Tag: Toddler Tooth Care

Helping Your Child Be Comfortable At The Dentist

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In the Know for You To Know

I'm Watching My Dentist Clean My Teeth
I’m Watching My Dentist Clean My Teeth

As a parent you know how important your child’s health is, including their dental health. Taking your child to the dentist is as important as taking them to their pediatrician.

But what if your child is afraid of going to the pediatrician? Will they also be afraid to go to the dentist?

We’ve put together tips you can use to help overcome fears of the dentist and reinforce positive dental experiences.

How To Calm Your Child’s Fears Of The Dentist

1. Start going to the dentist with your child at an early age

I'm One and I Have Teeth
I’m One and I Have Teeth
Mom Said We're Going To The Dentist After The Park
Mom Said We’re Going To The Dentist After The Park

First tooth first dentist visit and continue with regularly scheduled checkups. This way your child becomes familiar with the dentist and more comfortable at each visit. Bonus – you also learn ways to help your child you may not have known.

2. As your child gets older tell them about their upcoming dental appointment with a limited amount of details

Answer their questions simply and keep it light and positive. Then let your pediatric dentist describe the specifics about their dental visit in an easy age appropriate manner.

My Dentist Always Tells Me and Shows Me Everything First
My Dentist Always Tells Me and Shows Me Everything First
Then My Dentist Does What She Said
Then My Dentist Does What She Said
I'm Liking The Cool Shades At My Dentist's Office
I’m Liking The Cool Shades At My Dentist’s Office

3. Role play going to the dentist

This is an incredible ice-breaker before your appointments. Whether it’s practicing opening wide and counting teeth, sitting in the family room recliner practicing to open wide, reading books together about going to the dentist, or playing dolls with Dentist Barbie; your child will have a positive outlook for their appointment.

Mommy Said The Dentist Is Going To Take Pictures Of My Teeth, So I'm Practicing
Taking My Tooth Photos Wearing My Cool Shades
Checking Out My Tooth Photos With My Dentist and My Dad

4. Drive past your pediatric dentist’s office

While your out together doing errands or the school run, the day before their appointment drive past to show your child where you’ll be going to their appointment.

5. Children are very smart and in tune with their parent’s feelings

Please don’t mention any previous bad experiences you’ve had at the dentist.

6. Show your child the importance of good dental health by taking care of your own teeth

Explain that their dentist is a doctor who helps us keep our teeth and gums happy and healthy.

7. Practice at home

Children learn by example, so by modeling proper oral health care habits and discussing them with your child in a positive way, you can help prepare your child for successful dental visits now and into the future.

Brushing Teeth With My Grandma
Brushing Teeth With My Grandma
My Dad Teaching Me To Brush My Teeth
My Dad Teaching Me To Brush My Teeth
My Mom Teaching Me To Brush My Teeth
My Mom Teaching Me To Brush My Teeth
Mommy and Me Brushing Time
Mommy and Me Brushing Time
Daddy's Watching Me Brush To Make Sure I Brush Right
Daddy’s Watching Me Brush To Make Sure I Brush Right

8. Listen to your child’s fears and concerns

By listening to your child’s feelings and any worries they may have alleviates a lot of anxiety they’re feeling. Listen and provide reassurance that going to the dentist is a safe experience. Let them know it’s okay to feel scared or anxious and that you will be there with them during their appointment and their pediatric dentist is here to help.

9. Find a fun and welcoming pediatric dentist

Pediatric dentists make every visit a fun adventure for your child. Visit aapd.org and click on Find a Dentist.

Books To Read About Going To The Dentist

Books are great to help in preparing your child for their dental visit since they have a positive impact on children’s perception of the dentist.

3 recommendations to help you get started –

The Tooth Book by Dr. Seuss (amazon.com/Tooth-Book-Dr-Seuss)

The Berenstain Bears Visit The Dentist by Stan and Jan Berenstain (amazon.com/Berenstain-Bears-Visit-Dentist)

Show Me Your Smile! A Visit To The Dentist — with Dora The Explorer (amazon.com/Show-Your-Smile-Dora-Explorer)

Our Teacher Is Reading Us A Story About Going To The Dentist
Our Teacher Is Reading Us A Story About Going To The Dentist
Mommy's Reading To Me About My Dentist's Visit
Mommy’s Reading To Me About My Dentist’s Visit
Mommy And I Are Reading About Going To The Dentist
Mommy And I Are Reading About Going To The Dentist
Daddy And I Are Reading About Going To The Dentist
Daddy And I Are Reading About Going To The Dentist
I'm Reading To Mommy And Daddy About Going To The Dentist
I’m Reading To Mommy And Daddy About Going To The Dentist
Daddy's Reading To Me About Going To The Dentist Tomorrow
Daddy’s Reading To Me About Going To The Dentist Tomorrow
Reading With Our Mom and Dad About Going To The Dentist
Reading With Our Mom and Dad About Going To The Dentist

What’s Important To Know About A Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists are like pediatricians.

After dental school we go on to study for an additional 2-3 years dedicated to children’s dental health, medical health and growth and development.

We only see children and specifically take care of children during all stages of their dental development. We are the experts for children from birth to college graduation.

Overcoming The Overwhelming

I'm Watching My Dentist Clean My Teeth
I’m Watching My Dentist Clean My Teeth

Going to the dentist can be overwhelming for a child. There are so many sites and sounds – from a large chair that moves up and back, to lots of shiny metal equipment (aka tools) with some that spin in their mouth while making noises, and the dentist puts a tool or two into their mouth.

Children grow quickly so regular check-ups are the key to their familiarity and comfort, while allowing your pediatric dentist to monitor their development and ensure you maintain their healthy teeth throughout their childhood and young adulthood.

What To Remember

Dental health plays such a tremendous role in your child’s health and life that you’ll want to get them started on a good path at a young age. These are tips you can use to help overcome their fear of the dentist and reinforce positive dental experiences.

Share your experiences. What has worked for you to overcome your child’s fear of going to the dentist? We 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!

Game Plan For Your Child’s Healthy Teeth

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In the Know for You to Know

We Have A Great Game Plan For Healthy Teeth
We Have A Great Game Plan For Healthy Teeth

What’s the secret to a healthy smile? It’s knowing what you’re up against.

Learning about teeth’s enemies is how you’re able to fight back.

The Enemies

Plaque

Plaque is this sticky, mushy, colorless film that collects on your child’s teeth everyday is your biggest opponent. When you eat, the food and sugars in it break down by chewing. The natural bacteria in the mouth turns these sugars into acids. The chewed up food and acids attach to the enamel of teeth and is called plaque. Over time the plaque turns into hard deposits on teeth. When this happens the plaque is called tartar.

Decay

When plaque and tartar stay on teeth the tooth’s outer enamel breaks down, causing decay or cavities. Decay starts on the outside and grows into the tooth. Depending on what stage the cavity is found determines how the tooth needs to be treated.

Sugars

What your child eats and drinks, in addition to how often affects their teeth. Sugar comes in many forms and is added to practically all foods and drinks, even those labeled as sugar-free. Starchy foods like chips and crackers, drinks like iced teas and 100% juices, and condiments like ketchup also contains sugars which affect teeth.

Teeth’s Best Friends

Daily tooth brushing (2Minutes 2Times A Day) with a fluoride toothpaste and nightly flossing remove daily plaque accumulation.

Mommy and Daddy are Watching How I Brush
Mommy and Daddy are Watching How I Brush
My Nightly Flossing Routine
My Nightly Flossing Routine

Why Brush Twice A Day?

There are 3 reasons to brush your child’s teeth every morning and every night — Plaque buildup can irritate your child’s gums and eat away at tooth enamel causing decay. Brushing brightens their smile and helps prevent bad breath. Brushing and flossing boosts their overall health.

Why Floss Everyday?

These are the 3 reasons to floss your child’s teeth every night before you brush their teeth — Plaque sticks to teeth, especially the in between spaces where the teeth touch and where no tooth brush bristle can reach. Adding flossing to your nightly routine helps to reduce inflamed and bleeding gums. Flossing helps your child’s body be healthier.

What’s Important To Remember?

Grandma Is Showing Me How Much Toothpaste Goes On My Brush
Love Brushing It's Time To Change My Tooth Brush
Daddy Put A Pea Size Amount Of Toothpaste On My Tooth Brush
Tooth Brush Size Makes All The Difference

Tooth brush size, tooth paste and flossing matter.

Always choose a soft tooth brush and the correct size tooth brush for your child’s age.

If your child is 3 years old and younger place a rice grain size amount of tooth paste on the tooth brush. If your child is older than 3 years of age put a green pea size amount of tooth paste on the brush.

Tooth brushing 2Minutes 2Times A Day with a fluoride tooth paste (with the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance) and flossing every night before brushing gives your child healthy gums, sparkling teeth, fresh breath and a healthier body.

What’s your game plan to a healthy smile for your child? 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!

The 4 B’s For Your Child’s New School Year Tooth Brushing Routine

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In the Know for You to Know

We Are Back To School
We Are Back To School

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.

This year you’re thinking you want to brush up on your tooth brushing habits. But how?

The best way to start is with spiffing up your night time brushing. To do this all you and your child have to remember are the 4 B’s.

That’s right, the 4 B’s are the key to a pleasant and consistent bed time routine, so that this is a time for you both to enjoy together.

By incorporating these 4 B’s you are turning challenges into an easy routine and protecting those precious teeth in a big way.

What Are The 4 B’s?

The 4 B’s stand for Bath, Brush, Book, Bed.

We’ve put together some helpful suggestions on how to incorporate them into your routine.

Bath

Comforting bath time along with comfy and cozy pjs helps your child to
start to relax and wind down from the day.

Bubbles Make Bath Time Fun
Laughing With Mommy After My Bath
Ready For Our Pj's After Our Baths
I'm Starting To Feel Ready For Bed

Brush

Brushing time for 2 minutes with a soft wet cloth or soft tooth brush while singing your favorite brushing song puts brushing in a whole new light, stress free. And, once their teeth touch each other it’s time to floss.

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

Brushing Teeth Like Daddy
Mommy's Coming To Help Me Brush My Teeth
Daddy's Helping And Watching Us Brush Our Teeth
Mommy's Making Sure I Learn How To Brush My Teeth Correctly
Daddy's Watching Me Brush To Make Sure I Brush Right

Book

Children love the sound of their parents voice. Spend together time reading their favorite good night book in your special spot. Your child can follow along as you read to them, they can read to you, or you can make up fun stories together.

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.

I Love When Daddy Reads To Me
Daddy Reads Us The Best Stories
Big Books Have The Best Stories
Reading With Mommy Is Always Fun
Tonight Is Daddy and Me Time To Read Before My Bed Time
Reading With My Grandma Is The Best
Grandma And I Read Every Night Before My Bed Time

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.

I Love When Daddy Tucks Me Into Bed
I'm Dreaming My Pleasant Dreams
Mommy And Daddy Tuck Me In For Sweet Dreams
Yes I Love It When My Mom and Dad Tuck Me In
Time For Bed And Sweet Dreams

The Power Of The 4 B Routine

What makes your 4 B routine powerful is YOU.

These 4 B’s will help you set a comforting and reassuring routine for bed time success. Being consistent in your timing, and not being rushed so you have enough time between when you start and your child’s bed time. Pretty soon your diligence will rub off on your child and they’ll be reminding you.

The Benefits Of The 4 B Routine

These 4 B’s will help you create a consistent healthy sleep routine for bed time success which allows your child to settle down and have a good night’s sleep. And remember to turn off all electronic devices well before bedtime.

Wishing you Happy and Healthy Smiles this School Year!

What is your nightly bed time tooth brushing routine? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Saying Bye Bye To The Pacifier

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In the Know for You To Know

You’ve decided, the time is now to say bye bye to your child’s pacifier.

Now you’re asking yourself, So how do I do this?

I’m glad you asked, here are some tips to help you say bye bye to the pacifier—

Giving Away My Pacifier
Giving Away My Pacifier

Younger Is Better

Children should stop using the pacifier around the age of 2 years old.

Some parents like to stretch it out until 3 or 4 years old. However the older your child is when you take the pacifier away, the harder it will be for both of you.

Why? They have memories and routine with their pacifier. So younger is better.

Why Does It Matter?

Pacifiers can result in early dental problems for your child, which can really be seen when their adult teeth begin to come into their mouth.

Dental problems may develop depending on how long, how often, and how strongly your child sucks on their pacifier.

Continued sucking can cause changes in the proper growth of their mouth, the roof of their mouth, and the position of their teeth.

What Do I Do If My Child Won’t Give Up Their Pacifier?

Gradually have your child wean off the pacifier, try limiting use to nap time and bed time at first. Then let your child use the pacifier for short periods of time if you feel they particularly need it, and then continue to gradually shorten the frequency and amount of time the pacifier is used.

On the other hand there are some parents who say the only way to go is cold turkey. This may entail crying for a night or two until your child gets used to self soothing their way to sleep.

No matter how you approach this, if it makes your child afraid or tense, stop it at once and re-evaluate for a better time.

Offer An Alternative To Their Pacifier

Offer your child an alternative to hold as they fall asleep, like a cuddly toy or soft doll.

If they’re used to having the pacifier during the day while they’re awake, try distracting them with a fun activity or favorite toy.

Time To Be Creative

Cut the pacifier’s nipple little by little

Continue to do this over 1 week until nothing is left. Once it is cut the pacifier loses the sucking appeal. You can tell your child a story about how pacifiers will naturally shrink as they become a big kid.

Every child loves a superhero, so turn the Pacifier Fairy or Binky Fairy into one

Tell your child a story about how the Pacifier Fairy is coming and will leave them a surprise in exchange for their pacifier.

You can set a specific day for the Pacifier Fairy to visit, decorate for the event and during the party when no one is looking the pacifier magically disappears.

Or you can leave out the pacifier on a special plate or in pretty tissue paper in a box and magically it’s taken away by the Pacifier Fairy leaving her trail of glitter.

Tell your child there’s a baby who really needs their pacifier

Whether the pacifier is to be for a new baby in your immediate family, extended family, family friend, or a baby in a far away place, story telling is a great way to explain that now since your child is a big girl or big boy they can help other little babies by giving them their pacifiers.

Make a special occasion of packing the pacifiers in tissue paper in a gift box with a big bow and tell your child you’re going to take the box to the baby’s mommy or daddy. Or you’re going to take the box to the post office to mail it to the baby’s mommy or daddy.

You can put the pacifiers into a balloon (or a few balloons depending on the number of pacifiers you have) and send off the pacifiers by balloon express.

Take your child to the store to pick out a new toy to replace their pacifier

Before you leave home wrap the pacifiers in tissue paper and place it in a box so it can be mailed or donated to a child or baby who needs pacifiers.

Fun stuff to do

If your child uses sucking on the pacifier to relieve boredom, keep their hands busy or distract them with things they like and are fun.

Rewards and Reminders

Sticker charts, small daily rewards, and gentle reminders are also very helpful.

Whether you chose one way or a combination, it’s important be sure to collect all the pacifiers around the house and everyone’s house. The last thing you want is for your little one finding a pacifier a week or two after they gave it up and having to go back to square one again.

Timing Is Important

Try not to take away the pacifier during life changes (like potty training), major transitions (like a new baby) or traveling so not to put additional stress on the process.

Once you’ve made the plan to wean your child off the pacifier, make sure everyone is on board and everyone sticks with it.

What’s important is encourage your child with positive reinforcement, lots of love and plenty of hugs.

Giving up the pacifier is a tremendous accomplishment for your child and for you. Congratulations!

Ready To Give Up Up My Pacifier When My Mom and Dad Say So
Saying Bye To My Pacifier Now That I'm A Big Girl
Pacifier All Gone
I'm Ready To Give Up My Pacifier
I'm A Big Girl, Why Do I Need A Pacifier?

What are your ideas on how to wean a child off the pacifier? What worked for you? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Happy National Watermelon Day

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In the Know for You to Know

Did you know there is a day dedicated to watermelon? Turns out today is the day to celebrate watermelon.

Watermelon Says Summer
Watermelon Says Summer

Watermelon means summer. Summer weekends, bbq’s, picnics, enjoying fun times with friends and family. We love biting into a juicy piece of watermelon, then wiping the sweet juices off our children’s smiling faces.

Watermelon Is Healthy

Watermelon is 92% water and full of Vitamins A, C, and antioxidants. In addition to being a thirst quencher, watermelon is also a superfood.

Fun Trivia About Watermelon

*Watermelon is both a fruit and a vegetable.
*It takes 90 days to grow a watermelon from planting seeds to harvest.
*The most common watermelon varieties and colors are seeded, seedless, mini, yellow, orange, red and white.
*Watermelon is the official state vegetable of Oklahoma.
*According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the largest watermelon on record weighed in at 350.5 pounds (159 kg) and was grown by Chris Kent of Sevierville, Tennessee (USA) in 2013.

Cooling Off Eating Watermelon At The Beach
Cooling Off With My Watermelon Smoothie
Eating Watermelon On Our Road Trip
Icy Refreshing Watermelon Is The Best Drink
I Love Eating My Watermelon
Sharing Watermelon Is The Best
So Many Ways To Enjoy Watermelon
Sumer Sun and Watermelon
Taking Home Our Fresh Picked Watermelon
Watermelon For Dessert Is The Best
Watermelon Fries With Strawberry Dip Are A Yummy Treat
Watermelon Is The Best Afternoon Snack
Watermelon Of All Colors Is Always Tasty
Happily Eating Watermelon
Watermelon, Strawberry And Grape Kabobs

Tips For Celebrating Watermelon

There’s nothing that says summer like biting into a perfect slice of watermelon. Some other ways to enjoy this delightfully tasty treat are grilling it, drinking it as a juice or smoothie, eating it as ices or sherbet, and enjoying it in a salad or salsa.

There’s nothing like beating the heat with summertime’s most refreshing fruit. How does your family like to enjoy watermelon? What will your family do celebrate watermelon day? Which watermelon color is your family’s favorite? Tells us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Gummy Vitamins, What’s The Big Deal For Little Teeth?

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In the Know for You to Know

Sugar Puts The Gummy In Gummy Vitamins

Sugar Puts The Gummy In Gummy Vitamins

Gummy vitamins are very popular with children and parents for getting essential vitamins and nutrients in a tasty gummy treat. While this can be a great way for your children to want to take their vitamins, gummy vitamins can also harm their teeth.

BUT THEY’RE VITAMINS

Yes, they’re vitamins that are chewy, really tasty, and come in an endless variety of colors, shapes and flavors.

THE STICKY TRUTH

It’s really 3 things to keep in mind,
Gummy vitamins are high in sugars in comparison to other vitamins. It’s the sticky consistency that makes them stick to the tops and in-between the teeth that’s the concern because it eats away at the tooth’s outer protective enamel layer.

Chewing My Gummy Vitamin
Chewing My Gummy Vitamin
What's Your Favorite Flavor Of Gummy Vitamins?
What’s Your Favorite Flavor Of Gummy Vitamins?

Gummy Vitamins Can Also Come Sugar-Free, But…

Xylitol is the only 1 sugar substitute known to help reduce cavities, and that is in very specific amounts.

Manufacturers of gummy vitamins may not use xylitol or use it in different amounts. Some manufacturers may say their vitamin is sugar-free only to find out that they add other sugar substitutes (which doesn’t reduce cavities) and other sweeteners. They may also coat the vitamin with sugar or a sugar substitute (again which doesn’t reduce cavities).

Our Recommendation

It is your and your pediatrician’s decision regarding which vitamin supplement is best for your child. Our suggestion is to please make sure your child takes their gummy vitamin before your nightly tooth brushing routine. This way everyone goes to bed with nice clean teeth.

If your pediatrician wants your child to take their gummy vitamin in the morning, have them take it with their breakfast and when they’ve finished eating then brush their teeth. This way everyone starts the day with nice clean sparkling teeth.

Does your child take gummy vitamins? What’s your routine? We’d really like to know! Send us and email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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



\

Summer Tooth Tips For Your Family

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In the Know for You to Know

Hello Summertime

Summer is here and your family wants to have fun, fun, and more fun. Lazy days and yummy foods have been on your children’s minds since the count down to vacation began.

This is also a stressful time for you because you know what they want and you want to keep up their balanced diet and keep going with those good habits you’ve worked hard on.

So how do you indulge those eagerly awaited extra special delights and stay on track?

4 Bite Sized Tips For Healthy Summer Teeth

Keep up with your child’s routine

Whether you’re traveling, day tripping, planing a staycation or a trip to Grandma’s, put together a traveling dental kit. This way if schedule changes disrupt your good habits you can start up where you left off. Also remember that while bottles and sippy cups are good for comforting your child, don’t let them fall asleep with one in their mouth as it increases their risk for cavities.

Stick to your child’s healthy diet

Make those special foods and beverages more delicious when eaten with a healthy and balanced meal full of fresh fruit, veggies, whole grains, lean protein, water, and plain milk.

Indulge with care

Gooey, sticky and chewy are fun to eat, not so much to brush off teeth. Choose treats that are super smooth and slide off the teeth like chocolate bars without crunchies, italian water ices, and ice cream.

Make it fun

Vacation time is happy and new every year. This year tweak your consistent daily routines in a fun way. Try doing something to keep your child’s attention long enough for you to brush all their teeth, like – brushing and flossing together or have a brush-a-thon to your child’s favorite tunes. Children love stickers, so use a sticker chart and remember to be on the look out for their fun flavor toothpaste or a toothbrush with their favorite character.

What's Your Sweet Tooth?
Yummy Gelato, Which Is Your Favorite?
Summer Fun At The Amusement Park
Happily Eating Watermelon
Cherries Are The Best Summer Fruit
Summer's Here And We're Gonna Have Fun
Summer Fun Eating Ice cream with Mommy
Fun At The Beach
Summer Means Popsicles
Ice cream And Summer Go Together
Grapes Are Our Favorite, Easy To Pack And Easy To Eat
My Favorite Summer Drink Is Water
Fresh Veggies Are The Colors Of Summer
Daddy has my tooth brush in his knapsack
Loving Our Strawberry Water
Your Choice, Fruit or Veggie Smoothies
Strawberries Are The Candy Of Summer
The Foods Of Summer
Yummy Summer Fruits

Summer time is always a busy time for families. Being out of school with a steady stream of activities puts every day life on hold, including good tooth routines and habits.

If your good habits go haywire, pick up where you left off and help your child get back on track with their good brushing, flossing and healthy eating habits.

Enjoy your summer and make those amazing memories while at the same time protecting those beautiful smiles!

How do you keep up with your children’s brushing and flossing over the summer? What are your families favorite summer foods? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me or Chat with us and Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

I’m A Mom And A Pediatric Dentist: Here Are 9 Ways I Protect My Children’s Teeth

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In the Know for You to Know

Healthy Teeth Are Strong Teeth Like Our Mom
Healthy Teeth Are Strong Teeth Like Our Mom

Growing up I was always the child in the dental chair. Every check up it was as if I was destined to have another cavity. My parents chalked it up to “soft teeth run in the family.”

Then I went to dental school, got married, had children and became a pediatric dentist. Along the way I learned some tips and tricks that wouldn’t leave our children’s oral health up to genetics or luck. Today I’m happy to say that this approach has kept our children from having cavities and crooked teeth.

My fellow parents, it is not luck that contributes to good teeth, it’s about planning, consistency and adaptability. I want to share with you what I did to help decrease the family trend of cavities and crowded teeth for my children from when they were infants through their teenage years.

Decreasing The Family Trend For Cavities And Crowded Teeth

1. Before your child’s first tooth comes in it is important to wipe their gums with a damp washcloth after each feeding and before nap and bed-time.

2. Teething rings should be placed in the refrigerator only, never in the freezer. You never want anything to freeze to your child’s gums.

3. As soon as your child’s first tooth peaks through their gums it is important to start brushing with a rice grain size amount of fluoridated toothpaste twice a day.

4. For your pre-K child (over 3 years old) brush twice a day with a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste and there’s no swallowing.

5. You can protect your child from having fear of the dentist. As parents, we’re always saying that words and actions matter.

6. Orthodontic treatment may be beneficial even before your child’s permanent teeth come in.

7. Mouth guards are recommended to protect your child’s teeth from sports injuries.

8. Sealants are effective in preventing cavities on molars by forming a protective coating over the deep crevices so food doesn’t get caught in the grooves.

9. Always replace your child’s toothbrush after an illness.

With everything you have to do, it may be tempting to skip a day. Turns out diligence is the key.

Brushing Time is Fun Time with Daddy
Mommy and Me Brushing Time
Time To Show Off My Freshly Brushed Teeth
Mouthguard First Basketball Second
No Cavities Even With Braces

Help Us Help You

Do you have tip you’d like to share? What’s your strategy? We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Happy Mother’s Day

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In the Know for You to Know

To the most loved Mommies, wishing you a very HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!

For all the diaper changes, meal times, putting up with temper tantrums, looking after and making every day so much fun, YOU really are AMAZING!

  • HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY
  • Mom Is Another Word For Love
  • Happy 1st Mother's Day
  • Best Mom Ever!
  • Everyone Wishes They Had A Mom Like You
  • MOM
  • Mom You Are My Golden Star
  • Mom Means Love, Smiles And Happiness
  • Mom's Are Our Super Heroes
  • Mom Means Love

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

My Child Has A Cavity? Are You Kidding? They Won’t Sit For That

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In the Know for You To Know

We Did Great At Our Dentist Appointment

We Did Great At Our Dentist Appointment

You want your child to feel calm, comfortable and confident. Pediatric Dentists understand children’s needs and have designed their offices to make your child feel relaxed and special.

Sometimes, however there is a procedure your child needs that can make them feel anxious before or during treatment. Your child may need more support than a gentle, caring manner to feel comfortable. Nitrous Oxide (aka Laughing Gas) is a safe, effective remedy that is used to calm a child’s fears and enhance their ability to receive their dental treatment.

What is Nitrous Oxide?

Nitrous Oxide is a blended mixture of two gases, oxygen and nitrous oxide. A specially designed nose mask is placed over your child’s nose which allows them to breath in this mixture. It is carefully adjusted and monitored so that your child receives the right amount to make them feel happy, calm and comfortable. This is not a sedative, so your child never “goes to sleep.”

How does my child feel when breathing Nitrous Oxide?

The nose mask comes in a variety of scented flavors. Imagine having your choice of bubblegum, strawberry, orange, cherry, vanilla, plain or mint.

Your child will smell the sweet aroma and experience a sense of relaxation. They may also feel a sense of silliness and happiness. They may happily laugh. This is why this is often called “laughing gas.” Children sometimes say they feel silly or giggly and that their arms and legs feel “tingly.”

How safe is Laughing Gas?

Very safe, and well tolerated. It has a rapid onset, is reversible, can be adjusted to meet specific needs, and is non-allergenic. Your child is fully conscious, awake and aware of their surroundings when breathing Laughing Gas; and they are able to communicate at all times.

Laughing gas is considered safe for children by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatrics.

Laughing gas is administered by trained Pediatric Dentists and your child is monitored throughout the entire procedure for their safety.

Are there any Special Instructions?

First, it is recommended that your child have nothing to eat or drink for four hours before their appointment. This is so that your child will not become nauseous or vomit, which can happen with a full stomach. Bring something for them to drink after the procedure.

Second, if your child starts coughing, sneezing, develops a runny nose, is congested, or gets sick it’s better to reschedule your appointment.

Third, call your Pediatric Dentist if your child begins taking any medicine with in five days of your appointment to talk about the medicine.

Will this be effective for my Child?

Laughing Gas is safe and effective. Not all children are alike, so this is tailored to your child as an individual.

Before your treatment appointment your Pediatric Dentist will discuss with you any risks or concerns as they relate to your child.

In addition, Pediatric Dentists are very receptive and always happy to talk with you about your questions or concerns. All you have to do is ask.

Has your child had Laughing Gas for their dental treatment? Did you find it helpful? We’d really like to know. Email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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