY BIRTHDAY shout out to Rose Fern!! ~From KidsToothHotline~

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

Raise Your Toothbrush For National Brush Day

October 26, 2023October 25, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

National Brush Day is celebrated every year on November 1st. That’s right, the day after Halloween.
Each year on November 1st, National Brush Day focuses on the importance of children’s oral health through activities to make brushing fun, and tips to keep their teeth healthy, while reminding everyone that brushing doesn’t have to be a chore.

What Is National Brush Day?

Every year we celebrate National Brush Day to remind us how important it is to brush our children’s teeth everyday and reinforce good dental health. At the same time you’re encouraging your older children to brush their teeth on a daily basis.

Why Is National Brush Day The Day After Halloween?

We celebrate to make up for those extra sweets from Halloween so we can get back to our healthy routines including brushing our children’s teeth.

What Do We Need To Celebrate National Brush Day?

You already have everything you need to use at home.

The 3 pieces of equipment you need are a soft tooth brush, a dab will do ya size of toothpaste (fluoride preferred), and a flosser.

Remember to floss first so that you to take out all the yucky stuff that gets caught in between their teeth (and there’s always stuff) then you brush all that away. If you floss after toothbrushing, you’ll have to brush all over again.

When Do We Start?

If you haven’t already, this is a great day to start. This way, National Brush Day will always be your anniversary for good oral health!

Brushing 2minutes 2x’s a day is a great way to start on your way to good dental health.

Toothpaste Flavors

We’re used to the usual toothpaste flavors like mint and bubblegum.

How about some crazy flavors that you may or may not want to try on your or your child’s toothbrush —

Bacon
Chocolate
Wasabi
Blueberry
Cantaloupe
Ketchup

Celebration Ideas

Make brushing fun on National Brush Day and every day. After your children enjoy their treats it’s time to brush to the beat of their favorite song. On this day being especially mindful of how important brushing your child’s teeth is for 2 minutes 2x’s a day.
Brush up on their brushing by getting back to basics. Remind your child by showing them how to brush gently along their gum line and brush all the way to the back of their mouth. Remind them to brush for a full two minutes.
Make it a family brushing competition. Brushing is actually fun when you do it together. Create a family chart to track how well everyone is brushing. Each day, have your child fill in the chart for how long they brushed their teeth and if they flossed. At the end of the month decide on a reward for the family member that did the best. Keep this going every month.
Check out 2min2x.org for fun brushing ideas.
Involve your children and take them with you to the store when you buy them their favorite flavor toothpaste and a colorful toothbrush or a toothbrush with their favorite character. If your child is old enough maybe you’ll consider an electric toothbrush.

Important To Remember

National Brush Day, is November 1st. It falls on the day after Halloween because it serves as an important reminder of the significance of children’s oral health, and encourages healthy toothbrushing habits.

This is to remind and encourage you to ensure your children either brush their teeth or have their teeth brushed by you for 2 minutes, twice a day, on National Brush Day and every day.

HAPPY NATIONAL BRUSH DAY from us to you!

Which is your pick for the craziest toothpaste flavor? Have an idea for a crazy toothpaste flavor? Tell us. Share with us your family’s favorite toothbrushing song? We’d really like to know. Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Fun Dental Friendly Choices For Halloween Treats

October 12, 2023October 11, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Halloween is almost here. Every where you look there’s chocolates and sugary treats ready for trick or treaters. You know all this sugar causes trouble for your child’s teeth and the last thing you want are cavities afterwards. What do you do?

With all this temptation, what do you choose when you want your child to have healthier choices?

We’ve put our heads together and come up with some suggestions for a tooth friendly, fun and happy Halloween.

Choosing Non-Food Goodies

When offering treat choices select children’s play favorites such as glow sticks, spider rings, vampire fangs, pencils, bubbles, bouncy balls, finger puppets, whistles, stickers, stencils, rubic’s cube, or yo yo’s.

Healthy Selections For Halloween Treats

These are our top picks for healthy treats you can prepare with your child and your child will love this Halloween —

Itsy Bitsy Spider Bites

These Spider Bites are fun and easy to prepare. Melt chocolate chips and peanut butter together in a bowl then add pretzel sticks. Arrange the pretzel sticks in the shape of a spider on a parchment paper lined sheet pan, place in the refrigerator until firm.

Chocolate Dipped Mandarin Pumpkins

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

Mummy in your mouth Pizza

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

Pumpkin Hummus with Witchy Broomsticks

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

Jack-O-Lantern Peppers with Witchy Dip and Vegetable Broomsticks

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

Sharing Our Halloween Treats With You — A Small Treat Gives A Big Smile

Halloween is an exciting time for parents and children. Dressing up, trick or treating, parties with Halloween themed foods and enticing names. This is also a great time to share lessons about how fun food can also be healthy food and help keep their teeth healthy.

Which snack choice will your family try this Halloween? What is your family’s favorite Halloween treat? Share your favorites with us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

Happy Halloween and Safe Trick Or Treating!

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

Dental Tips For A Healthy Halloween

October 5, 2023October 4, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

Halloween is the sweet time of the year when children enjoy dressing up in their favorite character costume and going out trick or treating, collecting candy and treats from friends and neighbors.

Leading up to Halloween and in the weeks after there are steps you can take to keep your child’s teeth healthy. Keeping candy and brushing guidelines consistent and positive, allows your family’s Halloween to be less about arguing and supervising candy.

Make a plan together so everyone knows what to expect and stick to it. This is also a great opportunity to teach your child about moderation, a balanced diet and healthy indulging.

Tooth Friendly Tips

Check out these dental tips for a happy Halloween –

1. Sort and check the candy bag together

When you get home from trick or treating sit down at the table with your child and sort and check treats as you go through their treat bag with them. Help your child pick the healthiest choices. Allow them to eat these choices within a specific period of time in the kitchen rather than continually snacking throughout the night and into the next few days. By doing this you’re done and everyone is happy. Remember to keep candy out of their bedroom.

2. Sticky and hard candies stay in the mouth for a long time

Staying away from hard candies, taffy, dried fruits, caramels, and other chewy, sticky candy is a good idea. When choosing candy, less sticky and less sour goodies like pretzels, sugar free gum and chocolate are always a good choice. Chocolate without any mix-ins is great because it slides off and there’s nothing to get stuck in their teeth.

3. Water is your friend

Drink fluoridated water (from the tap or bottled) to help wash away any sticky gooey chewies. Water is really good for you and your teeth.

4. Brush the candy away

After trick or treating it’s important to make sure to floss and brush your child’s teeth. It takes 2 minutes of brushing to clean away all the candy and flossing to remove what has gotten in between their teeth. Keeping up with your flossing and brushing routine is important every day and teaches good consistent habits.

5. Candy is not a healthy snack

Don’t allow the Halloween candy stash to be a substitute for healthy snacks. Cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, celery sticks, carrot sticks, cucumber slices, apple slices, and easy to peel mandarin and clementine oranges are great snack choices.

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

Trick or Treat? — What To Do With So Many Treats?

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

What is your child’s most memorable Halloween costume? Which sweet treat is your child’s favorite? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me. Like us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

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Choosing Non-Food Goodies

Healthy Selections For Halloween Treats

Itsy Bitsy Spider Bites

Chocolate Dipped Mandarin Pumpkins

Mummy in your mouth Pizza

Pumpkin Hummus with Witchy Broomsticks

Jack-O-Lantern Peppers with Witchy Dip and Vegetable Broomsticks

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Tooth Friendly Tips

1. Sort and check the candy bag together

2. Sticky and hard candies stay in the mouth for a long time

3. Water is your friend

4. Brush the candy away

5. Candy is not a healthy snack

If this is helpful for You Please Share: