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What is Your Child Drinking?

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In an attempt to follow the government’s recommended nutritional guidelines of five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, many parents encourage their children to drink fruit juices and smoothies. Unfortunately, this may have negative effects on their teeth. The high acid levels found in fruits and fruit juice can attack the teeth of young children and dissolve the outer surface of tooth enamel. Once the enamel has been damaged, children are at greater risk for cavities and gum disease. Fortunately, there are effective ways to prevent this damage from occurring, while still allowing children to safely enjoy their juices and smoothies.

Try these five tips for decreasing the risk of tooth decay and erosion:

 

  1. Rather than give your children juice or a smoothie as a snack, serve them drinks to accompany another snack, such as cheese, which will help neutralize the acid.
  2. Encourage your children to drink from a straw so that their teeth are less exposed to the acid and sugar.
  3. Don’t let your kids sip on their juice or smoothie over a long period of time. Make sure they know they need to finish their drink with their snack to avoid the build-up of sugar on the teeth.
  4. Follow up snack time with a glass of water to help rinse your children’s mouth out and dilute the sugars. Tap water that has been fluoridated will be especially beneficial.
  5. Don’t let your children have juice or smoothies before bedtime, as the sugar and acid will sit on their teeth all night, leading to erosion of the enamel.

 

There are a variety of ways to limit the negative effects of sugar and acid on your kids’ teeth while still allowing them to enjoy juices and smoothies. Make sure they’re flossing and brushing twice each day, and remember to schedule regular dental appointments with your pediatric dentist. By following these tips and practicing good oral hygiene, your children can remain healthy and cavity free.

Tips for Brushing up on Your Child’s Oral Health

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Looking for the perfect toothbrush for your child’s oral health needs? While it may be easy to just grab the flashiest brush with the latest action hero or Disney princess on it, you want to make sure it’s functional too., Parents often ask if they should get their child a manual or electric toothbrush. According to the American Dental Association, either type can effectively clean teeth. In fact, studies show there is no significant difference in how well the brushes clean. What’s most important is that you make sure the toothbrush has the association’s seal of approval so you can feel confident that all parts of the toothbrush are safe for use, and the material is durable

Here are some other tips:

  • Opt for a soft bristle toothbrush; bristles that are too hard can actually damage gums, root surface, and protective tooth enamel, according to Web MD.
  • Make sure it’s easy for your child to hold. A toothbrush with grips will help but a toothbrush small enough for your child’s hand is most important.
  • Consider a brush that plays a song or has a timer to keep your child focused on their brushing for a full two minutes.
  • Involve your child in the selection process. Once you narrow down a few of the best toothbrushes, let your child choose if they’d like a manual or electric toothbrush. From there, they can choose colors and designs to fit their taste. Allowing them to participate in the selection will help increase their interest and commitment to taking care of their teeth.

Finding the best toothbrush is important, but more importantly, the process of picking a toothbrush should set the stage for teaching your child about caring for their teeth. Just make sure the toothbrush is safe, effective and appealing to your child. Remember, while they are young, brush and care for their gums and teeth until they are ready to take on the task themselves.

Chipped Teeth and Children

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Unfortunately, chipping a tooth can be a common childhood experience. It’s especially likely during the time toddlers are learning to walk or older kids are actively playing sports. If your child chips a tooth, the first thing to remember is not to panic. Unless your child is in pain, a chipped tooth is usually not serious. That being said, when your child does have a chipped tooth, you should always call your dental office as soon as possible to schedule an emergency evaluation in case there is damage you can’t see.

 

In addition to calling the dentist, you should rinse your child’s mouth with cold water and apply a cold compress to reduce any potential swelling. Also, make sure to collect any teeth fragments, if possible and bring them to your pediatric dentist. If you cannot find the fragment from the tooth and your child is having difficulty breathing, immediately take them to an emergency room to make sure they did not inhale a piece of the tooth.

 

For a day or two after chipping a tooth, feed your child soft foods that will be gentle on their teeth. If they continue to feel pain, you can give them the advised amount of children’s ibuprofen. If you are not sure, ask your dentist or doctor what the correct dosage for your child is before administering any medication.

 

If your child loses a baby tooth from the accident, there may be some damage that will become visible later, such as discoloration. You also want to watch carefully to make sure their gums do not become infected. If your child’s gums are swollen or tender or your child exhibits a fever, call the pediatrician as soon as possible.

 

While it is not always possible to avoid chipping teeth, we recommend watching your child carefully while they are learning to walk and keeping them in soft, carpeted areas until they become steadier on their feet. When children begin playing sports, make sure they use a mouth guard for protection and teach them how to avoid hazards that may lead to falls.

 

While chipping a baby tooth is not usually a serious issue, it can be aesthetically unappealing. If a parent or child is unhappy waiting for the chipped tooth to fall out naturally, talk to your dentist about options for having the baby tooth fixed. The first priority when a baby tooth becomes damaged is preserving the permanent teeth. When there is damage to permanent teeth, it often requires some kind of treatment, such as bonding, filling or capping.

 

If you ever have any questions or concerns, call our office. We are here to help.

When is the Right Time for Orthodontic Care?

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When is the right time for Orthodontic Care?

There are plenty of reasons your child might need braces, it could be to correct an overbite or underbite, give space to overcrowded teeth or simply to straighten a crooked smile. While it might be easy to tell your child needs braces, it might not be so easy to determine the right time. Your pediatric dentist should guide you through this process but here are a few tips to help you make the best choice for your family:

 

  1. Recognize that every child is different. The right time to get braces will vary greatly depending on the type and severity of your child’s dental problems.

 

  1. Get a second opinion. There is a lot of variability in orthodontic treatment options, so meeting with a few orthodontists and finding one with a reasonable sounding plan who puts you and your child at ease is important.

 

  1. Wait until your child has most of their adult teeth. This too can vary by orthodontist but generally, dentists recommend waiting until the majority of the permanent teeth have come in.

 

  1. Expect orthodontic care to take place between the ages of 8 and 14. While this is a pretty wide range, this is traditionally the age range of when orthodontic care begins. While eight might seem young to many parents, it can be the ideal time for certain patients, according to many orthodontists.

 

  1. Talk to your child. While you don’t always have the luxury of waiting to start orthodontic treatment, if you can, take the time to explain the process to your child. Helping them understand and get ready for braces will make them more inclined to take care of them and work successfully with the orthodontist.

 

Every child is different, and not every child will need orthodontic care. To be sure they are receiving the care they need do your research and speak with your pediatric dentist before proceeding with care.

Your Role in Your Child’s Dental Anxiety

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Studies show that parents who fear the dentist often have children who fear the dentist too. According to Everyday Health, up to 15 percent of people avoid visiting the dentist due to their crippling dental anxiety. For children, this can lead to a lifetime of dental health problems and poor oral hygiene.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cite cavities as the leading chronic disease among children. While most people don’t enjoy visiting the dentist, dental visits are an important part of a positive health routine. Easing your child’s anxiety and helping him or her become more comfortable going to will make appointments easier on you both.

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Here are a five tips that can help: :

  •  Book their first dental appointment early on.. The sooner a child can become comfortable with a dentist and familiar with procedures, the better. Dentists recommend children experience a first visit before they turn one year old, or as soon as teeth start coming in.

 

  • Find a well qualified pediatric dentist. Dental anxiety oftenstems from a previous negative dental experience. Going to a dentist that specializes in treating children can make the difference.. It only takes one bad experience to discourage a child from ever wanting to visit the dentist again.

 

  • Keep a positive attitude. Even if you dislike dental appointments, it is important that you put on a brave face when talking your childrening to the dentist. We recommend having your child accompany you to your appointments, and watching a parent or older sibling go through the process to help decrease anxiety. Remember, this only works if the patient isn’t anxious. If you’re happy and calm during your visit, it will do wonders in helping your child view dental visits in a positive light.

 

  • Avoid negative words like “hurt” .” Saying “It won’t hurt,” can actually put your child on edge. They’ll start to wonder why the dentist would do something to hurt them, which can generate fear. .

 

  • Keep the details minimal. Describing dental visits to your child beforehand might seem like a good idea, but in reality it will only make them dwell on the upcoming appointment more. Instead, consider acting out a dental visit with your child prior to the appointment. Role play with mom or dad acting as the dentist, then letting your child play a dentist examining you.. Also, wait to tell your child about their appointment until the day before or day of. It will give them less time to build up nerves.

 

  • Teach the importance of good oral hygiene. You can make dental appointments a positive experience by instilling good habits early. Start teaching your child to brush and floss, as soon as they have teeth. Having a beautiful begins with healthy teeth. It also reduces the chance of cavities, which will make dental visits a more positive experience. =

 

  • Be patient and expect your child to feel nervous. Fear of the dentist, to some extent, is completely normal. Be patient with your child and anticipate this fear, but don’t encourage it. If you act like they have something to be afraid of, it is more likely that they will be afraid. Keep in mind, your goal is to assure your child there is nothing to worry about.

Dental anxiety is something that affects children and adults alike. However, it is important that you recognize your role as a parent in easing their fears and helping them develop the best dental health habits possible. Keeping a positive attitude during your child’s dental appointments and making sure they see a qualified pediatric dentist will help shape a positive lifelong attitude. .

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