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.

What Causes Bleeding Gums in Children?

Are bleeding gums in kids something to worry about? Bleeding gums during flossing or brushing may be the initial sign of gingivitis, a form of gum disease. While gum disease is common among adults, kids can have a similar dental problem too.

Possible Causes of Bleeding Gums in Kids

Gum disease isn’t the only possible cause of gum bleeding among children. The American Dental Association reported that a new flossing routine as the possible culprit of the bleeding. Is your child flossing every day? When he skipped for several days, then some bleeding may occur when he begins to floss again.

Guide your child when flossing until he is old enough to clean his teeth independently (around ten years of age). Do a daily reminder to reinforce proper flossing habits. Brushing your teeth two times a day with daily flossing is the key to the prevention of gum disease.

Vigorous brushing can irritate the gums, causing some bleeding. Gently brush your teeth with soft-bristled toothbrush. Encourage them to spend two minutes brushing, including the tongue for a clean, healthy mouth.

Children can also have gum bleeding by not brushing regularly. When teeth are not brushed, gums can become inflamed and swollen due to the plaque staying on the gumline too long. The plaque is a film of bacteria that coats the teeth after eating.

Sometime, gum bleeding can be caused by a deficiency of a certain Vitamin. Vitamin C is beneficial for keeping gums healthy. Give your child daily vitamins or introduce fruits and vegetables with Vitamin C into his diet.

 

What to Do with Gum Bleeding

Bleeding due to a change in flossing routine or a vigorous brushing technique must clear up after a week once flossing is done regularly or your child uses a soft-bristled brush. Gum bleeding, if accompanied with signs of bad breath, redness, tenderness or a receding gumline, may be a sign of gingivitis, or could be a more advanced stage of gum disease.

The American Academy of Periodontology reported that gingivitis is a common problem among kids too. The ones especially at risk are the older children as changes in the hormone balance during puberty can increase the flow of the blood to the gum, causing gum tissue to be more susceptible to tenderness and swelling. Flossing, brushing and regular dental checkups are key to the prevention and treatment of gum bleeding and gingivitis.

Gum bleeding in children can be a sign of gingivitis. The sooner you child is seen by his dentist, the better. If left ignored, gingivitis can lead to more serious stages of gum disease, which may be hard to reverse. If you notice that your child’s gums bleed easily or exhibit other signs, talk to your child’s dentist.

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 Correct Underbite in Children?

For children with an orthodontic problem, achieving and keeping a lovely smile can be challenging. However, just because your teeth have an inherent problem does not mean it cannot be treated. The advancements in dental technology these day can quickly improve any condition within days or weeks. In the case of underbite correction, it is not as complex and exhaustive as it used to be.

What is an Underbite?

Medically called prognathism or Class III Malocclusion, underbite is a malocclusion where the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth. This condition vary depending on the severity, from a mild underbite to a condition where the teeth don’t touch at all due to the wide gap. Underbite isn’t as common as an overbite but at present, 1 in 10 Americans has an underbite. Prognathism can affect anyone of any ethnicity.

Having an underbite may give the impression that you are showing an emotion that isn’t intended. As such, it may result to a social issue that many people want to fix for good.

What are the Causes of Underbite?

Underbite is usually hereditary. It is a misalignment of the lower jaw and is often present at birth. Those with Crouzon Syndrome could show signs of underbite. It can also develop as a result of certain conditions such as acromegaly or gigantism. The issue associated with prognathism depends on the severity. If the malocclusion is too wide, it can cause:

·         Problems with speaking

·         Eating difficulties

·         Chronic mouth breathing, bacterial infections and halitosis

·         Chronic jaw or TMJ pain

·         Headaches, earaches

·         Sleep apnea, snoring, night-time breathing difficulties

·         Tooth decay due to excessive wear of enamel

What are the Ways to Correct It?

There are several methods to fix an underbite, from orthodontic appliances to jaw surgery. It is important to visit a pediatric dentist as soon as possible for orthodontic screening, which must be checked by the age of seven.

Corrective appliances for children come in two types:

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Reverse Pull Headgear – is a special orthodontic appliance intended to pull the upper jaw and teeth forward while preventing the forward growth of lower jaw. The more you use the headgear, the better it work.

Palatal Expander – is a common orthodontic appliance made of wire and attached to the upper back teeth. This slowly widens the upper jaw to treat or prevent malocclusions.

In extreme cases, underbite correction may need orthognathic jaw surgery.

 

 

 

How to Maintain Oral Health for People with Bite Problems?

While deciding what method of underbite correction is best for you, it is important to maintain proper oral health. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss and rinse it with a mouthwash.

Ask your dentist about the options to fix your underbite. Bite alignment is rarely perfect, particularly at a young age, but the treatment options on the necessary adjustments can bring out the smile you deserve.

What Causes Delays in My Baby’s Tooth Eruption?

Parents usually see a baby’s first tooth eruption as a major milestone in their baby’s life. You might see the first tiny pearly white bud in the gumline as signal’s the arrival of your baby’s first tooth.

The age of tooth eruption considerably varies from baby to baby. However, if you wait month after month for the tooth to erupt, you may feel worried as you imagine your child toothless for a long time. There are several factors causing delay in tooth emergence. However, this delay is not something to be anxious about – there may be underlying causes for such condition in some babies.

What’s Normal Tooth Eruption?

Infants are born with most of their teeth already developed within their gums. They typically start to emerge by the age of six months. First to appear are the two lower front teeth, followed by the four upper front teeth and then the two lower front teeth. In general, the rest arrive two at a time – one on each side. By the age of three, almost all kids have a complete set of 20 primary teeth.

When is a Delay Considered Abnormal?

The normal range for the appearance of the first tooth is between four and 15 months. Most kids have four teeth by the time they’re 11 months old. At 15 months, the baby will have 8 teeth, 12 teeth at 19 months, 16 teeth at 23 months and 20 teeth at 27 months.  If your baby has no teeth by age of 18 months, he/she should be taken to see a dentist, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests.

Permanent teeth starts to emerge around six years of age. Teeth that don’t follow this normal tooth eruption pattern are not necessarily a concern, but having no teeth at all may signify a more serious concern in some cases.

Causes of Delayed Tooth Eruption

There are several reasons why a child’s tooth emerge beyond the normal schedule. In some cases, late tooth eruption could just be a family trait. Premature birth and low birth weight may also be blamed for the delayed tooth eruption and the teeth may have enamel issues that come with it.

 Rare genetic abnormalities causing poorly formed teeth and delayed tooth appearance such as regional odontodysplasia and amelogenesis imperfecta can be the reason as well. Vitamin D-resistant rickets and nutritional deficiency can also lead to a delay.

Dealing with Delayed Tooth Eruption

For most children who are toothless, a delay is just an opportunity for the parents to enjoy their gummy smile a bit longer. Nevertheless, parents must setup a dental visit for their kids whose teeth erupt later than the normal schedule, particularly if they are worried the delay could mean a more serious problem. But keep in mind that, however late they erupt, caring for your child’s teeth and gums is the best start for a long-lasting oral health.

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.

What are the Natural Ways to Relieve Toothache on Kids?

Toothaches have various causes. Usually, they are the result of a cavity. Other reasons may be a broken tooth, a loose tooth, an infection or simply a piece of food that become wedged between teeth. That is why, if your child is complaining of toothache, it is advised to floss before doing anything else. After that, rinse the area with warm water.

Initial Steps to Relieve Toothache

If the tooth pain persists, you may start by reducing swelling. If the child is old enough to swish, give him warm salt water solution to alleviate oral inflammation, advised by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD). In a small cup of warm water, mix a teaspoon of table salt and stir.

After that, apply a cold compress to the child’s cheek near the swelling area. Simply wrap an ice in a soft towel, help your child hold it in place to lessen the swelling and pressure inside the mouth. Cold therapy has also an anaesthetic effect that can reduce the painful sensation.

Use Pain Medications at Home

The next thing you should do is to give your child an oral anti-inflammatory medication suited for his age. Try giving a liquid form of medication. A table or capsule medication may be have for the child to swallow. Administer Advil, Tylenol or a tiny amount of an over-the-counter anaesthetic that contains Benzocaine.

Clove oil can also be used as a topical antibacterial and analgesic to provide relief for toothache. Apply the oil using a cotton swab. Dab it on the affected area around the tooth gently.

Never, under any circumstances, place aspirin directly on the gums or the tooth. This may cause soft tissue damage or even serious disease known as Reye’s Syndrome.

If your child’s symptoms already include fever, fatigue, body malaise or throbbing pain, it is important to see a doctor as soon possible. If your child is having trouble breathing or swallowing, head to your local emergency room immediately.

See Your Pediatric Dentist Soon

When your child become more comfortable and calmed, visit your dentist. Toothache can be caused by a variety of issues. Never ignore an oral pain, even if your child may seem momentarily at ease. Look for professional help as soon as possible because an oral procedure or a prescription medication may be needed to the treat the pain symptoms effectively.

Has your child complaining of a toothache? Follow the steps we have outline above to see if the problem is resolved. If not, contact Dr. Soo Jun of Mint Kids Dentistry as soon as possible.

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 Choose the Best Toothpaste for Your Kids

Nowadays, toothpastes come in a variety of different brands and flavors, specially made for kids. There is a multitude of choices available that can actually make choosing the best toothpaste for your child a daunting task than expected.

Choosing the right toothpaste is an important factor to promote good oral hygiene and in keeping the healthiest smile possible for your child.

What exactly is a Toothpaste?

Toothpaste is a product that cleans the teeth and maintains oral hygiene. It contains health increasing components such as fluoride, antibacterial agents and mild abrasives.

The fluoride helps strengthen the hard enamel surface of the teeth to help protect them from cavities. The antibacterial agent destroys the bacteria in the mouth, preventing bad breath and the formation of dental caries. On one hand, the mild abrasive, through the help of a toothbrush, help scrub off the stains on the tooth surface.

Why Is It Important to Use Toothpaste?

The human mouth contains thousands of different types of bacteria that group together to form a film over the teeth known as plaque. If the plaque isn’t eliminated thoroughly, it can build up over time causing a number of oral and dental issue such as tooth cavities, halitosis or bad breath and gum disease.

It is important to brush your teeth twice a day using fluoridated toothpaste to reduce the risk of the developing dental health problems, promote general health and wellbeing and help create a lasting healthy smile.

How to Choose the Best Toothpaste for Kids

To help you decide the right toothpaste for your kid, consider the following guidelines:

Look for the ADA Seal. Choose a toothpaste that has been approved as sage and effective for use. To make sure you’re buying a quality product, look for the seal of approval of the American Dental Association, known as the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which can be found on the toothpaste packaging. The ADA Seal ensures that the toothpaste have been approved and tested as safe by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. However, the most reliable person for dental product recommendations is still your child’s pediatric dentist. Being a specialist, he/she can provide direction and guidance in choosing the best toothpaste for your child.

Stay away from harsh abrasives. Looking for an age-appropriate toothpaste for your little one is actually tricky, since some products consist of harsh ingredients that could erode young tooth enamel – the tooth’s protective outer coating. Abrasives are key in removing the plaque and polishing the teeth. The problem is, some products contain large amount of alumina and phosphates which can be too harsh for young enamel. This may cause your child’s teeth to become too sensitive. Talk to your pediatric dentist which toothpaste brand is age appropriate for your child.

Choose a product with fluoride. Based on the American Dental Association, kids of all ages must use toothpaste that contains fluoride. It helps protect the teeth from plaque and cavities. But ingesting fluoride isn’t healthy, particularly for young children, so the amount of toothpaste use should be controlled.

Consider flavor. While flavor may not be considered relevant to oral health, deciding a toothpaste that actually tastes good may help your child get more excite about tooth brushing. Some kids don’t like the ‘spicy’ or ‘minty’ taste. Most adults prefer this flavor but kids tend to brush more when using fun toothpaste flavors such as bubble gum or strawberry.

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 Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

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Oral health care should start during the first year of a child. Even before the first tooth emerges, oral hygiene are absolutely necessary to prevent baby bottle tooth decay, also called as bottle rot.
 

What is Baby Bottle Tooth Decay?

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Even if they’re temporary, your baby’s milk teeth are vital, and are still prone to dental cavities.

Tooth decay in toddlers and infants is referred to as Early Childhood Caries or Baby Bottle Tooth Decay. It is important for children to have strong, healthy teeth to chew food, have a pleasant-looking smile and speak. The first teeth also help ensure that their adult teeth emerge correctly.

Starting infants off with proper oral care is important to help protect their teeth for many years to come.

Preventing Bottle Rot

It is never too early to begin your baby on healthy routine. Follow these tips to help you prevent baby bottle tooth decay.

Eliminate the Sugar

Infants can experience tooth decay, but it is often caused by exposure to the sugars present in juices and milk, making it easier for bacteria to grow and thrive. The longer the sugar stays on the mouth, the higher the risk for tooth decay.

The best ways to counter it is to avoid allowing the infant to nap or sleep with the bottle in his/her mouth and do not allow the child to walk around with it in the mouth. Offer healthier options by giving breast milk and formula and eliminating sugar drinks and artificial juices. Never share utensils or lick pacifiers as they can pass bacteria to your baby and may cause decay.

Sterilize the Bottle

Another important step to prevent bottle rot is to clean the bottle. Ensure the bottles you buy are free from BPA (Bisphenol A), a plastic chemical linked to developmental problems in kids. Sterilize these bottles properly before offering them to your child.

There are different ways to sterilize baby bottles. You can boil the bottles in water, use as electric bottle steamer to destroy the bacteria or microwave them through a steam sterilizer. Sterilize the baby bottles once a week to prevent build-up of bacteria.

Brush the Gums

Your baby’s teeth may not surface yet but the gums still demand special care. Early childhood tooth decay often appears in the lower and upper front teeth. Such teeth are essential for speaking and eating, so the earlier your child begins a dental health care routine, the lower the chances of baby bottle causing problems later on.

To clean the gums, use a clean gauze pad or wash cloth to wipe your baby’s gums after every feeding. Once the incisors emerges, you can start using an infant toothbrush and dab a fluoride toothpaste the size of a rice grain, as per American Dental Association.

There are lots of kid-friendly toothpaste in the market, with fun faces on the package. Of course, don’t forget to schedule your first pediatric dental visit to establish a routine. Your baby’s budding teeth are very important.

Book an appointment at Mint Kids Dentistry by Dr. Soo Jun. Contact us here.

How to Keep Kid’s Dental Health During Summer

Ask any kid what their favourite month of the year and the answer is almost always summer months. For them, summer means being out of school, evening barbecue, swimming and playing with friends and camping weekend. And while summer can be a great time for your kids, it can also pose challenges to parents, especially when it comes to keeping their dental health. The tempting sweets, physical activity and the too-lenient rules can leave your child with dental problems you don’t want to happen.

At Mint Kids Dentistry by Dr. Soo Jun, we want every child to experience a fun summer. Below are some tips for parents on how to protect those precious smiles.

Buy a new toothbrush

Summer is the best time to get a new toothbrush. By the time summer approaches, your kid’s brushes are already due for replacement. The American Dental Association suggests replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. Let your child pick the color and style of their new brushes so they are more inclined to clean twice a day.

Bring them to the grocery. Kid’s toothbrushes comes in different themes, colors and styles. You can also buy a toy that matches the theme of your child’s brush to encourage your child to clean every day.

Limit summer treats

Candy soda, ice pops, cotton candy. Summer is not just about playing, it is also about food and treats. Unfortunately, these sugary snacks can cause a high number of dental cavities. It’s fine to have your kids have a few snacks, but you should limit these treats before bedtime. Look for sugar-free or low sugar snacks. Make your own ice pops made from pureed fruits rather than buying from the store. Always keep berries in the kitchen, as they are often as sweet as candy.

Make a routine

While your summer activities might be a bit lax than your typical school days, it is important that your kids follow some form of structure. Instead of making a strict schedule, write down a list of things that should be done before your child start his/her day outside. Combine tooth brushing with other simple tasks such as making their beds or cleaning their room. Before bedtime, institute a similar policy as part of a wind-down routine. In this way, brushing becomes a habit together with other tasks.

Schedule a dental checkup

Even if your child seem motivated in keeping up with dental hygiene while at home, you have to limit summer dental surprises by following a schedule for dental checkups. It is important to schedule a checkup before school commence – it is an easy time of the year to remember and it can serve as a reminder for kids to keep following a good personal dental hygiene.

It can be difficult to get your child to continue brushing and flossing even when the school is out. By making dental hygiene a habit, you won’t have to fear about any dental concerns this summer.

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/.