Talking Teeth, February Is National Children’s Dental Health Month – Are You Ready For Your Child’s Visit From The Tooth Fairy?

February 27, 2025February 26, 2025 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

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

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

Yes tomorrow, February 28th is Tooth Fairy Day.

And the best way to celebrate the very last day of National Children’s Dental Health Month is the Tooth Fairy!

Who Is The Tooth Fairy?

The Tooth Fairy is a magical fairy who visits children when they lose a tooth and may leave them a gift.

A Poem From The Tooth Fairy

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

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

When To Anticipate Your Child’s First Tooth Fairy Visit

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

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

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

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

**Sweet Dreams About The Tooth Fairy With My Tooth Tucked Under My Pillow**

Mom, My Tooth Is Wiggly! — **Sweet Dreams About The Tooth Fairy With My Tooth Tucked Under My Pillow**

Tips For Celebrating A Tooth Fairy Visit

Some fun tips to prepare for your child’s Tooth Fairy visit ~

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

**The Tooth Fairy Is Always Welcome At Our Home**

Tooth Fairy Day Is So Nice, We Celebrate Twice

We celebrate Tooth Fairy Day twice a year, on February 28th and August 22nd.

The Tooth Fairy is one of the most powerful tools as a parent you can have to teach your child about oral health, and have fun at the same time.

You can also use the Tooth Fairy as a reminder to reinforce these good habits.

So why 2 special days? Only the Tooth Fairy knows!

What To Remember

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

Happy Tooth Fairy Day!

How does your family prepare for your Tooth Fairy visit? What treasure does your Tooth Fairy leave? What do you think the Tooth Fairy does with the teeth she gathers up each night? Tell us We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us on facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

**The Tooth Fairy Came To My House Last Night**

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

Talking Teeth, February Is National Children’s Dental Health Month – What To Know About Fluoride, Tale vs Truth

February 20, 2025February 19, 2025 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

**My Mom And Dad Said YES To The Tooth Truths And Look At Me Now**

Fluoride is a little mineral with big tooth benefits. It works to strengthen tooth enamel, fight tooth decay (aka cavities) and keep smiles shining bright.

Think of fluoride as your super shield helping defend and protect your child’s tooth enamel from breaking down.

With all its benefits fluoride still sparks differences of opinion. Even now-a-days old wives tales still persist.

Today we’re taking an up front look at those tales and seeing how they stack up to the truths about fluoride.

My Mom And Dad Always Make Sure I Drink My Water — **Do I Need This Much Toothpaste?**

Tale: Fluoride isn’t natural and isn’t safe for children.
Truth: Fluoride is a mineral which occurs naturally in water and in many foods. Like other nutrients fluoride is safe in the appropriate amount.
The amount of fluoride in water, toothpaste and professional fluoride treatments are well below toxic levels, and are carefully regulated to insure safety.

Tale: Well water has no fluoride
Truth: Some wells have too little fluoride while others have too much. Bottled, filtered, spring, and well waters all vary in their fluoride amount. It’s important to have the water from your well tested for fluoride every year.
If you’re not sure if you have well water or town/city water, check with the local water company. If you know your town or city supplies your drinking water you can also check the fluoride level by calling them.

Tale: Fluoride shouldn’t be used because it causes fluorosis.
Truth: Fluorosis is chalky white spots on teeth. This is typically mild and occurs when young children consume too much fluoride when their teeth are developing.
This is preventable. It’s important to use the correct amount of fluoride toothpaste and to always supervise your child’s toothbrushing so they don’t swallow the good tasting toothpaste.

Tale: Children’s teeth are fine, they don’t need fluoride.
Truth: Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and makes your
child's teeth stronger. We all have bacteria in our mouth that combines with sugars from food and drinks to make acid. The acid harms the outer layer of the tooth (aka enamel). Fluoride protects teeth from being damaged by the acid and helps rebuild tooth enamel.

Tale: Children don’t need fluoride once their adult teeth come in.
Truth: It’s not just baby teeth, all teeth benefit from fluoride. Like children, parent's teeth also benefit from fluoride’s ability to protect tooth enamel and repair early stages of tooth decay.

What To Remember
As pediatric dentist’s we want to help you with your goal of preventing cavities and promoting good dental health for your child.

Fluoride is safe, effective and easy to include in your child’s daily routine. With little or no fluoride, the teeth aren’t able to resist cavities. By adding fluoride to water, the cavity rate has decreased by 50-70%.

But the amount has to be correct. All it takes is a small amount of fluoride for the maximum benefit.

What’s your take on fluoride? Do you have too much, too little or just the right amount of fluoride in your water? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us a email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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

**Grandma Always Watches Me Brush My Teeth**

The Best Way To Drink Water — **Grandma Always Watches Me Brush My Teeth**

Talking Teeth, February Is National Children’s Dental Health Month – What To Know About Why Fluoride Is Safe And Important for Children’s Teeth

February 13, 2025February 12, 2025 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

There I was, a brand new pediatric dentist. I was ready to take the on the world and stop cavities. Fluoride was my super power to halt cavities before they started.

I was examining a 3 1/2 year old girl who lived in a town with fluoridated water, but she was drinking bottled water. When I asked why bottled water, her Mom asked me 2 questions.

These 2 questions are the top 2 on practically every parent’s mind when fluoride is mentioned. Why is fluoride is so important? and Do I need worry about my child drinking water with fluoride?

Fluoride can spark some differences of opinion. Today, we’re discussing fluoride basics, why fluoride is safe and its importance for protecting children’s teeth against tooth decay (aka cavities).

What Is Fluoride?

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel and prevent cavities.

Fluoride can be found naturally in water, soil, air and some foods.

Why Is Fluoride Important?

Fluoride is one of the best and safest ways to prevent cavities for children.

How Does Fluoride Work?

Your mouth contains bacteria that feed on the sugars in the foods we eat and the beverages we drink. This produces acid that can wear away the hard, outer shell of your tooth’s enamel. This can lead to cavities.

Fluoride protects teeth by making the teeth stronger and more resistant to acid. It not only reduces the risk of cavities, it can even help reverse early signs of decay.

How Does Fluoride Prevent Cavities?

Fluoride prevents cavities in 3 ways.

Fluoride is like a shield for your child’s teeth. It helps to strengthen tooth enamel. By strengthening the enamel it can stop cavities before they start and even repair tiny areas of cavity damage.

Plus, fluoride fights off those troublesome germs that cause tooth decay.

Along with healthy eating and good toothbrushing habits, fluoride is a great way to keep your child’s smiles cavity free and strong.

**Some Of Us Like To Smile, Others Not So Much**

Playing Is Like Brushing Teeth, We Do It Everyday — **Some Of Us Like To Smile, Others Not So Much**

Is Fluoride Safe?

Yes, fluoride is safe and effective in preventing cavities when used correctly.

However, too much while teeth are growing and developing can cause fluorosis. This is usually mild, with tiny white spots on teeth that are hardly noticeable. Severe cases are rare, but can cause enamel discoloration.

To avoid this keep fluoride containing products out of reach, especially for little ones. The right amount, like in toothpaste for your child’s age and drinking water gives your child all the benefits.

Should I Be Worried About My Child Drinking Water With Fluoride?

No. Fluoridated water is easy and one of the best beverage choices for all children.

Sweetened drinks like juice (even 100% natural), soda and sports drinks contribute to weight gain and tooth decay.

Fluoridated water is calorie free and protects teeth.

Do I Need To Worry If My Child Swallows Toothpaste With Fluoride?

Not if you are using the recommended amount of toothpaste for your child’s age and supervising their morning and evening brushing.

Three go to sources about fluoride toothpaste and toothbrushing are The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, The American Dental Association, and The American Academy of Pediatrics.

If We Brush Our Children’s Teeth With Fluoride Toothpaste, Do We Still Need To Drink Fluoridated Water?

Yes. Drinking water with fluoride bathes their teeth in small amounts of fluoride throughout the day and has been found to add to the benefits of brushing with fluoride toothpaste.

Drinking water with fluoride helps prevent cavities before they start.

I May Have A Few Teeth But My Mommy Is Making Sure We Brush With Fluoride Toothpaste — I May Have A Few Teeth But My **Mommy Is Making Sure We Brush With Fluoride Toothpaste**

We Love Our Teeth Thanks To Our Mom and Dad — I May Have A Few Teeth But My **Mommy Is Making Sure We Brush With Fluoride Toothpaste**

4 Sources Of Fluoride

There are 4 sources of fluoride:

Fluoridated Water
Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride Treatments
Fluoride Supplements

Fluoridated Water

Most tap water in the United States contains fluoride to help fight cavities.

One of the easiest ways to ensure your child gets enough fluoride is by choosing fluoridated tap water as their go-to drink. Not only does it strengthen their teeth, but it also supports their overall health.

Fluoride Toothpaste

Brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.

For children under 3 years old, use a smear of toothpaste, which is the size of an uncooked grain of rice.

If your child is older than 3 years old use a green-pea size amount of toothpaste.

Fluoride Treatments

Your pediatric dentist can apply fluoride varnish to your child’s teeth for extra protection against cavities.

A fluoride treatment is quick and painless. Fluoride varnish is a sticky yellow or orange substance that often has a pleasant taste.

The varnish application is fast and sets quickly. Your child may be advised to avoid eating of drinking for a short period of time (maybe 30 minutes) after the treatment. This is so that the fluoride isn’t washed off their teeth.

Fluoride Supplements

If your tap water doesn’t have fluoride, your pediatric dentist will recommend for your child to take a fluoride supplement. The fluoride dose in the supplement depends on how little fluoride is in your water.

Come To Daddy And Then We're Going To Clean Your Teeth Before Bedtime — **Come To Daddy And Then We’re Going To Clean Your Teeth Before Bedtime**

Even On Vacation We Still Brush Our Teeth 2X's A Day — **Come To Daddy And Then We’re Going To Clean Your Teeth Before Bedtime**

What To Remember

Children deserve the healthiest start to their lives, and a healthy smile is one of the best gifts parents can give them.

Fluoride is naturally occurring and has definite health benefits for children’s teeth. You’ll find fluoride in drinking water, toothpaste and mouth rinses. It’s safe and effective in preventing cavities when used correctly.

These small habits today will lead to strong, confident smiles for years to come.

What concerns do you have about fluoride? Does your family use fluoride toothpaste? Does your drinking water have fluoride or do you use bottled water? Do you have well water? Has your pediatric dentist or pediatrician ever mentioned your child needs to take fluoride supplements? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us a email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me and Like Us on Facebook

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

Talking Teeth, February Is National Children’s Dental Health Month

February 6, 2025February 5, 2025 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

**I Have So Much To Teach You About Teeth**

Happy National Children’s Dental Health Month!

While we are dedicated to children’s dental health every day, this month makes it extra special to celebrate strong healthy smiles.

When did this annual tribute to children’s dental health begin? The American Dental Association (ADA) first observed Children’s Dental Health Day on February 8, 1949. In 1955, this 1-day event was extended to one week, and in 1981 it was transformed into a full month celebration acknowledging children’s dental health.

Today, National Children’s Dental Health Month is observed every February and is supported by the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.

Did You Know?

4 facts for you to know:

More children have cavities than have asthma,
Children who have cavities when they are young struggle with cavities their whole life,
The right amount of fluoride makes teeth strong,
Cavities are preventable.

What To Know For Your Baby’s Teeth

Children need their baby teeth. Healthy baby teeth allow them to chew and to speak clearly. Baby teeth also keep space for the adult teeth.

It’s important for children to have their teeth brushed twice a day just like their mommy and daddy.

Taking Care Before Teeth Come In

Before your baby’s teeth come into their mouth, it’s important to clean their gums. Clean your baby’s gums after every feeding, before their naps, and before bed time with a clean damp washcloth.

Healthy habits start early.

**Mommy And Daddy Love You So Much We Never Want You To Have A Cavity**

Let Mommy See Your Nice Clean Mouth — **Mommy And Daddy Love You So Much We Never Want You To Have A Cavity**

Taking Care Of Teeth For Children, Tweens And Teens Is Important

Good oral health along with healthy meals and snacks go a long way to help prevent cavities in childhood and adolescence.

Young children want to brush their own teeth, but they really need your help.

As children get older they still need your help to brush and floss properly. They have new teeth coming in they don’t even know about.

Adolescents watch and see everything. By you taking care of your own teeth, you’re setting a good example which also helps your child’s teeth stay healthy.

Mommy And Daddy Take Care Of My Teeth So I Can Smile Pretty For The Camera

Showing Off Our Big Healthy Smiles — Mommy And Daddy Take Care Of My Teeth So I Can Smile Pretty For The Camera

Our Beautiful Teeth Are The Best Gift Our Parents Could Give Us

Fluoride Helps Prevent Cavities

Fluoride is nature’s cavity super-power.

There are 3 ways fluoride helps make teeth strong:

Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and makes it stronger against cavities,
Fluoride repairs tiny weak spots in the enamel before bigger problems develop,
Fluoride fights against cavity causing bacteria in the mouth.

Fluoride Is Safe

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Dental Association, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all agree that water fluoridation is safe, effective and works to prevent tooth decay (aka cavities).

Daddy And Me Brushing Time — Still No Cavities At My Age

Talking Tooth Care

Introducing brushing and flossing into your child’s routine can seem complicated.

A fun way to start introducing your at home toothbrushing and flossing routine can start with watching a video cartoon the ADA put together about a school age dinosaur named Dudley and his message about taking care of teeth.

What To Remember

Cavities are the #1 childhood disease. The good news is they are preventable.

Start early even before your infant gets their first tooth by cleaning their gums.

As your child grows your consistency helps establish their daily toothbrushing and flossing routine. By you taking care of your own teeth, you’re setting a good example will also help your child’s teeth stay healthy.

Cavities are preventable with a good at home oral hygiene routine, eating healthy foods, and drinking fluoridated water. As a parent you can help give your child their bright healthy smile.

I Always Brush My Teeth For 2 Minutes 2X's A Day — **Loving My College Smile**

What are your healthy toothbrushing habits? Do you have any tips and tricks for your child’s daily routine? What are your tips to prevent cavities? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Send us a email to kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

**Healthy Teeth, Happy Smiles, Healthy Family**

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

Good Night Sleep Tight Don’t Let The Sugar Bugs Bite

January 9, 2025January 8, 2025 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Good Night, Sleep Tight, Won't Let The Sugar Bugs Bite After Brushing My Teeth — **Good Night, Sleep Tight, Won’t Let The Sugar Bugs Bite After Brushing My Teeth**

Tooth enamel is super hard. In fact enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. That’s right it’s stronger than bones.

Enamel has 3 important purposes. It protects the teeth from cavities (aka tooth decay), from hot and cold (foods and drinks) and fends off constant acid attacks (when we sip, eat and snack).

What we eat and drink is broken down into carbohydrates (aka sugars). The more often we eat and drink the more sugars we have in our mouth.

The more sugars we have in our mouth the more the bacteria in our mouth goes on a food frenzy. When the bacteria go on their feeding frenzy they release acids into our saliva.

These acids in our saliva mix with food particles in our mouth and form plaque. Plaque is that sticky white stuff that sticks to tooth enamel and tongues.

What’s A Tooth To Do?

Plaque keeps on accumulating until it’s brushed away. It’s the acids in the plaque that gnaw away at the tooth enamel over time.

It’s like a tug of war with 2 things going on at the same time. There’s demineralization where the plaque acids are weakening the enamel. There’s remineralization when toothbrushing and fluoride toothpaste strengthen the enamel by replacing the lost minerals.

When Is All This Happening?

During sleep our body makes less saliva, and the bacteria sit in our mouth and on our teeth.

The mouth is a warm, moist place which the bacteria love, and produce more acids.

If we go to sleep without brushing our teeth, the bacteria have more sugars to eat and put our teeth at risk for more demineralization.

How to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Strong

For healthy teeth it’s about increasing remineralization and minimizing demineralization.

Boosting the remineralization process is about amazing oral hygiene habits and a healthy diet.

Tips To Keep The Sugar Bugs Away

6 Months – 2 Years Old

If your baby is given a bottle when going to sleep make sure Only Water is in their bottle.

Bottles that have any sugary liquids or carbohydrates – like milk, formula, fruit juice keep their teeth under bacterial acid attack all night long.

A Clean Mouth For A Good Night's Sleep — **A Clean Mouth For A Good Night’s Sleep**

Mommy Says Good Brushing Habits Start Early — **A Clean Mouth For A Good Night’s Sleep**

2 – 5 Years Old

When 2 teeth are touching it’s time to start Flossing.

When you’re toothbrushing and flossing their teeth make sure there aren’t any left overs. Sugar bugs love their late night snack!

**Mommy And Daddy Take Really Good Care Of My Teeth**

Getting Ready to Brush My Teeth with My Dad — **Mommy And Daddy Take Really Good Care Of My Teeth**

School Aged Children

Brush your child’s teeth Twice A Day. Once in the morning and Once at night.

Twice a day is better but if you need to pick one time, the most important time to brush your child’s teeth is Right Before Bedtime After you Floss their Teeth.

Remember, sugar bugs look forward to their nightly snack!

My Clean Teeth Make Me Sleep So Much Better — **I Brush My Teeth Then My Mom Checks**

Tweens And Teens

Remember to brush with a fluoride toothpaste Once in the morning and Once at night, and Floss (around every tooth) before their night time brushing.

The same way their appetite’s have increased, so have the sugar bug’s for their nightly snack!

**Healthy Teeth And Good Friends Keep Us Smiling**

I Have Red Hair, Freckles and Sparkling Healthy Teeth — **Healthy Teeth And Good Friends Keep Us Smiling**

What To Remember

There you have it! 5 reliable ways to healthy tooth enamel.

By toothbrushing twice a day and flossing every night, rinsing with water after every meal and snack, eating a well balanced diet, and seeing your pediatric dentist for regular checkups, you’re helping to keep those sugar bugs away from your child’s teeth.

How do you keep the sugar bugs away? What are your successful tips and tricks to win the remineralization game? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me and Like Us on Facebook

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

4 Children’s Dental Tips For Healthy Smiles In 2025

January 2, 2025January 1, 2025 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Wishing each of you a Happy New Year! To new beginnings, healthy habits, and lots and lots of laughter in this year ahead.

Here we are. On the 2nd day of this new year. Whether you feel eager or daunted, try picking one small change to your child’s oral hygiene routine.

You may choose to start with brushing twice a day or flossing every night. Because, remember, how we start the day is how we end it. With bright healthy smiles all day long!

Here are 4 simple ways to start 2025 on the right foot. Because a healthy smile is the best gift to give your child.

Embrace Sugar-Free Treats

Now-a-days the emphasis for many families are sugar-free snacks and gum as healthier alternatives to sugar-rich treats.

These options not only decrease sugar in children’s diets, they also protect their teeth from harmful sugar acid buildup.

While it’s a good idea to incorporate more sugar-free options into your child’s diet, it’s also important to always encourage rinsing with water after meals and snacks.

I Love My Fruit, Then Mommy Brushes My Teeth — **Healthy Snacks For My Healthy Teeth**

Prioritize Toothbrushing

Toothbrushing and fluoride are 2 of the best defenses against cavities by strengthening tooth enamel.

There are 2 ways to help make sure your child gets the right amount of fluoride. The first is by brushing with an American Dental Association (ADA) Seal Of Acceptance fluoride toothpaste. The second is by drinking fluoridated water whenever possible.

**Brushing My Teeth Just Like My Daddy**

I Like To Show Off My Smile — **Brushing My Teeth Just Like My Daddy**

Consider Sealants For Protection

Dental sealants provide an extra layer of protection because they create a barrier over the grooves and crevices in teeth.

Sealants are a great preventive measure, especially for molars.

Replace Used Toothbrushes

The New Year is the perfect time replace worn toothbrushes with new ones.

A useful guide is that a toothbrush should be changed every three to four months or sooner if the bristles are frayed or bent.

What To Remember

Set achievable oral health care goals for this year. Start with brushing twice a day, or flossing every night.

Celebrate milestones to keep both of you motivated.

Be consistent while also modeling good oral hygiene habits yourself. This helps instill in children their daily routine.

Setting small attainable goals makes tooth care more accomplishable and less overwhelming.

**Taking Good Care Of My Teeth Gives Me More Time For School**

As you reflect on the year that was and look forward to all that’s to come, cheers for a happy, bright and smile filled 2025!

Good Night, Sleep Tight, Won't Let The Tooth Bugs Bite After Brushing My Teeth — **Good Night, Sleep Tight, Won’t Let The Tooth Bugs Bite After Brushing My Teeth**

What is your tooth goal for your child in the first month of this new year? What will you choose? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

**Thanks Mom And Dad For My Great Teeth Habits**

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

Have A Children’s Dentistry Question?

December 12, 2024December 11, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

You have a question, I have the answer.

As a Mom I understand how down right frustrating it is to find answers to our questions.

As a pediatric dentist I get it. You want to learn more to take the best care you can of your children.

This is why I put together the most asked pediatric dental questions we have received along with their answers.

Browse through these FAQ’s to learn more about pediatric dental care.

What is baby bottle tooth decay and how did my child get it? Baby bottle tooth decay is a type of very rapid decay associated with prolonged nursing and/or bottle feeding. This happens when a child goes to sleep while breast feeding and/or bottle feeding. During sleep time and nap time, the milk or juice sits on the teeth because the saliva flow in the mouth is decreased. It’s best not to nurse children to sleep, and to avoid putting them to sleep with a bottle.
What causes tooth decay? There are 4 things necessary for cavities to form ~ teeth, bacteria, carbohydrates or starches or sugar and time. Dental plaque is the thin, sticky, colorless deposits of bacteria that constantly forms on everyone’s teeth everyday. When you eat, the sugars in food cause the bacteria in plaque to produce acids which attack the tooth enamel. Over time and with repeated acid attacks, the enamel breaks down and a cavity forms. This is why it’s important to brush your child’s teeth twice a day and to floss every night.
If my child gets a cavity in their baby tooth, why should it be filled? Baby teeth or “primary” teeth are important for several reasons ~ these teeth help children speak clearly and chew naturally, they also aid in forming the path that permanent teeth can follow when they are ready to erupt. Some baby teeth stay in a child’s mouth until they are 12-14 years old or longer. A cavity (aka tooth decay) is really an infection caused by bacteria. Left untreated, cavities will continue to grow larger and can potentially spread outside the tooth and cause serious infections. Pain, infection, impairment of general health and premature loss of teeth are just a few of the problems that can happen when baby teeth are not taken care of. This is why proper care of baby teeth is instrumental in your child’s health.
How can I make my child’s diet safe for their teeth and appealing for them to want to eat? A balanced diet good for your child’s general health, growth and development doesn’t have to be boring. Make this fun and be creative. If your child is old enough include them. Keep this in mind when serving fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and cereals, milk and dairy products, and meat, fish and eggs. Limit the servings of sugars and starches, including sugar containing drinks. When you allow these “special treats,” serve them with a meal instead of as a stand-alone snack.
Are pacifiers and thumbsucking harmful to children’s teeth? Thumbsucking, fingersucking and pacifier habits will generally only become a problem if they go on past the age of 3 years old. Most children stop these habits on their own. There are individual treatments that can be discussed if a child is still using a pacifier or sucking their thumbs or fingers past the age of 3.
Are dental sealants good for children’s teeth? Sealants help prevent cavities. The purpose of sealants is to cover the grooves and deep crevices on the surfaces of the back teeth (think molars) which are hard to clean, and keep out food that could get caught and cause cavities. You still need to brush and floss your child’s teeth everyday.

After Your Bottle Daddy And I Will Wipe Your Mouth And Then It's Off To Sleep — **After Your Bottle Daddy And I Will Wipe Your Mouth And Then It’s Off To Sleep**

Now Mommy Is Going To Brush Your Teeth — **After Your Bottle Daddy And I Will Wipe Your Mouth And Then It’s Off To Sleep**

Do you have any questions? Don’t be shy. I’m ready to provide you with informative and clear answers to your dental questions. Let me know. I’m more than happy to help you learn more for you to help your child. Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us on Facebook

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

When Do Children Lose Their Baby Teeth?

November 21, 2024November 20, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline ~ 1 Comment

In the Know for You to Know

**My Tooth Is Loose, My Tooth Is Loose**

It seems like yesterday your baby got their first tooth. Now they’re coming to you saying “My tooth is loose.” Where did the time go?

This is an exciting time for you and your child as you embrace this new milestone.

Today we’re discussing this natural growth phase as your child begins to lose their baby teeth (aka primary teeth).

What Age Do Children Start To Lose Their Baby Teeth?

Generally children start losing their baby teeth (aka exfoliation) around 6 years of age.

However, the earlier baby teeth come into the mouth, the earlier they fall out. There are some children who may start losing their baby teeth as young as 4 years old.

It’s important to also keep in mind, the later baby teeth come in the later they fall out. So there are some children who may start losing baby teeth at 7 or 8 years of age.

**My Bottom Front Teeth Are Really Loose**

Mom, My Teeth Are Wiggly! — **My Bottom Front Teeth Are Really Loose**

How Many Teeth Do Children Lose?

When toddlers have all their baby teeth they’ll have 20 teeth, 10 teeth on the top and 10 teeth on the bottom.

As they grow, children will lose all 20 of their baby teeth.

Which Teeth Do Children Lose First?

Teeth fall out in the order they came in to the mouth.

Around the time a child turns 6 years old the first teeth they start to lose are their bottom front teeth (aka lower central incisors).

While the age varies with each child, there is generally a pattern in which baby teeth are lost~

Tooth	Age
Lower Central Incisors	6-7 years
Upper Central Incisors	6-7 years
Upper Lateral Incisors	7-8 years
Lower Central Incisors	7-8 years
Upper First Molars	9-11 years
Lower First Molars	9-11 years
Lower Canines	9-12 years
Upper Canines	10-12 years
Lower Second Molars	10-12 years
Upper Second Molars	10-12 years

What Are The Signs Of A Loose Tooth?

Sometimes a child doesn’t realize their tooth is loose, so they won’t be able to tell you.

If your child is about the age you were when you lost your first tooth or in the age range, go ahead and check for wiggly teeth. You may find none, 1, or 2.

So what are the tell-tale signs of loose teeth?

Tooth movement or wiggling when eating, talking, touching the tooth, brushing teeth.
Gaps between teeth – as teeth get loose they can move out of their original position. So if teeth were touching before when they become loose they can move and create spaces between teeth.
Change in tooth position – in the same way loose teeth create spaces between teeth, as teeth get lose they can move to the left or the right of their original position and sometimes overlap the teeth next to them.

As A Parent, Is There Anything Special I Should Do?

Losing teeth is an exciting time for some children, but unsettling for others.

Children do well with guidance in new situations, and losing baby teeth is no exception.

When you know that a tooth is loose, it’s important to stay calm and explain to your child what is happening. They’re growing up. The feeling around their wiggly tooth is new and different and it will go away when their tooth comes out; which may mean a visit from the tooth fairy.

Also, keep in mind that while your child’s tooth is loose, it’s important to show them why you need to stay on your regular toothbrushing and flossing routine; even if they don’t want to.

I'm So Excited, I Lost My Top Tooth And The Other One Is Wiggly — **I’m So Excited, I Lost My Top Tooth And The Other One Is Wiggly**

Losing More Baby Teeth — **I’m So Excited, I Lost My Top Tooth And The Other One Is Wiggly**

Can I Wiggle Out My Child’s Loose Tooth?

Some children love to wiggle their loose teeth anticipating an earlier visit from the tooth fairy. Other children may not like the feeling of their tooth moving in their gums and want to let the tooth come out on its own.

It’s all right if your child wiggles their loose tooth with their tongue or a clean finger, as long as their gums aren’t inflamed or causing pain.

What To Remember

The earlier baby teeth come in, the earlier they fall out

The most common time children lose their baby teeth is when their permanent tooth is ready to grow in and pushes out the baby tooth.

The first baby teeth that fall out are most often the bottom 2 front teeth, the lower central incisors. The next to fall out are the two top front teeth, the upper central incisors. Followed by the lateral incisors, first molars, canines and second molars.

Embrace each time the tooth fairy makes a visit to your house. These special moments will be a memory in the blink of an eye.

**So Much To Know About Losing Our Teeth**

How old was your child when they lost their first baby tooth? Did the tooth come out on its own? Did you need to wiggle their tooth out? Have you saved their teeth? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook

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

Two Holidays In One Week ~ Celebrating Halloween and National Brush Day

October 31, 2024October 30, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Halloween is finally here!

For the children it’s all about the excitement. The thrill of dressing up in their costumes to go out trick-or-treating to collect candy and trinkets from friends and neighbors.

For you it’s how to manage the sweets while keeping your child’s teeth healthy. Part of you is saying for them to have fun and enjoy some candy. Then you’re also thinking about keeping their teeth healthy.

So how do you keep candy and toothbrushing realistic while allowing your child to have a delightful time?

5 Tooth Friendly Tips For A Happy Halloween And For The Days After

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 day. By doing this you’re done and everyone is happy. Remember to keep candy out of their bedroom.
Water is your friend. Drink water to help wash away any gooey chewy candy that’s stuck in their teeth. Water is really good for you and your teeth.
Sticky and hard candies stay in their mouths for a long time. It’s a good idea to stay away from taffy, dried fruits, caramels, and other chewy, sticky candy. Select less sticky and less sour goodies like pretzels, sugar free gum and chocolate. Chocolate without any mix-ins is great because it slides off and there’s nothing to get stuck in their teeth.
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 reinforces consistency.
Don’t allow the Halloween candy stash to be a substitute for healthy snacks. Cheese, yogurt, peanut butter, celery, carrot sticks, apple slices are great options.

Having Fun Making My Children's Halloween Snacks — **A Small Treat Gives A Big Smile**

What Is National Brush Day?

Each year we celebrate National Brush Day on November 1st.

The legend goes, that to make up for those extra sweet indulgences on Halloween we celebrate today to help your healthy toothbrushing routine.

How Do We Celebrate?

On this day it’s being mindful of how important brushing your child’s teeth for 2 minutes 2x’s a day is for everyone. Brushing is actually fun when you do it together and watching videos to make sure you get into all those tooth nooks and crannies.

Some ways to celebrate ~

Brushing and flossing #2min2x (www.2min2x.org)
Choose your family toothbrushing song or make up your own song
Have a family brushing contest
Select your favorite toothpaste flavor of the week
Smile and always make brushing fun

When Do We Brush?

Brushing for 2 minutes in the morning after breakfast and for 2 minutes before bed (and after flossing) is a great way to healthy teeth and gums.

How Often Do We Brush?

Twice a day every day. That’s 7days a week/365 days a year. Yes, even on school days, holidays, vacations and weekends.

What Do We Need?

You’ll need 3 things, a soft bristle toothbrush (age appropriate size), a dab will do ya size of toothpaste (fluoride preferred), and a flosser.

What Comes Next?

Remember to floss first. Flossing first allows you to take out all the yucky stuff that gets caught in-between your child’s teeth (there’s always stuff) and then you brush all that away at once.

If you floss second, then you’ll have to brush again to take the
in-between teeth stuff away.

When Should We Start?

National Brush Day is a great day to start. This way it will always be your anniversary for good oral health!

Daddy's Going To Brush My Teeth — **I Always Brush My Teeth Twice A Day**

What To Remember

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

You can continue all this enthusiasm on November 1st. November 1st is National Brush Day. Celebrate with brushing and flossing #2min2x, choose your family toothbrushing song, have a family brushing competition, select your favorite toothpaste flavor of the week; and always make brushing fun.

**Today Is The Day For A New Toothbrush And A New Toothpaste Flavor, Can You Guess The Flavor?**

Happy Halloween — **Today Is The Day For A New Toothbrush And A New Toothpaste Flavor, Can You Guess The Flavor?**

Have A Spooktacular Halloween! and remember to Lift Your Toothbrush For National Brush Day!

Tell us ~Are you having a Halloween Bash or going out Trick-or-Treating? What costume is your child looking forward to wearing? Which is your most memorable costume? Share your favorite toothbrushing song with us. What is your family’s toothpaste flavor this week? If you could create your own toothpaste flavor, what would it be? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me. Like us or Chat with us on Facebook.

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

Wondering Which Halloween Treats Are Best For Your Child’s Teeth?

October 24, 2024October 23, 2024 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Halloween is almost here. This is the sweet time of year when children enjoy dressing up in their favorite costume, going out trick-or-treating as they collect candy and treats from friends and neighbors.

Leading up to Halloween, everywhere you look there’s chocolates and sugary treats ready to tempt your eager trick or treaters.

So, how do you keep treats reasonable while enjoying your family’s fun Halloween trick-or treating?

Tasty And Fun Halloween Treats

Whether it’s your annual Halloween monster mash, a gathering of your ghosts and goblins, appetizers to go with a witch’s brew or a pre trick-or-treat treat, no Halloween bash is complete without some scary snacks.

Try our top treats you can prepare with your child and your child will love this Halloween~

Chocolate Dipped Orange 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 bite sized black and orange treat just right for the season.

Spider Bites

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 lined sheet pan, place in the refrigerator or freezer until firm.

Mummy Pizza

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

Apple Monster Mouth

Quarter an apple (red or green is your choice) and remove the core from each quarter. On the side where you removed the core, slice the apple part way through and spread with your favorite nut butter. Place a slice of strawberry, peach, or red plum onto of the nut butter to create the “tongue”. For the teeth place any nut of your choice into the apple above the through the nut butter. Melt chocolate chips and place a dab of melted chocolate on the bottom of 2 chocolate chips to create the eyes.

Pumpkin Hummus With 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, pepper slices or cucumber slices.

Jack-O-Lantern Peppers With Witch 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’s favorite dip or dressing. Fill another pepper with pepper slices, carrot sticks, broccoli pieces, cucumber slices, carrot sticks or pretzels. A colorful, festive, fun way to encourage your child to eat their veggies.

Witch’s Broomsticks

These are fun, yummy and festive. Choose 2 of your family’s favorite cheese sticks. Cut each cheese stick to resemble the bristles of a broom. Place two cheese sticks around a pretzel stick or pretzel rod and tie together with a chive or use a vegetable peeler to create thin carrot ribbons to tie the broom together.

**Sharing Our Halloween Treats With You**

Making Our Halloween Pizza Our Way — **Sharing Our Halloween Treats With You**

Better Candy Options

When it needs to be candy ~

Dark Chocolate

Choose dark chocolate treats like chocolate bars over sticky, gummy candy. Chocolate melts off the teeth and has anti-oxidants which are good for children.

Sugar-Free Gum

Sugar-free gum contains xylitol, stimulates saliva, neutralizes acids in the mouth, and helps wash away food particles all of which help keep teeth healthy.

Sugar-Free Candy

Sugar-free candy contains xylitol, helps increase the flow of saliva, neutralizes acids in the mouth, and helps wash away food particles which help teeth stay healthy.

Top 3 Candy No-No’s

Part of Halloween fun is indulging. However some candies should be on the no candy list~

Gummy And Sticky Candies

Gummy and sticky candies stay stuck to the teeth which is difficult to brush off.

Hard Candies

Hard candies are so hard that they can cause a child to chip or break a tooth by biting into or chewing on them. Since these candies stay in their mouth for such a long time there is more time for the sugar to stick to their teeth.

Sour Candies

Sour candies taste so sourly good because they are acidic which makes their saliva more acidic and weakens tooth enamel.

**Sticky Gummy Worms Look Great On A Plate Not So Much On My Teeth**

What's in Your Pumpkin? — **Sticky Gummy Worms Look Great On A Plate Not So Much On My Teeth**

Non-Food Goodies Are A Good Choice

When given a choice select children’s play favorites such as ~

Glow sticks
Spider rings
Vampire fangs
Pencils
Bubbles
Bouncy balls
Finger puppets
Whistles
Stickers
Stencils
Rubik’s cube
Yo-yo’s

Halloween is every child’s dream. It’s the holiday of costumes and candy and more candy and even more candy. With all the joy trick-or treating brings, we don’t want to crush their excitement. So be the cool parent and the Halloween Hero, and wonder no more about which Halloween treats are best for your child’s teeth.

Does your family like to trick or do you like the treats? Are you doing a family costume theme or does everyone choose their own? What are your children’s all time must have no way it will ever change favorite Halloween treats? Where does your child like to keep their candy stash and how did you find it? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook

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

Who Is The Tooth Fairy?

A Poem From The Tooth Fairy

When To Anticipate Your Child’s First Tooth Fairy Visit

Tips For Celebrating A Tooth Fairy Visit

Tooth Fairy Day Is So Nice, We Celebrate Twice

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Is Fluoride?

Why Is Fluoride Important?

How Does Fluoride Work?

How Does Fluoride Prevent Cavities?

Is Fluoride Safe?

Should I Be Worried About My Child Drinking Water With Fluoride?

Do I Need To Worry If My Child Swallows Toothpaste With Fluoride?

If We Brush Our Children’s Teeth With Fluoride Toothpaste, Do We Still Need To Drink Fluoridated Water?

4 Sources Of Fluoride

Fluoridated Water

Fluoride Toothpaste

Fluoride Treatments

Fluoride Supplements

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Did You Know?

What To Know For Your Baby’s Teeth

Taking Care Before Teeth Come In

Taking Care Of Teeth For Children, Tweens And Teens Is Important

Fluoride Helps Prevent Cavities

Fluoride Is Safe

Talking Tooth Care

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What’s A Tooth To Do?

When Is All This Happening?

How to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Strong

Tips To Keep The Sugar Bugs Away

6 Months – 2 Years Old

2 – 5 Years Old

School Aged Children

Tweens And Teens

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Embrace Sugar-Free Treats

Prioritize Toothbrushing

Consider Sealants For Protection

Replace Used Toothbrushes

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

What Age Do Children Start To Lose Their Baby Teeth?

How Many Teeth Do Children Lose?

Which Teeth Do Children Lose First?

What Are The Signs Of A Loose Tooth?

As A Parent, Is There Anything Special I Should Do?

Can I Wiggle Out My Child’s Loose Tooth?

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

5 Tooth Friendly Tips For A Happy Halloween And For The Days After

What Is National Brush Day?

How Do We Celebrate?

When Do We Brush?

How Often Do We Brush?

What Do We Need?

What Comes Next?

When Should We Start?

What To Remember

If this is helpful for You Please Share:

Tasty And Fun Halloween Treats

Chocolate Dipped Orange Pumpkins

Spider Bites

Mummy Pizza

Apple Monster Mouth

Pumpkin Hummus With Broomsticks

Jack-O-Lantern Peppers With Witch Dip And Vegetable Broomsticks

Witch’s Broomsticks

Better Candy Options

Dark Chocolate

Sugar-Free Gum

Sugar-Free Candy

Top 3 Candy No-No’s