Braces For Children And Teens, But Which Type?

August 10, 2023August 9, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Lot’s of children want braces so you’ll hear this all the time, When can I get braces? My friend has braces, I want braces! Then there are other children (like mine) who are worried about how braces look and feel.

Braces have come a long way in the last couple of years. They can be very cosmetic and not easily seen. There’s also different materials and ways to adhere the brackets to the teeth.

Why Braces?

Sometimes it’s not because teeth don’t grow in straight, it’s the underlying reason why the teeth didn’t come in straight.

It’s possible that the upper and lower jaws might not be aligned. If the upper jaw is bigger than the lower jaw, that’s called an overbite. When the lower jaw is bigger than the upper jaw, that’s an underbite.

Based on your child’s age as well as their teeth development and jaw positions, that’s when it’s time to see the Orthodontist.

How Long Does My Child Have Braces?

Children have braces for different amounts of time depending on the reason they need braces.

What’s important to remember is that your child needs to wear their retainer after they finish their braces. Used to be retainers were only for 3 months after finishing braces. Not any more.

Your orthodontist will go over all of this with you as your child finishes the active part of their braces. This is important because the retainer helps keep their teeth in the position you just went through the braces for.

Types Of Braces

Traditional Metal Braces

These are the most worn style of braces by school-age children, tweens and teens. They are metal brackets medically bonded to the front of the teeth with the wires passing through the bracket’s slots and held in place with elastic bands (in a wide choice of colors).

Ceramic Braces

Are similar to metal braces but the brackets are a tooth colored or clear ceramic material similar in color to teeth. These brackets can be more fragile than the metal and need more tlc.

Lingual Braces

These braces also similar to metal braces however the brackets are placed on the backs of the teeth, this way they are not seen. Being on the backs of the teeth can make brushing and flossing time longer and your child may need more of your help.

Self-Ligating Braces

Are very much like metal braces, however instead of the rubber elastics, there is a special clip which holds the wire in place.

Clear Aligners

These are a specific sequence of clear custom made trays which progressively move teeth into the desired position. Each aligner is worn for about 2 weeks before changing to the next one. Clear aligners are not for everyone.

I Love Picking Out My Colors For My Braces

Smiling and Showing Off My Braces In The Pool

My Braces Are Giving Me The Smile I've Always Wanted

Which Style Of Braces Is Right For My Child?

This is a conversation you’ll have with your Orthodontist because which type of braces is right for your child depends on a couple of things like their individual needs, your child’s age and your preference.

With a range of options from metal to ceramic to lingual braces or clear aligners there is no shortage of choices to help your child have that beautiful and healthy smile.

Does your child have braces? Are they about to start braces? Did you have braces as a child or want them now as an adult? Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Message us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Happy National Watermelon Day

August 3, 2023August 2, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

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 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

Icy Refreshing Watermelon Is The Best Drink

Watermelon Fries With Strawberry Dip Are A Yummy Treat

Watermelon Of All Colors Is Always Tasty

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!

Why Is Chewing Ice Bad For My Child’s Teeth?

July 27, 2023July 26, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Ice Cubes Aren't For Teeth — Ice Cubes Aren’t For Teeth

Summertime is here and it’s time for those thirst quenching icy cold drinks. However sometimes you find that your child is chewing on the ice after they finished their drink, or they’re munching on ice cubes straight out of the freezer. You’re thinking okay there’s nothing bad about that. Did you know that chewing ice can cause pain and damage to their teeth?

Ice Is Harder Than Teeth

Teeth are strong but they are no match for ice. Chewing on ice causes the thin protective outer enamel layer of teeth to weaken, chip and crack.

Enamel can’t grow back. Once the enamel is weakened the inner layers of their teeth are exposed to the mouth and that’s when teeth become sensitive.

Think about how painful it would be for your child not to be able to have ice cream and ices.

Ice Isn't For Teeth — Ice Isn’t For Teeth

Ice Can Break Teeth And More

We’re always talking about how to make teeth stronger. But ice is not kind to teeth and one wrong bite can break, chip, or crack a tooth or two.

When a tooth breaks it may not only be the enamel that fractures. There are several layers under the enamel and under the gums that makeup a tooth which can also shatter.

Keep in mind this also goes for fillings. If your child has any tooth colored fillings or silver caps they can also split from the pressure of chewing on ice.

If your child has braces and they say that chewing on ice makes their mouth feel better, it’s still not a good idea because the ice can twist or move their arch wires, cause the wires to come loose and poke their cheeks, or break off their brackets.

Ice chewing also affects their gums. The icy temperature freezes their gums which makes it harder to feel if the ice slips and cuts the gums.

Broken Teeth Can Get Cavities

Not only is their tooth enamel harmed but there is also increased risk for cavities. The chips and cracks in the enamel provide direct access for sugary foods and plaque into the body of the tooth and soften the tooth which leads to cavities.

How To Stop Chewing On Ice

Chewing ice isn’t a harmless habit.

Some children who chew ice say the cold sensation is soothing. So, instead of chewing ice let it melt in their mouth or blend crushed ice into slushies or snow cones. Consider trying alternatives such as cool drinks or popsicles. Always keep in mind that sugar free choices are recommended.

If your child chews ice for the crunch, replace the ice with apple slices or baby carrots.

Do you or your child like to chew on ice? What are your alternatives to ice? Tell us, 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!

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

July 13, 2023July 12, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

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.

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

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

July 6, 2023July 5, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

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.

Grapes Are Our Favorite, Easy To Pack And Easy To Eat

Daddy has my tooth brush in his knapsack

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!

Mouthguards Are The Sports Equipment To Protect Your Child’s Smile

June 22, 2023June 21, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

As parents we all know to say “Wear your helmet!” when our children want to go out to ride their bike, skateboard or scooter. We also say this when our older children play baseball, football, hockey or lacrosse. You may have already seen them used in contact sports, such as football, boxing, and ice hockey.

Mouthguards offer the same protection. While a helmet protects a child’s head, a mouthguard protects their teeth and their head.

How does a mouthguard protect a child’s head? As parents we’ve heard about concussions, and a lot of times we think about concussions as occurring from a blow to the head. What’s important to note is that contact to any portion of the mouth or jaw can cause a concussion.

My Balance Beam Is Really High And The Mat Is Far Away, I'm Happy I'm Wearing My Mouthguard — My Balance Beam Is Really High And The Mat Is Far Away, I’m Happy I’m Wearing My Mouthguard

How can a mouthguard help?

What Is The Benefit Of Wearing A Mouthguard?

Mouthguards are mouth protectors which help cushion a blow to the mouth and face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your child’s lips, tongue, face or jaws.

While collisions in contact sports, such as basketball and boxing are higher-risk sports for the mouth, children can experience a dental injury in non-contact activities too, such as gymnastics and skating.

Findings in Sports Dentistry show that even in non-contact sports such as gymnastics, rollerblading, and field hockey, mouthguards help protect teeth. Many of these experts recommend that a mouthguard be worn for any recreational activity that poses a risk of injury to the mouth.

Most Important Mouthguard Features

To be most effective a mouthguard should have these features:

Be resilient, tear-resistant and comfortable,
Fit properly and stay in place during sports activities,
Be durable and easy to clean,
Not restrict your child’s speech or breathing.

There Are 3 Types Of Mouthguards

Stock These are found in sporting goods stores and come pre-formed, ready to wear. One size fits most and may not fit very well. They are made of hard plastic, can be bulky and which can make it uncomfortable to wear and talk.
Boil and bite These mouth protectors can also be bought at many sporting goods stores and may have a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They are first softened in hot boiling water, then placed in the mouth and with your child moving their lips, tongue and cheeks around and closing their teeth together, they plastic is adapted to the shape of their mouth. Remember to be very careful because this is very hot water and very hot plastic.
Custom-fit These are made by your dentist for your child specifically and because they are customized, usually offer the best fit. They fit snugly, allowing your athlete to run and talk more easily while playing sports. Custom mouth guards are comfortable, and offer excellent protection. They can be made in a wide variety of colors and designs.

How Many Mouthguards Does My Child Have To Wear?

One.

Mouthguards typically cover the top teeth, and are a great way to protect the soft tissues of their tongue, lips and cheek lining.

There are certain times when depending on specific needs your dentist or orthodontist may suggest for your child to instead use a mouthguard to cover their lower teeth.

Mouthguards And Braces

A properly fitted mouthguard is especially important for children who have braces. A blow to the face could damage the wires and brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. The mouthguard provides a barrier between the braces and their cheeks and lips, limiting the risk of gum and soft tissue injuries.

If your child has an orthodontic retainer or wears any removable appliance, never wear it during any type of sports activities.

Tips for Caring for Your Child’s Mouthguard

4 tips for keeping your child’s mouthguard sports ready:

Rinse with cool water before each use and afterwards brush with toothpaste, rinse, dry.
Keep the mouthguard in a sturdy container that has vents and in a safe place. This permits air circulation and helps prevent damage to the mouthguard.
Don’t take the mouthguard out and leave it in the sun. Avoid high temperatures, such as hot water, hot surfaces or direct sunlight, which can distort the mouth guard.
Check for wear and tear to see if it needs replacing. A mouthguard that’s torn, in bad shape, or doesn’t fit any more can irritate your child’s mouth and lessen the amount of protection it provides.

I May Look Young But I Can Really Get My Speed Up So I Always Wear My Mouthguard, Thanks Mom!

Wishing I Listened and Wore My Mouth Guard.jpg

Having Fun Playing Soccer Wearing Our Mouthguards

My Friend's T-ball Bat Hit Me In The Mouth

Playing Basketball, Guess Who Is Wearing A Mouthguard?

Mom Is Trying To Balance Me On My Rollerblades And So Happy We Remembered My Mouthguard

My Broken Tooth Is No Fun, We'll Remember My Mouthguard Next Time

Bicycle Riding And I Forgot My Mouthguard

Helmet, Bat and Mouthguard, All Set To Play Ball

College Rules- Playing Sports Means Wearing My Mouthguard

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.

Does your child wear a mouthguard? Do you wear a mouthguard? What are your thoughts about mouthguards? 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!

What To Know About Wisdom Teeth

June 15, 2023June 14, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

As children get older they achieve many new milestones. With each new life change they embark on their mouth also goes through changes. One dental milestone, or right of passage is getting their wisdom teeth.

For parents there are lots of questions about wisdom teeth — What are wisdom teeth? Does everyone have wisdom teeth? Is it painful when wisdom teeth come in? Do you have to have wisdom teeth taken out? Is there a best time for wisdom teeth to be removed?

These are some tips to help you be wise about wisdom teeth.

What Are Wisdom Teeth?

Wisdom teeth are the last set of molars to develop and are called wisdom teeth because they appear when children are in their older adolescent years (late teens to early twenties) and are “wiser” than when their other teeth came into their mouths.

Does Everyone Have Wisdom Teeth?

Actually not everyone has wisdom teeth. Approximately 25% to 33% of individuals are born without any wisdom teeth.

When we think about wisdom teeth we usually think about there being 4 teeth. However not everyone has the same number and it is possible to be born having only 1, or only 2, or only 3 wisdom teeth.

Is It Painful When Wisdom Teeth Come In?

As wisdom teeth start coming in they can cause pressure. The top teeth can cause headaches and the bottom teeth can cause ear pain.

Do You Have To Have Wisdom Teeth Taken Out?

Sometimes wisdom teeth can come in aligned with the other teeth as long as the top and bottom jaws have enough room for these teeth to come in. Sometimes wisdom teeth come right in and you’d never know, other times it’s not so easy.

This means that when wisdom teeth come in, they’re usually mis-aligned because the jaw doesn’t have enough space for them, and this can also cause problems for neighboring teeth.

Sometimes wisdom teeth can be “impacted” which means that either they are only partially able to come into the mouth through the gums which creates a risk for infections.

Other times wisdom teeth are “impacted” because there is no room at all for them to come into the mouth and they will continue to grow in the jaws.

Oral Surgeons are the Dentists who remove wisdom teeth due to impaction, mis-alignment and infection issues.

Is There A Best Time For Wisdom Teeth To Be Removed?

Many parents opt to have their child’s wisdom teeth removed during their mid to late teenage years, while others wait to have them taken out in their early twenties. There may be certain situations which may arise during braces or with early detected impacted teeth that may alter how soon wisdom teeth need to be removed.

Everyone who was born without wisdom teeth or whose child was born without wisdom teeth give us a shout out! Everyone who had their wisdom teeth out or whose child had their wisdom teeth removed give us a shout out! Tell us your experience. We’d really like to know. Email us at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ kidstoothhotline

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

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

June 8, 2023June 7, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

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.

Time To Show Off My Freshly Brushed Teeth

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!

Tongue and Lip Piercing – Fashion Statement or Dental Problem?

May 18, 2023May 17, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Thinking About My Mouth, Lip and Nose Piercings

Body piercing is a popular style of self expression. You may not be surprised to see someone with a face or mouth piercing, but it may be surprising how dangerous they can be.

While everyone likes to display their personal style, tongue, lip, or cheek piercings can cause dental problems and other health consequences.

How Bad Can Mouth Piercings Be?

These types of piercings can interfere with speaking, chewing or swallowing. They can also cause pain, swelling and infections. Some can also be allergic to the metal in the piercing.

Piercings on the face and lips can lead to facial scarring. Tongue piercings can lead to nerve damage and speech problems.

Anything Else To Know About Mouth Piercings?

These piercings can also injure the gums, crack teeth, scratch teeth, cause sensitive teeth, and they can also damage fillings. The mouth jewelry may even become trapped between the teeth. Also, having a piercing in the mouth can lead to excessive drooling.

Any Recommendations About Mouth Piercings?

If your child already has a piercing keep the piercing site clean and call your pediatrician immediately if your child shows any signs of infection.

Avoid clicking the jewelry against teeth and avoid stress on the piercing. Be gentle and aware of the jewelry’s movement when talking and chewing.

Check the tightness of their mouth jewelry daily (with clean hands) to help prevent swallowing or choking if the jewelry becomes dislodged.

When taking part in sports, remove the jewelry and protect their mouth with a mouthguard.

Regular check-ups are important, and remember to brush twice a day and floss every night.

The best option is to remove mouth jewelry before it causes a problem. Don’t pierce on a whim. And remember, the piercing will be an added responsibility to your child’s and your life needing constant attention.

Expressing Myself With My New Lip Piercing

I Was Disappointed I Couldn't Get A Piercing, BUT Now I Realize That's A Good Thing

My Lip and Nose Piercings, I'm Not As Happy As I Thought

Showing Off My Mouth Piercing, Now Have To Really Watch My Teeth

This Is What Happens When You Get A Mouth Piercing?

Happy Lips for Smiling, Healthy Gums and Teeth to Show Off, That's A Good Day!

Do you or your child have a face or mouth piercing? How do you take care of the piercing? What are your hacks? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Chat with us, Like Us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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