In the Know for You to Know

Have you ever had a cavity? Even a small one?

Growing up it seemed that at every dental check-up I had another cavity. My parents didn’t know why. Doesn’t everyone have cavities?

During dental school the whole issue around cavities became clear. Then when I became a pediatric dentist it became crystal clear. There wasn’t only one thing that caused cavities. It’s a cycle. A never ending daily cycle.

I want to share with you how you can help protect your child’s teeth.

Protecting Your Child’s Teeth From Cavities

1. Baby teeth are important for 4 BIG reasons. They help your child learn where to put their tongue and cheeks so they can speak clearly, allow them to chew their food well, help in the growth of their jaws, and guide their adult teeth into position.
2. Children can get cavities from their bottle or from nursing. Yes, even if they don’t have teeth yet. Don’t put your child to bed with a bottle or nurse them while they are sleeping. The liquid in the bottle or breast milk causes cavities because it stays on their gums and teeth. This allows the sugar in the milk, juice, breast milk to eat away at their teeth. So it’s important to wipe their gums and teeth with a damp wash cloth after each feeding and before nap and bed time.
3. As soon as your child’s first tooth peaks through their gums it’s time to do 2 things. Make their first dental appointment. Start brushing with a (dry) 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. When 2 teeth are touching, it’s time to start flossing.
5. Sealants are effective in preventing cavities. Dental sealants are a protective coating over the deep crevices of back teeth (aka molars) so food, sweets, beverages and plaque don’t get caught in the grooves.

What To Remember

Don’t leave your child’s oral health up to genetics or luck. It’s not luck that contributes to good teeth. It’s about planning, consistency and adapting as your child grows.

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

What are your tips for keeping teeth cavity free? Do you have a routine that works for your family? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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

In the Know for You to Know

Choosing a pediatric dentist for your child is a significant decision. A visit to the pediatric dentist needs be a positive experience for your child. So it’s important to find a dental practice where you and your child feel comfortable.

As a mom, I want my child to have pleasant and positive experiences at their dental appointments. Their visits should also be adapted to their age, as they grow and take on a more active role in their dental care.

Whether it’s playing games in the arcade off the waiting room, telling their dentist about the new pair of sneakers they just got, or letting their hygienist know the plans for the park after their visit; you know these things only happen when your child is happy and excited. They’re happy and excited when they know they are going to a friendly, comfortable, and fun place.

But this doesn’t happen at just any dental office. It happens at the right pediatric dental office.

Pediatric Dentist’s Approach To Dental Care

A pediatric dentist’s approach is to provide a calm and welcoming atmosphere.

Our goals are to provide you and your child with exceptional dental care. To help your child develop positive attitudes toward dentistry. As well as to educate and teach them the skills needed to care for healthy teeth and a healthy smile for their whole life.

Characteristics To Consider In A Potential Pediatric Dentist

• An attentive pediatric dentist encourages your child to ask questions.
• They go at your child’s pace to allow them to feel comfortable.
• A thoughtful pediatric dentist can make your child laugh, smile and enjoy themselves.
• They engage your child in their own dental care.
• They and their office are trained in accommodating children with special needs as well as having designed their office to be accessible.
• An engaged pediatric dentist is eager to chat with you and values your questions and input as a parent.
• Their whole office is passionate and excited to work with children.
• Their office design makes your child feel welcome.
• Their education continues. They receive extensive education and training on how to best serve your child and their dental needs.
• Your child is eager to see them again and looks forward to their next appointment.

As a mom and a pediatric dentist, I can tell you it’s about 3 things ~

1. Specialized care,
2. Compassionate approach,
3. Child focused.

Have you found a pediatric dentist you and your child adore? Have you found the pediatric dental office you can see your child growing up going to? What was the spark that led you to this office? If you’re looking for your pediatric dentist, which 3 characteristics are most important for you? Do you have any suggestions about what’s important to you in choosing your child’s pediatric dentist? Tell Us, We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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

In the Know for You to Know

Times have changed. Back in the day no child wanted to go to the dentist. Today dentistry, especially children’s dentistry is about communication, education, and feeling good about visiting your dentist. As a pediatric dentist, our philosophy is centered around nurturing a positive relationship with oral health from a young age.

As a Mom, this is game changing. Think about it. Has your child ever told you how excited they are and they can’t wait to go to their dentist’s appointment?

Have you heard your child say ~
They’re counting the days until they get to go to their dentist?
They can’t wait to have their teeth counted and tickled?
What flavors they’ll pick to treat their tongue and bedazzle their smile?
What prizes they’ll choose and what their goody bag will hold?

How Do Pediatric Dentists Do This?

Our main concern is what is best for your child.

We combine state of the art dental techniques in a friendly, compassionate atmosphere, making every visit a delightful experience for both your child and your family.

Pediatric dentists understand there are unique challenges and concerns. We’re committed to providing a supportive environment where children can feel at ease.

This allows us to help you create a strong foundation for a lifetime of healthy smiles for your child.

Catering To = Caring For Children’s Dental Needs

Children have distinct needs and specific concerns when it comes to dental care. Pediatric Dentists have a deep understanding of the physical, emotional, and developmental aspects of children’s oral health.

This allows us to create an inviting atmosphere to help alleviate any anxiety or fear a child may have about the dentist.

Pediatric Dentists understand children and are dedicated to making their dental experience enjoyable, educational, comfortable and fun.

Our offices are designed with children in mind. They feature colorful decor, engaging activities, and child friendly equipment to ensure a positive experience for children and parents alike. And prizes, we can’t forget about the prizes or the stickers.

Happy Experiences

As a parent you know it’s about more than teeth. It’s about your child’s experience in a place that’s fun and magical, educational and comfortable. This is the world of pediatric dentistry.

Has your child ever told you they’re excited and can’t wait to go to their dentist’s appointment?
Has your child ever said, they’re counting the days until they get to go to their dentist appointment?
Have you ever heard your child say, they can’t wait to have their teeth counted and tickled?
Has your child asked you to call and find out if they have the same flavors as last time?
Has your child told you what prizes they’ll choose and what they hope will be in their goody bag? Tell us, we’d really like to know! Send us an email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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

In the Know for You to Know

We hear a lot about cavities in children’s teeth. Most of the time the response is “All children have cavities.”

Cavities (aka tooth decay) is common in children. However, if you’ve thought to yourself “Is it normal for children to have cavities?”, you’re not alone.

Today, we’re taking a look at what causes cavities, how to prevent them, and if it really is normal for children to have cavities.

What Is Demineralization?

Did you know that teeth are the only part of the human body that can’t repair itself?

Tooth enamel is the outer most layer of teeth and is made up of specific proteins, crystals, and minerals like calcium and phosphorus.

When teeth are in constant contact with foods which are high in carbohydrates (aka sugars), carbonated beverages (aka soda), and there are longer times (than you would like) between tooth brushings these minerals in enamel begin to breakdown and dissolve.

How Does Demineralization Work?

Everyone has bacteria in their mouths, even newborns.

When the bacteria comes in contact with the yummy sweet foods and drinks they produce an acidic environment in the mouth which causes the tooth enamel to weaken.

Why Is Demineralization Important?

Demineralization is important because the weakened enamel makes children’s teeth more vulnerable to cavities forming.

Cavities grow fast, especially in baby teeth because the enamel is super thin.

This is also important since it’s usually not only 1 cavity that forms. It’s several that form at the same time.

What To Do

We’ve put together some tips for you on taking care of your child’s teeth ~

For Your Newborn, Infant And Baby

Use a clean moist washcloth to wipe their mouths after every feeding and before putting them to bed.

For Your Toddler, Preschooler and Kindergartener

You can also use a clean washcloth twice a day (as you would with a toothbrush) and add a rice grain size (think uncooked grain of rice) amount of fluoride toothpaste. Or if they allow you can use a soft toothbrush, use a rice grain size of fluoride toothpaste and brush for 2 minutes in the AM after breakfast and in the PM floss first and then brush for 2 minutes before bedtime.

For Your School Age Child

Use a soft toothbrush, a pea size (think small green pea) amount of fluoride toothpaste and brush for 2 minutes in the AM after breakfast and in the PM floss first and then brush for 2 minutes before bedtime.

For Your Tween And Teen

Watch them as they use a soft toothbrush, a pea size amount of fluoride toothpaste and brush for 2 minutes in the AM after breakfast and in the PM floss first and then brush for 2 minutes before bedtime.

For Your College Student

You may still need to advise them and make sure they use a soft toothbrush, a larger pea size (think regular green pea size) amount of fluoride toothpaste and brush for 2 minutes in the AM after breakfast and in the PM floss first and then brush for 2 minutes before bedtime.

What’s The Answer?

The good news is that cavities are preventable. With consistent oral care habits, you can reduce the risk of tooth decay for your child.

The key to cavity prevention is to start early. Even before your child’s first tooth comes into their mouth, you can start cleaning their gums with a soft cloth to remove any food and bacteria.

While cavities are a common concern for many parents, the truth is that with proper care, they can largely be prevented.

Do you think cavities are normal for children? How old was your child when you started their oral care routine? What tips do you have that works for your child? Tell us. We’d really like to know! Send us an Email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us on Facebook

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

In the Know for you to Know

Growing up I was always the child in the dental chair. Check ups were a breeze for my siblings. For me, each check up brought another cavity or two. My parents chalked it up to “soft teeth.”

Fast forward to now. I’m a Mom and a Pediatric Dentist. I learned some tips and tricks that wouldn’t leave my children’s oral health up to genetics or luck. I’m happy to say that this approach has kept my children from having cavities.

It isn’t luck that contributes to good teeth. It’s about planning, consistency and adaptability.

Today, I’m sharing with you what I did to turn around my family trend of cavities and crowded teeth for my children; starting from when they were infants through their teenage years.

Cavity Prevention Tips

1. Before your infant’s 1st tooth even comes into their mouth, it’s important to wipe their gums. Use a damp washcloth after each feeding and before nap and bed-time to clean their gums and their mouth. Why? This way they become used to you being in their mouth so they won’t give you a hard time when they get older. Second, because you get used to being in their mouth so that when their teeth come in you’re in your routine.
2. Teething rings (never use gel or liquid filled) should be placed in the refrigerator only, never in the freezer. Why? Cool and cold is comforting. Frozen hurts and can stick to their gums.
3. As soon as your infant’s 1st tooth peaks through their gums it’s important to start brushing that tooth. The same goes as they get more teeth. When your child is younger than 3 years old, place a rice grain size (think of an uncooked piece of rice) amount of fluoridated toothpaste on a washcloth or soft baby brush twice a day.
4. For your toddler and pre-schooler child (starting at 3 years old) brush their teeth twice a day with a pea size (think of a small green pea) amount of fluoride toothpaste. They can spit the toothpaste out in the sink, they can let the paste drool out, or you can wipe the toothpaste off with a wash cloth.
5. Schedule your baby’s 1st dentist visit when their 1st tooth comes in. The latest should be by the time they turn 1 year old.
6. The same way every child’s tooth development is different, every child’s tooth positioning is different. For some children, orthodontic treatment may be beneficial even before their permanent teeth come in.
7. When your school age child starts playing sports, it’s time to consider a mouth guard. Why? A mouth guard protects your child’s teeth from injuries (think broken teeth).
8. Sealants are effective for preventing cavities on molars. They cover the groovy tooth surfaces with a protective coating. Why? This way nothing gets caught in the grooves of these teeth.
9. Always replace your child’s toothbrush when the bristles start to wear down. Why? They become less effective when they’re worn down.
10. With everything you have to do, it may be tempting to skip a day. Why not to? Turns out diligence and routine are the key.

How is this going for you? What tip will you share? What’s your strategy to keep your child cavity free? Tell us. We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us on Facebook

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