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

November 16, 2023November 15, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

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

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

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

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

Digital X-Rays

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

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

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

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

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

X-Ray Procedure For Children

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

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

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

Types Of Dental X-Rays

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

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

Important To Know

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In the Know for You to Know

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

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

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

Why Dental X-rays Are Important

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

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

Safety Features

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

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

3 Sets Of Gold Standards and Guidelines

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

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

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

Safety Equipment

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

Oral Health Conditions X-rays Diagnose

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

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

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

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

Important To Know

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

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

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

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

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

Raise Your Toothbrush For National Brush Day

October 26, 2023October 25, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

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

What Is National Brush Day?

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

Why Is National Brush Day The Day After Halloween?

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

What Do We Need To Celebrate National Brush Day?

You already have everything you need to use at home.

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

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

When Do We Start?

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

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

Toothpaste Flavors

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

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

Bacon
Chocolate
Wasabi
Blueberry
Cantaloupe
Ketchup

Celebration Ideas

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

Important To Remember

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

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

HAPPY NATIONAL BRUSH DAY from us to you!

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

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

Dental Tips For A Healthy Halloween

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

In the Know for You to Know

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

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

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

Tooth Friendly Tips

Check out these dental tips for a happy Halloween –

1. Sort and check the candy bag together

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

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

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

3. Water is your friend

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

4. Brush the candy away

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

5. Candy is not a healthy snack

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helping Your Child Be Comfortable At The Dentist

September 28, 2023September 26, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You To Know

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

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

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

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

How To Calm Your Child’s Fears Of The Dentist

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

I'm One and I Have Teeth — I’m One and I Have Teeth

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

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

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

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

My Dentist Always Tells Me and Shows Me Everything First

Then My Dentist Does What She Said — My Dentist Always Tells Me and Shows Me Everything First

3. Role play going to the dentist

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

Mommy Said The Dentist Is Going To Take Pictures Of My Teeth, So I'm Practicing

Taking My Tooth Photos Wearing My Cool Shades

Checking Out My Tooth Photos With My Dentist and My Dad

4. Drive past your pediatric dentist’s office

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

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

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

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

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

7. Practice at home

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

My Dad Teaching Me To Brush My Teeth — Brushing Teeth With My Grandma

8. Listen to your child’s fears and concerns

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

9. Find a fun and welcoming pediatric dentist

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

Books To Read About Going To The Dentist

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

3 recommendations to help you get started –

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

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

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

Our Teacher Is Reading Us A Story About Going To The Dentist

Mommy's Reading To Me About My Dentist's Visit — Our Teacher Is Reading Us A Story About Going To The Dentist

What’s Important To Know About A Pediatric Dentist

Pediatric dentists are like pediatricians.

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

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

Overcoming The Overwhelming

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

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

What To Remember

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

Share your experiences. What has worked for you to overcome your child’s fear of going to the dentist? We really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Game Plan For Your Child’s Healthy Teeth

September 21, 2023September 20, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

We Have A Great Game Plan For Healthy Teeth

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

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

The Enemies

Plaque

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

Decay

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

Sugars

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

Teeth’s Best Friends

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

Mommy and Daddy are Watching How I Brush

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

Why Brush Twice A Day?

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

Why Floss Everyday?

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

What’s Important To Remember?

Grandma Is Showing Me How Much Toothpaste Goes On My Brush

Love Brushing It's Time To Change My Tooth Brush

Daddy Put A Pea Size Amount Of Toothpaste On My Tooth Brush

Tooth Brush Size Makes All The Difference

Tooth brush size, tooth paste and flossing matter.

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

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

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

What’s your game plan to a healthy smile for your child? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us or Chat with us on Facebook at facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

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

September 14, 2023September 13, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

The new school year has started and you’re putting together everyone’s new routine making sure your child starts and ends their day in a healthy way.

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

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

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

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

What Are The 4 B’s?

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

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

Bath

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

Brush

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

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

Mommy's Coming To Help Me Brush My Teeth

Daddy's Helping And Watching Us Brush Our Teeth

Mommy's Making Sure I Learn How To Brush My Teeth Correctly

Daddy's Watching Me Brush To Make Sure I Brush Right

Book

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

Being together at the end of the day, even for 15 minutes builds memories and skills you’ll both cherish forever. As your child gets sleepy it’s book away and into bed.

Tonight Is Daddy and Me Time To Read Before My Bed Time

Grandma And I Read Every Night Before My Bed Time

Bed

Setting a regular bed time and tucking your child in with hugs and kisses for sweet dreams and a restful night’s sleep with clean sparkling teeth helps the whole family have a relaxing night and stress free morning.

Mommy And Daddy Tuck Me In For Sweet Dreams

Yes I Love It When My Mom and Dad Tuck Me In

The Power Of The 4 B Routine

What makes your 4 B routine powerful is YOU.

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

The Benefits Of The 4 B Routine

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

Wishing you Happy and Healthy Smiles this School Year!

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

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

Happy Grandparent’s Day

September 7, 2023September 6, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

September 10th is National Grandparent’s Day. Grandparent’s Day is a very special day set aside to honor all grandparents and the extraordinarily memorable relationship they have with their grandchildren.

Cherish Your Grandparents

This is a day to honor grandparents, to give grandchildren an extra reason to show love for their grandparents, and to allow children to become more aware of the strength, knowledge, and guidance grandparents can share with them.

A grandparents relationship with their grandchild is so precious and influential. The love, honor, respect, and admiration is easy to see with the feelings being totally mutual.

These cherished gifts from a grandparent to their grandchild are something they will hold dear and carry with them every day of their lives.

Spending Time With Your Grandparents

Your family may have your own traditions or you may be starting new ones.

Maybe you’ll be taking out your family’s photo albums reminiscing and telling stories, or asking grandma if you can cook together a favorite meal. Think about having a grandparent sleepover, spending time with your grandparents at the park or zoo, fixing the car with grandpa or asking grandpa to teach you how to ride a 2 wheeler.

Remember to take photos, start a memory book, or record their stories on your phone because what you’re doing together is making beautiful memories for a life time and to pass on.

3 Reasons Grandparents Are The BEST

Without them we wouldn’t be here,
We love each other totally and unconditionally,
They have a lot of knowledge to pass along.

From each of us at kidstoothhotline to each of you Happy Grandparent’s Day!

What are your plans for celebrating Grandparent Day? 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!

Does Charcoal Toothpaste Work?

August 24, 2023August 23, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

Charcoal toothpaste is the latest fad on the toothpaste scene. When something is new and in style we know our tweens and teens will be interested to try it out.

When we brush our teeth we’re used to seeing the usual white foam our toothpaste produces, however, charcoal toothpaste covers the teeth with a dark black slurry.

Charcoal Toothpaste Really Looks Like Charcoal

What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?

Charcoal toothpaste is made with activated charcoal. This is similar to regular charcoal used for the bbq, but it is heat treated to make it more porous. Being more porous makes it highly absorbent and able to trap different types of particles.

Because of its coarse texture charcoal has a history of being used to clean teeth. In 2019 The British Dental Journal looked into this and found that some current toothpastes claim that the absorbent charcoal works by binding to the plaque and stains on teeth, which is then brushed away.

Can Charcoal Toothpaste Benefit My Child’s Oral Health?

Charcoal toothpaste benefits from the perception that it works because it is natural.

However there isn’t any evidence to show any advantages for charcoal toothpaste.

Many toothpastes made with charcoal do not contain fluoride, and it’s the fluoride which has all the benefits in helping protect teeth from cavities.

Even if the label on the charcoal toothpaste tube says it has fluoride, the activated charcoal can bind up the fluoride and make it less available and able to protect and strengthen teeth.

In the 2019 British Dental Journal study, they found another concern – charcoal can get caught in the gums and cause irritation.

Will Charcoal Toothpaste Whiten My Teenager’s Teeth?

Charcoal toothpastes claim that they will bring a shine back to your child’s smile. However these toothpastes are abrasive, so they have the potential to scrape off stains from teeth.

Using toothpastes that are abrasive on your teen’s teeth can actually make them look more yellow. This is because it’s the enamel that you and your child are looking to whiten and by using a toothpaste that is too rough you can actually wear the enamel away.

When the enamel wears away it can never grow back, and the next layer of your child’s tooth will become exposed. This next layer is a softer, yellow tissue called dentin.

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe For My Child?

The 2 main risks of charcoal toothpaste are its abrasiveness and lack of fluoride.

The abrasiveness by wearing away the protective enamel layer on the teeth uncovers the soft yellow dentin which causes teeth to become sensitive.

Besides causing sensitivity, stripping away the enamel can also make teeth more prone to chipping.

Fluoride is the most well known ingredient in toothpaste. Safe amounts of fluoride in your toothpaste help strengthen the teeth’s enamel. The ADA has labeled fluoride safe and effective for regular use to help prevent cavities and maintain good oral health.

Charcoal Toothpaste, Just A Trend?

There really aren’t any tangible benefits to charcoal toothpaste.

The Journal of The American Dental Association (September,2017) showed there is no evidence that dental products with charcoal are safe or effective for your teeth.

What To Do?

Today’s toothpaste and toothbrushes are designed to clean the teeth surfaces gently.

It’s best to choose a whitening toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. This Seal lets you know the toothpaste you choose is safe, effective and won’t damage your teen’s teeth.

Has your family tried charcoal toothpaste? What do you think about charcoal in toothpaste? 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!

National Tooth Fairy Day Is Almost Here

August 17, 2023August 16, 2023 ~ kidstoothhotline

In the Know for You to Know

The Tooth Fairy Came For My Tooth Last Night

August 22nd is National Tooth Fairy Day, when we celebrate the happiness and amazement of children losing their baby teeth. Most children start to lose their baby teeth around the time they are 5 to 6 years old which makes the Tooth Fairy experience even more magical!

This special day also allows you to 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. Passing along these memories to your children is a priceless way to create new memories for both of you.

Greeting From Your Friend The Tooth Fairy

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

The Tooth Fairy awakens the excitement and affection of childhood while reminding us to cherish the memories you make with your children when they receive their enchanting Tooth Fairy visits each time they lose a tooth.

What is your own favorite Tooth Fairy Memory? How does your family prepare for your Tooth Fairy visit? How many teeth do you think the Tooth Fairy collects every night? We’d really like to know! Send us an email at kidstoothhotline@protonmail.me Like Us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kidstoothhotline

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

Digital X-Rays

X-Ray Procedure For Children

Types Of Dental X-Rays

Important To Know

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Why Dental X-rays Are Important

Safety Features

3 Sets Of Gold Standards and Guidelines

Safety Equipment

Oral Health Conditions X-rays Diagnose

Important To Know

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Tooth Friendly Tips

1. Sort and check the candy bag together

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

3. Water is your friend

4. Brush the candy away

5. Candy is not a healthy snack

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How To Calm Your Child’s Fears Of The Dentist

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

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

3. Role play going to the dentist

4. Drive past your pediatric dentist’s office

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

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

7. Practice at home

8. Listen to your child’s fears and concerns

9. Find a fun and welcoming pediatric dentist

Books To Read About Going To The Dentist

What’s Important To Know About A Pediatric Dentist

Overcoming The Overwhelming

What To Remember

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The Enemies

Plaque

Decay

Sugars

Teeth’s Best Friends

Why Brush Twice A Day?

Why Floss Everyday?

What’s Important To Remember?

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What Are The 4 B’s?

Bath

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

Brush

Book

Bed

The Power Of The 4 B Routine

The Benefits Of The 4 B Routine

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Cherish Your Grandparents

Spending Time With Your Grandparents

3 Reasons Grandparents Are The BEST

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What Is Charcoal Toothpaste?

Can Charcoal Toothpaste Benefit My Child’s Oral Health?

Will Charcoal Toothpaste Whiten My Teenager’s Teeth?

Is Charcoal Toothpaste Safe For My Child?

Charcoal Toothpaste, Just A Trend?

What To Do?

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Greeting From Your Friend The Tooth Fairy

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