My Child Loves Crunching Ice. Will It Damage His Teeth?

Your kitchen blender does a good job of crushing ice, but your teeth are not.

Many children, and even adults love chewing ice, especially during summer. This is also the season where dental clinics are stormed with patients complaining of broken teeth and gum pain. Chewing ice can cause several negative effects to your mouth:

1. It can destroy orthodontic appliances. Braces and retainers are necessary to achieve a properly aligned teeth and bite. However, despite their durable material and secure attachment, eating ice may damage these dental appliances. You may dislodge the wires on your braces or damage your brackets, which can cause unnecessary trip to your dentist. If your child is wearing braces or retainers, tell him/her the possible risks of eating ice.

2. It can damage tooth enamel. The tooth enamel is a strong, resilient substance of the human body but chewing ice can potentially damage this part. Your tooth enamel protects your teeth from acid attack and cavities.

3. Teeth may crack or chip. Our teeth tend to be strong and resilient but they are not intended to break hard objects such as ice. Crunching ice can break or crack a tooth, which leads to unnecessary trip to a clinic to repair it. If a tooth chipped, save the chipped part and place it in a bag of milk. Head immediately to your dentist to fix a broken tooth.

4. It can damage dental fillings. Fillings can be dislodged by eating hard objects like ice.

5. It may affect tooth sensitivity. Eating ice can damage tooth sensitivity and may even cause sore jaw.

What Should I Do?

Crunching ice is usually a subconscious habit that many children don’t mind. But as a parent, always remind them about the risks and potential problems that may arise from chewing ice in order to prevent this habit. Chewing ice can lead to unnecessary dental trips.

To feel refreshed, rather than eating large chunks of ice, we recommend allowing ice to just melt in your mouth, like a cool candy. Or you may offer apple chunks or baby carrots for kids wanting some crunch.

Traditional String Floss vs. Floss Picks – Which One is Better?

We know regular brushing is a very important part of dental care and hygiene, but flossing is a crucial part as well. The American Dental Association has always emphasized the importance of cleaning in between the teeth, however, many parents overlook this oral practice to their kids and even themselves.

Flossing in between the teeth can remove trapped food particles that your toothbrush can’t reach. It also helps remove plaque buildup. There are two things commonly used today – the traditional dental floss and the floss pick. Both types have a thin filament of fiber that is coated in wax, so it could slide easier between the teeth.

But which one is more effective? Looking at the two floss types – is there really a difference?

Dental Floss vs. Floss Picks

Dental floss has been used for many decades than floss picks. It is effective at getting rid of food residues between the teeth that toothbrush bristles cannot penetrate. Bacteria inside the mouth produce lactic acid, which causes plaque buildup. Plaque is a biofilm containing different types of bacteria. The lactic acid from bacteria demineralizes the enamel, which leads to dental cavities. Regular flossing can prevent the buildup of plaque.

In addition, flossing helps prevent gum disease. Many flosses contain anti-coagulant for people who have mild gingivitis or gum disease to prevent any form of bleeding.

On the other hand, floss picks are disposable pieces of plastic with a tiny floss on the ends. Many people use them over traditional string floss. They are easy to use, particularly when reaching molars at the back of the mouth. Floss picks are also good in removing bacteria and food.

Numerous studies have been done to compare the effectiveness of dental floss and floss picks. Most of the results found that both are effective when used properly and regularly. In a study checking their effect on the gums, researchers have shown the both have equally reduced plaque scores, which means that there’s no significant difference between the two.

Which One Works Best For You

So far, nearly all the research done has concluded that there’s no huge difference in the effectiveness between a dental floss and floss picks. This means that what is more important is that you floss at all rather than skipping flossing. Some people prefer floss picks while other choose the old dental floss.

Flossing every day can make a great difference in your oral health and prevents plaque build-up that can damage your enamel.

Obesity in Children and Teens and Its Effect on Their Oral Health

Until now, more and more evidence continue to surface regarding the health concerns linked with unhealthy weight and obesity among children and adults. More often, the focus is on the diseases in the body but recent studies revealed its effect on oral health, specifically the gums.

Based on a study, obesity can affect kids’ oral health in two ways:

First one, obesity highly affects a child’s diet – what they eat and how often they eat. This leads to a higher risk of dental carries and/or cavities. Due to their greater preference for foods high in carbohydrates and sugar, the risk of developing plaque is much greater.

Second, obesity is often associated with an increase in gingival disease. Studies have found that the more overweight a person is, the greater their risk of having gum disease. This could also be due to their diet and the foods they mostly consume.

Prevalence of Gum Disease

In the US, more than 3 million people experience gum disease every year and this figure consistently increases. Gum disease refers to an infection of the tissues that surround the teeth, known as the gums. But gum disease can be prevented, regardless of your weight.

At the early stages of gum disease, the damage can be reversed. But once it progresses into a severe level of infection, the damage becomes a lifetime. Such stage is called periodontitis. When this infection emerge, the gums tend to pull away from the teeth. If left ignored, the damage can reach into the bones and supportive tissues of the mouth, leading to a more serious condition, including tooth loss.

One of the biggest factors of having gum disease is poor dental hygiene. Because dental plaque develops on the teeth, it could turn into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed through regular brushing and requires professional dental cleaning. Hence, it is important not to miss dental appointments.

What is Cracked Tooth Syndrome and How to Treat It

Like bones, our teeth are very resilient and strong. With proper dental care and regular dental check-ups with your pediatric dentist, you can keep them healthy and strong. But no matter how meticulous you are, accidents happen. And sadly, it could lead to a cracked tooth.

What is Cracked Tooth Syndrome?

Cracked tooth syndrome happens when a tooth has a tiny crack that’s can only be seen under X-rays or is beneath the gums and difficult to see.

Accidents, biting hard food such as ice or candy or teeth grinding can result in a cracked tooth. Cracked tooth syndrome most often appear on the molars because they do most of the chewing. Symptoms of a cracked tooth may be noticeable or not, but it is important to visit your dentist right away. The dentist can check the molar and see how serious the crack is.

Signs and Symptoms of a Cracked Tooth

Most often, cracked tooth syndrome can be asymptomatic, which means that it does not have any signs and symptoms. Thin, hairline fractures that don’t reach the sensitive part of the teeth often left unnoticed until it reaches the point when the tooth breaks in half. Later on, these tiny fractures may promote the growth of bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay.

However, there are a number of common symptoms to watch out for. Pain may be hard to localize and often comes and go. You may be very sensitive to cold or hot drinks. In some cases, you can feel a sharp edge of a tooth using your tongue. If you notice any of these, visit your dentist immediately for repair.

How to Fix Cracked Tooth Syndrome

The spreading of cracks can be slowed down or even stopped by seeking early intervention.

To detect tiny cracks on the teeth, a small, high-intensity light is applied to illuminate the teeth. Through this, any tiny, unseen fractures can easily be found using this technique. If detected at the earliest stage, the chip or crack can be repaired without the risk of losing the tooth.

The treatment approach for Cracked Tooth Syndrome will depend on the position and severity of the cracks.

Simple crack treatment involves removal of the weakened cusp and replacement of a crown or a large filling. The new crown or filling will protect the tooth and prevent any crack from spreading.

A complex crack procedure is needed if the crack has reached the nerve or has already caused inflammation. At this stage, a root canal therapy may be necessary.

If a simple crack is ignored and left untreated, it may become a complex crack over time. The dental nerve inside may die and infection may take place. At this point, a root canal may be required or sometimes, the removal of the tooth.

How Teen Eating Disorders can Affect Dental Health

Eating disorders such as binge eating, bulimia and anorexia nervosa are not uncommon among teens. Obsession over their weight affects millions of adolescents, particularly girls. A study has found that about 36% of adolescent girls think they are overweight. Over 90% of cases of eating disorders are girls. Teen boys, while they also experience body image concerns, often strive for a perfect body by doing excessive exercise.

What is Eating Disorder?

The most popular forms of eating disorders include bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa, and binge eating disorders. Eating disorders are psychological disorders involving extreme disturbances on a person's eating behavior. For instance, a teenager with bulimia suffers from frequent binge eating followed by the use of laxatives or vomiting to get rid of the food. An anorexic person refuses to maintain a normal body while a binge eater has uncontrolled overeating.

How Eating Disorders Affect Dental Health

Here’s a list of dental complications brought about by eating disorders:

1. Due to inadequate nutrition, the gums and other tissues inside the mouth may be damaged easily. A teen may suffer chronic dry mouth or swelling of the salivary gland.

2. Self-starvation, as in the case of anorexia nervosa, usually lead to nutritional deficiency or malnutrition. Nutrients necessary for healthy teeth and gums include iron, calcium, and B-vitamins. Insufficient intake of these essential nutrients can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

Dental discoloration and damage due to bulimia

3. Frequent vomiting leads to harsh gastric acid coating the teeth repeatedly. Vomit is highly toxic and damaging to your teeth and oral tissues as it contains stomach acid. When this happens over and over again, the enamel may be lost and the teeth may change its shape, color, and translucence. The teeth may become brittle, weak and highly sensitive. Drinking hot or cold beverages may be very uncomfortable.

The edges of the teeth usually thin out or break easily. Sometimes, the pulp may be exposed, causing infection or pulp death.

4. Purging can cause redness, irritation, and wounds inside the mouth, specifically on the soft palate or the upper surface of the mouth. When the soft palate is already damaged, this is already a warning sign among dental professionals that the eating disorder is getting worse, as this part rarely gets harmed unless it is done intentionally. Soft palate scratches appear from using fingers to induce vomiting.

5. Frequent purging can lead to enlargement of the salivary glands. This can cause pain and discomfort.

How to Manage Oral Health Complications from Eating Disorders

In order to maintain oral health, the patient must follow meticulous oral health care such as tooth brushing, flossing, and frequent communication by the pediatric dentist. While curbing the purging behavior, a person must immediately rinse their mouth with water only after purging due to the high acid content of the oral cavity. Brushing must be halted for one hour to prevent scrubbing the acids into the enamel.

Dry mouth or xerostomia may occur due to vomiting and this can lead to tooth decay. Moisturize your mouth with water or other suggest products by your dentist to help keep decay at bay.

What You Should Know About Wisdom Teeth

Your child’s mouth undergoes many different changes throughout his/her lifetime. Among the biggest milestone often takes place between the age of 17 and 21 when the third molars erupt. Traditionally, these teeth are called ‘wisdom teeth’ as they emerge at a later age.

When they surface at a proper position, wisdom teeth can help you masticate. While it’s normal to feel slight pain or discomfort when your wisdom teeth surface, experiencing intense pain prompts immediate dental check-up.

What’s the problem?

The appearance of wisdom teeth often leads to problems when there's not enough space for them. When they are misaligned, they may position in a wrong angle, either away from the next molar, inward or outward. They may also become impacted or trapped under the gums or in the jaw.

When your wisdom teeth erupt, your pediatric dentist will check the following signs:

·         When the wisdom teeth are in the wrong position, it allows food to easily get trapped, promoting the growth of acid-producing bacteria that cause a cavity.

·         Wisdom teeth in the wrong position make flossing a bit difficult between the wisdom teeth and the adjacent molars.

·         Wisdom teeth that partially erupted can permit the entry of bacteria inside the gums, which may cause an infection. This leads to swelling, stiffness, and pain of the jaw.

·         Impacted or trapped wisdom teeth inside the gums may damage adjacent teeth or causing crowding of the teeth.

·         Impacted wisdom teeth can create a cyst, which could damage the dental root of neighboring teeth.

When to Remove Your Wisdom Teeth

Generally, a wisdom tooth must be removed if it is causing the following symptoms or conditions in the mouth:

·         Tumors

·         Cyst

·         Infection

·         Pain

·         Tooth decay

·         Gum disease

·         Damage to adjacent teeth

Your dentist may advise removing your wisdom teeth as part of a dental treatment such as braces. Before removing your wisdom teeth, your dentist will recommend taking an X-ray and together, you can talk about the best treatment course.

When wisdom teeth are not causing any discomforts or changes in the mouth, you still have to keep on monitoring it for possible problems later. Make sure you floss your wisdom teeth, brush it thoroughly and visit your dentist regularly.

Source:

https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/w/wisdom-teeth

Which Vitamins and Minerals are Essential for Your Child’s Teeth and Gums?

Vitamins and minerals are very important nutrients for your child’s development, both physically and mentally. But did you know they are also vital for his/her dental health? All parts of the body are interconnected, including the teeth and gums.

Even a slight deficiency can result to a lasting effect on your child’s oral health. When they are still young, the teeth and gums are still developing and aren’t completely mature, which stresses the necessity to ensure that their food intake is well-balanced with vitamins and minerals. This is primarily the reason why sufficient intake of different vitamins and minerals are necessary to develop their oral health.

As a pediatric dentist, below are the list of top nutrients necessary to maintain healthy gums and teeth.

Calcium. Calcium is not only important for strong bones, it is also needed for healthy, strong teeth. This mineral supports the development of the teeth, while making them even stronger once they emerged. Since calcium is delivered in different parts of the body, the teeth will be supplied with enough calcium they need, including the jaw that supports it.

Providing the proper amount of calcium will help prevent complications such as weakened teeth. Ensure the child eats lots of leafy greens, dairy, sardines, salmon and broccoli to get plenty of calcium.

Fluoride. Known to fight cavities, this mineral can prevent further development of tooth decay and support strong healthy enamel, which gives the teeth protection to fight decay-causing bacteria. You can use fluoride dental products, however, many tap waters are now infused fluoride.

Vitamin A. This vitamin not supports clear vision and immune boost, it is also necessary for healthy gums. Vitamin A promotes the flow of saliva in the mouth to prevent dryness, promote healing and maintain a healthy environment for the oral cavity. Vitamin A can be sourced in your diet, particularly fish, carrots and dark leafy vegetables.

Vitamin D. This essential nutrient plays a major role in the development of bones and teeth as it facilitates the absorption of calcium. Your child must have plenty of Vitamin D to efficiently utilize calcium. Vitamin D can be sourced from sun exposure, fish oils and dairy.

Iron. This mineral is necessary in the development of teeth, including the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in iron can cause a wide range of health complication, so make sure your little one eats beans, spinach and red meat.

Don’t Miss Their Dental Check-up

Your children’s dental health should not completely rely on their dietary intake alone. They must receive regular dental care from their pediatric dentist to monitor any development of carries and properly guide the development of their teeth for a beautiful, perfect smile that can last a lifetime.

What’s the Difference Between Silver Fillings vs. White Fillings?

Many parents dealing with tooth cavity on their children often ask the question, ‘Which is the best type of filling for my child?’  Fillings come in different kinds of material – amalgam, ceramic, composite and glass ionomers. However, there are two most common types of choices that dental patients decide when it comes to dental fillings – white fillings or silver fillings.

White Fillings – Pros and Cons

Many people prefer white fillings over silver fillings because of the following benefits:

·         Many patients report less sensitivity or discomfort after the treatment

·         Ideal for young patients due to less sensitivity post-treatment

·         Less removal of tooth structure

·         There’s no health risks involved in the use of white composite fillings

·         Since it is white in color, the dentist can easily blend the color to the adjacent teeth.

However, there are some downsides to this option that you should know:

·         White fillings are a bit expensive than silver fillings.

·         Using composite material demands higher level of expertise on the dentist’s part. This explains the higher cost.

Silver Fillings – Pros and Cons

Still today, many dentist still offer silver fillings to dental patients. There are several reasons why some patients prefer this option:

·         Treatment using silver filling takes less time

·         Application of silver filling doesn’t require advanced tools, which lowers the cost of treatment

·         Has been used for many years, with an long-term record in term of safety

Unfortunately, there are a number of downsides with the use of silver fillings:

·         A bigger amount of natural tooth structure needs to be removed to apply the silver filling. This can further weaken the tooth, making them prone to breaking.

·         Changes in temperature in the mouth can cause the filling to expand which can damage the tooth.

·         Some patients are worried of the potential health risks of the mercury present in amalgam filling.

·         Silver amalgam is very noticeable and does not look natural. This may not look pleasant if your child has a mouth filled with cavities.

Even though the materials and techniques on dental fillings are improving day by day, prevention is still better – which means, having no filling at all. Dental cavities can be prevented through proper brushing habit, having low sugar diet, eating foods rich in calcium and phosphorus and following your routine dental check-ups.

Facts About Silver Diamine Flouride That You Should Know

The American Association of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) has published a research study on the use of silver diamine fluoride in the management of dental caries among children and adolescents, as well as those with special care needs. Currently, the most preferred way of managing tooth decay among this group is through removal of the decay and employing restorative procedures such as fillings and sealants. However, there are some situations wherein these methods are not financially or physically feasible.

With that said, the use of silver diamine floude or SDF offers an effective alternative solution to prevent the decay from further deterioration.

What is Silver Diamine Flouride?

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a solution made from water, fluoride, silver and ammonia. In this liquid solution, fluoride works by treating the tooth decay and preventing it from deteriorating further while silver works to protect the dentin, the inner layer of the teeth.

Despite its slightly metallic taste, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this solution for the treatment of hypersensitivity. However, it is only recently, through numerous evidences from studies that it can successfully treat and prevent decay in kids, the elderly and patients with special needs.

How is SDF Applied?

After cleaning and drying the teeth, a drop of SDF is applied on the teeth, specifically areas that are affected by decay to stop the cavities from spreading further. The solution is spread over using a tiny brush and then, it is left to cure for about 2 minutes.

SDF treatment also helps reduce hypersensitivity caused by tooth decay as it strengthens any exposed dentin.

Is SDF Safe for My Children?

SDF is a safe treatment option compared to other dental procedures that have reported to have severe side effects or have reported risks. Many pediatric dentists recommend it for kids with severe early childhood caries.

SDF has many benefits but also comes with disadvantages:

Pros:

·         The treatment is fast, simple and effective.

·         It is non-invasive and painless compared to traditional decay procedures that involves anaesthesia injection, drilling and more.

·         Highly effective in preventing decay

·         Relieves hypersensitivity

Cons:

·         Reported to have slight metallic taste and ammonia smell. However, this disappears quickly after treatment.

·         The decayed areas that are treated with SDF will have permanent discoloration, often brown or black staining. This is due to a chemical reaction with the silver and is proof that it’s destroying cavity-causing bacteria. Take note that only the decayed areas will be discoloured and not the entire tooth.

·         Patients with silver allergies or mouth ulcers must avoid SDF. They can talk about alternation options with their dentist.

Like any other procedure, it is very important that you discuss it with your pediatric dentist to make sure to completely understand the procedure’s risks and benefits.

Lip Sucking in Children – How to Break the Habit

Many children often get bad habits like nail biting or thumb sucking. If you notice your child having dry, chapped or irritated lips, particularly the lower lip, he/she may have a habit of sucking or licking their lips.

Lip sucking is very common among children and a lot of parents are unaware that their kids are doing it. Although this pattern can be challenging to break, with loving support, persistence and patience, you’ll be able to break this habit.

What Causes Lip Sucking?

Dry Lips. Sometimes, lip sucking can be due to a past experience of chapped lips. Your child may unconsciously continue to suck their lips to moisten it even after the lips recovered and become healthy.

Anxiety. Kids may lick or suck their lips when they feel anxious or stressed out due to an unfamiliar situation or environment.

Severe malocclusion. Lip sucking may develop if the child has severe misalignment or overbite. When the upper teeth protrude excessively over the lower lip, it creates an ideal condition for lip sucking.

Effects of Lip Licking and Lip Sucking

Lip Licking. When your child frequently licks his/her teeth, he/she may have swollen lips and irritated skin around the mouth. Constant exposure of lip tissues in saliva can promote redness, irritation and chapping.

Lip Sucking. Excessive lip sucking can cause chapped, dry or irritated lips over time. This can cause pain and discomfort, particularly if there’s already a red ring forming around the mouth. Kids are susceptible to impetigo or cold sores when there’s damage to lip tissue.

Long-term sucking of lips may also cause asymmetric jaw, occlusion and other dental distortions.

How to Help Your Child Break this Habit

This lip sucking habit often disappear in most children without any parental intervention. But if the habit persists, you can help your little one break that habit.

1. Don’t punish the behaviour. Use a lip balm or any relieving lip cream instead, to improve the health of lip tissue while providing distraction to the child.

2. If the child shows frustration with the habit, offer a hug and comforting words.

3. During stressful situations, divert his/her attention. Introduce positive activities to them so they won’t focus on the habit.

4. Offer water regularly as a distraction and to hydrate the lips at the same time. Avoid giving sugary drinks as it can make the child lick their lips further.

5. Give sugar-free candies. Sucking the candy can become a distraction from the lip sucking habit.

5 Ways to Reduce Your Child’s Sugar Intake

We have been repeatedly discussing the role of sugar in your children’s dental health. Sugar feeds the bacteria inside your child’s mouth, which then produces enamel-attacking acids, causing tooth decay. Therefore, in order to prevent tooth decay and cavity from occurring, we, as parents and guardians, must ensure that children won’t go beyond the recommended sugar intake.

Aside from regular toothbrushing, flossing and dental visit, it is important to control the root cause of tooth decay – SUGAR. Children ages three and above should have no more than 3 teaspoon (15 grams) of sugar per day.

Below, we share to you five very simple ways on how to lessen your child’s sugar snacking.

Be a smart shopper. When shopping for snacks, take a look at the added sugar such as corn syrup or white sugar that are added on premade snacks. Sugar present in fruits and milk aren’t so worrying, since they are healthy food choices.

In addition, similar products may contain different amounts of sugar. Examples are muffins, cereals, granola bars and yogurt. You can still buy these items but check the label first.

Minimize fruit juice. Since fruit juice contains high amount of calories and sugar, the best option for your LO are still milk and water. Children below 1 year old are not advised to drink any fruit juice, based on the American Academy of Pediatrics. But for older kids, they can drink occasionally, provided they follow these recommendations.

·         Kids ages 1 to 6 should only drink 4 to 6 ounce of juice per day. Children 7 to 18 years of ages should only drink 8 to 12 ounces. Most juice boxes contain 6 oz., so little kids shouldn’t have more than one per day while the older ones are limited to two boxes.

·         Do not allow your child to drink juice throughout the day as it gives the opportunity of acid-producing bacteria to damage their teeth. Better offer milk or water first.

Skip sugary, carbonated beverages. They are completely bad for your LO’s teeth. A can of soda contains the amount of sugar that is equal for three days for a young child.  

Skip sticky snacks. You may think sticky or gummy fruit snacks like raisins are better than candies. Although dried fruit snacks are healthy and rich in nutrients, they are worse than hard candies or chocolate in terms of dental health because they stick to their teeth much longer. When sticky food particles adhere to their teeth for an extended time, bacteria can damage their teeth during that time.

Be an example. Your kids follow anything you do. Setting an example makes a huge impact in your family’s health. If you want to change your child’s sugar intake, do the same thing and they will follow.

Importance of Baby Teeth to Your Child’s Development

The baby teeth, also called primary teeth, is as vital as the permanent teeth. It helps your little one chew their food, speak well and give the face its shape. This is the reason why it is important to take good care of them.

How Baby Teeth Develop

When a baby is born, his 20 baby teeth are already there inside the jaws and usually emerge when the baby ages 6 months to one year. Most kids will have a complete set of 20 teeth by the time they reach 3.

However, every child is different – one specific tooth may appear first than the usual. When teeth erupt, some babies may experience tender or painful gums. Rubbing the child’s gums gently with a cool wet gauze pad or cloth may soothe the sore gums. Teethers can also be used. However, if the child is in pain and irritable, visit your dentist or doctor.

 Baby Teeth Hold Space for Adult Teeth

When a baby tooth lost too early before the adult tooth inside is ready to emerge, adjacent teeth can occupy the open space. When the adult tooth is ready to surface, there may not be enough space for them. This causes the teeth to be too crowded in a certain part or crooked.

This is the reason why beginning infancy, it is best to practice proper oral hygiene to protect their baby teeth from losing too early.

 If a child loses teeth too early, your dentist may suggest a space maintainer – a metal or plastic piece that helps make the space or gap open to ensure that emerging adult teeth is in the right place.

Prevent Decay in Baby Teeth

Tooth decay on your child’s baby teeth has a significant impact on the growth of their adult teeth. It can also be uncomfortable for them. Your child may find it challenging to eat certain foods and speak normally if they have tooth discomfort.

Thus, it is important to maintain proper dental care of baby teeth even if they will fall out later.

Tooth decay usually occur when the baby teeth are exposed to sugary liquids for long periods. These liquids include sweetened water, milk or formula, soda and fruit juice. It can also develop when you place your baby on bed with a bottle of milk still inside their mouth. When your baby is ready to eat solids, you may give water at this point.

Be sure to visit your dentist before your child’s first birthday. See it as a ‘well-baby check-up’ for their teeth.

The Tooth Decay Process: How to Reverse the Process and Avoid a Cavity

You may be aware that a dental cavity starts from a tooth decay. But did you know you can reverse a tooth decay and prevent cavities to form? Read on and find out how to reverse a tooth decay and avoid a cavity?

What’s Happening Inside Your Mouth?

The mouth is filled with hundreds of different types of bacteria living on our tongue, gums, teeth and other parts of the mouth. Some are friendly bacteria while some can cause damage such as those that actively take part in the tooth decay process.

Tooth decay occurs due to an infection from a certain bacteria that consume sugar in food and produce acids. Over time, the acid can cause damage leading to a tooth cavity.

Inside the mouth, a war between bacteria and sugar vs. saliva and fluoride happens. Whenever you consume something containing sugar or starch, bacteria use them and secrete acids, which then start to corrode the tooth enamel.

Photo credit: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/childrens-oral-health/tooth-decay-process

The minerals present in the saliva such as phosphate and calcium, with fluoride from the toothpaste and water help the enamel repair itself by coating the tooth enamel and replacing the lost minerals from the acid attack.

Every day, our mouth undergoes this process of losing and replacing minerals.

How a Cavity Develops

A cavity develops when a tooth is frequently exposed to acid. For instance, if you drink or eat food containing sugar more often, this causes a repeated attach on the enamel, causing more minerals to lose.

A sign of early decay is a white spot on the tooth. This is the stage where a decay can be reversed. Enamel can self-repair provided there’s minerals available from saliva and toothpaste or other sources.

However, the tooth decay process persists when more minerals will be lost. Eventually, it weakens and destroys enamels and a cavity forms. A dental cavity is permanent and can be repaired using a filler.

 How to Reverse the Tooth Decay Process

1. Use Flouride. Flouride is beneficial for the teeth as it prevents mineral loss and replaces lost mineral on the enamel. Further, it lowers the ability of bacteria to create acid. You can easily get fluoride from drinking fluoridated water and toothbrushing with a fluoride toothpaste.

Your child’s pediatric dentist can prescribe fluoride gel or varnish for tooth surfaces, fluoride mouth rinse or fluoride tablets if he or she needs more fluoride. If you child drinks only bottled water, visit your dentist to know whether your child needs supplemental fluoride in the form of gel, tablet or varnish.

2. Monitor your child’s diet. Take note that every time your child eats or drinks something with sugar, bacteria inside the mouth use it to produce acids. That is why always keep an eye on what they eat and how often they eat it.

Tips:

·         Save candies, soda, biscuits, cookies and other sugary beverages on special occasions.

·         Reduce between-meal snacks

·         Limit fruit juice.

·         Be sure the child does not eat or drink anything after bedtime toothbrushing. Since the flow of saliva decreases during sleep, the teeth becomes vulnerable to acid attack and are less able to replace lost minerals.

3. Ensure your child brushes his or her teeth. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste is very important to prevent cavities. Have your child brush two times a day.

4. Have regular dental check-ups. Bring your child to the dentist for examinations and cleaning.

Tooth Sensitivity on Children: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

If your child complains of discomfort or pain when eating hot or cold foods, he may be experiencing tooth sensitivity. As parents, you can’t stand seeing your child suffering from any pain. Below are the common causes why kids may experience sensitive teeth so you will understand this condition and be prepared to bring your LO to the dentist.

New Teeth. A newly-emerged teeth can cause sensitivity when exposed to food and air. However, as the teeth get used to the environment, this unpleasant sensation should gradually cease.

Cavities. Dental decay are very common in kids and this leads to sensitivity.

Cracked or broken tooth. Clenching or grinding the teeth may lead to tiny cracks and breaks on the teeth resulting in sensitivity.

Improper brushing. While improper brushing won’t likely lead to tooth sensitivity, it is important to make sure your child won’t suffer from sensitive teeth in the future by teaching him proper dental care such as proper brushing technique. Demonstrate how to do gentle circular motion to protect the nerves and preserve the tooth enamel.

Allergies. Allergic reactions on sinuses can cause a sensitivity-like sensation on the tooth. This is due to the pressure caused by the condition.

Orthodontics. Kids with braces often do a back and forth motion when brushing. This can gradually scrub away the tooth’s protective layer enamel, leading to tooth sensitivity over time.

How to Solve Tooth Sensitivity in Kids

There are several ways to solve sensitive teeth among kids. One way is to use a desensitizing toothpaste. However, it is important to see first your pediatric dentist before using a desensitizing product, particularly for children under age 12.

If the cause of tooth sensitivity is cavities, performing an in-office fluoride treatment can provide relief. Fluoride is a mineral that strengthens the enamel and lowers the risk of further decay. Along with fluoride treatment, teaching good oral care habits can reduce the teeth sensitivity.

Tooth brushing two times a day, along with flossing can maintain the gums and teeth clean and reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Using soft bristle toothbrush will prevent irritation from vigorous brushing and help preserve the enamel.

If the tooth sensitivity persists, it is best to consult your dentist.

What are the Best Oral Health Practices I Can Apply at School?

It may not be a big deal but putting an apple rather than a sugary snack in your child’s snack box can help improve his dental health and his performance at school. After all, kids consume more than 20 percent of their meals at school. Here at Mint Kids Dentistry, we remind parents to make better decisions when preparing your child’s school lunch.

Excessive consumption of sugar can harm your child’s oral and general health. Cookies, chewy fruit snacks and candies interact with bacteria in the plaque. The plaque forms at the surface of your teeth and in between your gums and teeth, generating acid that can erode enamel and cause tooth decay. Although sweets can give short-lived energy on your kids, such sugar rush turns into a crash, leaving kids feeling sleepy and lethargic. This isn’t the kind of mental state children need when preparing for an afternoon class.

Mint Kids Dentistry recommends these oral health practices for school.

1.       After taking breakfast and before leaving for school, be sure your child brushes well using a fluoridated toothpaste. Brushing immediately after a smell will clean the teeth and gums and get rid of halitosis or bad breath.

2.       Pack healthy and nutritious lunch food and snacks in your child’s lunch box. These include lean meats, low-fat yogurt, whole grain breads, baked chips, whole-grain crackers, apples and carrots. Aside from being full of nutrients, certain veggies and fruits can help clean the teeth and gums. Just make sweet treats a treat. Cakes, cookies, bars and sugary snacks should only be given in moderation.

3.       If your child likes to chew gum and the school permits it, chewing sugar-free gum for several minutes during lunchtime, before the afternoon classes. This will help stimulate secretion of saliva to neutralize the acid and help remove food residue from the mouth. Chewing gum that contains the natural sweetener Xylitol is a good choice since based on studies, it has been shown that consistent exposure to Xylitol can help fight cavity-causing bacteria.

4.       Kids wearing braces must rinse or try to brush their teeth after taking lunch. Children wearing removable retainers should also clean their teeth and retainers after every meal.

5.       Before the school year begins, parents must schedule visit to their kids’ pediatric dentist to ensure that there are no dental issues to distract their children throughout the school year. You may ask the dentist on sealants as a way to prevent any tooth cavities from developing. Sealants are thin coating of bonding material that is applied over the molar teeth, acting as a barrier to cavity-causing bacteria.

What are the Causes of Bad Breath in Kids?

Medically known as halitosis, bad breath is a condition that even health kids can experience in some occasions. If you have noticed that your child’s breath isn’t that pleasant, there is solution for that. Most of the time, improper oral hygiene is the cause of bad breath in kids.

What causes bad breath?

There are several factors that contribute to bad breath. Below are some of the most common causes:

1.       Dry mouth. Saliva helps cleanse your tongue, gums and entire mouth. When there is a reduced salivary flow, one condition that may occur is xerostomia, which is a contributor to bad breath.

2.       Bacteria on the tongue. Odor-causing bacteria often reside on the tongue. It is important to brush not only the teeth but the mouth as well to prevent accumulation of bacteria, leading to bad breath.

3.       Poor oral hygiene. If your kid does not floss and brush his teeth regularly, it can result to bad breath. If dental plaque isn’t brushed away, bacteria can affect the tooth enamel and irritate the gums, causing more issues. The tongue can house odor-causing bacteria, so make sure your child is brushing his tongue too.

4.       Mouth infections. Bad breath can be caused by tooth cavities, mouth sores, oral surgery or even plaque buildup.

5.       Mouth breathing. A child may breathe through his mouth due to a sleep habit or a stuffy nose.  When he does it, it dries up the mouth and prevents saliva from washing away mouth bacteria, causing bad breath.

6.       Medications. Certain medications breaks down inside the body and releases chemicals leading to bad breath.

7.       Food. Consuming foods with strong odor such as certain spices, onions and garlic can affect the freshness of his breath.

8.       A disease or illness. If your child is suffering from tonsillitis, a sinus infection or allergies, bad breath may happen.

How to prevent bad breath in kids

Having a healthy teeth has a vital role to a child’s overall health. Help your child avoid bad breath by introducing an oral care routine.

·         Encourage your child to brush his teeth two times a day using an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste that promotes fresh breath. Be sure to supervise young kids so they won’t swallow the toothpaste.

·         When brushing his teeth, don’t forget to clean the tongue as this is where bacteria homes and thrives.

·         Daily flossing is important to remove odor-causing food residue from the teeth.

·         Make sure to buy a new toothbrush every few months as dull bristles can’t efficiently eliminate debris and plaque from the teeth.

·         Avoid bad breath and other dental concerns by having regular professional cleanings and checkups.

What is a Space Maintainer?

Space maintainers are dental devices used for children when they lose a tooth and wait for the permanent tooth to grow in. There are a number of reasons why your pediatric dentist might recommend this device.

What is the purpose of space maintainer?

Space maintainers are used to hold a gap in your child’s mouth when a tooth falls out. In general, they are not used for normal baby tooth loss but rather, are intended to keep the teeth aligned and properly spaced if the child has a tooth knocked out before it sheds on its own, if a tooth is lost due to cavities or if a permanent tooth is absent. When a baby tooth is lost too soon, it can affect tooth alignment. As such, this device serves as the lost tooth to help permanent tooth grow on their right positions.

Are there different types of space maintainers?

Space maintainers come in several types and your dentist knows the right type for your child. Removable space maintainers are generally made from acrylic, resembling an orthodontic retainer and can be removed when cleaning or eating.

On the other hand, a fixed space maintainer is attached to the teeth or gums. It is usually a better option for little kids who might not be able to care for a removable space maintainer. Some fixed space maintainers use wires and is held in place with a crown. This can be unilateral – only one side of the mouth, or bilateral – on both sides.

Another type is called a distal shoe. It is a fixed maintainer where the metal is place on the gumline to prevent a gap from closing when the first permanent molar erupt. Lingual space maintainer is used for more than one missing tooth. It is bilateral and the wire is placed on both sides of the molar teeth and behind the lower front teeth.

How to properly care space maintainer?

Taking proper care of your little one’s space maintainer will extend the lifespan of the device and makes sure it does its function properly. The device must be cleaned whenever the child flosses and brushes his teeth. For removable maintainers, it can be taken out from your kid’s mouth and cleaned while for fixed maintainers, it can be brushed like how he brushes his teeth. It is important to clean the gums where the space maintainer is attached. This will ensure that the area is healthy and clean, so by the time the permanent tooth emerges, there will be no issues that will affect your kid’s dental health.

Additionally, your pediatric dentist will have to check the device regularly to make sure that it is performing its job and isn’t causing any problems. If your child damages or loses a space maintainer, informs the dentist immediately so a replacement can be made. Failure to use the device properly will result in a misaligned tooth. This can be expensive and painful to fix. While wearing a space maintainer, it is important to have a regular dental cleaning.

How to Deal with Over-Retained Baby Teeth?

The primary teeth, also called the baby teeth, must shed naturally so the permanent teeth beneath can erupt into the gums. Once the permanent tooth’s eruption is delayed for over a year from the supposed date, it is considered as over-retained. It is necessary to keep track of every primary tooth loss.

The first thing you should do is to wait for the baby teeth to eventually lose. If gum infection and pain become an issue so chewing and brushing or flossing as an ordeal, then removing the tooth could be necessary.

In some cases, baby teeth become loose and tighten again since the erupting permanent teeth starts to deflect from the supposed position in the dental arch. If the primary tooth become tight again and the permanent tooth is deflected, it may be best to remove the primary tooth. Some kids suffering from this have this problem repeatedly with their other teeth while other only have one or two teeth affected.

The most common cases of over-retained baby teeth are the primary maxillary second molar and the maxillary primary canine. Further, the most frequently missing adult teeth are the maxillary lateral incisors and the mandibular second premolar. Because of the absence of second premolars, the primary second molars usually will be over-retained. They usually remain to adulthood before requiring removal.

The cause of missing teeth isn’t completely known. It could be a genetic component but factors such as trauma, endocrine disorders and environmental elements can be considered.

Cause of Over-Retained Teeth

It is important to have the child’s teeth carefully assessed by a pediatric dentist. The color, shape, condition and position of the baby teeth is important to evaluate. There’s a chance that the baby tooth may be fused to the bone, a condition called ankylosis. This hinders shedding of baby tooth.

There are several reasons for the baby teeth to be over-retained. The most common reasons is when the permanent tooth are absent, which normally push the root of the baby tooth. Other reasons for over-retained baby teeth are obstructions, pathology, trauma, infection, misalignment of permanent tooth and late eruption of permanent tooth.

Treatment Options for Over-Retained Baby Teeth

Treatment options for over-retained primary teeth will depend on the condition of the baby tooth and its adjacent structures. If there are several over-retained teeth, there may be a number of missing permanent teeth. It is important that an orthodontist must see the child so a proper treatment plan can be developed.

If the baby tooth is aesthetically and structurally acceptable, the tooth can be retained. But if the tooth isn’t structurally and aesthetically acceptable, it can be retained and reshaped through restoration means.

When the baby tooth is crooked, it is better to remove it as the space between can be closed through braces. It can also be replaced by a dental implant or fixed bridge.

It is clearly important to always have your child’s baby teeth checked by a dental professional so that dental issues such as over-retained baby teeth can be recognized as soon as possible. An early treatment will definitely improve the result.

How to Promote Oral Health Education on Your Children

It’s truly a challenging responsibility to raise a kid. That is why you can see lots of books on proper parenting throughout a child’s developing years as the child changes behaviour. But how about oral health education? Learning the do’s and don’ts on how to take good care of your child’s teeth is as important as other parts of child rearing, especially in preventing dental disease.

Below is a guide to help you promote oral health education from birth to adulthood.

From Birth to Kindergarten (0 – 5 Years)

Despite the absence of visible teeth, the American Dental Association suggests cleaning the baby’s gums after every feeding using a clean cloth or a moist gauze pad. The first teeth usually appear around the sixth month, and they are vulnerable to tooth decay so regular cleaning is very important. Additionally, refrain from placing your baby on bed with milk to prevent a more serious case of baby bottle tooth decay. A simple bottle of water will do.

You can eventually clean your child’s baby teeth using a baby-size toothbrush using a non-flouride toothpaste or simply water. At the age of two, you can put a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Also, start flossing your baby’s teeth when there’s two or more teeth.

The baby teeth is composed of 20 teeth that will erupt between six months and three years. Soon, you’ll learn some tricks on how to pacify the fussiness because of teething. Remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns the use of topical liquids or gels that contain benzocaine as this can cause adverse effects to kids younger than two years.

Schedule your child’s first dental visit on his/her first birthday. This is the best time to talk about teething, fluoride recommendation, thumb-sucking and other home care concerns with your pediatric dentist.

Elementary Years (6 – 12 Years)

Kids start to shed their baby teeth by age five or six, when their permanent teeth begin to erupt. Permanent teeth must be complete by age 12 or 13. Keep in mind that children are usually not coordinated enough to floss or brush on their own until they reach 10.

Keep your fridge full of healthy, less sugary choices such as fresh fruits, yogurt, cheeses, chocolate milk, peanut butter and veggies. Your child must be visiting his/her dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups. This is the time the dentist will monitor your child’s teeth alignment and may advice fluoride treatments and dental sealants to prevent decay. The pediatric dentist will also teach your child the basic steps of proper flossing and brushing.

Teen Years (13 – 17 Years)

This is the time when you expect all the good rituals on good oral hygiene that you have been teaching to stick. But still, continue with the reminders on flossing and brushing. Young teens can get lax on their dental hygiene. They should also limit their intake of soft drinks and sugary snacks. If your child is wearing braces, he may be frustrated with the difficulties on brushing and flossing, including the diet restrictions. Explain how attractive that smile will be when the braces are removed.

College to Adulthood

Because of your patience and diligence, your child will be studying college with attractive, healthy teeth. But before going, schedule a dental appointment for thorough examination and cleaning. It is around this time when the wisdom tooth erupt and if there isn’t enough space, your dentist may advice they be removed. Schedule this procedure during a holiday break or before he leaves for college.

 Oral health education is not only important to parenting, but a rewarding part of the journey. You’ll reap the benefits every time you see your child’s healthy teeth and attractive smile.

What are the Effects of Teeth Grinding in Kids

You may look into your child’s bedroom at night while deep asleep and find out a strange noise, like two hard objects rubbing together. Teeth grinding or bruxism in children happens quietly frequently, about 30 percent of children do it. Children grind teeth for several reasons; misaligned teeth, stress and certain medical conditions such as cerebral palsy may cause teeth grinding. Sometimes, teeth grinding resolves on its own. However, if the symptoms persist, it can have several effects on the child’s mouth and general health.

Short-term Effects of Teeth Grinding

If the child shares a room with another member of the family, the noise or loud sound of grinding may bother the brother or sister at night. When the child wakes up, he/she may have a headache or complain of pain around or in the ear because of the pressure of grinding and clenching the jaw at night.

Wear and tear of the teeth enamel due to grinding may lead to teeth sensitivity and pain when chewing. If a child has a medical condition or under a medication that causes teeth grinding, a healthcare provider may have to add or change prescriptions.

Long-term Effects of Teeth Grinding

If the condition is left untreated, it can lead to a number of long-term effects on your child. It may lead to substantial damage on the teeth due to grinding and clenching for long periods. The teeth enamel will not only wear down but the teeth may broke, chip or flatten. In case the child grinds heavily for a long period, there is a possibility of developing TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder, causing more pain in the jaw and could make it hard for a child to open his mouth or chew.

Aside from physical discomfort, teeth grinding may cause children to have difficulty adjusting to school or have problems mingling to others, possibly because teeth grinding interferes sleep.

Tips for Parents

If a parent finds out that his child is grinding at night, there are ways to help. Your pediatric dentist can recommend the use of special mouth guard to wear every night. Kids should also use toothpaste with fluoride to strengthen their teeth and enamel. If the teeth grinding is associated to stress, parent can help their child relax by reading bedtime stories, or doing relaxation exercises. If the child is old enough, parents can talk to them about their anxieties or problems and help them find a solution to it.

Your child’s dentist can be your reliable ally when it comes to coping up with teeth grinding. Aside from the use of a mouth guard, the dentist can monitor the progress and check if the grinding appears to be lessening. They can also provide tips and techniques to how to help the child cope up and make sure everybody get a quality, good night’ sleep.