How Can I Keep Proper Dental Care on Halloween?

Halloween is just around the corner, and for most kids, it means a bucket of free treats and sweets. It’s no surprise that Halloween present parents with various health and safety challenges, most especially with their kids’ dental health. Though it’s fine to eat candies on Halloween, it is best to have a plan.

To help your family keep those pearls healthy and strong on Halloween, here are some tips for you.

Choose wisely

Not all candies and sweets are the same, some are far worse than other when it comes to your teeth and gums’ health. If you are going to indulge this coming Halloween, eliminate the treats that are considered to be worst such as sticky treats like taffy and caramels, and hard candies as they tend to linger on your teeth spaces causing more damage.

Set Limits

This is very important. Do not let your child eat treats subconsciously while playing with friends or watching TV. Instead, give only on particular times such as after having a meal as the saliva produced during your meal will help remove the candy bits and sugar, hence lowering the risk of cavities. Another way is to have your child choose only a few of their favorites from the treat bag and allow them to eat sweet after a meal for just a week after Halloween, and then, donate the rest. Many dentists in the US joint the Halloween Buyback Program where candies are collected and sent to people in the military. When you donate your candy treats, your pediatric dentist might give you a new toothbrush in exchange.

Don’t Forget to Brush

But don’t hurry to brush your teeth after eating a few treats. Some candies are acidic and can soften the enamel, so brushing it right after eating can damage your teeth, risking damaging your enamel while still sensitive. Wait a bit before brushing your teeth. Instead of brushing, better drink water to rinse the sugar sticking on your eat and wait for at least 30 minutes before brushing.

Be Careful in Doing the Costumes

It isn’t just the treats that could damage your little ones teeth during Halloween. Be particularly careful with what you place on their teeth when it comes to costuming. When decorating your child’s teeth, use only those made for use in their mouth. Think more than twice when using prosthetics or fake fangs on your child. Though they may not cause any tooth cavities, there have been many cases of these products containing high levels of toxic chemicals such as lead. Talk to your pediatric dentist if you need any Halloween tips that concerns prosthetics or any kind of makeup on your teeth.

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.

How to Introduce Tooth Brushing to Your Toddler

If you have no idea on how to care your toddler’s teeth, then you are not alone. Teaching kids tooth brush for the first time can be intimidating for many parents. But, this should have to be if you and your little toddler follow these tooth brushing tips to help you child’s pearls healthy and strong. Aside from using popular character songs like Elmo’s brushing teeth song, there are other ways you can do to inspire your kids to proper oral care practices.

Introducing Oral Hygiene

Parents must begin getting a head start to proper oral care regimen before the child’s first tooth eruption. You can start the process by cleaning the baby’s gums and teeth that are erupting with a wet soft cloth or gauze immediately after a meal. In this way, you will help your baby get used to regular teeth cleaning efforts. Also, any food particles clinging to your child’s erupting teeth and gums will be removed.

Introduce Your Toddler to a Toothbrush

A child must be introduced to a toothbrush between the age of 12 and 18 months. You will have to use to soft-bristled toothbrush that is made for toddlers. Do not add toothpaste yet. Make this process as enjoyable as possible for your little child. Buy a toothbrush with popular character when demonstrating proper tooth brushing so your toddler can relate. Many parents love to play the video a Sesame Street’s Elmo brushing his teeth for their kids using a smartphone while the child is tooth brushing.

Including Toothpaste to Your Toddler’s Oral Care

When your toddler turned three years old, you can start adding a tiny amount of toothpaste. Make sure it’s fluoride free toothpaste. A pea-sized amount of toothpaste is already enough and appropriate. You have to make sure that your child knows that it’s necessary to spit it out rather than swallowing it. Giving the toddler a small amount of water for brushing and teaching him how to swish the water to rinse his mouth will encourage your child to spit any toothpaste left.

Strive for Quality Brushing Time

The American Dental Association suggests that you have to spend at least two minutes when tooth brushing your toddler. But this might not be practical in reality. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that you emphasize more on covering all tooth surfaces, particularly the back teeth. You may be spending more than two minutes brushing their teeth, but ensure every tooth is cleaned during the time you are spending two minutes brushing their teeth.

Allow Your Toddler to Brush on Their Own

When your child reaches four, your child must start brushing his teeth with supervision. Watch them closely during the process. You may still have to help to reach back teeth. Most dentists agree that kids must be monitored until they reach the age of 8 or 9 because sometimes, they are in too much of a hurry to play or do their activities that they may not be properly brushing their teeth.

Why Is It Important to Consult a Pediatric Dentist?

        A kid-friendly pediatric dental clinic.

Also called as pedodontics, pediatric dentistry is a specialty branch of dentistry that specializes in treating young people. Known as pedodontists, pediatric dentists are highly specialized in the field since they have to complete the necessary additional education to render primary and specialized care to infants, young children and adolescents.

Based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, one must complete at least two additional years of study and in many cases, three years of training in order to become a practicing pediatric dentist. According to the studies from Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, there are only about 7,000 pediatric dentists in the US.

What is the Difference Between a General Dentist and a Pediatric Dentist?

After completing studies from an accredited school and obtaining a license in his/her state of practice, the general dentist is permitted to treat patients of any age. But, like in general medicine, there are several conditions that needs the expertise of a paediatrician.

Pediatric dentists are under a distinct set of standards that are defined by the Commission on Dental Accreditation to deal with the unique needs of children and teens such as dental sealants and fluoride treatments.

Below are some of the specialized tasks of pediatric dentists:

1.       Special counselling on proper nutrition

2.       Infant oral health examinations

3.       Distribution of relaxation medications

4.       Dental management after a premature loss of a baby tooth

5.       Emergency dental care

6.       Discouragement of thumb sucking through the use of dental appliances or methods

In addition, pediatric dentists utilize their expertise to assess and suggest the best products that are healthy and safe for their tiny mouths. Another advantage of getting a pediatric dentist is that their office or clinics are usually kid-friendly and have a warm, welcoming environment, especially for children. The dental equipment for exams are also designed to be visually appealing for children, including the exam room décor, which is often pleasing among youngsters.

A pediatric dentist’s office are often adorned with engaging murals and brightly colored wall paint. Kids magazines, toys and games are in the waiting area, which can help towards easing apprehension and uncertainty.

Pediatric dentists strive hard to ensure kid’s smiles are bright and healthy. When a child’s dental visit is a positive experience, they may be open and willing to go back for their check-ups.

What are the Foods that Can Help Strengthen Children’s Teeth

While eating too much sweets can cause caries and cavities, did you know that lots of other foods can actually strengthen your little one’s teeth?

Here is a list of the top foods that help oral health.

Oranges, Limes, Kiwis, Berries. Your child’s mouth is full of various types of bacteria and some of them may even cause gum disease such as gingivitis. Vitamin C in fruits such as cantaloupe, orange, limes, strawberries and papaya helps fight bacteria and promote the production of collagens in the gums. Other natural sources of Vitamin C are vegetables such as tomatoes, sweet potatoes and red, orange and yellow peppers. But dentists advise that children must wait at least 30 minutes after eating citrusy foods before cleaning their teeth. It is due to the citric acid present in fruits which can temporarily weaken the enamel. This can leave the teeth susceptible to erosion due to brushing.

Seeds and nuts. Sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and nuts are rich in natural fats that help shield the teeth from bacteria by coating the teeth with its oil. The seed oils help strengthen the enamel too, making teeth more resilient to cavities. In addition, most seeds are packed with calcium too. Children ages 4 and above can eat trail mix as a healthy snack.

Sugarless gum. Chewing any food triggers the production of saliva. Saliva loosens plaque, keeps the gums hydrated and stimulates natural antibodies in the mouth. According to the American Dental Association, chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes after a meal can help prevent decay. In fact, the organization recently awarded Extra, Orbit and Eclipse gums their Seal of Acceptance after Wrigley did studies showing its brand’s dental health benefits. But kids below the age 4 shouldn’t chew gum, unless you can trust them never to swallow it.

Dairy products. Starchy carbohydrates such as white potatoes, paste and bread are metabolised into sugar. Such form of sugar feeds certain bacteria in your kid’s mouth, producing acid that causes caries. When kids drink milk or eats cheese or yogurt, foods that rich in Vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus, it increases the pH level of their mouth, which lowers the acid levels as well as the risk for developing tooth caries. Calcium is also great in other ways. Calcium bonds with plaque and to the teeth, which further protects the teeth from lingering acid. It also strengths the bones that support your child’s teeth and repairs damaged enamel, making their teeth more resistant to any periodontal diseases in the future.

Crisp vegetables. Celery, green beans, snap peas, cauliflower and raw carrots are ‘chewing foods’, which means it can mechanically clean your child’s gums and teeth. These foods scrape away plaque that children miss when brushing or that accumulates between meals. Tell your children to chew their food and eat slowly.

How to Maintain Kids’ Oral Health During Winter

Keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy is a year-round job. Yet during winter, dental health and safety for kids signifies having the right balance between the necessary things for mouth care and the fun of a snowy weather. Hot treats, drier air, winter activities and more can put your teeth at risk for damage.

Below are some ways to maintain your kids’ teeth and gums health and happy throughout the winter season.

Protect their Teeth

If your child loves to do winter sports or enjoy the ski slopes, it is necessary to wear some protection from injuries. Physical damage during sports contribute to 10 to 39 percent of dental injuries in children, based on the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Having your kids’ wear face mask or mouthguard when playing winter sport will lessen the risk of dental injury. There are mouthguard available in the drugstore or have your child meet a dentist for custom fitting.

Keep Your Child Hydrated

If your child spends more time playing a winter sport, they put their health at risk of becoming dehydrated. Kids are more susceptible to dehydration than adults since they weight loss and often times, they are not as able to distinguish thirst. He might also be dehydrated if he’s suffering a terrible flu or cold.

To ensure your child’s health and safety, it is best to drink lots of water during winter. If possible, have him drink fluoridated water as it can help protect their teeth from cavities and decay.

Watch Out for Sugary Drinks

When your child is suffering from sore throat or cough, it is not surprising to use cough drop for relief. Many kids drink juice to battle a cold or have a cup of hot cocoa after doing winter play. But cough drops, hot cocoa and fruit juice can have a bad effect on your child’s teeth since they tend to contain plenty of sugar, leading to decay and cavities.

To avoid consumption of too much sugar, give your child sugar-free cough drops. Water will always be the best substitute for juice when you are sick. As for the hot cocoa, try using dark chocolate and real milk, as these contains less sugar.

Encourage Proper Dental Habits

To protect your kid’s dental health in the winter, it is important to keep proper dental habits. Brush two times a day and floss once a day even when your child has cold or flu. His immune system needs all the help it can have to fight cold or flu virus. To encourage your little ones who are sick to brush their teeth, try using a flavoured toothpaste that comes with satisfying flavors like watermelon and strawberry.

When it comes to protecting your child’s health during winter, it’s more than just ensuring they stay warm and free from flu. It also means keeping an eye on your child’s dental health and doing some measures to protect their teeth and gums.

How to Promote Good-at-School Dental Habits

Most parents are very good in providing their children dental care at home. We write notes on dental appointments, limit intake of sugary foods like candies and make reminder charts to remind them to brush and floss. But most children spend most of their waking hours away from home, from their mom and dad.

Below are some simple means in which to encourage proper dental hygiene of children while at school.

Employ changes in their snack

Most schools nowadays have snack counters and vending machines that are available to school children during snack time, lunch and after school. Because of this, your kids have access to candies, soda, ice cream, chips and other unhealthy foods every single day. Do some changes on their snack selection by providing healthier options such as orange slices, apple, bottled water and string cheese. This will help your child’s general health, particularly dental health.  

Create a healthy lunch

It’s good for your child to send him off with a lunch full of healthy foods that can help strengthen the teeth. Cheese and yogurt are rich in calcium, which is great for strong bones and teeth. Fruits and vegetables that are rich in antioxidants and vitamins are good for promoting healthy mouth. Crunchy food such as celery, apples and carrots can help remove plaque.

Protest sugary beverages

You can petition to get sugary beverages such as soda be removed from school vending machines. Aside from coating your child’s teeth with sugar to feed on bacteria, these sugary drinks can also cause staining of the teeth. Milk and bottled water are good options for bright, healthy smile.

Encourage brushing

Tooth brushing and flossing should not only be done at home. To encourage brushing, you can talk to your child’s teacher on allotting time for the entire class to brush their teeth after taking their lunch. You can also ask your local dentists to donate brushes, floss, mouthwash and toothpaste and talk in front of the class to raise awareness on the significance of proper dental care.

See the Emergency Contact Information

Don’t forget to check the school’s contact information regarding the record of their school dentist. Make sure they are up-to-date just in case a dental emergency happens during the day.

Children’s dental care is very important regardless on their whereabouts. Teach them the benefits of taking care of their teeth and mouth while they’re away from home to ensure that all your efforts are not being wasted when the kids are at school or away from you.

How to Clean Your Kid’s Braces

Caring your child’s braces and teeth can be challenging, so having an understanding on dental hygiene and possible dental problems that may surface becomes more important than ever before. Taking care of braces is necessary in preventing problems while they’re on and later on having a beautiful smile when they are removed.

Importance of Proper Oral Hygiene for Kids with Braces

Proper dental hygiene is key in preventing common problems such as demineralization, gingivitis and plaque build-up, however, it is more important during the time when a child wears orthodontic appliance such as braces. Oral hygiene is more complicated with braces on, and kids are more susceptible to dental problems.

The dental problems mentioned above can be miserable to deal on their own, but if ignored and left untreated, they have the potential to cause secondary dental health problems. Sometimes, the dentist may have to remove the braces and buy some time for the gums and mouth issues to recover before reattaching the braces.

How to Correctly Brush and Floss Teeth with Braces

Children with braces should take extra care when cleaning their teeth. Brushing 4 times a day is a great way to remove plaque and food particles from building up in their metal braces. The toothbrush should also be replaced more often, especially if the braces begin to wear down or fray.

1. Hold the toothbrush parallel to the floor.

2. Move the brush in circular motions, moving from tooth to tooth, going to the curve of the gums and teeth.

3. Brush every tooth for a few seconds, the back of the mouth, insides of the teeth and behind and sides of the molars, the tongue and the roof of the tongue. Brush in an upward-downward motion.

4. To clean the brackets, angle the brush when brushing them.

Flossing can be a hassle, but this is very important to be done every night after tooth brushing. For children with braces, you have to use ‘threader floss’ to be able to floss around wires. This floss has stiff ends that allows flossing between brackets.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush, Toothpaste and Mouthwash

When brushing teeth with braces, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Brushing using a manual toothbrush will increase the risk of leaving plaque and food particles behind. It is highly encouraged to use power toothbrush.

No specific toothpaste is necessarily needed for brushing teeth with braces, but the use of fluoride-enriched toothpaste is encouraged. Choosing a type of toothpaste that features comprehensive protection helps keep optimal oral health.

Children is recommended to use mouthwash two times a day for a minute every time to rinse the brackets. The use of mouthwash will help clean the little gaps between the teeth where food residue could still be trapped after flossing and brushing.

Could Vitamin D Help Fight Dental Cavities in Kids?

Dental caries has been consistently one of the most common diseases in children. Numerous studies have found that dental cavities in kids can be reduced by up to 50 percent through intake of Vitamin D. The results were promising, indicating that Vitamin D can be the secret weapon against childhood caries.

What is the Link Between Dental Caries and Vitamin D?

Enamel is considered as the most mineralized part of the human body. It is primarily made up of phosphate and calcium. Vitamin D is essential for the absorption of phosphate and calcium from our diet. Increasing calcium and phosphate absorption can help fight demineralization of enamel due to bacteria, thereby improving the strength of the teeth.

Vitamin D receptors are present on the cells of your immune system and your teeth. Vitamin D receptors bind with Vitamin D and works by increasing the level of antimicrobial proteins to help the body fight the bacteria that destroy tooth enamel.

Furthermore, the osteoblasts that form the enamel and dentin contain Vitamin D receptors, which means that Vitamin D plays a crucial role in their function.

Some studies have shown that dental caries are more prevalent during early spring and late winter, when the levels of Vitamin D are often at their lowest. Numerous studies have revealed that sun exposure and the geographic located are linked to dental caries. People living near the equator, where there’s great amount of sun exposure have less likelihood to develop dental cavities.

In addition, pregnant women with low levels of Vitamin D are more likely to have a child develop early childhood caries (ECC). Kids with ECC seems to have lower levels of Vitamin D than healthy kids. Some experiments have shown that supplementing a mother with Vitamin D supplements during pregnancy can help reduce the rate of dental enamel issues in their child. Defects in dental enamel may increase the possibility of a child having dental caries.

Benefits of Vitamin D on Kids’ Oral Health

The beneficial effects of Vitamin D when provided to children include the following:

1. Improvement in the formation of dentin

2. Better tooth development

3. Enhance the components and amount of saliva to improve tooth enamel strength

4. Tooth protection comparable to fluoride

5. Boosts the body’s immune system

When Vitamin D supplementation is introduced, studies revealed up to 50 percent reduction in dental caries.

 

What are the Best Sources of Vitamin D?

Infants up to 12 months should have 400 IU per day while babies older than 1 year need 600 IU a day.

Vitamin D is also known as the ‘Sunshine Vitamin’ since the body can make its own through sun exposure. However, your child’s body couldn’t produce sufficient Vitamin D when covered with sunscreen or clothing. Other factors that hinder Vitamin D production through sun exposure include clouds, smog, geographic location and dark skin.

Fortunately, there are other ways to get the Vitamin D you need. Some of the best food sources of Vitamin D include salmon, canned tuna, orange juice, egg yolk, Vitamin D-fortified food products and Swiss cheese.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all children, from the infants to teens take Vitamin D supplements of 400 IU every day.

How to Deal With Your Child’s Chipped Tooth

Every parent knows how difficult it is to keep a child still for too long. They love to run, jump and bang on everything. Being young, energetic and quite uncoordinated can lead to lots of falls, trips and bumps, including chipped teeth.

When this injury happens, we as parents usually end up in panic more than the child. As frightening as it may seem, a child chipping a tooth is quite common. Especially if the child has tooth decay, the weakened teeth can break and fracture. If you find yourself in this situation, here’s what to do to help your child.

Dealing with Chipped Tooth

The first thing you must do is to keep calm. Breaking a tooth is a very common among kids. This situation can be fixed by dentist.

1.       Check your child’s mouth if there are piece of tooth stuck in the lips, tongue or gums. Once it is clear, rinse the child’s mouth with water.

2.       If the chipped area is bleeding, take a piece of wet soft cloth or gauze and have your child bite down on it. Keep the pressure until the bleeding stops.

3.       If possible, collect any chipped tooth and keep them in a cup of saliva or milk. Your Mint Kids Dentistry dentist may be able to reattach them.

4.       Once first aid is administered, contact your dentist immediately as tooth’s nerve may be exposed, requiring immediate attention.

5.       If a child’s mouth is inflamed, place a cold compress it alleviate the swelling and discomfort.

6.       If the child is in pain, administer over-the-counter, age-appropriate pain reliever.

If you respond quickly, you can save your child’s teeth and avoid any extensive dental work. Your pediatric dentist will be able to tell you the best ways to treat a broken tooth.

If your child is young, he/she may not be able to realize what happened. Avoid making him feel self-conscious or awkward about the chipped tooth, particularly if it is noticeable.

Understanding Treatment Options for Chipped Tooth

A better way to ease your child’s worry is to know the treatment options. While you and the dentist will eventually decide on the best option, it is good to learn what is available. The best treatment will depend on the location and size of the chip. For minor chips, the dentist will simply file the tooth to smoothen. For larger chips, the dentist may choose dental bonding – where in a bonding material is placed where the tooth chipped off – or if bonding is not possible, you may use veneers.

In the case of a very tiny crack, no treatment may be needed. Treating baby teeth is quite different. While the baby teeth are important, your pediatric dentist’s main priority is protecting the developing permanent tooth.

My Child Has An Overbite. When Should I Correct It?

A lot of children have overbites, leading parents to wonder when they should bring to a dentist to be fixed, and if fixing it is even necessary. Unfortunately, overbites have to be fixed and the sooner it is corrected, the better. If left untreated, it can lead to developmental problems of the teeth and could possibly damage the teeth.

What is an Overbite?

Class 2 malocclusion, called retrognathism or overbite, occurs when the upper jaw and teeth severely overlap the bottom jaw and teeth. - Medline Plus

The term ‘overbite’ refers to a bite issue where in the upper teeth is protruding over or overlapping the lower teeth. The lower teeth can be completely hidden by the upper teeth or the lower teeth could be overly behind. In general, the upper teeth must be over the lower teeth by only about 1 to 2 mm. The lower teeth should be visible too. That is the ideal position.

It is considered an overbite is the protrusion is more than 3 to 4 mm or totally covers the lower teeth. Overbites are quite common and can be corrected using braces or Invisalign.

How to Evaluate Your Kid’s Overbite

You must start checking your child’s teeth as young as the age of 5, in order to be aware of a developing overbite. A child with an overbite may have teeth not fitting together properly.

If an overbite continues to develop, it can lead to a number of problems such as headaches, ear pain, difficulty chewing food, facial pain, neck problems, jaw pain and sinus congestion. It is important that a child with an overbite see an orthodontist before reaching 8 to prevent it from worsening.

Why You Have to Treat a Child’s Overbite Early

The sooner you fix an overbite, the better your child be able to develop. More extensive treatments can be also be prevented in the future. If left untreated, an overbite may cause the following problems:

• Problems eating
• Speech impediments
• Upper anterior teeth gradually breaking down anterior lower teeth
• Pain within the jaw and gums
• Worn tooth enamel and increased risk of cavities and gum disease
• Teeth grinding
• Lowered self esteem or confidence
• Lower teeth cutting into the upper gums or the roof of the mouth

How Overbites are Corrected

Since children’s teeth and jaw are still developing, overbite treatment is not very complex. For children, the dentist will take X-rays and molds to know what exactly causes the irregular bite. Commonly used corrective methods are braces or braces with other auxiliary appliances that will straighten the teeth.

Book an appointment with Dr. Soo Jun of Mint Kids Dentistry to discuss overbite treatments.

Is Using Mouthwash for Kids Safe?

We know how important dental health is for your kids. Brushing every morning, after sugary and sticky snacks and before bedtime is encouraged. Some kids even enjoy flossing using flavoured dental flow. But how about mouthwash? Can children use it? Or, more fittingly, should they use it?

Are Your Children Ready?

Typically, mouthwash is not recommended for children under the age of six. Some types of mouthwash for kids contain fluoride. While fluoride is beneficial for preventing tooth decay, having too much too early may result to fluorosis. Fluorosis can happen only when a child’s teeth are still developing, and this condition may affect the texture and color of the teeth. Your child’s teeth could develop brown spots or the surface of the teeth may be rough.

Fortunately, fluorosis is simply cosmetic and can be prevented by making sure your child does not use mouthwash too soon or ingest fluoride toothpaste. Remember that even if your child’s teeth are ready for use of mouthwash, your kid might not be. Just like toothpaste, mouthwash must be spit out. However, it can be complicated, especially for young kids to swish the liquid instead of swallowing it.

One way to see if your child is ready to use it is to have him take a sip of water. Let him swish it around his mouth and then spit it out. If your child can perform this, they can most likely handle mouthwash.

Why Use Mouthwash?

Mouthwash is intended to enhance the effects of brushing and flossing. It can help give a fresher breath. Mouthwashes with fluoride provide more cavity protection for children over the age of six. If your child is wearing braces, using it can loosen the food bits that usually get stuck in the brackets, providing a more thorough cleaning until the braces come off. Using a mouthwash for kids is also beneficial for those who have not yet mastered flossing or brushing yet.

How to Use Mouthwash?

When your child use a mouthwash for the first time, it is important to provide supervision to ensure he does not swallow it accidentally.

Create a game out from using it. Use a stopwatch and time them for about a minutes and then, say ‘Spit!’, when it is time to spit it out. By supervising your child in the early phase of using mouthwash, it will also ensure that he is brushing and flossing before using the rinse.

Since mouthwash is not a must-use item for each child, ask your pediatric dentist before using it. He might recommend a mouthwash product that will benefit your child’s teeth.

How to Use the Dental Chart for Your Kids’ Oral Health

THE DENTAL CHART

When your child visits a dentist for the first time, the dentist will begin charting their teeth. A periodontal chart, or simply dental chart, serves as an instrument for the pediatric dentist to note information and organize the data about the health of your kid’s gums and teeth as they grow. It is an effective tool to check problem areas and note on these chart.

Pediatric dentists also use charts to track growth and loss of baby teeth and eruption of permanent teeth.

Image 1: The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) tooth chart

The chart shows the period children start to lose their primary teeth between six and seven years old. Children start to complete their permanent teeth by 12 years old, when the third molars erupt in their late teens.

By comparing the charts from previous visits, the dentist knows whether your child’s teeth are developing normally, at the right developmental start and in the right location. Since teeth differ in shape, size and their location in the jaws, these differences influence your child’s ability to speak, smile and chew, as well as how your child’s teeth gives his appearances its unique shape and form.

How It Works

Dentists use the Universal Numbering System when recording your child’s teeth. In the US, the Universal Numbering System is the official system used by the American Dental Association (ADA). In this system, the first tooth is situated at the upper far right of the kid’s mouth, also called as the ‘third molar’. The counting continues from the front to the upper left side, to the 16th tooth.

Universal Numbering System used by general dentists today.

The 17TH tooth is the lower third molar on the left side. Counting continues from the front to the lower right side third molar. Since both upper and lower teeth names have the same names, the use of a number system saves you time and confusion when charting.

Difference of Primary Charts and Adult Charts

There is only one major difference between a baby’s chart and an adult chart, and that is the number of teeth. Children are born with 20 teeth, while adults develop 32 permanent teeth. So, keeping good records through a dental chart is a significant part of a pediatric dentist’s work.

Having regular dental check-ups will make sure your dentist can track your child’s development and identify any problems such as overcrowding before they turn to a complex issue. Try to study the dental charts so you will have a better understanding on how dentists use a dental chart and the numbering system you see won’t sound unfamiliar anymore.

How to Help Your Child Break a Thumb-Sucking Habit

Thumb-sucking is a very common childhood activity that make babies feel happy and secure. It is a natural reflex for kids – sucking fingers, thumbs, pacifiers and other objects. Young kids may also do this to relax themselves and help them fall asleep.

Is thumb-sucking normal at his age?

When should I be concerned about this thumb-sucking habit?

Most experts agree that a child younger than 5 and still thumb-sucking should not be pressured to stop. But the problem is, thumb-sucking can lead to dental problems. With the permanent teeth coming in, a child thumb-sucking beyond the age of 5 may develop an abnormal bite, but beyond this problem, some kids develop speech problems such as trouble with the ‘S’ sound and other tongue-tip sounds.

Prolonged thumb-sucking habit can cause minor problems such as calluses, chapped skin on the fingers and even fingernail infections. Fingernails may become shriveled up and the nails may not grow properly.

During the winter, the skin on finger may become cracked and dry, which could make him even want to suck more.

So, what can I do to stop this habit?

If your child is sucking his thumb, don’t fret. There are ways you can do to help him stop that habit.

Talk to your child about the possible problems that may happen due to thumb-sucking in such a way that he understands the issue without making him worry or feel distress.

Use plenty of positive reinforcement to encourage him to keep from thumb-sucking during waking hours.

If your child sucks thumb during the day, create activities that will make his hands busy such as finger painting, coloring or playing with play dough. Identify situations that promote thumb-sucking such as watching TV or riding in the car. Use your imagination and your creativity to help your child.

During bedtime, try bandaging the thumb or put on gloves for several weeks. This may be all that is needed for him to stop the habit.

If the thumb-sucking still continues, please consult your pediatric dentist for other options. He/She can provide recommendations on other way to discourage your child from this thumb-sucking habit.

When your child successfully break the habit, make sure you praise and reward him. Take note that breaking any habit is difficult to do and such achievement is one that he should be proud of.

How to Keep Kids Smiling with Braces

Smiling with braces may be challenging when your child feels awkward and conscious about showing them. However, the benefits of braces far outweigh the self-consciousness and awkwardness he/she may experience while wearing them. The American Dental Association (ADA) said that having a crooked teeth or a misaligned teeth increase the risk of getting gum disease, tooth decay and other oral problems.

Give your child’s confidence a lasting boost by trying these tips:

Focus on the Good

Focus on what your child is good at. Encourage them to pursue the things that they love doing like going out for the basketball, auditioning in a school play or joining a school club. Don’t focus on the outward appearance like his or her clothes or hair as this way turn the other way around and lower his/her confidence. When you tell him/her to get a new haircut or clothing, he may not hear it as ‘bringing out the best you’ but instead ‘because you are not attractive’.

Push him/her to do all the thing they love while wearing braces. With every instance of success, their smile will be much more justified.

Support your child

Despite the expected times of insecurity, be a rock to your child while he/she is still adjusting to the braces. If you had braces when you were younger, share it right away, especially those when you are smiling. Then show him/her your current teeth and stress the fact that you are thankful that you had braces when you’re younger, even if you likewise hated them.

Your child may still complain, and will surely do once they found out that they will keep them for many months. However, do not ignore your son or daughter’s concerns. Lister to him and let him know that you feel it’s not easy too.

Dress 'Em Up

Today’s braces are a little more stylish compared to those of the past. In the past, options are limited to clear rubber bands and metal brackets. But today, children can choose from different colors – blue, pink, purple, black, even green, when choosing the rubber band for their braces. If your child is able to choose a color, smiling with braces may become more encouraging for your child.

Smile

Finally, get your child smiling with braces by smiling too. Be the best role model when it comes to oral care. It can have a huge impact on how your child feels about themselves.

How to Care for Your Child’s Braces

One factor why your kid is self-conscious with braces is that fact that braces can be tricky to clean. Depending on how old your child is, you can help him or her brush and floss with their braces.

Mint Kids Dentistry’s top priority is bringing children and adolescents on the right path to dental health and proper oral hygiene. Dr. Soo Jun believes that early education will prepare kids to a lifetime of optimal dental health. Hence, she educates the importance of routine dental checkups and proper oral care.

Schedule an appointment as http://www.mintkidsdentistry.com/.

How to Make Dental Hygiene for Kids Fun and Enjoyable

At Mint Kids Dentistry by Dr. Soo Jun, we know how important dental hygiene is for kids.

Do you find it hard to encourage your kids to brush his/her teeth before school? Young kids do not understand the importance of dental hygiene or overall dental health. For parents, dental hygiene for kids should not concentrate on the nuts and bolts of dental care. Your child may be too young to understand how plaque forms. Instead, create a fun and enjoyable experience of mouth care in the family.

Buy a special brush and toothpaste

One way to ignite your child’s interest is to buy a colourful, fun toothbrush. Replace an old toothbrush with new, fun brush with colourful, soft bristles or one that is adorned with your child’s favourite cartoon character.

Aside from the toothbrush, you can also buy a special toothpaste to go along with it. Your toddler may not be running to the bathroom to use your hot, minty toothpaste. But he can feel excitement cleaning his teeth using a watermelon or gum-flavored toothpaste packaged in his favourite cartoon character.

Do it together

Another way to make mouth care fun for kids is to do it together. Make your child interested by brushing and flossing together. Kids love to copy what their parents do. Guide your son or daughter with the proper way of brushing, including tongue brushing. After you brush, floss your child’s teeth or help them if they’re old enough to do it by themselves. Make routine brushing exciting and fun by singing a fun song or a rhyme about keeping the teeth clean.

Keep track of time

The American Dental Association recommends brushing for only two minutes, two times a day. To make sure your child brushes only for that time period, use a two-minute sand time. Simply flip it over and start brushing. 

Another way is to use mobile apps like the Disney Magic Timer that is available in App Store for free. This app features 23 characters from Marvel, Star Wars and Disney. By using this app, it will bring more fun to daily brushing routine, encouraging kids to brush longer.

Play a fun video

Look for some fun video on dental hygiene for kids. Videos and stories designed for kids are effective teaching materials for kids on how to take good care of their teeth and of making mouth care something they can relate to.

Create a reward system

Make flossing and brushing more enjoyable by making your own gold star reward system. You and your son or daughter can make a poster and decorate it with toothbrushes, teeth, oral health themes and healthy snacks to represent the days of the month. Then, every time they brush their teeth, give your child a gold star sticker to put on the poster.

Pediatric dental visits

Regular check-up is a very important aspect in keeping good dental hygiene for kids. Visit your child’s pediatric dentist every six months to help maintain your child’s sparkling smile. Make every dentist appointment fun by heading to the park for a picnic after the visit.

Pediatric Dentistry: Is Chewing Gum Good or Bad?

The sweetness and chewy texture of bubble gum can be irresistible for many kids. Aside from the sweet taste, blowing bubble adds to the fun element of it and that is what children love to do! However, parent must be concerned not only to the type of gum their kids chew, but also how often they do it.

Is Chewing Gum Good or Bad?

Bubble gum is usually made from gum base, artificial sweeteners, flavorings, colorings and softeners. It is only meant to be chewed and not swallowed. Gums cannot be digested by our bodies but that does not mean that it will stick to your intestine and block the food you eat and make you sick. Ever heard that story too?

Swallowing bubble gum won’t make you sick. It will just come through your body’s elimination system. But it’s best to spit it out when the flavour has gone or when you are through with it.

But when it comes to your child’s teeth, chewing gum has both positive and negative effects. Sweetened gums, like most bubble-producing products you see in the grocery, can cause dental caries by reacting with the bacteria that produce enamel-eroding acids. Gums sweetened with sugar can cause damage because it can get pressed against your kid’s teeth for long periods of time than candy.

Yet, chewing is good for your teeth. It promotes production of saliva that can help neutralize the acid causing tooth decay, while washing away food particle that got stuck around your gums and teeth. Acid can break down tooth enamel that creates the conditions for decay. Increase in saliva flow bring more phosphate and calcium to help strength your child’s teeth. Clinical studies have revealed that chewing sugarless gum following meals can help prevent tooth decay.

But these benefits cannot outweigh the disadvantages of chewing sugary gums. When they are chewing sugar-filled gums, they’re doing more harm to their teeth than good. If they keep chewing after it has lost its taste, it may be beneficial but it’s unlikely for kids to keep chewing flavorless gum when there’s fresh ones nearby.

Consider Sugar-free Gum

One option is sugar-free gum. Without the sugar, the bacteria in your child’s mouth will not produce enamel-eroding acid and the increase in saliva flow can help prevent cavities. Bad breath and dry mouth are often due to reduced saliva flow. Chewing sugar-free gum can help reduce the symptoms of bad breath and dry mouth.

There will be occasions when your child sneak for sugar-filled gums instead of xylitol gums. When this happens, explain to your child the danger of chewing sweetened gums and offer to exchange them for xylitol-sweetened gum. Another way to reduce the effects of chewing gum is by encouraging them to brush their teeth.

Mint Kids Dentistry’s top priority is bringing children and adolescents on the right path to dental health and proper oral hygiene. Dr. Soo Jun believes that early education will prepare kids to a lifetime of optimal dental health. Hence, she educates the importance of routine dental checkups and proper oral care.

Schedule an appointment as http://www.mintkidsdentistry.com/.

How Can I Help My Child Overcome Fear of the Dentist

For adults, dental visit is a routine part of life, however, for kids, especially those who have never been, visiting a dentist seems scary and frightening. So what can you do as parents to help overcome their fears? Below are some tips that can help how to provide comfort to your child and make the visit a pleasant experience.

Talk to Your Child

It is important to discuss your child’s fear and anxiety not only to help him feel better but to understand the root cause of their fear. Maybe a friend shared a frightening experience or the child may have watched something distressing about dentists on television.

When talking about his fear, set a time when it is quiet and you are not distracted so you can concentrate. Let your child know that you recognize his fear and understand it. Share that you have also experienced such fear in that situation too. In this way, you are able to build trust with your child and so he will open up to you. Having a clear understanding of the issue, you’ll be able to deal with the underlying issues.

Talk to the Pediatric Dentist

It will be better if you talk about your child’s fear to his pediatric dentist before the appointment. Most dentists are able to cater to nervous patients by giving some toys or giving extra time beforehand to chat with your little one. Sometimes, it only takes a little preparation to make your child’s visit to the dentist more enjoyable.

Involve Other Family Members

The presence of a sibling or a parent can help comfort your child. As such, it’s better to schedule a dental appointment together with your child to show him that he is not alone. Kids usually like to imitate their older siblings and like to do things with them so allowing your child to watch his sister or brother on the dentist’s chair can provide him the confidence boost that he needs. So when it is his turn to sit in the chair, his sibling can cheer him up.

Be a Role Model

There are many ways to be a good role model for your child. One, you can take your child with you when you go for routine cleaning. Allow him to watch the entire process and explain to your child about the work of a dentist. Show to him that you are relaxed by smiling while you are getting examined. Show to your child that a trip to the dentist is painless. Another way to be a good role model is to practice proper oral hygiene and let your little one see you brushing and flossing every day while helping him engage in his own habits by cleaning his teeth daily.

Your child may not be comfortable to visit his dentist at first, but hopefully with these suggestion, you can ease his anxiety.

Mint Kids Dentistry’s top priority is bringing children and adolescents on the right path to dental health and proper oral hygiene. Dr. Soo Jun believes that early education will prepare kids to a lifetime of optimal dental health. Hence, she educates the importance of routine dental checkups and proper oral care.

Schedule an appointment as http://www.mintkidsdentistry.com/.

What Are the Things I Should Learn About Early Childhood Caries?

Kids who are frequently eating sugary food and beverages such as fruit juice, softdrinks and milk for extended periods of time run the risk of suffering from Early Childhood Caries (ECC). This is an infectious disease that can start even as early as the teeth begin to surface (around 6 months), usually progresses quickly, causing discomfort to the child.

The American Dental Association defines as the ‘presence of one or more decayed (non-cavitated or cavitated lesions), missing (due to caries) or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a preschool-age child between birth and 71 months of age.'

There are many factors by caries develop but this condition is primarily initiated by bacteria, mainly Streptococcus mutans. When food enters the mouth, the bacteria break down the carbohydrates and it produces acids which causes mineral loss from the teeth.

ECC calls for extensive dental repair, often under general anesthesia for children aged 22 months. If left untreated, it can further destroy the child’s teeth and can have a lasting effect on the child’s general health.

The effect of ECC is more infection and pain; it can affect communication and speech, dietary nutrition and eating, learning, sleeping, playing and the overall quality of life, even reaching adulthood. Many children suffering from ECC require expensive, restorative treatment.

How to Prevent Children from Getting Early Childhood Caries

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests the following steps for parent to prevent ECC.

For infants:

1. Visit a pediatric dentist before the child’s first birthday.
2. Clean infant’s gums using a clean, wet gauze pad or a soft cloth after feeding.
3. Starting brushing infant’s teeth as soon the first tooth emerges two times a day using a fluoridated toothpaste and soft brittle toothbrush that is fitted to his/her age. Parents must only use a ‘smear’ of toothpaste when brushing the teeth of a child less than 2 years.
4. Do not breast feed for extended periods.
5. Infant must not be put to sleep with a bottle of fruit juice, sugar water or milk.
6. If the child falls asleep, the teeth should be cleaned before putting him/her on bed.

For Toddlers and Young Children:

1. Encourage your child to drink using a cup even after the first birthday. You may use a training cup (sippy cup) however, it should only be used as a transitional tool to help kids adjust from drinking a bottle to a cup.
2. When using sippy cups, only put water – except during mealtime. Filling the training cup with sugary beverage and letting a child drink from it throughout the day will encourage growth of cavity-causing bacteria.
3. Parents must use a ‘pea-size’ amount of toothpaste and assist their child in toothbrushing.
4. Supervise child while brushing and teach him/her how to spit out the toothpaste.
5. Guide your child in developing healthy eating habits early and offer sensible nutritious snacks.

Mint Kids Dentistry’s top priority is bringing children and adolescents on the right path to dental health and proper oral hygiene. Dr. Soo Jun believes that early education will prepare kids to a lifetime of optimal dental health. Hence, she educates the importance of routine dental checkups and proper oral care.

Schedule an appointment as http://www.mintkidsdentistry.com/.

How to Brush My Child’s Teeth?

While they do eventually fall out, it is still very important to take good care of your child’s milk teeth. Milk teeth helps them chew and bite food, and speak clearly. Underneath their teeth, roots of adult teeth are growing in place.

According to research, children who develop dental cavities in their milk teeth are more susceptible to develop cavities as an adult, so don’t take pediatric dental check-ups for granted. Even though they are still young, their teeth are still prone to the same damage and conditions that permanent teeth face. If he/she is at high risk for tooth cavities or decay, it is time to reduce consumption of starchy and sugary snacks and beverages.

Tips on How to Brush Your Child’s Teeth

Teaching your child on how to properly brush their teeth can instill a lasting habit that will promote a healthy mouth. Read below on how to get started with this routine.

Pick the right toothbrush

Take your child on a toothbrush shopping. Be sure to get a soft-bristled tooth. Kid’s toothbrush often come in different character themes and color – allow children to pick their toothbrush. There are also rotating, battery-operated toothbrush, which may come in handy for feisty toddlers.

Set the stage

It is advised to brush your teeth twice a day. Timing is also another crucial factor. When getting started, choose a time when your little one welcomes the idea of brushing like after breakfast and before bedtime. Of course, before naptime is a must, however, do not wait until he is tired or sleepy. Develop a ritual, like letting him/her go to the bathroom and turn the faucet. In this way, your child looks forward to the tooth brushing process and you are likely to be dealing with a cooperative toddler.

Start brushing

Prepare the toothbrush with toothpaste only a pea-sized amount. Next, determine his/her most comfortable position. You can use a step stool or a stand or your child can sit on your lap.

Begin by brushing the inside of the teeth first. Focus on brushing the gum line by moving the brush at a 45 degree angle. Move the toothbrush back and forth. Do the same on the outside of the teeth. Aim the gum line and do the same routine again.

Don’t forget to brush the top portion too. If your child gets cranky, take breaks but don’t forget to rinse their teeth and tell them not to swallow the toothpaste. Lastly, teach them how to properly rinse and spit using proper technique.

Make the experience fun

Turn toothbrushing into a game or sing a song to go along with it. This will help your child practice brushing and get the hang of it. You can also look for videos of their favourite cartoon character brushing teeth. In this way, you can make the experience fun and memorable, helping your toddler to enjoy tooth brushing and taking care of their dental health.

Mint Kids Dentistry’s top priority is bringing children and adolescents on the right path to dental health and proper oral hygiene. Dr. Soo Jun believes that early education will prepare kids to a lifetime of optimal dental health. Hence, she educates the importance of routine dental checkups and proper oral care.

Schedule an appointment as http://www.mintkidsdentistry.com/.